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Aquarian
B.V. Info-a-holic
Joined: Oct 25, 2003
Posts: 9846
Location: Miami, Florida 305!
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 Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2008 3:40 am Post subject: Obama is not the Answer |
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Obama's victory and the inevitable struggle ahead
A revolutionary, working-class perspective
A Statement from the Party for Socialism and Liberation
The election of Barack Obama as the next president of the United States is an occasion of historic significance. Over four centuries, African Americans have suffered enslavement, Jim Crow segregation, lynch mob terror and racist discrimination manifested in countless ways. Racism against African Americans and other oppressed nationalities has in reality been far more integral to "the American way" than has anything truly resembling democracy.
While millions of people are yearning for real change, for an end to war, unemployment, foreclosures, and more, the Democratic Party is as much a party of the bankers and bosses as is the Republican Party. McCain and Obama shared a common list of corporate and banking sponsors. The only difference is that, in the 2008 election, the Democratic candidate received more of the big money donations than the Republican did.
The fact that an African American has at long last been elected to the highest office in the United States is being greeted with euphoric celebrations in communities across the country. Obama’s election has broken the 220-year streak of white male presidents, spanning 43 administrations. Even "white male" does not adequately define how narrowly restricted access to the office has been. With one exception—John F. Kennedy, a Catholic—every U.S. president has been a Protestant. No eastern or southern European has ever been elected to the office.
Adding to the jubilation is the fact that Obama’s assumption of the presidency on Jan. 20, 2009, will terminate one of the most despised and reviled administrations in U.S. history. The vast majority of humankind worldwide is also celebrating the departure of the hated Bush regime.
Obama’s victory, on the one hand, shows how much progress the Black Liberation struggle and its legacy has made in eroding white supremacy. That so many backward white people overcame their own racism to vote for Obama is a sign that the economic crisis is providing the material basis for multinational unity. Class unity, based on mutual interests and opposition to racism, can be achieved in the struggles that are sure to come.
Obama and the Democratic Party ran his campaign, however, by distancing himself from affirmative action, the struggle against police brutality, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, and other issues and images historically associated with the struggle of the Black community. This was a requirement of support for Obama by the racist ruling class and its media. The struggle against racism will continue as a primary task for the progressive workers’ movement.
The euphoria and high expectations surrounding Obama’s victory will likely last through his inauguration and beyond. There will be a honeymoon phase between the progressive sectors of society and the new capitalist administration.
There are widespread hopes that the Obama presidency will reverse the generally reactionary direction of the past three decades; that the war in Iraq will end, and that there will be a shift in the direction of greater economic and social justice.
The president’s role
It’s safe to say that a majority of people view the presidential election as selecting the next leader of the country, and "the country" includes all of us. But the president is not the leader of the country. The president, regardless of which party or individual holds the office, is the Chief Executive Office of the capitalist state machine. This machine enforces a system of extreme and growing poverty among the working class, and extreme wealth for the capitalists, who accumulate their fortunes from the labor of working people. The capitalist state perpetuates racism, police repression, mass incarceration and endless war.
The function of that state is to protect the common interests, not of "the people," but of the imperialist ruling class. The army, police, courts, and prisons are the pillars of the state and the capitalist social order, as are the Federal Reserve System, Treasury and other federal government departments.
The real role of the capitalist state as protector of the interests of the capitalist class has been dramatically highlighted in recent weeks by the $2.25 trillion bailout of the biggest banks and investors. While those responsible for the financial and economic crisis are receiving trillions of dollars, the millions who are losing their homes and jobs have so far gotten nothing.
Obama and McCain, along with Democratic and Republican leaders in Congress, have backed and defended the bailout plans in the face of widespread popular anger. Obama, along with McCain, opposed inclusion of a provision in the bailout bill that could have made it possible for millions of people facing foreclosure to remain in their homes. Why? Because the big banks were against it.
The rejected provision would have allowed bankruptcy judges to reduce the inflated price of mortgages, high interest rates and monthly mortgage payments. At least 600,000 families could have avoided foreclosure. The bankers opposed it because it would lower their profits. Obama sided with the bankers.
The new contradiction and overcoming it
The bailout illustrates the new contradiction that has come into being with the Obama election. The capitalist class is intensifying their war against the working class to force the workers to bear the burden of the economic crisis that the capitalists created. This, in turn, will inevitably require the workers to intensify their struggle against the capitalists. Yet, the progressive sectors of the working class will be supportive—at least in the first period—of the very president whose job is to help the class that is attacking workers.
The new situation presents great challenges and opportunities for a revolutionary party and the progressive movement as a whole. As the crisis deepens, more and more workers, students, and others will be open to a socialist critique, not only of policies, but of the system itself. The crisis creates the possibility for the emergence of a truly mass, working-class movement. To take full advantage of these opportunities requires tactics and slogans that address the unfolding crisis of capitalism at a time when many progressive sectors will be generally supportive of the incoming president.
What is needed is a clear program focused on what the new administration should do to meet the needs of the working people; to fulfill the expectations its campaign has created. The PSL’s La Riva/Puryear Presidential Campaign put forward such demands, not just as words on paper, but as a fighting program, starting with the following:
* Declare a State of Housing Emergency and an immediate moratorium on foreclosures, evictions and rent hikes. There are more than 19 million empty housing units in the U.S. today. No one should be homeless.
* No layoffs--jobs for all. Create and fund a public works jobs program to provide employment for millions.
* Extend unemployment benefits at full pay for everyone without a job.
* Provide health care to all, regardless of ability to pay.
* Pass the Employee Free Choice Act so that every worker can have u.nion representation.
* Open the books of the banks for public inspection.
* A sales tax on stock market transactions (there is none now).
* Criminal prosecution of banking, finance, insurance and all other executives whose companies have benefited from the foreclosure crisis.
* An end to racist police brutality and mass imprisonment.
* Hurricane, flood and other victims of natural disasters must have a government guarantee that they will receive all necessary assistance.
* End the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, close down the 800+ U.S. military bases around the world and use the billions spent everyday on the Pentagon to fund people's need.
The people will engage in struggle to demand the new administration carry through this program that addresses their needs. To the extent that an Obama White House resists these demands, it will be exposed as another agent of the capitalist bankers and corporate bosses.
A revolutionary party can not skip over this stage of the political process. It cannot function as a "radical substitute" for the masses.
Real changes in consciousness on a mass scale can only come about by large numbers of people going through their own experiences in the struggle. The tactics of the coming period must be created with that essential fact in mind.
www.PSLweb.org |
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I think the environment should be put in the category of our national security. Defense of our resources is just as important as defense abroad. Otherwise what is there to defend? ~Robert Redford, Yosemite National Park dedication, 1985 |
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rob61872
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Joined: Oct 10, 2001
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Location: With JRZGRL
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| Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2008 7:48 am Post subject: |
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Are you never happy? A black man is elected president, you still cry about bigotry because people voted to ban gay marriage... An extremely liberal Democrat wins the presidency, marking the end of "Bush and the neocons", and one who says he'll talk to the enemy, end the war, take the government and the people to a level of socialization never seen before in this country, and you cry that it's not enough...
TAKE A FRICKEN BREATH!
You make it very hard not to pick on you sometimes. |
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"You can't trust freedom when it's not in your hands, and everybody's fighting for their promised land" |
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Aquarian
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Joined: Oct 25, 2003
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Location: Miami, Florida 305!
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| Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2008 8:15 am Post subject: |
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Rob, Obama does not want to stop imperial wars of aggression! Have you heard what he said in regards to other nations surrounding Iraq? I don't see any of his policies as socialist, although they are certainly more liberal than McCain's or Bush's, they are still kowtowed in favor towards maintaining a ruling capitalist class to manage things more efficiently.
This message serves as a reminder that an Obama Presidency will not be embraced blindly, but scrutinized closely and rationally. I would agree with him on probably many things he'd like to get passed, including stem cell research. In regards to other issues, we'll see how progressive he is. |
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I think the environment should be put in the category of our national security. Defense of our resources is just as important as defense abroad. Otherwise what is there to defend? ~Robert Redford, Yosemite National Park dedication, 1985 |
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Sparty77
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Joined: Sep 25, 2002
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Location: Grand Rapids MI
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| Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2008 8:31 am Post subject: |
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Lets be totally clear. California voted to ban gay marriages, not the United States. And as to stem cell research, this issue should solely be the province of the States, which is why I'm grateful that Michigan has passed a law allowing such research (as well as medicinal marijuana).
I think that the State's votes issues were just as interesting and perhaps more important than the Presidential election.
Zounds!
Sparty |
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Chuck Norris destroyed the periodic table because he only recognizes the element of surprise |
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Aquarian
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| Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2008 8:53 am Post subject: |
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I agree, but I think there should be federal funding for stem-cell research, not just a state-by-state thing.
But I'm glad Michigan passed those referendums too! |
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I think the environment should be put in the category of our national security. Defense of our resources is just as important as defense abroad. Otherwise what is there to defend? ~Robert Redford, Yosemite National Park dedication, 1985 |
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Saturos
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| Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2008 7:20 pm Post subject: |
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I`m not saying that Obama is the answer but it´s still better than McCain and certainly better than Bush.
Now even if we would want him to become less of an imperialist and more of a diplomat it´s alot of work in it.
He first has to clear Bush´s mess around the world and that is probably the hardest task any US president will ever do.
What I don´t understand is, why are most gays so obsessed with Gay Marriage?
I agree that gay people should have all rights as any straight couple do have when they get married on I`m not just talking about the laws but the right to have children and so on.
But why call it Gay Marriage? It should just be named Partnership like it does today only it will include everything above.
Otherwise it seems that most gays wants this to be a religious issue and not a gay issue which in the end doesn´t make gays unique anymore. |
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BloodStone
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Joined: Apr 29, 2005
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| Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2008 11:40 pm Post subject: |
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| Quote: |
| m not saying that Obama is the answer but it´s still better than McCain and certainly better than Bush. |
that is yet to be proven, come back when we get hit again.
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| He first has to clear Bush´s mess around the world and that is probably the hardest task any US president will ever do. |
So by him bending over for every country is better ? It's better to be feared than not.
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| What I don´t understand is, why are most gays so obsessed with Gay Marriage? |
for once I agree. I think this is the biggest problem the gays have. They should never have called it marriage. It will never fly as long as it is called marriage.
BloodStone... |
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If it were raining hookers, I'd get hit by a fag. |
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martiandrifter01
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Joined: Mar 28, 2008
Posts: 784
Location: Xanthe Terra, Sol IV/Mars
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| Posted: Fri Nov 07, 2008 12:06 am Post subject: |
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There are people who will never be happy with the status quo. Aquarian appears to be one of them.
I will hold true to my previous statement: As of January 20, 2009, President-Elect Barack Hussain Obama will be our 44th U. S. President. I wish him luck, and though personally I feel he isn't ready for the job (and did not vote for him), We the People should stand behind him long enough to give the man a chance to be the great leader he could be.
Don't be surprised when some of the promised 'changes' don't happen or when other campaign promises vaporize. As of today, the new President-Elect starts receiving classified documents detailing the State of the_Union_ and our foreign relations.
Carry on...
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Just for fun, and maybe a chance to learn a little solar system astronomy...
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screamzero
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Posts: 2433
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| Posted: Fri Nov 07, 2008 1:29 am Post subject: |
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| ....under a socialist governance the Government can and will limit personal capital advancement by the very design of it' collectivist nature..duh. In a capitalist system everyone can get ahead, provided one is not infirmed; lazy or ignorant-and then their are the audacious ones that even beat those odds. Capitalism is for the free and brave only. If entrepreneurship isn't stifled by regulation; taxation and interference and the damn government does its flamin' job of squelching predatory ethics in business...but fat chance 'cause you and your minions give the gov perm to interfere...in everything...instead of regulating ourselves and tellin' the gov to poke the predatory money rascals in the eye plus tellin the gov ta f off of our private sector. To many pigs on our nuts. How in the hell can we walk freely!?!?!? ..and the numb numbs wonder why they lose their jobs. Pathetic. |
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Saturos
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Joined: Feb 19, 2003
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| Posted: Fri Nov 07, 2008 5:56 am Post subject: |
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| So by him bending over for every country is better ? It's better to be feared than not. |
He is not bending over, he is using weapons more powerful than just an atom-bomb, it´s called Writting and Speech.
"It´s better to be feared than not"
True but the Devil thinks the same way 
So how can you be the good guys again?  |
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The truth is hidden so well, it´s right infront of you... |
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BloodStone
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Joined: Apr 29, 2005
Posts: 1948
Location: Poconos, USSA
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| Posted: Fri Nov 07, 2008 7:23 am Post subject: |
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| He is not bending over, he is using weapons more powerful than just an atom-bomb, it´s called Writting and Speech. |
Yeah, um er and um urh uh ummm and a ur ummm. Please don't uh er ummm and errr umm ugh hate us .
And you guys said Bush was stupid. Looks like we have a new winner!
BloodStone... |
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If it were raining hookers, I'd get hit by a fag. |
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hansdew
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| Posted: Fri Nov 07, 2008 7:52 am Post subject: |
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| BS wrote: |
| It's better to be feared than not. |
Is it better to fear your own government OR not? |
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Saturos
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| Posted: Fri Nov 07, 2008 5:22 pm Post subject: |
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And you guys said Bush was stupid. Looks like we have a new winner!
BloodStone... |
That´s right we have a new winner!, Just look at this statement |
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The truth is hidden so well, it´s right infront of you... |
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micki
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| Posted: Sat Nov 08, 2008 3:29 am Post subject: |
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It's better to be feared than not.
Yeah, that policy has worked real well. In school, they call it bullying.
Hopefully the new administration will try governing without fear tactics for a change. |
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And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music. (Angela Monet) |
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BloodStone
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| Posted: Sat Nov 08, 2008 3:50 am Post subject: |
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And if you're not feared, you are the one being bullied , Get it ?
BloodStone... |
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If it were raining hookers, I'd get hit by a fag. |
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