Robert Parry: Three Pillars of a Revived Republic

[marmar]

from Consortium News:



Three Pillars of a Revived Republic
December 2, 2011

As local governments shut down more Occupy encampments, the movement for the “99 percent” is at a crossroads. Some supporters advocate more civil disobedience; others urge a shift toward media outreach; and still others want a move into politics. But Robert Parry notes that all three approaches may be required.

By Robert Parry


American progressives are buoyed by Occupy Wall Street’s success in shifting the political debate from Republican demands for government austerity to the issue of concentrated private wealth at the top, but the question of what to do next is fraught with risks.

The discussion appears to be breaking down into which of three approaches should be pursued: activism (and civil disobedience), electoral (and legislative) politics, or outreach (via a stronger media infrastructure). Often the three are presented as somehow exclusive of one another.

For instance, the case for more aggressive activism often pits that priority against electoral politics and media outreach. Common arguments are that electoral politics were tried with Barack Obama’s 2008 election and failed, and that there’s already plenty of information in the public domain, so that doesn’t have to be a focus.

However, what these arguments miss is that all three components are necessary pillars for constructing a more equitable American society. .............(more)

The complete piece is at: http://consortiumnews.com/2011/12/02/three-pillars-of-a-revived-republic/

[xchrom]

1. recommend

[BlancheSplanchnik]

2. also rec and kick

changing the foundations of society requires every path possible. It's not a one-shot kind of deal.

good article.

[Demeter]

3. We need to use the FDR Strategy

Try everything. Keep using whatever works. Put it into law.