Reply #70: yes, of course [View All]

[Claudia Jones]

Of course we should be barking at enemies. There is a difference of opinion within the party as to just who the enemies are. Some think that anyone claiming party loyalty is a friend (wonder if they would apply that to the Democrats in the South who were violently opposed to the Civil Rights movement?) and that anyone placing anything higher than party loyalty is an enemy.

"Kinda for ya" is often worse than not for ya at all, don't you think? Lincoln did.

Our cause, then, must be intrusted to, and conducted by, its own undoubted friends - those whose hands are free, whose hearts are in the work - who do care for the result. Two years ago the Republicans of the nation mustered over thirteen hundred thousand strong. We did this under the single impulse of resistance to a common danger, with every external circumstance against us. Of strange, discordant, and even hostile elements, we gathered from the four winds, and formed and fought the battle through, under the constant hot fire of a disciplined, proud, and pampered enemy. Did we brave all them to falter now? - now, when that same enemy is wavering, dissevered, and belligerent? The result is not doubtful. We shall not fail-if we stand firm, we shall not fail. Wise counsels may accelerate, or mistakes delay it, but, sooner or later, the victory is sure to come.

- from the House Divided speech

That paragraph is as relevant today as it was then.

Nothing is gained from the "bees" - the owners - by presenting them with honey. Ever.

So you are saying that the politicians are our masters and we should accept that? That they are justified in kicking us to the curb because we didn't give them honey?

The OP asked us to think about what would happen if Obama loses.

In that circumstance - raised by the OP's question, not by me - would you or would you not want to see the following happen?

- Clarity about where the battle lines are drawn

- A dramatic increase in interest in politics and action

- The discrediting and collapse of the pro-corporate faction that has gained control over the Democratic party

- Renewed focus and commitment by organized Labor, the environmental movement, the civil rights movement

- Consensus and solidarity on the left

- The unmasking of the conservatives among us who are sabotaging any possibility of progressive reform or a serious and effective fight back against the right wing

- Hubris and arrogance from the Republican party that will alienate and radicalize the general public