Leftists versus Liberals
Here is an interesting quote from Robert Jensen's recent article in Counterpunch titled "Why Leftists Distrust Liberals":
...In the short-term in this country it is difficult to see possibilities for serious progressive political change. That’s not defeatist but merely realistic. In such a period, when no mass movement is likely to emerge, one important political task is to consolidate a base of activists with common values and deeper commitments. In such a process, making the distinctions between liberal and left is crucial to the project of building a core radical contingent that can be politically effective in the future.
Second, when leftists and liberals form least-common-denominator coalitions, liberal positions dominate. There’s no history of liberals moving to include left political ideas when right-wing forces are chased from power. Think Bill Clinton, here.
That said, we in left/radical movements have made more than our share of mistakes. It’s time for a period of serious critical self-reflection about our analysis and organizing strategies. That process is not going to be advanced by ignoring the differences we have with liberals. We need to be clearer than ever about those differences in thinking about the long term.
"...In the short-term in this country it is difficult to see possibilities for serious progressive political change."
Agreed. In many ways, liberals values and progressive and leftist values are at odds. Because liberals are fundamentally establishmentist while progressives usually aren't.
Posted by
Brian |
1:08 PM
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