The
state of our body politic is distressed, at best, and it’s enough to turn many
off from any sort of participation. This is a trap and represents a grave
danger, as our engagement is needed now, more than ever.
Each
day the news virtually assaults us. We have government of, by and for the
billionaires, headed up by a prevaricating, narcissist autocrat who is stacking
the courts, constantly attacking the free press and dismantling every program
actually worthy of our tax dollars. The outrages are so constant as to leave many
numb, and therein lies the danger.
Many
progressives are hanging their hopes on the Mueller probe, but this is risky at
best. We, at Peaceworks, support following the investigation through, fully
pursuing all wrongdoing done by or during the campaign, as well as any
obstruction of justice since. But, however this turns out, it will not solve
our problems. First of all, it is unclear that Trump would be either charged or
impeached. But, even if he was forced from office, we would still have an
extremist in the White House and literally dozens of battles on our hands,
fighting a retrograde agenda.
Among
our many battles are:
● Ending climate change denial and
the rollback of the modest progress that had been made.
● Stopping the many other attacks
on clean air, clean water, workplace safety, consumer protection and more.
● Rolling back the massive
increase in military spending, as well as addressing destabilizing foreign
policy directions, including the abandonment of the Iran Nuclear Deal.
● Addressing the attacks on Social
Security, Medicare, Medicaid, SNAP and other critical programs, along with
challenging massive handouts to the wealthy.
● Dealing with the hateful,
divisive attacks that are creating an atmosphere of fear and loathing.
As
disturbing as it is to have an overt racist, xenophobic misogynist in the
highest office in the land, it is even more troubling to us to know that at
least one-third of our fellow citizens support this pseudo-populist hate
monger.
We
urgently need to figure out how to best apply the brakes to the Trump
juggernaut and, to woo those who’ve been drawn in by his anti-establishment
rhetoric, by offering a true progressive populist agenda that actually would
bring social and economic justice as well as environmental sanity and peace.
There
is no simple answer to our dilemma. But please consider:
● We need everyone eligible to be
informed and voting. While Peaceworks does not endorse, support or oppose candidates,
we recognize the importance of electoral activism.
● We need, as individuals, to
re-engage. There is essential work to be done on critical issues. We need to be
effective, vocal advocates addressing these issues.
● We need you to get involved—with
Peaceworks, we would hope—or with whatever progressive groups you feel most
drawn to.
● Our organizations must
collaborate and support each other. Our approach needs to be intersectional.
That’s why we’ve been working as an active part of the Solidarity Network.
● While we must take a stand
against all we disagree with, it is at least as important that we articulate
positive solutions to climate change, militarism, injustice, etc. As Naomi
Klein informs us, “No Is Not Enough.” We must inspire a broad swath of our
fellow citizens with a solution-driven agenda that offers up hope.
● Most of all, at this critical
juncture, we must turn to each other for mutual support, stay hopeful, build
community, and recognize the necessity of this work. We’re in it for the
long-haul and hope you are too.
