[lbo-talk] some post-US election recommendations............

Max B. Sawicky sawicky at bellatlantic.net
Tue Nov 2 08:59:34 PST 2004


my responses in ***********


> The 'globalization' in question is really the sway of corporations in
>world politics, which thwarts progressive internationalism. I think
>Doug Henwood's treatment of this in After the New Economy is the right
>tack.

Thank you, Max. Have you changed your thinking on this stuff? I thought you used to be more of a nationalist/protectionist type. ******************

Not really. I think there are different layers of what is called "protectionism."

One is social clauses in trade regimes, which I wholeheartedly support, particularly when they are the fruit of collaboration between global 'north' and 'south' constituencies.

Two is action against predatory behavior by other governments, which I also support.

Three is overt protectionist measures against imports of cheap goods from low-wage countries, which I'm not crazy about.

As far as nationalism goes, workers need national governments to provide public goods. Workers don't need invasions of other countries on spurious grounds. Is that "nationalist"? ******************


>4. Organize. A huge left mobilization is going to show its face tomorrow.

Yup. This is a hard pill to swallow for our own militants, who don't want to admit that Ralph and the MWM have been out-organized by what they see as a bunch of liberal weenies. But a lot has been going on, organizationally and ideologically. People who never cared about politics before are out there knocking on doors now.


>Politics begins on Wednesday.

But the mobilization you've described is a form of politics. Its form and target have to change on Wednesday.

Doug

*************

That's what I meant. I like the 'target' notion. Unorganized types with voices can help to focus on illuminating targets, and the targets create the politics create the organization.

As to Yoshie's question of who will do this, the only answer I can think of is anyone.

Target one is obviously Bush's/Kerry's wars of liberation, linked to U.S. military reach in the region.

Target two may be health care. Lots of people think they have good coverage, and they will find it turning into shit.

the next two are more what I would wish for, rather than what I expect have the best chance of coming to pass --

Target three is the malign, rising wave of taxation of work rather than wealth. (I've got a plan!)

Target four: the rise and fall of welfare reform, ideally transformed into a debate about making work pay.

we are allowed only six targets, so we have to choose carefully!

mbs



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