Class and Race

Because the Clintons have been on the political scene forever and because race was the ignored detail of politics (except for affirmative action), both memory and action are in short supply on the Democratic side, but both candidates fall short, one, Bernie, in the present; the other, Hillary, in the past.

Ta’nehisi Coates’ 3 purposed essays in The Atlantic (largely ignored by the media!) set out the logic and details of the clash between between class and race, and the paternalism that the Left has habitually exhibited on black issues (including many commenters!), believing their views to be authentic, when they are far removed from the tradition of decision making within black communities (the collective side of DuBois’ double consciousness).

In the present: Bernie has not described a clear path or programs tying his view of the political economy (break up the big banks!) to economic justice (jobs, wages, and development in communities of color) or to social justice (in education, policing, health, and housing). Bernie currently presents one size fits all; breaking up the financial elite will generate zero jobs nor will it end the attack on voting rights or address Flint.

In the past: Ben Jealous in his Maddow interview has presented a compelling case for Hillary’s previous opportunism, citing times her positions have been for political advantage rather than principle.

On both sides, I see arrogance, an absence of understanding and programs.