I've said all along that we on the left need to reclaim Jesus as the leftist, radical prophet he was and not the staid, dyed-in-the-wool conservative he has been painted to be.
But to make an impact on the working masses, the Democratic party is going to have to resort to economic reform--real economic reform, not just lip service-- to change the minds. And we can't do that just by being the anti-war party.
We've got to offer up economic incentives and other programs that will directly affect the lives of everyone. Most people are concerned with daily survival, making enough money to pay the bills, and their immediate nuclear family.
IMHO, we in the elite left need to constantly be aware of that before we launch into mental masturbation or focus on issues that unintentionally have no resonance with most of the people who live in this country.
It's a challenge and I struggle with it as much as anyone. But I constantly remind myself of where the true focus ought to be. That's all I can do.
I've said all along that we on the left need to reclaim Jesus as the leftist, radical prophet he was and not the staid, dyed-in-the-wool conservative he has been painted to be.
ReplyDeleteBut to make an impact on the working masses, the Democratic party is going to have to resort to economic reform--real economic reform, not just lip service-- to change the minds. And we can't do that just by being the anti-war party.
We've got to offer up economic incentives and other programs that will directly affect the lives of everyone. Most people are concerned with daily survival, making enough money to pay the bills, and their immediate nuclear family.
IMHO, we in the elite left need to constantly be aware of that before we launch into mental masturbation or focus on issues that unintentionally have no resonance with most of the people who live in this country.
It's a challenge and I struggle with it as much as anyone. But I constantly remind myself of where the true focus ought to be. That's all I can do.
That was an amazing post and then such a great comment by Comrade Kevin.
ReplyDeleteI could not agree more and have tried to say as much, oh-so-much-less-eloquently.
The kidnapping of Jesus the radical by the right is over.
Forget the worship part, forget the Lord... What about the one, who, as aptly pointed out, was for all of us who are not of the mainstream?
Judgment free and avoiding the violent misuse and abuse of power, Jesus is as far from what the religious right envisions.
I'd encourage you to email Joe if you have a comment. He's a great guy. His latest book is a good read, too.
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