Just One View from “The Trenches”

Don Cavellini, Co-Chair, Pitt Co. Coalition Against Racism (CAR)

We have experienced a greater willingness among progressive activists to collaborate with like-minded colleagues. This seems to be true for individuals and groups alike. We used to say: “well, if we can agree on at least 80% of the issues, we can consider ourselves ‘allies'”  – you know the old “80/20 principle”.

I don’t know whether it’s just us out East, but we have been settling for less than 80% agreement lately.

Is it, at least in part, due to what many of us view as a mighty dim future and/or a realization that we have to build a much broader base among working people or maybe some of both?

There are climate change-related issues which seem intractable – the majority of people in the “developed world” don’t seem to feel the urgency enough to cut down on their consumption, major corporations simply put short-sighted profits ahead of prevention of disaster, etc. The U.S. Government has just sent another $20 Billion worth of military hardware to help Israel wage genocidal war against the Palestinian people.  Amidst our rage, fears, and tears; we must plod on, doing our part – as if it makes a difference .. because, after all, what’s the alternative!  

– Comradely,  as the bombs continue.