Harris/Waltz's Nonexistent Policies, Gaza and More w/ Dr. CBS
Aug 20, 2024
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Charisse Burden-Stelly, an Associate Professor of African American Studies at Wayne State University, dives into pressing issues from Palestine to U.S. domestic policies. She critiques the vague campaigns of Harris and Waltz, relating them to the larger context of Black and Palestinian activism. The discussion spans stagnant wages, mass incarceration, and foreign policy interventions, revealing how systemic racism and economic exploitation intertwine. Burden-Stelly emphasizes the need for accountable, intersectional activism to combat oppression globally.
Kamala Harris's presidential campaign is marked by vague commitments and a lack of defined policies, raising concerns about political accountability.
The historical solidarity between Black activism and Palestinian resistance is critical, yet current narratives risk oversimplifying their interconnected struggles against oppression.
Deep dives
Kamala Harris and the Lack of a Clear Policy Agenda
The current presidential campaign of Kamala Harris is characterized by a significant absence of defined policies, which raises concerns among potential voters. Unlike other candidates with established platforms, her campaign emphasizes personal narratives over concrete plans, often resulting in vague commitments and limited actionable proposals. Recently suggested economic measures, such as a tax credit for first-time homeowners and a child tax credit, appear disjointed rather than part of a cohesive policy agenda. This ambiguity allows Harris to appeal to a broad demographic while avoiding accountability for specific promises, positioning her as a candidate who may prioritize political expediency over genuine reform.
The Intersection of Foreign Policy and Domestic Struggles
The conversation around U.S. foreign policy impacts domestic situations, particularly as concerns about militarization and social justice arise. Increasing military expenditure and a focus on international conflicts detract from essential social services and contribute to homelessness and economic disparity at home. The expansion of policing budgets reflects a prioritization of control over community support, revealing a systemic approach that criminalizes basic social movements. Thus, the militarization of domestic policies echoes the aggressive foreign stance of the U.S., showcasing how interconnected these issues are when addressing public welfare and civil rights.
Black Solidarity with Palestinian Struggles
The strong historical ties between Black activism and Palestinian solidarity highlight the shared experiences of oppression and resistance faced by these communities. Figures such as Malcolm X and contemporary activists affirm the enduring connection in the fight against colonization and systemic injustice. However, recent discussions suggest that some narratives may aim to divide these movements, propagating harmful stereotypes and reducing complex identities to simplistic slogans. This discourse risks undermining the rich history of solidarity, emphasizing the need for a nuanced understanding of these interconnected struggles within the broader context of global anti-imperialism.
The Challenge of Resistance in a Polarized Climate
The current political landscape presents challenges for leftist movements striving for meaningful change amidst rising fascism and systematic oppression. As grassroots organizers encounter increasingly hostile environments, including anti-protest laws and heightened surveillance, the difficulty of mobilizing for comprehensive reform becomes clearer. Activists must grapple with the reality of a populace that is often uninformed or disengaged, complicating efforts toward a cohesive collective response. In this context, building resilience and adaptability within the left is crucial, as organizing and political education are necessary to confront the evolving threats posed by both domestic and foreign policies.
Associate Professor of African American Studies at Wayne State University Charisse Burden-Stelly joins our braodcast. She is the author of Black Scare / Red Scare: Theorizing Capitalist Racism in the United States and coauthor of W.E.B. Du Bois: A Life in American History and the coeditor of Organize, Fight, Win: Black Communist Women’s Political Writing and Reproducing Domination: On the Caribbean Postcolonial State, a collection of essays by Percy C. Hintzen.
Purchase Dr. CBS's book Black Scare / Red Scarehere
Follow Dr. CBS on Twitter/X @blackleftaf
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