African American
In reply to the discussion: Ta-Nehisi Coates, Bernie Sanders, and Reparations [View all]jonestonesusa
(880 posts)Should we avoid advocating change that isn't supported by Republicans?
Any legislation needs popular support and a winning political strategy. Many of the left positions advocated by Sanders and others are supported by a majority nationally. However, the tendency it seems is that Republicans are more successful at getting controversial and sometimes unpopular legislation passed. I think at times they are more determined and strategic, to the detriment of the country. I do believe that Sanders wants to build an effective left coalition, and the idea of a popular movement for left of center change is a good direction if you ask me. I think the word revolution is overused, bordering on a cliche, but it's politics. Cliches happen.
I support Sanders on some of the items such as UHC, free college, and campaign finance because these items would be beneficial broadly for the people's lives. I didn't hear them in the national conversation much until this campaign and I hope they get traction through their increased visibility. I get Coates' point on reparations, which isn't a hard point to get. And I actually do think that people, including white people in the case of Sanders, will choose and act on what they think is revolutionary. No one owns that word, and there are a lot of systematic issues that need revolutionary action, including the issue of racism, which is extraordinarily complex and lacking any single fix. Meanwhile, having access to health care and college would benefit everyone.
I am willing to support a politician who works for these goals, which among others, is Bernie Sanders. I respect others to make different choices, of course. I just think Coates is overly dismissive of the potential of the Sanders campaign to bring about impactful change.