Quick Thoughts on US Elections
I first posted these on my facebook wall. After much interest I decided to post them here. Keep in mind that these were intended to mainly be quick thoughts (written in two minutes). But they do contain components, and are a reflection of, what I think more deeply and in terms of a strategic political orientation toward the Democratic Party at this time. Feel free to discuss.
With Obama’s election many feel that a possible crisis with Romney has been avoided. But I think here we have a potentially important lesson. Over the last four years we’ve seen two new wars, cutting austerity, bailouts for banks, more deportations than under any president in history… and still no one speaks of environmental crisis, the ever-present degradation of women, or the massive incarceration of Black and brown people.
Yet millions celebrated last night. The interests of those who *really* need change, who need a whole new society are totally ignored by those elected and we cheer, “Better Obama than Romney!” What Obama and the Democrats have proven more than anything is to be the more effective of the two parties at leading an empire based on exploitation and oppression. Because when they carry them out those who should know better support them, whereas if it were Romney they would be in the streets.
The Democrats are the party of austerity, political police, military and economic domination of working people (and non-working people) internal to, but especially outside, the United States. So are the Republicans. But frankly the Democrats have proven to be the main danger.
We must learn from this time in history.
