Eight Lessons for Progressives Inspired by Syriza

[eridani]

http://www.commondreams.org/views/2015/03/03/eight-lessons-progressives-inspired-syriza

You can't watch what is unfolding in Greece and not marvel at the clarity, fortitude and nerve of the new government there. In fact, we're pretty sure that many progressives across North America are saying to themselves, even if just quietly, "We'd sure like to do that."

Lesson 1: Clearly identify the enemy.

Syriza had a story to tell that rang true, and they didn't shy away from telling it. It went like this: foreign creditors teamed up with a discredited domestic political system in order to benefit the tax-avoiding oligarchs, and together they pushed brutal, livelihood-destroying austerity measures. The story rang true to Greeks -- because it was true.

Lesson 2: Against the oligarchs and the "totalitarianism of the market" which serves as a cover for their interests, we, the forces of democracy, have to fight back.

Only a few benefit from the oligarchs' policies, but they have the power and they have a grip on the political system. The oligarchs prevent the creation of a genuinely fair electoral playing field via a rigged campaign finance system and the rollback of voting rights. The oligarchs bring in cheap immigrant labour but prevent immigrants from getting citizenship. The oligarchs buy politicians. Democracy -- real democracy -- is a threat to them.

[aspirant]

1. In America

the enemy is diffused by party.

When it becomes the Corporatists vs "The People" and we vote accordingly, then Democracy can rebound.

[Ichingcarpenter]

2. Lesson 1: Clearly identify the enemy.

Lesson 1: Clearly identify the enemy.

Syriza had a story to tell that rang true, and they didn't shy away from telling it. It went like this: foreign creditors teamed up with a discredited domestic political system in order to benefit the tax-avoiding oligarchs, and together they pushed brutal, livelihood-destroying austerity measures. The story rang true to Greeks -- because it was true.

they made it clear that even the so called liberal parties were corrupted by the oligarchs who were playing both the left and right for their gain.

[Ichingcarpenter]

3. thanks eridani I posted this also in the

socialist progressive forum where it also might be seen and promoted

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10247557

[Enthusiast]

4. Here, in the USA, the enemy is operating an elaborate media wide ruse to confuse the electorate.

There is no smokescreen or theater too ridiculous to be given consideration. Propaganda has become an art form.

But we can see the tracks they left in the snow complete with where they stopped to pee. The 1990s were especially illustrative of these games. You remember, when they dismantled key regulation that allowed all this destructive shit that has transpired since.

You can read between the lines. They have big plans for us.

By all means, identify the enemy.

I will say no more.

[rhett o rick]

5. +1

[sabrina 1]

6. He is the hope of the future of Europe, and maybe this country also. First thing his government did

was to restore the Social Program the Wall St Austerity crooks take away leaving people to starve, while they protect their ill gotten gains, mostly in offshore accounts.

Greece has had the longest struggle against the Austerity/World Bank/IMF crowd, starting approx 7 years ago.

This isn't the first time during that period Greeks threw them out. But Brussels removed the choice of the people and replaced him with a Goldman Sachs guy.

Syriza will need to be very careful. He is the nightmare the oligarchs have been dreading.

As Bernie Sanders said, 'the new Greek Government is going to need all our support'.

If that government falls, it will be because of the same old crimiinals who have destroyed Europe's economy.

And it will crush all hopes of ever getting them out of the people''s business.

I agree with Bernie, Syriza and his government do need all the support they can get.

It's time for the people to go global. The Corps have been Global for decades.