Reply #30: we need to draw the line

[Two Americas]

There is a humanitarian issue here, of course, and it is encouraging to hear people express compassion for the children trapped in this situation, and truly disgusting sand disturbing to see the callous and authoritarian arguments others are making.

But there is a political issue here, as well. Privatization of public services and public resources of any kind, particularly involving public education, cannot be included in any "big tent" or we surrender any pretense at having any fundamental disagreement with the political right wing.

Every sort of right wing idea has now weaseled its way into the discussion among Democrats, has gained legitimacy, is being given consideration. Until and unless we draw the line, the encroachment and infiltration will continue until the party is a hollow shell not worth supporting.

To surrender on privatization in public education is to abandon public education altogether, and to abandon public services altogether - to undermine and sabotage the very concept of public services. If we fail to fight vigorously against this, that is the equivalent of surrender.

We must draw the line here. This battle must be fought. If it cannot be effectively fought here, then we need to take the battle to an arena where it can be effectively fought.

No surrender on this. No compromise. No complacency or resignation.

We must draw the line. We must start fighting. The longer we put it off, the worse things will get and the more difficult it will be when we finally do fight. We will have to fight this someday, because it will sooner or later be a matter of survival.


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