Richard Sanders lays out Obama's record and positions clearly. I hope those who supported Obama in the presidential election — mostly out of fear of McCain-Palin and seeing themselves stuck within the limited parameters of the two party duopoly — face these realities. It is important that we look at Obama honestly. His first two decisions — Biden and Emanuel — show the path he is on: corporatism, militarism, Zionism and harsh criminal justice. Those are the common denominators of Biden and Emanuel. And, the talk about keeping Gates at DoD indicates the direction Obama will go with the military (even if he does not pick Gates, the fact this is even being considered is an important signal.) It seems that Obama's AIPAC speech, which even Obama supporters criticized, may actually be what Obama believes. So for the big issues like the war and the finance crisis it looks like those who got us into the mess will be hired by the new administration.
It is important to get this right because if we recognize that Obama is a corporate Democrat who believes in using U.S. military power to keep other countries in line then it changes how the peace movement approaches an Obama administration. He and his administration will be seen as in conflict with the goals of the peace movement, rather than people we support our views and just pro-military things to get elected.
I expect the Obama administration will do some things, e.g. close Guantanemo, but that is not the big enchilada — the big issues are the military budget, troops and mercenaries in Iraq, escalation in Afghanistan and threats to other nations.
Facing reality is important because it changes the strategies and tactics of the peace movement.
- Countries:
- Palestine
- Candidates:
- Barack Obama
- Issues:
- Economy & Trade, International Relations, Government & Politics, War & Conflict
