20 ways to be a BLM racist

[dreamnightwind]

77. Wow I just read that article

Thanks for the link, I guess...

He makes many good points about the state of our political system, all the while using then to make a case against Sanders, who is undoubtedly the closest thing we have as a member of Congress (and the Senate no less) to addressing the very problems the author correctly identifies.

That's not wise at all, IMO. Many of his points are things like "Sanders can't do it alone, the establishment won't let him" then he uses those points against Bernie rather than lending his shoulder to help him.

If Bernie weren't on his side of the issues, it would make sense. But he essentially blames him for being a war-monger neo-liberal capitalist. The irony is strong here.

I'm all for critques from the left that include perspective and identify who are the obstacles to reform. That's not what this was, it was a piece saying don't bother with Sanders, he can't save us. By the same logic, which he amazingly doesn't apply, we sure as hell shouldn't bother with any of the other candidates, in fact far less so.

And the critique of Bernie for voting to support Clinton's omnibus crime bill (which I have heard Bernie explain the vote as something he did with reluctance and because of specific concessions he was able to get, and the fact that he didn't see getting anything better out of that president and congress (I'm paraphrasing from memory, always dangerous, no time to actually dig up the remarks)) is really ironic. It is now being used against Bernie to the benefit of the wife of the president who pushed that very bill, without the concessions Bernie was able to get.

It's analysis and tactics like this that illustrate why the left never makes any progress in this country. There are myriad monied forces lined up against the left, it has precious little financed infrastructure of its own to defend its positions with, and its own people are often eager to attack it for being inefective and making any compromises to work with the system, even when the people they attack are actively working, to a much greater degree, than any other elected congresspeople or Senators. Not good enough, Bernie. Obviously it never will be for some.

I am guilty of many of the same things when it comes to Obama. The difference, in my view, is Obama doesn't challenge money and power, he challenges the powerless left instead. If I felt that Obama was sincere in efforts to rein in the police state or the bankers or the military or the prison industry or the health insurers or the surveillance state, I would have his back. Unfortunately Obama gives us drones, surveillance, TPP, lets people like Geithner foam the runways for bankers while homeowners are destroyed, he only steps up and uses his political muscle when it benefits someone wealthy and powerful.

That isn't Sanders at all, and no amount of mental gymnastics can make it true. Bernie won't be able to fix everything, but he's a hell of a lot more on our side of these issues than any choice that has existed in my long lifetime, and he deserves better.