It is a fundamental principle of democratic socialism to " connect " heart and mind with all the workers of the world. Upton Sinclair's " The Jungle " described the abuse and exploitation of a Lithuanian family of immigrants more than a century ago.
The hero of " The Jungle " is at first stupefied by the " American Dream ". Then he evolves into a socialist. In the " Progressive Era " socialism was indeed a mass movement in this country.
Outstanding in it were the figures of Eugene V. Debs-the presidential candidate of the Socialist Party and the legendary " Mother Jones " - a fighting voice for the striking coal miners.
Will the so called " Dreamers " long be able to dream the petty bourgeois dream of " success " under American capitalism or will they wake up like Lithuanian immigrant in Upton Sinclair's " The Jungle ".
Why is it possible only to dream this dream in the USA ? Is not Mexico a big, beautiful resourceful country with class conflicts somewhat mitigated by its Catholic Tradition ?
In truth , US imperialist oppression of Mexico - going back to 1848 - ( Henry Thoreau opposed this predatory war ) - has kept Mexico down - almost blighted .
Perhaps another Mexican Revolution - nationalizing the country's natural wealth - will end the daydreaming about PARADISE in the United States - even now certainly not a worker's paradise.
Organized labor should organize all these unorganized " illegal immigrants " and demand a living wage for ALL working class people - whatever their race or ethnic group.
There should also be lucrative job opportunities for the much maligned white working class in Mexico . We can all be productive " citizens of the world ".
Comments that are courteous, concise and relevant are always welcome, whether or not they agree with the views expressed here or not. Profanity is not necessary. Thank you for reading “Time Enough At Last!”