Reproductive politics
Racism, anti-immigration sentiments, and economic oppression brought us here. For better or worse Democrats have unwittingly contributed with the win at all costs strategy.
Racism has always been with us. Opposition to immigration, less so. But both have been similarly co-opted. Of course, the kind of economic oppression we see today began in the early 70s.
The harshest and cruelest capitalistic forces exploited backlashes. Killing government regulations and crushing unions had been job 1 for those who wanted to maximize their economic power since they had come into being.
The ideal moment came when the courts challenged the status quo. Enter Civil rights. They regained the same loyal constituency who fought the Civil War using the same strategy. "If 'those people' gain freedom - employment- economic advancement - social and political power.. they'll take what is rightfully yours."
Government spending then became an easier target when it was attributed to Blacks and immigrants and escalated as stereotypes were perpetuated. Then came the women's movement in the 70s. White women controlling - suppressing their reproduction while government services facilitate the health and growth of racial minorities.
How dare they not want to bear white men's children!!
Anti-poverty stigma continues escalating calls to cut them. Welfare reform!! The new model expands service industry workforce. Walmart smiles.
White women have still fewer children because they don't have to if they don't want to. White men get angrier and angrier about abortion. Don't they care about the browning of the US?
Immigration must be curtailed. And what's the deal with the uppity Blacks all of the sudden?
So, here we are with all of it working together and the anger has been escalating. Union busting and economic oppression have progressed swimmingly as middle and working class white men and women looked the other way.
On and on it goes, hate prevails.. then the ultimate revenge for the reproductive injustice imposed on the "traditional" patriarcal values hat made it all necessary.
Kavanauh is confirmed.
It was only possible with the complicity of large numbers of white women. There are a lot of possible reasons. "Let the men have their way here and there, and we can work on it from the inside. Don't rock the boat too much."
Fear - safety
In some ways it may have been staying in an abusive relationship.
Obviously - not all white people.
But, I think I'm not the only one who has been mystified. I did some reading and had conversations that brought it together.
It's time to challenge the white male patriarchy that benefits from all of these forms of oppression. Black Lives Matter and #metoo are a start. Support for immigrants is building. But more than anything, we need more white men not only to support those causes, but to help reignite a national labor movement. Teachers have laid some bricks and have had some success.
Recent events make it all the more necessary that we unite and direct our energy toward real potential progress. But we have to keep in mind that a solid power structure will desperately try to maintain.
It's going to take way more than winning midterms.
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