Hector Rivera, National Institute for Latino Policy - The logical first step in forming a political opposition movement is to define a common core of interests that will unite and give it a vision. The obvious point of common interests is the fact that most people in the country are of the working class. Be they white, Black, Latino, Asian, male or female they share basic economic characteristics, needs and desires in common. That is the fulcrum around which all matters of political unity should revolve.
Truthfully, most of the critical issues facing the Latino community are by and large identical to those of all people who work for a living, Latinos, after all, are overwhelmingly working class. This reality does not deny that the Latino community has very specific and unique concerns. And that some of those issues, such as immigration, are of more immediate importance to some parts of the community than others.
Latinos should attempt to identify and form a consensus on issues that are meaningful for the advancement of the overall community so that we may come to the table with a clear agenda and as equal partners in any coalition. This will help to ensure that our contributions and unique perspectives will be lucidly articulated, understood and accepted. The effort should be to create a people's agenda based on understanding the points of commonality while accepting that the advancement of each component adds to the energy and effectiveness of the whole.
Such an agenda is entirely possible if purposeful efforts are made to look beyond identity or single issues politics to pinpoint the concerns that have broad working-class support. Numerous studies have demonstrated that most Americans favor progressive economic positions such as Medicare for all, strengthening Social Security and retirement opportunities, equal pay for equal work, increasing the minimum wage. On other social matters, most Americans favor increased support for public education, LGTBQ rights, believe in climate change and adequate environmental oversight. Research also shows that most Americans favor reasonable and fair immigration reform -- 71 percent support amnesty while two-thirds want to see DACA continued. These interests all have a role to play and their supporters a contribution to make as part of a people's coalition.
Latino activists can serve a special role by helping to educate the coalition about the distinct needs of each sector of the Latino community and how they are a natural fit in an overall progressive working-class agenda. Activists must also have a presence in all relevant people's associations, Latino and non-Latino, from unions, civic and community based organizations to the various church groups. The aim should be to promote a progressive policy agenda that emphasizes the need for unity and the points of common interests around which it can be achieved.
The off-year elections of 2018 will be pivotal for halting the Trump/Republican Party led onslaught and setting the tone for the presidential election in 2020. Considering the national census scheduled for 2020, after which political districts can and will likely be redrawn, added attention should be given to preparing for local and state-wide elections. History shows that when progressives vigorously organize and vote, they win most elections. Unfortunately, they are often disengaged, allowing well organized right-wing minorities to dominate the ballot and impose their political priorities on the rest of the country.
The opportunity exists now for Latinos to play a leading role in forming an opposition centered around the common interests of the majority. Progressives must see to it that they support candidates who boldly put forth a people's agenda. Attempting to be Republicans-lite will not be successful in the short- or long-term. Nor will supporting candidates who do not offer a clear vision and plan for moving the people's agenda forward simply because they are Latinos. Successful participation in this process by those who would claim the mantle of leadership will require a heightened awareness of how our community's struggles compliment the overall movement even as they maintain their distinctiveness.
No comments:
Post a Comment