Thanks for this essay--it's one of the most important reads of the year. Until we acknowledge and teach that inequality is the springboard of tyranny, we'll keep cycling into widespread social violence of one kind or another.
Thank you for this thoughtful contribution. It helped me to consciously recognize why I am often disappointed (and annoyed) by the usual talk of “ defending democracy “ that we hear from liberal circles. The issue of economic inequality is fundamental. Always needs to be connected to the idea of democracy. The reason Bernie and AOC were getting thousands at their “ Fighting Oligarchy” tour is precisely because they always stressed the primacy of economic inequality.
If Momdani sticks to this theme, and continues the way he ran his primary campaign, I think he’s got a shot at victory. And that would be totally revolutionary.
First rate - thanks. I particularly appreciate the emphasis on the broadness of the statements that FDR and others were making at that time. Right now, many people are seeing that the current RW movement is part of an 80-year effort that seeks to undo the "FDR New Deal", but they see the New Deal as really just about the safety net and/or entitlements. But it's actually much more -- it's about the kind of society articulated by the leaders quoted here.
This was a very provocative essay and one well worth the read. It seems amazing to me that economic inequality is often left out of discussions about democracy. It is impossible to have a democracy when there is economic inequality, which leads to many kinds of other inequalities. It is also impossible to have a democracy with an uninformed citizenry. Currently, we are far removed from a functioning democracy, and those who possess power and influence are happy to keep it this way.
This is really important. The things FDR, Reuther and the others said are foreign to us now, yet ever more true. I've long contended that the billionaires have all our money. Their greed and chicanery, and their refusal to reward society for what it has provided them in the way of education, infrastructure and a populace capable of purchasing their products is practically as far as we need to look to understand what we have come to. They will not be satisfied until they have turned into serfs who exist only to serve them.
So, what to do? Resist, resist, resist. Boycott, protest and gear up for real mass action. March on Washington, general strike. No Kings was just a warmup.
Thank you for posting… important for everyone in the US to consider our past. And hopefully move forward to the future. Democrats seem to be ok with the status quo( not through my eyes). To move forward we must look to better our democracy and equality, not the status quo. I’m a northerner who moved to SC, lived in NYC. And knows, and understand the candidates views. We need to absorb these views across the nation- not just the east and west coast, but across the nation. It unfortunately hasn’t gotten through. People don’t trust government as you know because Republicans infiltrated the masses.
On another note after 9/11 unfortunately the Muslim community didn’t speak out as what I remember. Government should have built a coalition to build bridges with the American Muslim community. Just my thinking. Because after 9/11 I didn’t hear anything. If coalitions were built and an understanding of Muslims in our country perhaps Muslims wouldn’t be treated as they are.
Your writing is so profound! Insights for today, from years before, from some strong democratic leadership. I call this brilliant and plan on sharing to all I can ..
Thanks for this essay--it's one of the most important reads of the year. Until we acknowledge and teach that inequality is the springboard of tyranny, we'll keep cycling into widespread social violence of one kind or another.
Thank you for this thoughtful contribution. It helped me to consciously recognize why I am often disappointed (and annoyed) by the usual talk of “ defending democracy “ that we hear from liberal circles. The issue of economic inequality is fundamental. Always needs to be connected to the idea of democracy. The reason Bernie and AOC were getting thousands at their “ Fighting Oligarchy” tour is precisely because they always stressed the primacy of economic inequality.
If Momdani sticks to this theme, and continues the way he ran his primary campaign, I think he’s got a shot at victory. And that would be totally revolutionary.
First rate - thanks. I particularly appreciate the emphasis on the broadness of the statements that FDR and others were making at that time. Right now, many people are seeing that the current RW movement is part of an 80-year effort that seeks to undo the "FDR New Deal", but they see the New Deal as really just about the safety net and/or entitlements. But it's actually much more -- it's about the kind of society articulated by the leaders quoted here.
This was a very provocative essay and one well worth the read. It seems amazing to me that economic inequality is often left out of discussions about democracy. It is impossible to have a democracy when there is economic inequality, which leads to many kinds of other inequalities. It is also impossible to have a democracy with an uninformed citizenry. Currently, we are far removed from a functioning democracy, and those who possess power and influence are happy to keep it this way.
This is really important. The things FDR, Reuther and the others said are foreign to us now, yet ever more true. I've long contended that the billionaires have all our money. Their greed and chicanery, and their refusal to reward society for what it has provided them in the way of education, infrastructure and a populace capable of purchasing their products is practically as far as we need to look to understand what we have come to. They will not be satisfied until they have turned into serfs who exist only to serve them.
So, what to do? Resist, resist, resist. Boycott, protest and gear up for real mass action. March on Washington, general strike. No Kings was just a warmup.
Thank you for posting… important for everyone in the US to consider our past. And hopefully move forward to the future. Democrats seem to be ok with the status quo( not through my eyes). To move forward we must look to better our democracy and equality, not the status quo. I’m a northerner who moved to SC, lived in NYC. And knows, and understand the candidates views. We need to absorb these views across the nation- not just the east and west coast, but across the nation. It unfortunately hasn’t gotten through. People don’t trust government as you know because Republicans infiltrated the masses.
On another note after 9/11 unfortunately the Muslim community didn’t speak out as what I remember. Government should have built a coalition to build bridges with the American Muslim community. Just my thinking. Because after 9/11 I didn’t hear anything. If coalitions were built and an understanding of Muslims in our country perhaps Muslims wouldn’t be treated as they are.
Your writing is so profound! Insights for today, from years before, from some strong democratic leadership. I call this brilliant and plan on sharing to all I can ..
Brilliant. Thank you.
This!
Thank you Waleed Shahid for putting together the best of America's past as a guide to navigate our present and future.
Excellent article. Thank you
https://substack.com/@politicsusa46/note/c-135159842?r=f2iy5