[Marxism] Obama win does not end racism, activists say

[S. Artesian]

Mark,

I am really not trying to change the subject.  I am trying to figure out 
where this "hope for change" comes from?  Where is this potential for 
"progress" in Obama's campaign, or in the activist core of his supporters?

Yes, reform can include real gains, but in comparing Obama and FDR for 
potential reform you omit, or forget, two critical components "forcing" that 
reform on capitalism: 1. the industrial union movement  2. the existence of 
the Soviet Union and its appeal, as communism, to workers of the US, and to 
countries around the world.  As I said, questions of class.

Obviously, current conditions are different.

Obama's candidacy did well among African-Americans, Hispanics, women, and 
voters younger than age 30.  The number one issue according to exit polls 
was "the economy."
So what can Obama and his supporters do to provide meaningful reform to 
"correct" the economy?

Will unemployment increase or decrease?
Will output expand or contract?
Will a "living wage" be established, or will wages actually decline?

Healthcare is another of the cited issues:

Will single payer health insurance for all be introduced, regardless of 
income levels?
Studies have shown that even with equivalent health insurance, 
African-Americans and Hispanics and poor whites receive inferior quality 
health care.  Can Obama's supporters force a reform of that?

War:

I personally do not think it is possible for Obama to extricate the US from 
Iraq, but suppose I'm wrong.  How will Obama's supporters force him to stop 
the war in Afghanistan, in less than the 4 years of his term?

Now there are many things that Obama can do, if so motivated.  He can stop 
the religious/ideological corrupton of the executive branche's department. 
He can restore science to policies on environment, reproductive health, 
family planning, etc.  He can stop assaults on migrant workers in the 
workplace, and end the jail-before-deportation policy of Bush.  But if he 
can do those things, and he always could upon election, and can't do the 
others, then why now do you perceive potential when you perceived none prior 
to his election?



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Mark Lause" <markalause at gmail.com>
To: <sartesian at earthlink.net>
Sent: Friday, November 07, 2008 12:52 AM
Subject: Re: [Marxism] Obama win does not end racism, activists say