Markos has thrown down another gauntlet. The main theme of today’s diary was Priorities. That is, what we as a Party and Progressives prioritize. He breaks it down into two groups—those that prioritize income inequality and all things economic, and those that prioritize how we as a country treat each other.
Fixing income inequality and working to end poverty are great and noble causes which will be of untold benefit to millions. Equitably funded schools, the elimination of hunger, affordable and quality housing, and universal health care will improve the quality of life for every American.
But a Black man, no matter how wealthy, connected, or powerful, will still be a Black man to the eyes of the police and the justice system.
No matter how economically secure, a woman will still have her uterus legislated and rape convictions will still be next to impossible.
No matter the station in life, Hispanic people will still be swept up in ICE raids.
Non-Christians and atheists, especially Muslims, will still be discriminated against, prevented from building places of worship, or even shunned openly.
Trans people will still be the most persecuted minority in this country.
Native tribes will still be isolated and left behind on the reservations.
And so on, and so on, and so on.
Conversely, if all social ills like racism, bigotry, prejudice, discrimination, and all the rest are eliminated, or at least corrected, will that improve the quality of life in the poorest areas?
You simply cannot prioritize one set of values over another.
Example: This diary just written. No amount of economic policy to end income inequality will change these laws or suddenly make abortion easily accessible by all. And it is certainly NOT “identity politics” to fight against these types of laws and make women’s health a woman’s choice.
If you ask anyone anywhere what Republicans stand for, you will get the same answer every time: “Lower taxes, small government”. Four simple words. If you ask someone what Democrats stand for, you won’t know what answer you’ll get, because there are so many. Whether it’s a laundry list of specific things, or right wing boilerplate that has mainstreamed into common parlance, the answer will vary greatly.
So how to take both of our pie-fighting, warring groups and make them one?
We simplify what we stand for.
Equality. Justice. Compassion.
Everything we have been pie fighting over fits into those three words.
Everything.
Myself, I will support BOTH points of view and eat my pie instead of flinging it.