U.S. youth are feeling the Bern
Re Republicans agonize after Trump rally fiasco, March 13 Little wonder that many Americans indicate an interest in moving to Canada as the horrific display of bigotry, violence and vulgarity unfolds in the Republican nomination process, reminiscent of fascistic movements in Europe pre-Second World War. Pondering these developments south of the border, Canadians take some comfort, if not smugness, in our own relative political stability with what appears to be fresh, progressive government nationally.
Still, we know the outcome of the U.S. presidential race will be important to us here in Canada. Many, if not most, are hoping that the apparent inevitability of a Donald Trump candidacy will be countered effectively by the sanity and experience of Hillary Clinton on the Democratic side. In truth, that was my first hope.
But, looking again, who truly has the best analysis of what is critically wrong with the U.S. political and economic system? Who has captured the energy of the Occupy movement and mobilized the fight against inequality into an organized political campaign? Who recognizes that only a political revolution, not reform, is the remedy to unfettered capitalism and that only the people’s support will allow a president to effect the structural change needed?
And where does this support for Bernie Sanders overwhelmingly reside? With young people, at levels higher than 80 per cent in some states.
Sure, Canadians have thrown off the austerity of the Harper years, and much of that can be attributed to Justin Trudeau’s effective mobilization of young people across the land. Deficit budgeting and investment in people and infrastructure are encouraging signs of positive activist government here in Canada.
Still, what appears as bold action somehow seems to hold limited promise of transformative systemic change compared to what millions of young people in the U.S. are prepared to see.
In my 60s, I am not about to move to the U.S. to engage in this critically important political struggle, not just for the U.S. but the entire world. If I were 20 or 30, I would surely be tempted otherwise. Peter Clutterbuck, Toronto