Letters from Our Readers

Jahan Chowdhry, BAR Comments Editor

10 Jul 2019

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Letters from Our Readers / photo: youthful Bruce Dixon

This week readers discussed the presidential primary, the rise of neoliberalism, and the passing of Bruce Dixon. Your letters are printed for “The Democratic Party’s Fatal Contradiction,” “The Capitalist Coup Known As Neoliberalism: How and Why It Went Down,”and “Bruce Dixon, In His Own Words.”

In “The Democratic Party’s Fatal Contradiction” Glen Ford compares the Democratic party presidential primary to an elaborate Broadway production about fighting for the interests of the masses against the elite.

Wallace Nixon writes:

“National elections are a choreographed spectacle designed to both entertain the public and convince them that they are taking part in the political process. But we see from the infighting in the bureaucracy since the last election that the public isn't involved at all. And after the taxpayer paid for the Mueller report they have to beg to see the results!”

In “The Capitalist Coup Known As Neoliberalism: How and Why It Went Down”Colin Jenkinsdetails the history of the capitalist attack on the American working class through institutions such as the Trilateral Commission and the Chamber of Commerce.

Kristen Lee writes:

“Ever wonder why neoliberalism began right after the civil rights movement of the 60's and a black female Congress member, Shirley Chisholm, ran for president in '72 (first female ever on the Dem ticket)?
“Dems, if they were true to their party, should be fighting to end this 45 year economic policy that intended to fasten economic chains around the middle to lower classes... and it worked. Our middle class is almost gone.
“Neoliberalism (created by libertarians) was the end of using fiscal policy for public purpose, no more gov't investment in the public sector. This separated economics from democracy and politics so that progressives would have no real chance at changing anything. Without fiscal policy, there is no healthy society.
‘Since World War II, libertarians (who created neoliberalism) have resolutely stood on the wrong side of racial justice, I see no reason to believe they have a grasp of it now.’

“The godfather of neoclassical economics ignored the market forces of discrimination and slavery.”

In “Bruce Dixon, In His Own Words” our departed comrade and managing editor Bruce Dixon shared his political biography.

Marc Terbeek writes :

“My condolences to the BAR team, and especially Mr. Ford and Ms. Kimberly, with whom Mr. Dixon has long collaborated. His insights and directness was always on display in his writings that I looked forward to each week. BAR continues the tradition of the Black Prophetic Fires so well evidenced by Bruce Dixon. I note in particular that his Facebook avatar was John Brown, a pointed statement that embraces allies who share in the liberation philosophy, while challenging those allies to be like John Brown in refusing to compromise with abominations no matter what the cost.”

Paul Karitiswrites:

“Just today I was listening to Bruce's latest podcast on Black students standing up for debt forgiveness after which I happened upon Margaret Kimberly's twitter post concerning his death last week. I am both shocked and deeply saddened by the loss of this great fighter for social justice. His podcasts were always enjoyable and inspiring. He spoke his mind clearly and simply but with great force. In the struggle for working class liberation He never shied away from a fight against racism or war or the hypocrisy of the political leadership. I feel a deep sense of honor and pleasure of having met him at the Women's March on the Pentagon last year. His work at BAR provided true leadership both morally and politically in the spirit of the black radical tradition (at least as I perceive it) which to me is the only moral compass we have ever had. I will miss him very much.”

Youri Smouter writes:

“Rest in peace or rest in power Brotha Bruce, would've loved to have met you in person and correspond with you. My heartfelt and most sincere condolences to the Black Agenda Report team, Bruce's entire family, and to all friends, comrades, and colleagues of him. A truly brilliant organization, journalist, media critic, NGO critic, dissenter, mythbuster and truthteller. I played this songwhen I heard his passing and may it provide comfort to others mourning the loss of this giant of a man.”

It is heartening for all us to see how much readers were touched by Bruceand his work. In his final months he was very happy to see the development of this page as a forum for our readers. We will continue to work towards his vision here.

Jahan Choudhryis Comments Editor for Black Agenda Report. He is an organizer with the Saturday Free School based in Philadelphia, PA.

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