Letters from Our Readers

Jahan Choudhry BAR Comments Editor

30 Oct 2019

This week readers wrote about the Obama administration's role in Syria, a recent citizens’ delegation to Russia, and BAR’s 13th anniversary celebration. We share your letters for “Obama’s War in Syria Led to Trump’s War in Syria,” “Russian Pride and US Exceptionalism,” and “Black Agenda Report’s 13th Anniversary: An Evening of Information and Inspiration for Liberation, and a Tribute to Co-Founder Bruce Dixon.”

In radio segment “Obama’s War in Syria Led to Trump’s War in Syria,” reprinted at OpEd News, Ajamu Baraka argues that the Black Left must challenge the liberal narrative on Syria by reminding people of Obama’s role in destabilizing the Middle Eastern nation.

Janet Supriano writes:

“I wish every US citizen with a brain listens to this brief interview. Of course, that won't happen. In some ways, I can't blame our people for amnesia. There has been so much craziness going on everywhere in the world, as well as, within our country, that most people trying to feed their families simply lose track.

“There is one easy take-away from this interview, though. Which is that there is barely a hair's breadth of difference between the two dominant political parties. Either way, our country's leadership is psychopathic and blood thirsty; causing more harm to the world than any other nation. We may be in the death throes now, and if I didn't care so deeply, I might be inclined to say bring it on.

“Those with fond memories of Obama need to think it through. Remember his red line in the sand? Remember 'Assad has to go'? Look at what it has wrought. They ALL need to go.”

David William Pear writes:

“The Russians offered a negotiated settlement in 2012. Obama/Clinton weren't interested because they thought their war would be a cakewalk. The US public never learns that it is easier to start a war then finish it.”

Todd Smith writes:

“Thank you! It disturbs me to no end how so many Democrats and Republicans praise the same actions in their own party that they vilify in the other. Such thinking really tells me that MOST American voters are totally clueless about anything...except perhaps their chosen field of professional specialization and entertainment.”

Michael J. Germain writes:

“HRC and Obama cooked up the entire excuse for destroying Syria. There are only two countries that benefit from a destabilized Syria, Israel and Saudi Arabia. In other words the US is once again carrying water for two fascist client states. Sickening.”

“Russian Pride and US Exceptionalism” by Riva Enteen details her recent visit to Russia as part of a citizen delegation and argues that the American people need to listen to ordinary Russians’ pleas for peaceful co-existence.

Larry Pinkney writes:

“Irrespective of one's political leanings it is imperative that the recent article titled, Russian Pride and U.S. Exceptionalism, by Riva Enteen, be thoroughly read. Among other things, the article presents a historical analysis that is sorely missing in a U.S. society that tends to be overwhelmingly ahistorical. The article also gives the present-day perspective of persons in the Russian Federation itself that is rarely acknowledged, considered or even known in the United States. My thanks to Riva Enteen for writing the article and to Black Agenda Report for publishing it.”

BAR Contributor Ann Garrison writes:

“Regarding Riva Enteen's account of her trip to Russia on a citizens' diplomatic mission: I'd just like to draw attention to its importance as we experience an accelerating assault on free speech unlike anything I've ever seen, with the demonization of Russia and its so-called propagandists in the lead. This can only get worse well into the indefinite future, undoubtedly for the rest of my life, as the US loses its global hegemony. We need honest, firsthand information about Russia to inform our responses, however cautious.”

On October 26th we held an event in New York City entitled “Black Agenda Report’s 13th Anniversary: An Evening of Information and Inspiration for Liberation, and a Tribute to Co-Founder Bruce Dixon.”

Our friends at Popular Resistance write:

“Popular Resistance is making a contribution of $250.00 in the memory of Bruce Dixon. We considered Bruce a friend and deep ally on many issues including in his work with the Green Party. Bruce's writing and analysis of US politics were always the North Star for us as his long history of working inside and outside of the Democratic Party, with those who challenged the party as insurgent insiders as well as those who worked to build a viable alternative to the two corporate parties that represent Wall Street and war, gave him an understanding of how the political system works for the millionaires and billionaires, not for poor and working people. We miss him greatly and feel his death as a huge loss. We appreciate that Black Agenda Report continues building on the foundation that he and you have created. BAR is an indispensable resource for people seeking to understand US politics, the neoliberal capitalist model at home and abroad, US militarism and imperialism and the racial injustice that underlies US foreign and domestic policy. We will never forget Bruce and we will do what we can to support the tremendous work of Black Agenda Report.
In Solidarity,
Maragaret Flowers and Kevin Zeese”

BAR owes its 13 years to the hard work of our team and the support of our readers. This page will continue connecting the two in dialogue in the struggles ahead.

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

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