Monday, April 25, 2016

POSTSCRIPT TO "MY VOTE"

After posting “My Vote” yesterday, I read Mark Handler’s article in the NY Times, “How Hillary Became a Hawk”. 

There is no more chillingly convincing case for keeping the “Bern” going beyond any election cycle. The light should never dim as long as hawks persevere. Clinton’s “inner hawk” is deeply imbedded. It isn’t just a political ploy when she insists on a more aggressive and risky thrust of US military power. She separates herself from Obama’s inclination toward caution and some military restraint even as she expands her embrace of many progressive social causes.

I’m not big on conspiracy theories. But I worry and wonder why the Handler article didn’t appear before Hillary won New York. Now that she feels she has a lock on the nomination, will Clinton be focused on winning votes from Republicans and right-leaning independents who are shocked by Trump, Cruz and the spasms engulfing the GOP? She was quick to tweet her rejection of Charles Koch’s gesture of support. But is she more concerned about thwarting the challenge to the Democratic Party’s establishment than about winning over Sander’s supporters who worry about her “regime change” hawkishness?

I’m not tempted to change the point of view expressed in “My Vote”. The danger from demagogues who would veer toward some neofascist style of governance is all too real. And any notion that an “America First” president might eschew militarism and war is a desperate ahistorical illusion.

The use of US military power to try to run the world has had to be fought under every president since the end of World War II. Repeated failures from Vietnam to Iraq and the entire Middle East have only made the world more dangerous. In the time remaining before the next president is elected, voices that are so-far muted need to be raised for a more realistic and peaceful US policy. No President should be able to claim a mandate for risking more war in this nuclear age. 

One wishes things were easier, less complicated. As often said, 'this is the real world', our country, our times.  Every generation gets its opportunity to press forward. If you live long enough, you may get multiple chances. My thanks to all who are making the call for a “popular revolution” resonate across the USA.

4 comments:

  1. Hilary's hawkishness is worrisome. She wants to put a no fly zone over Syria. I guess she wants to shoot down Russian planes.

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  2. Leon,
    Thanks for the wise words.
    I see three issues in the vote.
    Obviously there is a need to ward of the neo-fascist wing that is showing itself politically. But that wing is reflective of a portion of the economically and culturally displaced larger population. The anger, channeled from years of right wing media, will likely not be managed without direct personal outreach, if at all. A Bernie vote might be better here.
    The wealth and money manipulation of government may be drawing enough attention to call for some reforms. Exposure of the 30 hours per week spent by members of congress, or of the income tax shelters and the money funnel upward would be wonderful to see in election debates, but not likely under Clinton.
    The Clinic Hawk stance is most disturbing. On nuclear weapons the fear of escalating with N.Korea (rather than initiating efforts for peace treaty) or uncontrolled escalations emanating from the Pakistani/Saudi Monarchy along with the increased budget for tactial battle field weapons) pose increasing risk of nuclear war.
    The Clinton on terrorism also poses a threat to further reliance upon both overt and covert measures which incite retaliation and further power for the military hawks.
    I am thrilled by the social protests of the day, somewhat hopeful that social media may reach
    more people. But social movements in which larger numbers of people do something beyond nod observe as spectators are difficult to predict. If we have time to escape from the horrors of climate change and from unending escalating war.
    Even in this real world, the symbols of the Bernie message are critical.If Hillary wins I will again take advantage of being from a safely Blue state and vote for the Green candidate.
    For others in contested states that decision may be difficult given the short term dangers

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  3. I'm in complete agreement with you.

    Marv

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  4. It is always a delight hearing from Leon, and this is no exception. With my continued good wishes,
    Henry Foner

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