Readers discussed liberal warhawks, fascism and Trump, and America’s founding myths this week. We share your letters for “Freedom Rider: Liberals Love the Military,” “Fascism the Other F Word,” and “Africans See China as Counterweight to US and Europe.”
In “Freedom Rider: Liberals Love the Military” Margaret Kimberley argues that self-styled liberals believe they are a better class of people than Trump, but they are bigger supporters of unjust wars than the so-called ‘deplorables.’
Martin Zehr:
“If Congress is really concerned about abiding by the Constitution, as they say they are, let's demand a declaration of war from it before the troops are deployed next time. No more Congressional resolutions. The War Powers Resolution (also known as the War Powers Resolution of 1973 or the War Powers Act) (50 U.S.C. 1541–1548) is a federal law intended to check the president's power to commit the United States to an armed conflict without the consent of the U.S. Congress. The Resolution was adopted in the form of a United States Congressional joint resolution. It provides that the U.S. President can send the Armed Forces into action abroad only by declaration of war by Congress, ‘statutory authorization,’ or in case of ‘a national emergency created by attack upon the United States, its territories or possessions, or its armed forces.’”
Joan Roelofs writes:
“Why do liberals support militarism? In addition to reasons you mention, there is an important one rarely discussed (except by me). Although I am not a Marxist, some of Marxian ideas are useful for understanding the present. Many liberals' economic interests are abetted by the military industrial complex, making them unlikely to protest any activity or aspect of militarism. Those benefiting include scientists, universities, charities, civil rights organizations, environmentalists, all those trying to remove the rust from the rustbelt, pension funds, and many others. I wish more writers would delve into the many incursions into the civilian world by the military.”
“Fascism the Other F Word” by Ken Morgan argues that Trump is a racist and demagogic capitalist head of state but not a fascist.
Jeff Weinberger writes
“This author seems to be denying the fact that major features of fascism are, in fact, beginning to appear on the near horizon if not creep into the lives of certain categories of people. Following recent Trump pronouncements regarding him having some plan to deal with mass homelessness in CA cities and the subsequent firing of the head of the Interagency Council on Homelessness, for example, Redding, CA, is now proposing forcing homeless folk into shelter and keeping them there until, as the mayor of Redding put it, 'they deal with their mental illness and addiction issues.' This is a shot across the bow of the sinking ship of the bourgeois democratic state. Fascism may not be here full blown yet but it's making waves and sailing full steam ahead. I don't think articles like that are in any way helpful at this moment.”
Austin Mayle writes:
“No, the problem is that it was the US that originated the implementation of all of the things the Nazis just openly and admittedly copied. You can't really say a country that has gone to the extent of mass murder, assassination and coups, has any control through democratic means. That is a total denial of history. Also, Trump is not any more a racist or white supremacist than Obama.”
In radio segment “Africans See China as Counterweight to US and Europe” Gerald Horne discusses the myths behind the United State’s founding as well as the role of China in Africa.
Leonardo Legorreta writes:
“I enjoyed and was inspired by your conversation regarding originalism, the creation myths that dominate public perception. I felt the same as Ishmael Reed about Hamilton and appreciate finally hearing someone saying the obvious. As a Latino I was deeply disappointed Miranda got it so wrong. Seeing Hamilton being played at the White House made me nauseous. This week's BAR Radio was like a drink of refreshing clean water. I finally got rid of the bad taste in my mouth.”
There are many myths the American people believe that are destructive for the world. We will keep challenging these with your help.
Jahan Choudhry is Comments Editor for Black Agenda Report. He is an organizer with the Saturday Free School based in Philadelphia, PA.
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