Most Popular Choices
Share on Facebook 15 Printer Friendly Page More Sharing
OpEdNews Op Eds    H4'ed 2/13/16

La Riva, Stein, Chomsky and Blum Discuss Sanders' Surge

By       (Page 1 of 1 pages)   No comments
Message Roger Copple
Become a Fan
  (11 fans)

La Riva, Stein, Chomsky, and Blum on Sanders' Surge

Right and Left Wings of the Same Bird of Prey
Right and Left Wings of the Same Bird of Prey
(Image by KAZVorpal)
  Details   DMCA

by Roger Copple

I recently read an article entitled "Please Don't Poison My Brain With The US Elections!" by Andre Vltchek in which he calls for direct democracy, having no faith in electoral politics: "The moneyed and bellicose clans always get elected; there are ways to assure it. Several Greek philosophers protested: they were defending direct democracy, the direct rule of the people. [But] They were sidelined, or silenced altogether." http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article44170.htm

If we take all money out of politics (my plan is to equally empower the seven largest national political parties) with representative democracy intact, and it still does not work, then we can explore ways to implement direct democracy, as social ecologist Murray Bookchin advocated. Others have said it is hypocritical to be antiwar and excited about Bernie Sanders, but all progressives (and leftists too) need to put their gripes aside and help get Bernie elected.

The article by William Blum entitled "Is Bernie Sanders a Socialist?" raises some excellent points. Bernie Sanders has been a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, and he would be called a "social democrat" in Europe. Both of these groups have no desire to get rid of the profit motive. Blum states: "I personally could live with the neighborhood grocery store remaining in private hands, but large institutions are always a threat; the larger and richer they are the more tempting and easier it is for them to put profit ahead of the public's welfare, and to purchase politicians." http://www.intrepidreport.com/archives/17310

Alexandra Rosenmann of Alternet provides a summary and video entitled "Noam Chomsky Praises Sanders, But Says Democrats Must Win at All Costs." Chomsky says Sanders may call himself a socialist, but he's basically a New Dealer in the current American political system. Chomsky says there are enormous consequences of not voting in the Democratic primaries of a swing state. The major difference between the two mainstream parties is Islamaphobia, and Ted Cruz has actually suggested "carpet bombing" the Middle East. If Clinton wins the Democratic nomination, Chomsky says he would only vote for her to keep the Republicans out of office. http://www3.alternet.org/election-2016/noam-chomsky-praises-sanders-defends-clinton-and-democratic-party

Lastly, in an excellent interview, Brian Becker of the "Loud and Clear" radio program at SputnikNews.com interviews Gloria La Riva, the presidential candidate of the Party for Socialism and Liberation, and Jill Stein, a presidential candidate of the Green Party. The words of all three provide a perspicacious analysis of Sanders' and Clinton's foreign policy records, and they each agree that the banks need to be nationalized. If at all possible, readers are encouraged to listen to this 54 minute audiotape. I transcribed the salient points of the interview for myself, but it would make this article too long if I included it here. http://sputniknews.com/radio_loud_and_clear/20160210/1034506753/new-hampshire-primaries-sanders-crushes-clinton.html

(Article changed on February 13, 2016 at 12:24)

(Article changed on February 13, 2016 at 17:06)

Must Read 1   Valuable 1  
Rate It | View Ratings

Roger Copple Social Media Pages: Facebook page url on login Profile not filled in       Twitter page url on login Profile not filled in       Linkedin page url on login Profile not filled in       Instagram page url on login Profile not filled in

February 11, 2023 I grew up in a church that said you had to speak in tongues to get saved and go to heaven. I often prayed fervently starting at the age of 5 for the experience in the prayer room at church, where people would cry and wail, (more...)
 

Go To Commenting
The views expressed herein are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of this website or its editors.
Writers Guidelines

 
Contact AuthorContact Author Contact EditorContact Editor Author PageView Authors' Articles
Support OpEdNews

OpEdNews depends upon can't survive without your help.

If you value this article and the work of OpEdNews, please either Donate or Purchase a premium membership.

STAY IN THE KNOW
If you've enjoyed this, sign up for our daily or weekly newsletter to get lots of great progressive content.
Daily Weekly     OpEd News Newsletter
Name
Email
   (Opens new browser window)
 

Most Popular Articles by this Author:     (View All Most Popular Articles by this Author)

Is COVID-19 a Biological Warfare Weapon?

Integrating Karl Marx and Abraham Maslow

Veganism: Why Doctors Don't Recommend It

The Earth Constitution Is Not Similar to Klaus Schwab's World Economic Forum

Extinction Rebellion--Arguments For and Against

To View Comments or Join the Conversation:

Tell A Friend