Democrats, Wake Up!
Democrats, wake up! Over 100,000 voters in the Michigan Democratic presidential primary marked their ballots uncommitted. These registered Democrats are committed to peace, human rights, and democracy. Their empathy is not constrained by bigotry. They are not committed to party loyalty. If President Biden and Congress don’t dramatically change course and use all U.S. diplomatic and financial power to bring about an immediate permanent ceasefire, we risk not just tens of thousands more deaths of innocent civilians, but a victory for fascism in November. It’s not just Michigan. A diverse group of voters across the countr refuse to vote for any politicians who support genocide–enough to throw the election to Trump and his congressional acolytes.
If Democratic support for the war on Gaza and denial of Palestinian human and democratic rights were the only impediments to GOP victory in November, it would be bad enough. But there's more.
The tunes in the 2024 Democratic songbook sing about the greatness of President Biden, improvement in the economy, and, of course, the horrors of Trump. Voters who might vote for Democrats don’t need reminders of the threat Trump poses. That’s not what all the voters who will make a difference in November want to hear. For millions of people who still struggle to pay their rent or mortgage, who can't afford exorbitant college tuition, who are constantly frustrated with dysfunctional healthcare systems, the economy getting better rings hollow. They know in their marrow: The system is rigged to benefit the wealthy. That's a rare message from Democrats. Voters want a truth that resonates. That's why the accusation that Democrats are the condescending party of the elite lands true for many would-be voters. It's why many voters are cynical and will stay home on election day.
It gets worse. While party cheerleaders admonish those progressives who are critical of Democratic centrist incumbents, millions from AIPAC are being raised to defeat progressive Democrats and to field primary challenges.
Enough? Not quite. For decades, Democrats have let Republicans set the issues table. Trump and his allies are shouting and screaming about criminal hordes of immigrants pouring across the border to distract voters from persistent inequity and global warming. Biden has doubled down on border security as if it is our most pressing problem. So, what affects most Americans remains in the shadows.
Democrats should take a lesson from the United Auto Workers (UAW). I recently heard a rousing address to the NY Working Families convention by New York Region 9 Director Daniel Vicente. Of course, he talked about the UAW organizing strategy, the successful unprecedented industry-wide strike and a new contract, but a central theme was multi-racial solidarity. I never hear that from Democrats, despite the fact the divisiveness is what has always impeded progress.
The Republicans lead with racial divisiveness, blame, and xenophobia. Leading Democrats lean into so-called border security and supporting bombing of Gaza, validating rather than challenging the diversion or inhumanity.
I will not tell anyone to stay home in November. Rather, I describe what will likely happen if Democrats–whose victory is the only thing standing against the demise of democracy–must do. Eventually, we need to elect politicians who stand for the rights of working people in the United States and around the world without pressure to do so. In the meantime, the threat of losing elections will have to suffice.
Arthur taught and led science professional learning and curriculum and assessment development projects for 50 yrs. He writes about education and social justice. He loves spending time with friends and family, hiking, and gardening.
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