EVE OF THE U.S. 2016 ELECTIONS

So it has been several months since my last post. At that time after reviewing what I see as the state of the world today – with the gutting of democracies and the unabashed efforts of the super wealthy 1% to create a global plutocracy - I proposed a critical calling for our time. This calling led to three questions: (1) What are the actions and strategies that can effectively counter this global reality? (2) What approaches will enable those of us (the 99%), who are by far the majority, to fatally wound, to undermine, to bring an end to the direction of this plutocratic movement envisioned and controlled by the super-wealthy 1%? And, a final question: (3) What are the structures and practices that need to be put in place to build a world of true justice, equity, and peace? At the time I said that I would explore these questions in my subsequent postings. So here we go!!

I must confess, it has taken me this long to do a first follow-up . . . because it is not entirely clear to me what the answer to these questions might be. Over the last few months, events in our world – in my world – have made it even more difficult to envision how best to proceed. At the time of my last post there was a movement under way in Brazil – my heart country – to remove the duly elected President. It was clear that the grounds for removing her were fabrications representing economic and corporate interests as well as the interests of members of the congress and senate who wanted to put an end to the investigation of corruption charges against them. At the time I could not have imagined that this parliamentary coup could actually succeed, but succeed it did. And in the following weeks - and now months, despite almost daily street demonstrations and currently a growing occupy movement, and despite challenges from professional and student groups and social movements in Brazil as well as outcries from the international community (except the notable absence of the U.S. government), the propogators of the “golpe parlamentar” (parliamentary coup) continue to move forward in blatant disregard to the outrage. Their interests and sense of power are such that they really don't seem to fear or care about their country or the people.

Meanwhile here in the US – my birth country – we've watched as the two-party farce, with the support of a sensation-seeking media, have produced two candidates for the presidency each the least liked by their respective party. On one side of the political theatre a racist, xenophobic, misogynist, foul-mouthed, narcissistic, tax-evading supposed billionaire with possible traitorous ties to Russia. Shortly after the election – win or lose – he is due in court to face child rape and rackateering charges. His opponent on the other side is a woman who maintains secretive close ties to corporate and banking elites and supports the continued projection and probable increased use of US military power globally. Hanging over her head are accusations of poor judgement and possible criminal charges related to use of personal emails in her role as Secretary of State. Furthermore it has come out that her party manipulated the primary campaign process to ensure her victory over a more progressive and likely the most popular candidate in the race.^* And as has been the case for decades, both parties controlled the electoral process in such a manner as to guarantee that no alternatives to the two-party hegemony are able to gain any significant foothold. Here, as in Brazil, the powers-that-be demonstrate a total disregard for any real interests of the citizenry.**

These are just two examples, not to mention the on-going wars and pillage in the Middle East, the forced migration of peoples on a scale not seen since WWII, the often violent opposition to outsiders in so many places in our world today, and the blatant violence of police against protestors and against communities of color including the current police violence against protestors on the Standing Rock Sioux reservation in North Dakota. The list goes on and on. So -- what to do?

We live in desperate times! Those of us who dream of a world of justice, equality and peace face a challenge. Who are we called to be? What stands are we called to take? What will it take to effectively counter and subvert the present reality? What will it take to bend the course of history in a new direction? Clarifying our own values and vision and deepening our understanding of the current powers and structures are two keystones in the archway of an effective path forward.

* Excellent insightful reflection by philosopher Cornel West on the state of Democracy in the 2016 elections here in the United States: Spiritual Blackout in America.
** http://www.truthdig.com/avbooth/item/julian_assange_and_john_pilger_discuss_the_20161105