Underlying it all is an unheard of polarity of wealth and poverty. Millions eke out an existence, while profits for America’s 360 billionaires and their corporations soar. Such cataclysmic events set the stage for political polarization — the separation in thinking of the people from their rulers and the opportunity for a class-conscious movement for power over the corporations.
Over the years the Democratic and Republican parties — the twin corporate parties — have played a huge role in helping to tie people’s thinking to the system. Now we’re beginning to see the influence of these parties erode and we have the opportunity to fight for the building of an independent worker’s party.
A recent Wall Street Journal/NBC poll finds, “only 35% of voters feel positively about the Democratic Party, a 14-point slide since February.” This is crucial because, whereas the Republican Party is somewhat exposed as the party of the rich, for decades the Democratic Party has been touted as the “party of the people,” or conversely, as “the lesser of two evils.” In reality, each party is a side of the same coin. There might be a few good individuals here and there, but the corporations run both parties. Further, most politicians are beholden to the corporations who give them the money to get elected.
As proof, the Democratic Party holds power in the house, senate and the presidency and is still incapable, even on a moral level, of fighting for healthcare for those in need. The healthcare industry spent more than $1.4 million a day to guarantee this. On the one hand the republicans tried to block the bill at every step, and on the other hand, the Democratic majority allowed the bill to be watered down to where it is a giveaway to the insurance industry and the corporations. Or take the $663.8 billion defense appropriations bill that passed Congress almost unanimously. It is a boon for military contractors. Some estimate the actual military budget at $1trillion annually. Imagine how many schools, hospitals, cultural and recreational facilities could be built with that money. It is worth noting that people’s growing dissatisfaction with the Democratic Party is not being translated into affection for the Republican Party. People will bounce back and forth between the two parties, but it doesn’t mean they are consciously supporting the Republicans. It is dissatisfaction with the people who are in office.
The Next Step
Political change is not possible without changes in the economy. Up to now the people who make up the “middle” of society have lived relatively well. They have been the stable base of capitalism. Now they are losing it all. As a result, their ideas are being shaken. Revolutionaries have an opportunity to educate about who are our friends and enemies and the new cooperative America that is possible. Without this education, people can fall prey to the ideology of the fascist forces coalescing to restructure society around the corporate state.
America is at a critical juncture. Nothing can move forward until a broad section of people breaks with the twin parties of corporate power and begins to express itself politically. A workers party is a key ingredient in this process. Here we are not talking about a third electoral party such as the Green Party, which is also a necessary stage in the process of separating the people’s thinking from the corporate parties. A workers party would be an organizational center for political activity as well as elections. Such a party would create political programs to achieve the immediate demands of the class. Revolutionaries must prepare for and assist in the building of such a party.
People’s Tribune leaps into the future: be a part of it. The PT has a chance to make its website more interactive! We must raise $1000 to make this happen. Send donations to PT, PO Box 3524, Chicago, IL 60654 |
