I recognize the stakes for women, LGBTQIA+, children, POC, etc in this election. But I'm not happy with what seems to be the obvious choice either. I don't want "the most lethal fighting force in the world." (We already have the most lethal, most overfunded, most expansive military presence in the world.) I want an end to poverty and homelessness. I want accessible and high-quality K-12 ed and free higher ed. And while we're at it, I kind of want cool, high-speed rail systems...
I feel like even just four years ago, forgiving college debt, taxing billionaires, Green energy, and expanding Medicare was a bigger part of the conversation than it is currently. And hearing the two candidates basically argue about who'll deport more immigrants and conduct more fracking is dismaying. The Overton Window* of what seems politically feasible has drifted waaaay to the right and needs to move leftward...
*I've been using the term for a few years now, but I didn't realize until I went to link to it that it is homegrown in Michigan!
5 comments:
Good for you
I have a problem with fracking. A big problem. Here in Ohio, fracking has caused earthquakes--and that's a scientific fact. It's caused other problems as well.
The US has had a lethal fighting force since...forever. The nuclear arms race insured that the US military would maintain supremacy. Funding for the military is a constant. It's disingenuous to think that in a world like today's we would trust other nations--some led by dangerous dictators--to play by the rules.
Every time our president has tried to forgive student debt, the courts have stopped him. Making the tax code more fair has been in the conversation constantly--I've been listening and reading! And so has green energy and high speed rail, if you follow and listen to Sec'y Pete Buttigieg.
Right now, VP Harris is trying to interest and invite republican, independent, and swing voters. She wants to meet them where they are. We can't let the Perfect be the enemy of the Good.
Yes, with my limited understanding of what's going on, Harris is intentionally coming off as very conservative and I'm in two minds about it. On the one hand, if that's what it takes to beat Trump, then I'm all for it. But... once again- why are these our two choices? How did we get here? Why does the democratic candidate have to lean conservative? Why can't I vote for someone that I REALLY like? You and I are in agreement here.
Nance--I'm glad those things are in the conversation, but we're letting the right suck all the energy and air out by not talking about it enough. Those are the things that could energize voters (especially younger voters) rather than tired hate against refugees.
(Also, I was not suggesting that we disband the military. I agree US military and soft power is important to the status quo. I just wish we didn't spend literal trillions annually as we already have enough to blow up the world several times over.)
And yes, I agree with you on your read of what VP Harris is trying to do, but some of this goes against the principles one wishes she would stand up for and she is losing vast numbers of progressives. This could be dangerous for her chance of success in the election and ultimately for democracy and the nation.
Jenny--YES! I want to vote my heart out proudly for a candidate who represents me. I feel right now like I'm being taken for granted, and she's wooing someone who's not even that interested in her. How did I just weirdly make this sound like some romantic situation?!? :D
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