Those of us who consider ourselves “left liberals” have expressed particular alarm about the symbolic and practical dangers posed by leaders such as Donald Trump and his supporters. To name but a few: mass rallies denouncing “the liberal media”; inciting …
Pragmatic thinking and strategic action are not in conflict with the radical spirit of 1968; they are the only way to fulfill it.
First in SDS, then in the labor movement, Paul Booth embodied that remarkable, and rare, combination of ideals and strategy. A left that hopes to win has much to learn from his example.
Labor needs to argue more. Unions always need solidarity, but it should not be the solidarity of the stolid and defeated.
Defending civil liberties is not merely a “strategy” or a means to some other end. One can, and should, oppose both torture and endless war.
In response to Samuel Moyn.
Civil libertarians have tolerated the normalization of perpetual, if more sanitary, war.
With a response by David Cole.
Anarchists are better dreamers than doers. A successful movement requires compromise, organization, and leadership to actually get things done.
Many popular movements around the world today oppose hierarchy and embrace direct democracy. This is a spirit that we should applaud and help to flourish.
Economic insecurity produces insatiable demands on nature. This is the point where environmentalist and egalitarian projects meet.
Political parties are essential to a healthy democracy. And right now, for Americans on the left, the Democrats are the only party we have.
With a counter-argument from David Marcus.
The language of choice has proved useless for claiming public resources that most women need in order to maintain control over their bodies and their lives.
How can the reproductive rights movement start to win again? “Start” is the operative word. We’re getting crushed out there.
