Posted by LDF on January 04, 2009 at 09:12:18:
The Nation magazine choose Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders as its 'most vital voice on progressive issues'. As we enter another devastating month of devastating news on the economy and its impact on our lives, the mention of "Socialism" and "Capitalism" no longer brings shrieks of panic and horror. Keith Olberman, Rachel Maddow, Bill Maher and even Larry King now routinely bring up the previously 'banned'
words, once more lethal than the "Seven Deadly Words' punned by the late George Carlin. Yes, it may be that we can actually start talking about the great'"C" word, the dying dinosaur of Capitalism.
In our everyday conversations, maybe people won't be so shocked, SHOCKED!!, to hear what many Europeans already know but Americans have been 'protected from understanding": the reality of the colossal system that daily threatens global catastrophe, war, mayhem, instability and suffering. Next, with the 'words' out of the closet, maybe we can begin to actually confront the brutal cause: capitalism, and see that as it was 'manmade' it can be 'man-undone' and replaced with the humane model of true democracy with-out slavery (wage & exploitation) and without masters
(private ownership of our industries, government and all institutions that keep us enslaved). Democracy is only a 'word' right now. We need to make it a fact.
If The Nation 'chose' Bernie Sanders as its leading political figure, its not because he's saying something they don't know, or something new. Its because so few in the public, and none in the Senate, ever mention the reality staring us in the face. Capitalism. No, Bernie can't change the system, only we- by our organizing a new party based on total cooperative ownership & management where we live and where we work- can do that. But at least he brings up
the words every now and then. So, Bravo to Bernie! He made a great case for change in his appearance this
November on Bill Maher's HBO show.The audience cheered him louder than the stars he was sitting alongside of. They cheered for the 'news' he was bringing, but more so, they are longing to hear some truth....and as befuddled as we Americans are, even WE know the truth when we hear it.
So, for us who somehow or other came across the concepts of "democracy, equality, brother/sisterhood"
and even found this tiny site, now its up to us to stay the course! Lets keep on being clear, honest and pushing the envelope ...in word and in deed...in the direction of REAL democracy. Let 2009 indeed be a "Happy New Year'!