Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Democrats_win

(6,539 posts)
Fri Aug 14, 2015, 12:15 PM Aug 2015

Grade activism of the left since 1980.

The left achieved amazing things over the years including the 40 hour work week and social security. But since 1980, what has the left done? I was disturbed when Reagan led the way against unions and fired the air traffic controllers. You know, people who had families to support....

Additionally, corporations set up workshops to help companies get rid of unions. Additionally, the conservatives got rid of national aws to protect people against loan sharks (usry laws) The disturbing trends of the 1980s should have brought about a great deal of activism. However, in American Dreamer, How the Left Changed a Nation by Michael Kazin we learn the sad truth: "The cultural influence of the post-1960s left.. became a background melody to a political narrative written largely by conservatives."

What the left accomplished: ended apartheid. Fought against nuclear arms and forced Reagan to take notice. Now we have the Black lives matter movement, the work of activists against the fossil fuel industry and the Fifteen-dollars-an hour movement. The left did achieve amazing things as the 80s began and it looks like the left is ramping up as the new gilded age has taken hold.

Latest Discussions»Retired Forums»Economic Activism and Progressive Living»Grade activism of the lef...