Democracy Spring's weaknesses reflect a deeper problem of the larger political revolution: the lack of conceptual and linguistic clarity, and/or of the recognition of how crucial this is to organizing a political movement. Throughout Bernie's campaign, for instance, I observed how the campaign logic crushed supporters' questions about his policies, or their curiosity about issues, or their ideas of organizing activities/goals not defined by campaign pros. And, for all that it continues to be invoked, 'political revolution' remains an imprecise phrase. So, too, the 'democracy' of Democracy Spring. Some marchers for instance chided others reminding them we're a republic. Again, marching under Code Pink's corporate puppet, behind banners protesting 'plutocracy', and demanding "money out of government," one could not expect to find a shared understanding of what this all means, and/or of how our strategies and actions comport with our understanding.
Many factors account for this glaring omission. From American anti-intellectualism to the absence of experience, as expressed by De Tocqueville's observation that we reaped the fruits of revolutionary European thought "without having had the revolution itself"; to our general weak respect for history; to our over-emphasis on technology, and under-emphasis on people working together in person. All these should be discussed.
However, I also think this inarticulateness reflects a broader and deeper historical context. Our revolutionary tradition is rooted in and imbued with Marxist analyses (the Left), but these are not sufficient to our political landscape. Yes, class struggle still pertains, but class, its structures, and its dynamics have dramatically changed, largely from the impact of technology. Marxism's historical inevitability has proven false; and the reactionary outcomes of Marxist-based "revolution" (Stalin) reveal serious inadequacies in regards to understanding power and its institutionalization. Further, Marx didn't envision the technological forces that would control consciousness, nor did he identify the exploitation of nature at the foundation of capitalism, and certainly not its intersections with sexism and women's oppression, the later superficially grasped in Left theory.
Even as we lack a coherent theoretical framework with which to build and develop our organizations and shape our actions, we face monumental challenges of unprecedented urgency. Climate change presses. Time is of the essence. So do the developing instruments of surveillance and the militarization of police. So, too, the increasing volatility and instability of permanent war, made more foreboding by Obama's potential re-ignition of the nuclear arms race. Finally, there's Hillary Clinton, or Donald Trump as Commander in Chief!
There is much to discuss, to debate, to build. First, we need to recognize and act upon the importance of doing so. In fact, organizing-axiomatic to (r) evolution-depends upon the on-going development of our political theories, the ideas and language that capture where we are and where we want to go. To start the discussion, I suggest (1) our groups and organization require intentional focus on building fully participatory groups and leadership, non-hierarchical, no top down, and structured with full recognition of the power of classism, racism and sexism;(2) the formation of strategic coalitions and alliances rather than the silo fragmentation of progressive causes and groups; (3) strategic focus on the media juggernaut and the corporate takeover of education ;(4) a relatedly strategic and creative focus on reaching out to, educating, and engaging the people.
The way ahead is not easy, but Democracy Spring reminded me of the joy that comes with a political movement, especially poignant in these times of widespread feelings of futility and impotence. The seeds and embers of political (r) evolution have been sown and sparked; we must nourish and fan them to harvest and to resplendent light. The pressing urgency of our issues must motivate us, as we act upon the paradox that even as time is short, we make the time to discuss, to debate, to formulate and revise, to educate ourselves and others. Truly, a future to believe in is at stake.
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