Reply #9: I've come to the belief that Dobbs is a reflection of the average American [View All]

[izzybeans]

Containing counterproductive contradictions, he/her pulls him/herself in two directions. Xenophobia divides the working class of the global economy; nationalism is the new tool of worker supression, and asking for more nationalist labor policies will invite more of the same. Yet he pushes for common sense reform on voting, healthcare, and wages. This is laudable, but his solution is self-defeating so long as it upholds nationalist distinctions between workers.

I posted this when it came out. It turned into a semi-flame fest, which to me is explainable by what I said above. The "They tuk ur JOBS!" mentality is counterproductive and overlooks the fundamental flow of capital in the economy; worldwide. Alliances need to be formed between workers beyond national boundaries. Otherwise they will use the workers fears of each other against each other. We already saw this with the race/ethnic and regional tensions in the labor movement. This immigration issue is another chapter in a politically weak labor force, so weak in fact many workers have no citizenship rights; rights that their fellow workers would deny them. Rights that would level the playing field because their employment would be subject to the same laws.