I believe that when government turns a deaf ear to the cries of a people it can become a vehicle of radicalization – but at the same time the word radical is often overworked.
The SDS, or Students for a Democratic Society were radical – those at Standing Rock are not.
Al Frankin has written a letter to USAG Loretta Lynch asking in essence if something related to the approach law enforcement is taking can be toned down.
Well, letters are nice but how about something a little more directly involved?
“I think people are frustrated and I think they’re terribly disturbed by the fact that they haven’t had more success and that the federal government in Washington has not been helpful to them and that the state has not been helpful to them, and this is not only true here, but elsewhere in the country, so that there is this frustration and there is apt to be this explosion.”
The above quote the words of Robert Kennedy related to the United Farm Workers who without his help would have been subjected to more brutalization, oppressive conditions, low wages. and very possibly become “radicalized” as a result.
In 1968 Kennedy left the comforts enjoyed by politicians and traveled to Delano, California to hear the complaints of the UFW, see for himself, and ultimately use the influence he had to assist.
There obviously are no Bobby Kennedys currently in government willing to do the same – like I said, letters are nice, but something more is required, and I’m inclined to believe that if USAG Lynch can hold up the departure of her airplane to have a private meeting with Bill Clinton whose wife Hillary was under investigation she certainly is capable of something more than silence.
Frankin should demonstrate his concern by going to the frontline as Kennedy did – and most certainly Bernie Sanders who spoke of the need to confront corporate greed and influence, the need for a political revolution, should as well.
Elizabeth Warren’s tenure has been characterized by a willingness to fight for people – to go after the abuses of Wall Street, and I applaud her for that, but the inclusion of her self identification of having indigenous ancestry I submit an obligation exists for Warren to put in an appearance as well.
Maybe she and Frankin could put together one of those Washington fact finding junkets and visit the area, listen to the people, and witness for themselves the realities.
As the Trump inauguration draws nearer the sands in the hourglass as slipping away.
It’s as though politicians have surrendered the high ground, a defacto admission that they are powerless when confronted by the will of corporations, or maybe it’s just indifference.
Where are the “champions”? I suspect they’re enjoying the comforts of home and a stuffed turkey.
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