As those competing in the Presidential election size up the field of play for the November 3rd contest they view an arena of competition unlike any in history. Comparisons to 1860 and 1932 are appropriate because the emergencies the country is facing are similar to those of disunion that would challenge Lincoln and complete economic meltdown that would confront Roosevelt. In addition, the Congress and the White House will have to agree substantively on any number of issues in order to correct the overly aggressive and reactionary actions of the executive and judicial branches. Those facts are the basis for my contention that there needs to be clear discussion of all options and actual votes in Congress to determine what policies and actions are supported by majorities, and those that do have majority support should be instituted into law and action. Health care for all and women’s rights are at the top of my list. The entire package of economic and legal apparatus that insure entrenched racism and income inequality require federal attention in order to rebuild society along just and sustainable models.
This requires increasing taxes on both the very wealthy and corporations, reducing militarism, and articulating a clear and coherent social contract.
To leave that matter unsaid and not debated in the four months until we all vote would be a grave mistake. That’s grave, as in dead and buried, which is where the country is headed unless we get our house in order.