Time Enough at Last

As a democratic Socialist myself, and a critical supporter of Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, I think an early Sanders primary victory would be GOOD NEWS for " progressive " forces in the United States.Old Bernie is absolutely right about a large turn out in Iowa favoring him- not Hillary. This is true of American presidential elections in general. Why ? Because the vast majority of registered voters have CLASS interest not harmonious with the wealthy- really wealth- ruling class.
However, history has the record of backward working class people supporting fascist demagogues-like Hitler in Germany. There are very few examples of a STRONG MAN rising above class contradiction -like the Roman general Julius Caesar . Naturally the bitter Aristocrats in ancient Rome assassinated him. Some American plutocrats thought FDR was a " dictator ". To the end they called him " that man ".
According to Leon Trotsky Joseph Stalin did not represent the Russian working class ( Lenin did ) but Stalin represented the growing " privileged bureaucracy " after the triumph of the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917.
The irony of History ! And the optimism of the " science of history ". The democratic Socialist H.G. Wells, at the end of his life, had faith only in the capacity of HOMO SAPIENS to learn. He had a prophecy of a needed WORLD BRAIN -which we call the Internet today.

Wells was democratic Socialist himself

A recent article by Ralph Nader suggests that the Democratic Party establishment has already given the big chill to the " socialist " maverick Bernie Sanders. They are hopelessly corrupt and pro-capitalist. Yet the vast majority of working -middle class Democratic voters readily identify with the issue of economic justice in America. Oddly enough, Sanders is closer in political temperament to FDR than to that flaming revolutionary Eugene V. Debs.
If the party establishment tries to deep freeze Bernie Sanders -despite his growing popularity- he would be politically astute to form an independent, American Labor Party- with a bolder socialist program.
The fatuous " identity politics " of the neo-Democrats estranged the Democratic Party from many working class people decades ago. And there are reliable reports that America in this 21st century is just no longer a Middle Class paradise.
Google the question : " Was Marx right ? ". As a democratic socialist myself, I think he was right- about inevitable class polarization and class struggle.
Which side is Hillary on ?

Sanders admires Debs but is closer ideologically to FDR

I can imagine one of my favorite fantasy/horror fiction writers, Ray Bradbury, smiling at Jenna Phillips' letter here expressing Bradbury's own public library supporting spirit. He would make those four council members ride on that strange Ferris Wheel in " Dark Carnival ". They might recover the sanity and sensitivity of YOUTH.

[To the Editor:
One of this paper’s recent editorials, “Santa was coming to Cranston, but the Grinches stole Christmas,” presented an issue that, in my opinion, demands more attention. The article mentioned that four of our city’s council members rejected a proposition that would greatly improve one of our community’s public libraries.]

Ray Bradbury defends the public library

It seems that every few weeks the U.S. military has an IN YOUR FACE encounter with its latest " enemy " ( The American people have no democratic right to their very own " enemies " list ) .
To be sure, the United States has no more claims on some disputed island near China than the Chinese have on Block Island, Rhode Island.
To be sure, the U.S. plutocracy is beloved throughout the FREE WORLD.
Which patriotic presidential candidate- Democrat or Republican ? - has detailed plans for selling us World War III ?

"U.S. missile destroyer sailed close to island claimed by China "

" The Last Hurrah " - film review

As a democratic Socialist I can honestly say that Vincent " Buddy " Cianci was not my cup of tea- with all his great human qualities. But I will never forget the hypocrisy of the INTEGRITY in City Hall campaign against him in his " Last Hurrah " election. For me there is a more illuminating CLASS view of corruption. The political SYSTEM is inherently corrupt.
In the final scene of " The Last Hurrah " thanks are given by the " corrupt " Mayor( played by Spencer Tracy ) to an old pal " for a thousand laughs ".
I can thank the very human ex-mayor of Providence too ... " for a thousand laughs ".

"Recent studies from the Pew Research Center show that the wealth disparity in the United States is becoming greater. The middle class is showing a shrinking trend, and the structure of American society is at a turning point. The study showed that from 1971 to 2006, American families with mid-level income have reduced from 61 percent to 49.9 percent. At the same time, low income households have increased from 25 percent to 29 percent, and high income households have increased from 14 percent to 21 percent. As a whole, society is trending toward a major split ".

“As a whole, society is trending toward a major split.” I recall that Karl Marx of” Das Kapital ” fame reported this trend in the middle of the 19th century. Google this question : ” Was Marx right ? ” And like me be pleasantly surprised .

Edward Snowden nominated for Nobel Peace Prize

This Hillary Clinton e-mail scandal is ridiculous from the point of view of popular democracy. Do un-elected ,sinister, shadowy INTELLIGENCE ( frequently lacking in just that ) figures constitute a power elite government within the government of the United States ? I suspect so many documents are classified TOP SECRET just because they reveal things that the American people would hardly approve.. I guess I am a fan of Edward Snowden - who deserves the Nobel Peace Prize.
As a democratic socialist I am no fan of Hillary Clinton- a " patriotic " war monger.

Talking about " white privilege "

As a democratic Socialist -and a critical supporter of Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, I must ask : why would a vast number of white people be unaware or " largely ignorant of what white privilege is or..... their own advantages ". A class analysis of " white people " in America now reveals that they are no longer- the majority of them - even MIDDLE CLASS. Capitalism -not racism- has undermined their relative economic privilege. With less money do you think that " the system " is still more deferential to them ? A doctor, a dentist, a lawyer is still eager to help them ? Homeless white people are better treated than homeless blacks ? The police rarely beat up or murder " out of order " white law breakers ? Unemployed they are preferred to " affirmative action " job hunters ? The MAJORITY of poor Americans are still white.
Identity politics tries to racialize poverty in America. This can only serve relatively PRIVILEGED black people, what a socialist would call the " black bourgeoisie ".
ONLY democratic socialists demand economic equality as a basis for human dignity.

No competent sociologist would suggest that you can take an issue like white racism and deal with it in isolation from the economic structure of the society. Should identity politics succeed in convincing poor and working class white Americans that they are still relatively privileged -even in relationship to the black bourgeoisie- what do they do with this insight ?
If you want to make economic equality your goal, you can begin by reading VOTE FOR BERNIE SANDERS pamphlets. Just for a beginning. Then you might study the Engels' classic : " Socialism - Utopian and Scientific."
With Barack Obama president of the United States, should American citizens be told that they must begin to think about " white privilege " - even homeless whites ?
I do know that the Black Muslim , Malcolm X, did begin to think about the rottenness of capitalism : " Show me a capitalist and I'll show you a bloodsucker " ( 1965 speech ) . Catch that sentiment in any rock song or rap song lyrics ?Macklemore's White Privilege Song

The moral revulsion is all about the manner of execution- severed heads ? How many innocent people are incinerated by smart bombs or those oh-so-accurate drones in numerous raids- all these war crimes- just recently the bombing of the Doctors Without Borders trauma hospital in Afghanistan-all these war crimes under the cover of a " war on terrorism ?. Most of the civilized world feels a revulsion for STATE TERRORISM- not infrequently practiced by the U.S. and Israel.
The manner of execution in the American Gulag -being roasted alive by electrocution, botched lethal drug executions- also arouses moral revulsion. The victims often poor black people-too poor to afford " justice " in America. Not much better life for poor and working class white people. Naturally the common people of America find it easier to identify with the poor and oppressed Palestinians.This is NOT anti-Semitism.

It is not wise from the perspective of " free speech " to disrupt anybody's politically slanted " event ". I wish more Jewish intellectuals would re-discover their socialist international roots. Then they would be more likely to distinguish anti-Zionism from anti-Semitism. As a " culture " the Jews have made great contributions to civilization. But in the United States today Islamophobia is more of an issue than brazen anti-Semitism.
Is there an ACLU equivalent in the state of Israel ? Is the " prayer on the wall " ( Cranston West High School ) controversial over there ?

[ Brown Univ. anti-Israel group protests appearance by ...

legalinsurrection.com/.../brown-univ-anti-israel-group-protests-appearan...

22 hours ago - Movie star Michael Douglas and onetime refusenik Natan Sharansky will discuss “Judaism, Israel and current-day anti-Semitism” at Brown ...]

Michael Douglas Natan Sharansky Jewish Journeys tour

So Marco Rubio made a big play for religious voters ? As a democratic Socialist ( now smiling at Bernie Sanders ) I am amazed how ALL these Republicans can " doublethink " ( Orwell, " 1984 " ) their admiration for BOTH Jesus Christ and Ayn Rand, the " Sermon on the Mount " with " The Virtue of Selfishness ". Does Pope Francis and his anti-capitalist sermons resonate with the politics of Catholic Rubio and Catholic Jeb Bush ?
The social philosophy of the Catholic Church- long before Pope Francis- makes " socialist " Bernie Sanders look like a repressed liberal.
Does not the RIGHT TO LIFE also suggest a " progressive " opposition to foolish, ENDLESS wars and to the death penalty ? A more generous attitude toward this NO LONGER MIDDLE CLASS country's numerous " underclass " ?
In capitalist America the right to life amounts to little more -for millions- than the right to a hell of a life.
Only a very low voter turn out in November will let these very unrepresentative Republicans re-conquer the White House. Atlas will shrug at their inevitable defeat.

Marco Rubio - a Pope Francis Catholic ?

As mayor of Providence Independent Vincent " Buddy " Cianci was certainly an able and creative- and beloved to many- leader. The " Prince of Providence " could be brazenly independent of the local-not less " corrupt "- political and economic elites . I recall Mayor Cianci being rejected by the snobby ( and anti-Italian ? ) Brown University " Gentleman's Club ". There was a very hypocritical campaign against him in his " Last Hurrah " election. As a democratic Socialist I have a class perspective on the nature of political corruption. Once they understand that their " obligation " is to the ruling class, Rhode Island politicians- mostly Democrats- have no scruples about taking care of Numero Uno too. All those ANTI-CORRUPTION pillars of the community now doing business as usual in ever corrupt Rhode Island. Governor Gina Raimondo just appointed our very own Czar of INNOVATION. Cianci joked about that on the air.
The Catholic Bishop of Providence, Thomas Tobin , had kind words for Vincent Cianci. The Catholics have an ancient perspective on Sin & Redemption.
Cianci was finally convicted of no crime in particular - just being a mysterious , sinister influence.
A star of local Talk Radio , Mayor Cianci was a habitual blunt- truth- teller. Very sinister indeed !

Cianci- " He never stopped loving Providence "

Mayor Vincent " Buddy " Cianci ( NPR )

I am certain that these homeless people in Providence are telling the plain truth about police harassment. Is it not absurd trying to " remove homeless people from public spaces " ? As a democratic Socialist I understand that the homeless in capitalist society are automatically excluded from " private spaces ". You would think that any homeless person would immediately qualify for public housing. Also RENT CONTROL would help. This excessive respect for PRIVATE PROPERTY ( " KEEP OUT ! " ) is exactly what keeps homeless people homeless. In Kennedy Plaza the poor homeless souls look up at that long vacant , colossal " Superman Building ". A sane society-not obsessed with property rights - would convert it into cheap apartments for the homeless. The " owners " of that building might qualify as public property managers.
My favorite " socialist " Democrat , Bernie Sanders, could easily make this point about homelessness in America: it is impossible to solve this problem while still honoring PRIVATE PROPERTY.
The Native Americans ( circa 1850 ) could only laugh at the very concept of THE LANDLORD. They thought for many centuries that only the Great Spirit can " own " the good earth and everything in it.
The black American experience with landlords is best expressed by the Langston Hughes poem : " The Ballad of the Landlord ". But that was just communist propaganda.

Ralph Nader sees " progressive " potential for Michael Bloomberg

With no regrets-even as a democratic Socialist myself- I voted twice for Ralph Nader himself as president of the United States. His ideas and opinions on plutocrat Michael Bloomberg rising above the muck of the two party system do remind me of what right wing Talk Radio is always saying about Republican Donald Trump. But Bloomberg is much more acceptable to Nader's vision of better, more responsible, more responsive government. Of course, Ralph Nader never claimed to be a socialist-even with ex-Trotskyist Peter Camejo as a running mate.
Is not Bernie Sanders vs. Donald Trump a contest of a pseudo-socialist vs. a pseudo-fascist for the hearts and minds of American voters ?
But where in history does a Great Man solve deep rooted class contradictions ? Google the question " Was Marx right ? ". I still think so.

Michael Bloomberg is " progressive " ?

As a democratic Socialist I have critical admiration for Russia's Vladimir Lenin- perhaps the greatest revolutionary of all time. Even his book " State and Revolution " explains police brutality in our inner cities.
With the 100th anniversary of Bolshevik Revolution approaching the new capitalist oligarchy in Moscow is nervous about the Russian people not being so " indifferent " to the memory of Lenin after all.
In a universe where everything evolves and changes only capitalism and the " free market " is eternal ?
The scientific method is inapplicable to human history, to the evolution of civilization, to the self-evident class struggle ?
The new Russian Czar Vladimir Putin has every reason to hate and fear the lively ghost of Lenin.

Ralph Nader's " un-socialist " but interesting way of ending two party system

I think Bernie Sander's message of economic inequality resonates with millions of likely Democratic voters. But the Democratic Party establishment - represented by Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama- has no intention of enabling any program that smacks of " socialism " in America.
Too bad the growing class of HAVE NOTS in this country can only make limited claims on their attention or their sympathy. The ONE PERCENT can buy " influence ".
We need a Labor Party with a bold socialist program. Why oh why should working class people be horrified by economic democracy and a sane society ?

Murder at homeless " camp " in Seattle

Both the Democratic and Republican parties are responsible for the never ending crisis of homelessness in America. Both parties are subservient to the capitalist profit system. If PRIVATE PROPERTY ( " KEEP OUT " ) were not so sacrosanct in this country, the homeless problem could be solved in a short time.
Here in Rhode Island - particularly in Kennedy Plaza , Providence- homeless people are frequently harassed by the police. They are all homeless in the shadow of the vacant colossal " Superman Building ".

Homeless in view of vacant Superman Building

As a democratic Socialist I am annoyed by the New Atheism " war on God " as it is quite irrelevant to social justice issues. But not long ago EVERY Republican candidate for president seemed to be expressing undying affection for that militant atheist, Ayn Rand. How can you mix Rand's " Virtue of Selfishness " with anti-capitalist words of Pope Francis and the Jesus " Sermon on the Mount " ?
What hypocrisy - how about a RIGHT TO LIFE position on imperialist war and the death penalty ? On toxic water in Flint, Michigan ? If you have no right to a job or a home under capitalist " freedom ", do you have any real RIGHT TO LIFE ?
Marco Rubio gets right with God

[ "Rubio immersed himself with Ayn Rand... - The Christian Left

https://www.facebook.com/TheChristianLeft/posts/427425270612949

"Rubio immersed himself with Ayn Rand when he was first elected to the Florida ]

A simple matter of intellectual honesty for " socialist " Bernie Sanders: If you do not challenge the moral legitimacy of " legitimate " wealth, you are NOT any kind of socialist. When he attacked the two party system -as the right and left hands of corporate America- Ralph Nader was being more radical than Bernie Sanders. Pope Francis has attacked the values of the FREE MARKET with more passion than Bernie Sanders. And too many " leftist " Jews have made an idol out of the Zionist state. Does the " security of Israel " rise sacrosanct over simple justice for the displaced Palestinians ?
On capitalist wars read Eugene V, Debs great Canton Speech. Debs ran independently as a Socialist for U.S. president.I can't imagine him voting for Hillary or Bernie- as Democrats.
To the degree that he just continues to make sense to most American voters I give " critical support " to Sanders- not a fatuous endorsement.

Noam Chomsky resigned to Hillary ?

As a democratic Socialist I don't dare to give more than " critical support " to Bernie Sanders. I could never be persuaded that the future of humanity depends on holding my nose and voting for Harpy Hillary. I have no regrets about voting for Ralph Nader twice, I recall. If the human race cannot end global capitalism, then it is just one more failed species.
Sad to admit that the sectarian Left has not produced any great leadership. Putin now slanders Lenin . No surprise that the new Russian Czar hates and fears the memory of Lenin.
Too many pseudo Leftists are willing to renounce SOCIALISM forever. In a universe of constant change only capitalism - and the sacrosanct FREE MARKET - like Count Dracula- is UNDEAD for eternity ?
In the 21st century THE TRUTH is an orphan.
DON'T VOTE FOR LESSER EVIL- HARPY HILLARY

[ In an interview with The Huffington Post, Chomsky called out the GOP for becoming an “abject service to private wealth and power.” Chomsky advocates strategic voting against the Republican Party at all costs, even if that means voting for Hillary Clinton on Election Day. Although Chomsky has condemned Clinton repeatedly, he feels the consequences of a GOP victory would be disastrous, especially in light of the “looming environmental catastrophe.”]

Is Hillary better for women than Bernie ? There is not a spark of socialist in any woman voter who thinks that the bourgeois feminist, Hillary Clinton, simply must be the next president. A woman’s turn-but for what ? To make the world more secure for the ONE PERCENT plutocracy ? To start World War III ?
The neo-Democrats have betrayed working class voters for decades now. In fact, Hillary and Obama make FDR look like a flaming Bolshevik.
And the ” far left ” can only smile -with critical support ?- at the most innocuous ” socialist ” in the United States – Bernie Sanders.
NONE of the presidential candidates has any intention of angering the economic elite , of presenting a serious threat to the capitalist status quo. A serious Socialist always and everywhere challenges the moral legitimacy of ” legitimate ” wealth.
But it seems that the American ruling class is starting to panic because it has lost control of the parameters of this campaign debate. They would like the voters to be superficially polarized over a Hillary Clinton vs. Jeb Bush contest: no threat to the ONE PERCENT.
But we might just get in the 2016 election a bizarre contest between a pseudo-socialist vs. a pseudo-fascist.The Marxian CLASS STRUGGLE can manifest itself in historical irony.The Democratic Party is not ready for socialism anymore than the Republican Party is ready for fascism. Just what would Bernie Sanders vs.Donald Trump MEAN ?

But what would it mean ?

With the 100th anniversary of the Russian Revolution approaching ( 1917 ) the Russian people may not be at all " indifferent " to the memory of Lenin. I recall in the tumultuous 60s reading old archived New York Times front page stories where Lenin is described at the " greatest revolutionary of all time " . As a democratic Socialist I have critical admiration for Vladimir Lenin . Sad to read that the new Russian Czar , Vladimir Putin, slanders and denigrates the memory of Lenin. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union a number of false biographies have been written by pro-capitalist historians on both Lenin and his loyal ( in contrast to Stalin ) comrade Leon Trotsky..
Will the script offered to Leonardo DiCaprio do justice to the subject -the great Lenin ?

David North thinks this a lying biography

The re-assassination of Leon Trotsky

The most ridiculous people in the country are those conservative activists who obsess on the rather well documented horrors of the make-a-buck- abortion industry in isolation from a dozen other social-economic problems of the capitalist system.
Imagine voting for pro-war, pro-death penalty, climate change denying , Ayn Rand ( a militant atheist ) loving Republicans-contemptuous of the poor and working class Americans- just because they are oh so PRO-LIFE.
The Catholic Pope is also Pro-Life but he sees the horrors of the capitalist system. Planned Parenthood should definitely have an office in Flint, Michigan. Lead Poisoning is Harmful to Innocent Life.

As a senior citizen In Rhode Island I will comment on one " service " that definitely needs improvement: transportation of elderly without private means of transportation for hospital or doctor office visits. A friend and neighbor had to give up driving soon after being diagnosed with a form of bone cancer( related to breast cancer ). She is very frustrated with inadequate -and often rude and unprofessional- state transport service. The Cancer Society depends on volunteers that may or may not be available on a particular day.
If she takes a RIPTA bus to Miriam Hospital, she would have to walk- exhausted- up a steep hill. Too many " responsible " officials in Rhode Island have eyes that don't see, ears that don't hear, hearts of stone that don't feel.Too many doctors are also clueless about the patient's personal situation- with the exception of INSURANCE.
Otherwise Rhode Island is a mess.

Miriam is located on a steep road

It is not Gina Raimondo's fault that Big Government- a survival necessity for humanity-is so expensive. But we need a CLASS perspective on " wasteful government spending ". Making life easier for senior citizens on fixed incomes is not " wasteful " from a democratic Socialist point of view. Ameliorating gross economic inequality is not " wasteful government spending "
Does this " genius " INNOVATOR Culatta have an ideas in his head that threaten sacrosanct corporate profits ?
Gina Raimondo is a Hillary Democrat. And long ago both Bill and Hillary Clinton lost their youthful idealism. Now they think : what is good for Wall Street is good for the working class. Not much different from Ayn Rand Republicans and the Rhode Island Center for Freedom and Prosperity.
No surprise if Bernie Sanders wins the Democratic primary in Rhode Island. Bernie should form a Labor Party.

Gina Raimondo's genius " innovator " Richard Culatta

New space telescope

As a democratic Socialist I can only encourage any and every advance of human knowledge. In the final analysis, organized-and expensive- science research serves all humanity.I would not make this mean spirited remark : the interests of the ONE PERCENT is more important than the well being of the " peasantry " - like kids poisoned by toxic water in Flint Michigan- a gift of General Motors and their capitalist politicians.Those kids- brain damaged by lead poisoning - might have become research scientists themselves . In his book " The Demon Haunted World " Carl Sagan makes the point that the common people -" the peasants "- must not become estranged from the world of science.They could turn on it- like ignorant and furious ISIS terrorists.

The ignorant" peasants " could become furious ISIS terrorists

Baby making during catastrophes

Question : " How catastrophic events effect birth rates ? " I can think of one catastrophic event that should significantly LOWER birth rates: the poisoned drinking water in Flint, Michigan. At least children " created " during a blizzard are not in great danger of being born " intellectually challenged " . That is what lead poisoning of drinking water promises the " hope of the future " in Flint.
American capitalism continues to wage a one sided class war on the common people-the working class and the poor. The latest blizzard is also a gift of capitalism: man made climate change.
Who speaks for the Earth ? Not the Republicans. Not the Hillary Democrats.

Both Glenn Beck and Ted Cruz tell America : " You just got to love Ayn Rand ". Ayn Rand is the high priest of the Republican Party . And their real religion is free market capitalism. Can they sell Ayn Rand, a militant atheist, to the Christian right ? To the American voters ?
I think it will be easier for Bernie Sanders Democrats to sell " democratic Socialism " to the working class and the stressed middle class.
Jeb Bush is a Catholic. But Jeb is more in tune with Ayn Rand than with Pope Francis who excoriates the values of global capitalism.Who is Glenn Beck ?

We do come from the Big Bang

I have fond memories of astronomer Carl Sagan waxing euphoric on " Cosmos " , telling us that we are all star stuff. But there is a dark side to the universe too-best expressed by the imagination of H.P. Lovecraft , by his COSMIC HORROR. When Sagan says " this is what hydrogen atoms can do after 13 billion years of cosmic evolution ", I think of the human catastrophe global capitalism is preparing for the Good Earth. I think of the toxic water crisis in Flint, Michigan. Next " The Thing at the Doorstep " ?
I suspect human beings do have religious instincts. And they are not inclined to worship MATTER -IN-MOTION -even if that is indeed the ultimate reality. As Albert Camus observed the silence of God terrifies us. For all its glorious sights and wonders, the Universe seems Absurd.- " a tale told by an idiot.....signifying NOTHING .
But let there be light. Carl Sagan said that science was a candle in the dark . Not for NOTHING we light candles even for the dead.We were all one IN THE BEGINNING. And we will be all ONE in the end.

Anger on the left too

Most socialists understand that anger is best focused on the capitalist system- not this or that privileged but oblivious individual. The leadership of socialist movements going back 200 years often came from the educated middle class- inspired by religious or secular humanist values,
But we have thousands of bright and compassionate college graduates every year who have never encountered serious criticism of the capitalist system. The collapse of the Soviet Union should have been a boon to democratic Socialists around the world. Instead right wing ideology- the Ayn Rand school- became more confident and vociferous.
In truth, Socialism will not go away because capitalism is still doomed and in this 21st century in its death agony.
I give critical support to Democrat Bernie Sanders. But I doubt very much if the Democratic Party can break from its corporate paymasters. The neo-liberals like Bill and Hillary Clinton -and President Obama- make the New Deal Democrat FDR look like a flaming Bolshevik.
For support democratic Socialists must go directly to the people. Perhaps Hillary and Obama should re-read Saul Alinsky's " Rules for Radicals ".
I still find inspiration in Allen Ginsberg's " angry " poem " Howl ". It was anger directed at THE SYSTEM.

Obama and Hillary should re-read " Rules "

Republican Policy Group Unveils Effort To Cut Wasteful Spending

The conservative Republicans can be keen about sniffing out " wasteful government spending " . But they don't see the Big Picture of the insane economic inequality, the natural result of the capitalist profit system. They would like to see Providence, Rhode Island put on corporate " discipline " -like Flint, Michigan. Look what happens there with Corporate Wisdom taking charge of a " bankrupt " city: thousands of children have lead poisoning from the toxic Flint River- made toxic by General Motors. Just to save a few million bucks !
You need a CLASS perspective on " wasteful government spending ". It was indeed wasteful for the government to " save " the banks in 2008 because they were " too big too fail ".
Was RIPTA letting senior citizens on fixed incomes ride free WASTEFUL GOVERNMENT SPENDING Hasbro executive thinks Providence should declare bankruptcy

It is interesting that both Martin Luther King and Malcolm X had a negative view of American capitalism. In the last year of his life Malcolm X endeared himself to white, left-wing radicals by making the connection between racism and capitalism and imperialism.
If the black bourgeoisie were not so compromised themselves, they would probably lean toward Bernie Sanders , not Harpy Hillary.
But it would be even better if Democrat Bernie Sanders called for the creation of an American Labor Party like the British Labor Party- with a " socialist " program.
Malcolm X in 1965 speech : " You show me a capitalist and I'll show you a bloodsucker."
The FBI is implicated in the assassination of Martin Luther King and Malcolm X ( see the COINTELPRO scandal) .

[ Thirty-two years after Memphis, we know that the government that now honors Dr. King with a national holiday also killed him. As will once again become evident when the Justice Department releases the findings of its “limited re-investigation” into King’s death, the government (as a footsoldier of corporate power) is continuing its cover-up – just as it continues to do in the closely related murders of John and Robert Kennedy and Malcolm X. ]

The Lottery - The American Day Dream is not dead

From the perspective of a democratic Socialist , ALL these Ayn Rand Republicans are right wing conservatives- enemies of the working class. By the way, if you put a U.S. Army helmet on Donald Trump , he will definitely remind you of General Patton. A " socialist " friend of mine agreed with me about this.
We are critical supporters of Bernie Sanders. Fascism has many faces in the decaying capitalist social order.

Another troubled veteran story

Since most war veterans are working class, democratic Socialists are very interested in their recovery from war trauma. But does it enter the head of any conventional therapist that this stress syndrome is connected to the social conscience of the soldier ( " Thou shalt not kill " ) who has probably witnessed not a few war crimes ?
The troubled combat veteran deserves a rational explanation for war- which he will never get from the U.S. military. Even the Chaplain Corps mostly just greases the war machine with the blessing of Lord, the " Prince of Peace ".
The last chapter of Dalton Trumbo's " Johnny Got His Gun " says it all. Naturally, the capitalist ruling class in America blacklisted the leftist writer Dalton Trumbo.

The Chaplain Corps greases the war machine

Putin blames Lenin for the ruin of Russia

Naturally Czar Putin -ex-communist- is haunted by the memory of the greatest revolutionary of all time- Vladimir Lenin . Here Putin shows the influence of Stalin-not Lenin-on a whole generation of Russian communists. Stalin murdered the old Bolsheviks-like Leon Trotsky- and made " international communism " subservient to Moscow. The Stalinist idea of " socialism in one country " led to an agreement with Hitler and the crushing of " democracy " in many countries.
Also, there never was any necessity to make the Soviet State officially atheist. But today Putin is reviving the Russian Orthodox Church to support the New Czarism and the criminal capitalist oligarchy.

The Communist Party in Russia still warped by Stalinism

Whatever the truth of this political murder you can be sure that the morals of the British and American ruling class, their own spy agencies and international intrigue, are NOT on a higher moral level than the post-Soviet era oligarchy in Russia led by Czar Vladimir Putin.
Our " war on terrorism " - the invasion and occupation of Afghanistan and Iraq- is replete with violations of international law.
Putin behind political murder in London hotel ?

[ " The findings — nearly a decade after Alexander Litvinenko succumbed to the effects of the radioactive polonium slipped into his cup of green tea at London’s Millennium Hotel — are sure to raise tensions between London and Moscow and possibly sharpen the focus on other suspicious deaths among Putin’s foes. " ]

" Their Morals and Ours " ?

The ideal of democratic Socialism survived the tragedy of Soviet " communism " and the collapse of the Soviet Union. Democratic Socialists don't advocate violence. But ruling classes often react violently to any threat to their class rule.
Democratic Socialists around the world - and beyond nasty sectarianism- call for a political revolution in both China and Russia. Both Chinese and Russian " capitalism " are miserable failures.
Bernie Sanders has succeeded in making the word SOCIALISM less toxic in American political debate.No small achievement.

Bernie gets more aggressive

Bernie should park that bus in Flint, Michigan

As a democratic Socialist Bernie Sanders can talk honestly on his campaign bus about " A Future to Believe In " . He should park that bus in the center of Flint, Michigan. The riders on the bus can get a guided tour of a crime against humanity- the lead poisoning of a whole generation of school children.

A " future to believe in " is definitely not " disaster capitalism ". For working class people in general capitalism is a disaster. The Ayn Rand Republicans say big government has failed at all levels. They lie ! What has failed at all levels is capitalist class rule. THEY control the government. Real democracy will restore sanity and responsibility to our government.
Sanders should break with the Democratic Party and form a Labor Party.

[ His multi-trillion dollar tax increases are just something that won't fly in this country. It's one thing to be a red diaper baby but he really needs to move into the modern world and give up this class warfare act.]
- On the contrary , as a democratic Socialist Bernie Sanders must take CLASS STRUGGLE very seriously. The capitalist ruling class has waged a one sided class war on the real America for years now. A" socialist " who ignores the class struggle is a lot like a creationist charlatan researching man made climate change. A complete quack !
  Can the Democratic Party possibly turn against its capitalist pay masters ?
  The capitalist " modern world " is taking us to a new Dark Age
  
  Bernie Sanders should break with the Democratic Party

Michael Moore petition on Flint, Michigan

The toxic water crisis in Flint, Michigan was avoidable- but " disaster capitalism " magnified it to the moral level of a crime against humanity. I will sign Michael Moore's on line petition.
Which presidential candidate is strongest on environmental health ? Bernie Sanders ?

[ I just signed Michael Moore's on line petition . As a democratic Socialist I continue to be amazed by the moral decay of capitalism. This preventable toxic water crisis in Flint, Michigan was nothing less than a crime against humanity. Which of the presidential candidates is strongest on environmental issues ? Bernie Sanders ? Calling Ralph Nader . Enough of " disaster capitalism " ! ]

It is clear that the moribund newspaper's now constantly changing owners, publishers, and editorial page editors share THE FAITH in free market capitalism with the much quoted voices of the Rhode Island Center for Freedom and Prosperity. That free market capitalism-making everything and anything a commodity FOR SALE- ruined a Rhode Island institution- " the newspaper of record ".
Many older readers of the Providence Journal would still like to see a digitized archives project for the historic newspaper- similar to the one completed by the Brown Daily Herald. Searching microfilm editions of the Providence Journal for 1968 , for example, can be very tedious.
But not much happened here in Rhode Island in 1968 anyway.
The on line Providence Journal is a dysfunctional mess. Again and again -even in different public libraries- the user gets a NO SERVICE message. Did the " server " take a buyout ?A dying newspaper-more buyouts at Providence Journal

Newspaper a victim of FREE MARKET CAPITALISM

A preventable crisis
A number of popular socialist web sites are describing this water poisoning crisis in Flint, Michigan as a nightmare of decaying capitalism. And I read :
    " More than 60,000 people have signed an online petition by filmmaker and Flint native Michael Moore for Snyder’s arrest." ( Workers World )
        Working class people must mass protest this capitalist crime against humanity. Did not the voters of Flint , Michigan have any say in this change of their water source-from clean to toxic ?
          " Capitalism - A Love Story "

Citing 'Two Corinthians,' Trump Struggles To Make The Sale To Evangelical

The Ayn Rand clique is making a play for the Christian Right ? Does not the Gospel of Jesus conflict with " The Virtue of Selfishness " ? Well , the secular religion of America has always been free market capitalism.
I turn on the TV. The TV preacher tells his flock : " Jesus wants you to be rich ! ". Hallelulah, praise the Lord ! Who will FEEL GOOD GODLY Joel Osteen endorse ? Not Bernie Sanders, for sure.

Will Leonardo DiCaprio play Russia’s Vladimir Lenin?

As a democratic Socialist myself, I think post-Soviet era Russia needs to better understand its revolutionary past. The 100th anniversary of the Bolshevik Revolution approaches. And if you like to read old newspapers, you will see why it shook the world.
But I would like to see the talented Leonardo DiCaprio given an honest to history script.

[ " Famous Russian director, screenwriter and producer Vladimir Bortko has also shown his interest in directing such a movie if the actor asked him." ]

The real Lenin was the greatest revolutionary of all time

Given the identification of the Republican Party with the conservative wealthy, you can assume that the only hope for Donald Trump getting elected president of the United States is a very small voter turn out. What does a CLASS analysis of Americans registered to vote tell you ? Does it make sense for blue collar voters to identify with Wall Street " success " ?
The U.S. ruling class -with the help of both the Democratic and Republican parties-has been waging a one sided class war for more than three decades now. In pointing this truth out Ralph Nader is more " radical " - and more honest- than the " socialist " Democrat Bernie Sanders.
Working class white people and poor whites have been invisible to the U.S. news media for decades too. But LBJ's " war on poverty " did briefly benefit them.In general " political correctness " has a snobby, condescending , vilifying attitude toward the white working class.
Since they have " failed " despite EQUAL OPPORTUNITY in the land of the free and the home of the brave, they must be real losers ? If you are born white even in a poor family, you should not blame capitalism for your economic misery ?
Here Bernie Sanders makes more sense than Hillary Clinton: this economic order is very flawed indeed. " Evil " , it seems, has deep social roots.

Is plutocrat Michael Bloomberg running for president ?

There is no point in calling yourself a " socialist " unless you challenge and question the moral " legitimacy " of legitimate wealth. Clearly no objective measure of human effort-mental and physical-justifies the obscene inequality of capitalism. Even Robert Reich ( " Super-capitalism " ) has called it incompatible with basic democracy.
       No democratic Socialist will be intimidated by the long shadow of Mr. Taxpayer- the ogre who scowls at any and all tax increases for Big Government. This generic TAXPAYER is just a code term for the ONE PERCENT , the ruling class of Karl Marx.
        No democratic Socialist- not even Bernie Sanders - will call off socialist transformation of our " way of life " because the ONE PERCENT sulks.
         In general , the Ayn Rand Republicans have no quarrel with Big Government spending as long as it is for imperialist war abroad and the growing police state at home.
           Bernie Sanders knows deep down that what we really need -and soon- is an American Labor Party-with a socialist program.

Water Emergency in Flint

That lead poisoning crisis in Flint, Michigan screams out against the barbarism of unregulated, reckless, socially irresponsible capitalism. Bernie Sanders could easily score debating points with any neo-liberal here. I suspect BOTH Democrats , Hillary and Bernie, think the only way to save capitalism is to save the middle class. But the working class and poor Americans are not going to go quietly on doomed journey to the end of the night. Who speaks for " The Other America " ?

[ COMMENT

Age is not irrelevant in deciding WHO should lead a country. One reason I voted for Bill Clinton back in 1992 was his baby boomer age, just a little older than JFK in 1960. But the Clintons soon betrayed their 60s generation idealism. This betrayal was obscured by vicious attacks on them-on their progressive position on national health care,for example-by the far right.
Old Ideas cannot be likened to tired old brains. Karl Marx's Communist Manifesto appeared in 1848. Darwin 's Origin of the Species in 1859.
No biologist today would suggest that evolution is a tired old idea. And no competent historian or sociologist would suggest that democratic socialism is a tired old-and much discredited- idea.
I just heard on the radio that Bernie Sanders was wearing a DEMOCRATIC SOCIALIST button.
The questions for scholars : Can a Democrat be an honest socialist ? Can socialism actually be democratic ? As a democratic Socialist myself I give " critical support " to Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont. Quite frankly I suspect Sanders will be pushed out by the establishment of the Democratic Party. Then he should at least inspire the formation of an independent Labor Party.

Any informed " leftist "- the type so dear to the crackpot head of the FBI , J.Edgar Hoover- can only smile ironically at the FBI becoming the arm of the Humane Society. Does the FBI care to investigate the routine abuse of human beings : by the FBI in its " war on terrorists " ; by the American prison system-the American Gulag- which enforces ruling class justice on poor people- often with shabby legal protection ?
Global capitalism- by threatening ALL life on the planet- should be put on the Humane Society's LEAST WANTED list.
You can be sure that the FBI as an institution has no quarrel with our " way of life " .For them there are only rotten individuals- like Emma Goldman, Albert Einstein, Martin Luther King, Malcolm X......
Thank God : the FBI never stopped hating commies-of all shades.

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