Journal sam_handelman's Journal: Building a new society in the shell of the old 5
Assume with me, at least for the moment, that it is possible to build a just society through gradual progressive initiatives, rather than through revolution, and that enough cultural progress has been made that increases in democracy will translate into increases in social justice. Also, let us accept what I'll call the populist democratic thesis - regardless of leadership, even overtly democratic institutions will only function in a democratic way under orchestrated popular pressure.
Given these assumptions, what should our policy priorities be?
Point 000504: (that's the inverse of 1984) This contrasts notably "worse is better" doctrine promulgated by certain types of revolutionary Trotskyist. In reference to the policies of the Party in 1984, which used general economic strangulation to keep the population quiescent and disorganized. Policies which will increase employment and economic growth, stimulate demand, and generally improve the economic situation of the populace tend to provide ordinary people with the time and energy they need to organize.
Democracy and Education: Republicans generally, and the Bush administration in particular, have orchestrated a major attack on the system of public education. In addition to defending this institution and reversing most of NCLB, we need to reduce class sizes and cycle younger teachers into the system. In addition to the economic benefits, John Dewey (in Democracy and Education) generally held that certain educational practices (diametrically opposed to those promoted by NCLB) can be radicalizing - with younger (and, socially at least, more liberal) teachers, motivated teachers with the resources and training to improve their students welfare, it will be. It's very nice that Obama *talks* about such a program, but: talk is cheap.
The Employee Free Choice Act: Labor unions are a major vehicle for reform, and, especially in the post-Reagan American political realignment, a platform to build longterm, broad based vehicles for coordinated popular action. The Reagan, Bush II (and to an extent, Clinton) administrations gutted union organizer protections in executive ways that will be difficult for Obama to reverse (assuming he even tries to do so - unfortunately not a given.) The employee free choice act would largely circumvent these, and effectively restore the right to form a union in this country. And now a brief plug: my aunt, who is a major supporter of the Employee Free Choice Act, is possibly-about to engage in a series of legal battles with her Republican opponent in US House OH-15. She's down by ~150 votes, but 2 years ago she gained 1,500 votes when the provisional ballots were counted, so when that happens, we expect her to take the lead, but the Repubs are trying to block the secretary of state from counting the ballots. Given that the employee free choice act is going to be a major battle, you should give her some money: http://www.actblue.com/page/kilroycountsvotes
What are our other progressive priorities?
We might also discuss Obama himself (who I think is more progressive than some of his rhetoric would indicate - but this doesn't matter) and the means by which activists can best exert pressure on their elected officials to execute a progressive agenda.
Yep (Score:2)
You hit the nail on the head with that one. One of the most shocking things I've seen happen in the US is the pride associated with stupidity and the hostility shown to anyone who dares to be educated and knowledgeable. Plus, good education is the baseline for a healthy and wealthy populace.
I think Ice Floes are a better choice (Score:1)
After all, that's what the Inuit do with the criminally insane like the Red Socialist Republicans.
Re: (Score:2)
I'm having a vision of Palin, Cheney, Delay, and friends all stranded on melting ice floes ... with hungry polar bears.
Re: (Score:1)
ooh, that would be a great picture!
Without localization, justice is impossible (Score:2)
Neither can anything else.
Therefore, I suggest following Christ for once, and have the local NEIGHBORHOOD ordinance the highest law in the land. No city ordinance can counteract a neighborhood ordinance, no county ordinance can counteract a city ordinance, no state law can counteract a county ordinance, no state constitution can counteract a state law, no federal law can counteract a