tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7163441833245663827.post1082224886536430601..comments2024-03-28T10:49:14.510-05:00Comments on Horizons: The Long StruggleNancy LeTourneauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12614317154146836694noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7163441833245663827.post-32997798340293835172016-02-03T20:42:24.002-06:002016-02-03T20:42:24.002-06:00I cannot understand why so many african americans ...I cannot understand why so many african americans routinely dismiss Sanders eloquent comments on race and injustice, or refuse to grasp that "pragmatism" from Democrats has often meant we get the short end of the stick. We know that during Bill Clinton's administration, Republicans were hell -bent on welfare reform, and got it. Some that it was a kinder, gentler version of what the Republicans had in mind, nevertheless, the effects were devastating. Likewise with the privatization of prisons...another Clinton initiative that had devastating effects on Black and Latino people. Why on earth do Black people want another Clinton? It's not about pragmatism, imho, it is about a strange and puzzling affinity, one that has not been earned and most certainly is not deserved. Finally, to suggest that Sanders proposals are "idealism," just shows how low our expectations have become. We are one of the wealthiest nations in the world. Why can't we pay people a living wage? Why can't we provide universal healthcare? Why can't we invest in our children and young people by providing free education? Why can't we rein in out rogue police force and stop incarcerating people for the enrichment of private corporations? It's time to stop thinking in polarities like "pragmatism" vs. "idealism." It is time to ask: Why can we spend billions of dollars for war, but we cannot fund public schools and healthcare? Why don't corporations pay income tax? Why does a billionaire pay a lower tax rate than his secretary? I agree with Bernie Sanders and MLK: social and economic justice are inextricably tied. You cannot have on without the other. Monday Musingshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00226672789891504099noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7163441833245663827.post-9366301372987835462016-02-03T15:21:23.227-06:002016-02-03T15:21:23.227-06:00I suspect it hurts Sanders maximally that he set o...I suspect it hurts Sanders maximally that he set out painting a picture of an ideal progressive world -- single payer, free tuition, minimum wage hikes, pay for everything by taxing Wall Street -- and almost completely absent from that was the recognition of the issues that blacks and other minorities face. It's one thing for some white politician like Hillary to do her wonky pragmatic best -- some of which will cut against black communities, either unintentionally or not quite intentionally -- it's another for some white politician to describe their perfect world and the biggest difference is that Trayvon would be able to afford twice as many Skittles.King Beauregardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04043228078537079759noreply@blogger.com