Baltimore Activist Alert -- February 29 -- April 13, 2020

73] Get out the Vote for Bernie -- Feb. 29

74] Public Transit: Ballot Launch – Feb. 29

75] Community Meeting on Public Safety – Feb. 29

76] Rally in Northern Virginia with Bernie Sanders & Rep. Ilhan Omar – Feb. 29

77] Exhibit of Willa Bickham’s art work – Feb. 29 – Apr. 13

78] Write letters supporting the Plowshares

79] Two Berrigan Books still in print

80] Emergency Demonstration against an attack on Venezuela or Iran  

81] Donate books, videos, DVDs and records  

82] Do you need any book shelves?

83] Join the Global Zero campaign.

84] Peace Park Antinuclear Vigil

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73] – On Sat., Feb. 29 from 12:30 to 4 PM, Get out the Vote Canvass, hosted by Metro D.C. Democratic Socialists of America.  You are encouraged to plug in where you can with the Bernie campaign’s Get out the Vote efforts!  DSA will help organize carpooling as well as host an after-party for canvassers, phone bankers, and text bankers. If you can drive or need a ride to get to a canvass, please fill out the following Google form: https://forms.gle/XESFmZ8xuvph94V58.  After canvassing, come to a GOTV happy hour at Courthaus Social at 5 PM.  Stay in the loop for MDC DSA4Bernie efforts as well as MDC DSA Chapter happenings by subscribing to the weekly update here: https://bit.ly/3bSZbU1. See https://www.facebook.com/events/182227403164745/.

74] –On Sat., Feb. 29 from 2 to 4 PM, join a People-Powered Public Transit: Ballot Launch, hosted by Baltimore Transit Equity Coalition and Baltimore Regional Transportation Authority Mandate.  It will take place at the Enoch Pratt Free Library, 1303 Orleans St., Baltimore 21231. Gather to hear stories from transit-dependent people today, and learn how a Regional Transit Authority can create an accessible, efficient, multi-modal transit system our region deserves! Email Maura at maurasdwyer@gmaill.com.   Look at https://www.facebook.com/events/2560377074246294/.

75] – On Sat., Feb. 29 from 3:30 to 5 PM, attend a Community Meeting on Public Safety, hosted by Sen. Mary Washington for Mayor at 1100 Wicomico St., Baltimore 21230. Mary Washington wants to hear your thoughts and feedback on her public safety proposal because community should be at the center of this conversation. RSVP at http://bit.ly/bybmore, and check out https://www.facebook.com/events/177840756972834/.

76] – On Sat., Feb. 29 from 4 to 5:30 PM, rally in Northern Virginia with Bernie Sanders & Rep. Ilhan Omar at The St. James, 6805 Industrial Road, Springfield, VA 22151. RSVP HERE: https://events.berniesanders.com/event/245116/.  Doors open at 2:30 PM. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/204743927395164/.

77] – There is a reception as part of the opening of an Exhibit of Willa Bickham’s art work on Sat., Feb. 29 from 4 to 6 PM at the Emmanuel Episcopal Church,. 811 Cathedral St., Baltimore 21201.  The exhibit runs until Apr. 13.  Gallery hours are Fridays, 5:30 to 8 PM, Saturdays, 1 to 4 PM, and Sundays noon to 4 PM.  Willa paints what she sees around her home in Southwest Baltimore, the flowers in the backyard, the evicted family huddled on a door stoop, Christmas at her granddaughters' home, the Arabber's wagon full of fruit and vegetables, the burned-out house where children have died.  Her home is the Catholic Worker Viva House that she and her husband, Brendan Walsh, founded more than 50 years ago at 26 S. Mount St. in a struggling neighborhood where survival is even harder today. See https://www.facebook.com/emmanueldowntown/ or call (410) 685-1130.

78] – The PLOWSHARES SENTENCING is PENDING, so please WRITE THE JUDGE. Now is the time to write letters to Judge Lisa Godbey Wood regarding her sentencing of the Kings Bay Plowshares 7. The group is collecting letters, especially from those who know the defendants, testifying to their character and the good work that they are doing in their communities which will not be done if they are serving long terms in prison. These letters are not the forum to criticize the law, the legal process or government policies. Rather it is the place to point out positive things about the defendants that should mitigate a harsh sentence.  Letters should be sent to defense attorney Bill Quigley at the address below. He will compile them and distribute to various defendants' attorneys for delivery to Judge Wood. The attorneys suggest it would be helpful to get these done by Thanksgiving or the week after in order to get processed and delivered. Sentencing may be in January or possibly February.   The best letters are simple, polite, and tell good things about the person you are writing to support.

The suggested format is as follows:

Date

Sender’s Name

Sender’s Address

Judge Lisa Godbey Wood

C/o Bill Quigley

Loyola University New Orleans Law Clinic

Campus Box 902

7214 St. Charles Avenue

New Orleans, LA 70118

Regarding Sentencing of: Mark Colville [or] Clare Grady [or] Martha Hennessy [or] Fr. Steve Kelly SJ [or] Elizabeth McAlister [or] Patrick O’Neill [or] Carmen Trotta (or all seven of the Kings Bay Plowshares)

Dear Judge Wood,

Suggested outline for the letter:

- Explain who you are.

- Explain who you are writing about, how you know them, and what good they do for their community.

- Explain why the Judge should not send them to jail.

- Thank the Judge for reading your letter.

Valediction,

Signature

For more ideas and details for your letters, you are welcome to see the defendants' biographies here: https://kingsbayplowshares7.org/about/bios/.

Thank you for your attentiveness to the trial, your support for the defendants and their families, and your focus on the issue of the abolition of nuclear weapons.

As Fr. Steve Kelly says, "The nuclear weapons won't go away by themselves." We do this work together.

78] – Two books by Fred Wilcox are still in print.  The first one is “Fighting the Lamb's War Skirmishes with the American Empire” by Philip Berrigan and Fred A. Wilcox with a FOREWORD by Tripp York.  It can be purchased by Wipf and Stock: https://wipfandstock.com/fighting-the-lamb-s-war.html.  It is a Memoir in paperback/ISBN: 9781532660078/240 pages/republished 8/21/2018/ Retail Price: $26.00/and Web Price: $20.80.

The second one is “Uncommon Martyrs The Berrigans, the Catholic Left, and the Plowshares Movement” by Fred Wilcox, who profiles members of this anti-war movement, whose Christianity compels them to acts of civil disobedience against the military industrial complex.  The ISBN is 0201522314/$6.50 for a hardcover, and it can be purchased at Powell's Books.  See https://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/book-reviews/view/7094/uncommon-martyrs.

79] –   The Trump Administration is again beating the war drums.  Most recently, the target is Iran.  Should the Trump administration initiate an act of war against Iran, consider joining us. It is a violation of U.S. law for the Trump Administration to attack a country that has not attacked us, as only Congress can declare war. The Trump administration is nevertheless beating the war drums for war against Iran and Venezuela. Should a war criminal, John Bolton, convince Trump to attack either of these countries, such a military strike would demand an immediate and unequivocal response from us to show that we will not tolerate his abuse of power.

Let's mobilize to show that we the people will not tolerate another military adventure, which would be bound to have profound negative consequences. If a military strike against Iran or Venezuela takes place, then meet at 33rd and N. Charles St., Baltimore 21218. If the attack is before 2 PM local time, then the event will begin at 5 PM, local time. If the attack occurs after 5 PM local time, then the event will begin at 5 PM, local time, the following day. Contact Max at 410-323-1607 or mobuszewski2001 at Comcast dot net.   

80] -- If you would like to get rid of books, videos, DVDs, records, tarps and table cloths, contact Max at 410-323-1607 or mobuszewski2001 at comcast.net.

81] -- Can you use any book shelves? Contact Max at 410-323-1607 or mobuszewski2001 at comcast.net.

82] -- Join an extraordinary global campaign for the elimination of nuclear weapons: http://www.globalzero.org/sign-declaration. A growing group of leaders around the world is calling for the elimination of nuclear weapons and a majority of the global public agrees.  This is an historic window of opportunity.  With momentum already building in favor of Zero, a major show of support from people around the world could tip the balance. When it comes to nuclear weapons, one is one too many.

83] – A Peace Park Antinuclear Vigil takes place every day in Lafayette Park, 1601 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, 24 hours a day, since June 3, 1981. Go to http://prop1.org; call 202-682-4282.

Donations can be sent to the Baltimore Nonviolence Center, 325 E. 25th St., Baltimore, MD 21218.  Ph: 410-366-1637; Email: mobuszewski2001 [at] comcast.net. Go to http://baltimorenonviolencecenter.blogspot.com/.

“One is called to live nonviolently, even if the change one works for seems impossible. It may or may not be possible to turn the US around through nonviolent revolution. But one thing favors such an attempt: the total inability of violence to change anything for the better" - Daniel Berrigan

Baltimore Activist Alert -- February 28 - 29, 2020

57] Challenge Mike Pompeo – Feb. 28

58] Embassy Defenders in court – Feb. 28

59] White House vigil – Feb. 28

60] WIB peace vigils – Feb. 28

61] Prevent Julian Assange’s deportation – Feb. 28

62] STOP most medical debt lawsuits – Feb. 28

63] Civic Legacies and Immigrant Incorporation in Asian Democracies – Feb. 28

64] Peace and justice vigil – Feb. 28

65] Fracking & Radioactivity – Feb. 28

66] Phone Bank for Bernie – Feb. 28

67] "China: Beyond the Propaganda" – Feb. 28

68] Discuss "All-American Nativism" – Feb. 28

69] Ballroom Dancing – Feb. 28

70] One bird, one vote – Feb. 29

71] Baltimore Archdiocesan Social Ministry Convocation – Feb. 29

72] Join Garden Day – Feb. 29

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57] – On Fri., Feb. 28 from 7:30 to 10:30 AM, Pack the Hearing: Pompeo is a war criminal! Hosted by CODEPINK: Women For Peace, gather in Room 2172, Rayburn House Office Building, WDC 20515. Hearing begins at 8:30 AM, so line up at 7:30 AM when the building opens. .Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will be testifying on: "Evaluating the Trump Administration's Policies on Iran and Iraq and the Use of Force."  Peace with Iran t-shirts to be provided.  Look at https://foreignaffairs.house.gov/hearings?ID=BDA27B1F-9B7C-4173-80D2-0433E8974A4A and https://www.facebook.com/events/1066297730401700/.

58] – The hearing for the Embassy Defenders will take place Fri., Feb. 28 at the Prettyman Courthouse, Courtroom 22-A, 333 Constitutional Ave., WDC.

59] – The Dorothy Day Catholic Worker will host a peace vigil at the White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, WDC, on Fri., Feb. 28 at noon.  Contact the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker: 202-882-9649, artlaffin@hotmail.com.  

60] – Women in Black VIGILS FOR PEACE take place on Fri., Feb. 28 from noon to 1 PM.  One is at McKeldin Square, corner of Light and Pratt Sts., in the Inner Harbor, Baltimore.  Use the purple circulator line.  Enjoy an AFTER VIGIL LUNCH from the food trucks in the Inner Harbor.  Bring Your Own Sandwich or stop by one of the food trucks in the McKeldin Square.

 Another is at Roland Park Place, 830 W. 40th St., Baltimore.  Free Parking available. Vigil from noon to 1 PM. Lunch in the Bistro at 1 PM. If there's a storm, there is no vigil, but there will be lunch. Contact Anne: awyattbr@gmail.com.  The final vigil is in Chestertown, Kent County on the Eastern Shore at Memorial Park at Cross Street and Park Row. Email wibbaltimore@peacepath911.org.

61] – On Fri., Feb. 28 at noon, join the support to prevent Julian Assange’s deportation, hosted by Unity4J joining forces with #Action4Assange and #VeteransForPeace for a peaceful protest as Julian Assange’s extradition case was heard.  March from White House to Trump Tower to DOJ HQ.  Look at https://www.facebook.com/events/174040013880366/.

62] – On Fri. Feb. 28, legislation to STOP most medical debt lawsuits will be heard by the House of Delegates Health and Government Operations Committee! Come to the Press Conference on Medical Debt Protection Legislation with Delegates Lorig Charkoudian and Robbyn Lewis on Fri., Feb. 28 from noon to 12:30 PM at the House Office Building – Room 145, 6 Bladen St., Annapolis 21401.  The Committee Hearing on HB1081 and HB1420 will start at 1 PM in Room 240 (HGO Hearing Room).  If you are available but need a ride, contact From: Cara Bates [mailto:CBates@CalNurses.Org]. 

63] -- The East Asia National Resource Center (NRC) and the GW Institute for Korean Studies present “Civic Legacies and Immigrant Incorporation in East Asian Democracies" at George Washington University, Elliott School of International Affairs, 1957 E Street NW, Room 505, WDC 20052, on Fri., Feb. 28 from 12:30 to 1:45 PM. How do we explain divergent patterns of immigrant incorporation in Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan given the similarities between each country’s immigration and citizenship policies, their overlapping immigrant populations largely from neighboring Asian countries, and their common dilemmas of accommodating social diversity while adhering to liberal democratic principles? Based on over 150 in-depth interviews with immigrants, pro-immigrant activists, and government officials and 28 focus groups with the major foreign resident groups in each country, this book prioritizes the role played by civil society actors—including migrants themselves—in giving voice to migrant interests, mobilizing migrant actors, and shaping public debate and policy on immigration.   The author, Erin Aeran Chung, Associate Professor of East Asian Politics, Department of Political Science, Johns Hopkins University, will speak.  RSVP at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/civic-legacies-and-immigrant-incorporation-in-east-asian-democracies-tickets-91202730823?aff=nrc.

64] – There is usually a silent peace and justice vigil on Fridays, from 5 to 6 PM, sponsored by Homewood Friends Meeting, outside the Homewood Friends Meetinghouse, 3107 N. Charles St.  The next scheduled vigil is on Feb. 28. Black Lives Matter.

65] – On Fri., Feb.  28 at 6 PM at the Friends Center, MLK Room, 1501 Cherry St., Philadelphia, PA 19102, hear about Fracking & Radioactivity, The Downstream Dirt – Pipelines, Compressor Stations, Gas Power Plants & Cracker Plants. Please join Physicians for Social Responsibility - Philadelphia for a presentation featuring speakers Justin Nobel and Sharon Kelly, Rolling Stone Magazine. Look at https://www.psr.org/blog/event/fracking-radioactivity-the-downstream-dirt-pipelines-compressor-stations-gas-power-plants-cracker-plants/.

66] – Get over to a Bernie 2020 Phonebank on Fri., Feb. 28, 6:30 to 9:30 PM at Homewood Friends Meeting House, 3107 N. Charles St., Baltimore 21218.  Join the Baltimore Bern Unit for the next Call to Win Party, featuring a relational organizing primer, Bernie Dialer training, phonebank, and local election update!  You will need to feel comfortable calling early primary state voters – ANY TIME FROM ANYWHERE – using the Bernie Dialer! Also space will be set up for experienced phone bankers to go straight to work. The Educate 'n' Debate series of updates on crucial Baltimore-area races will continue. Learn where candidates stand on the issues that define the new progressive majority, and how to get connected to the campaigns.

In addition to a cell phone, please bring a laptop or tablet.  Safari and Apple iOS tablets are NOT compatible with the Dialer at this time. Download Chrome or Firefox beforehand if you can!  Headphones or a headset are recommended. See https://events.berniesanders.com/event/223411/?link_id=18&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-pass-progressive-legislation-in-maryland-our-revolution-baltimore-2&email_referrer=email_727107___subject_971658&email_subject=elect-bernie-sanders-with-our-revolution-baltimore.

67] – On Fri., Feb. 28 at 7 PM at the Justice Center, 617 Florida Avenue NW, WDC 20001, participate in the second part of a three-part series which looks past the propaganda to examine the truth about China. No prior reading is required, and questions and discussions are encouraged. "China: Beyond the Propaganda" is a 3-part series to understand U.S.-China relations, China's role in the world and the Chinese economy. Recently, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called China the "central threat of our times." Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has called for Trump to promote "maximum pressure" against the Chinese economy. Look at https://www.facebook.com/events/1118807135132840/.

68] -- On Fri., Feb. 28 from 7 to 9 PM, Daniel Denvir will discuss "All-American Nativism" with Christy Thornton, hosted by Red Emma's Bookstore Coffeehouse, 1225 Cathedral St., Baltimore 21201.  This is a major recasting of American history from the vantage of immigration politics.  It is often said that with the election of Donald Trump nativism was raised from the dead. After all, here was a president who organized his campaign around a rhetoric of unvarnished racism and xenophobia. Among his first acts on taking office was to issue an executive order blocking Muslim immigrants from entering the United States. But although his actions may often seem unprecedented, they are not as unusual as many people believe. This story doesn’t begin with Trump. For decades, Republicans and Democrats alike have employed xenophobic ideas and policies, declaring time and again that “illegal immigration” is a threat to the nation’s security, wellbeing, and future.

Denvir is a Visiting Fellow in International and Public Affairs at Brown University’s Watson Institute, a writer in residence at The Appeal, and the host of The Dig podcast on Jacobin Radio. Thornton teaches sociology and Latin American studies at Johns Hopkins University. See https://www.facebook.com/events/509390186368309/.

69] – There is an opportunity to participate in ballroom dancing, usually every Friday of the month in the JHU ROTC Bldg. at 8 PM.  Turn south on San Martin Dr. from the intersection of Univ. Parkway and 39th St.  Drive on campus by taking the third left turn. The next dance will be on Feb. 28. Call Dave Greene at 301-570-3283; or email eneergdivad@gmail.com.

70] – Join the Audubon’s 5th annual “I Bird. I Vote.” This Bird Conservation Summit will be held on Sat., Feb. 29 at the Patuxent National Wildlife Visitor Center. Participants will get a complete rundown of bird-protecting local, state, and federal legislation and what they can do to get it passed. Register at https://act.audubon.org/onlineactions/KU-HnLQXAU6ZaNb_mZsW4w2?utm_source=ea&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=engagement&emci=da8ff1e3-7643-ea11-a1cc-00155d03b1e8&emdi=470cf350-8a43-ea11-a1cc-00155d03b1e8&ceid=154745&contactdata=Il8eD3%2bSeoEYfNnwxJeYiTg7CnslYWa06tf91SC33KttVQ82GQ0yx60%2f3yd9fdTj5nj8n%2bSQloR%2fEB7Fe4xDeX0e%2bLkr4mQYjgnnT%2bhqSTmXUAAXDzsXB1VefaL3CXZLHPEPBla77rTIOy%2b%2fjUFohKde0fqtlfapIy35DMkklpv37Ur6hi92oNkx9TCj9iaokyjAiQ8iBZfHcePP8%2bIYo0q%2bQ3cYkWycGvjX9B%2fANRVnPK7wqs%2b08PYJ9uglkl8H.

71] – It's time for the Annual Baltimore Archdiocesan Social Ministry Convocation. This will be the 41st Annual Convocation, and it is on Sat., Feb. 29 from 8 AM to 3:30 at Mercy High School, 1300 East Northern Parkway, Baltimore 21229. The theme for this year is Who Is My Neighbor? The keynote speaker will be Ansel Augustine, Ph.D., the former Director of Catholic Ministries for the Archdiocese of New Orleans and Associate Director of the Young Adult Ministry Office. He is also on the faculty at Xavier University of Louisiana. He is a renowned presenter and has published many articles on ministry.  There will be an opening prayer service, a dozen workshop topics, a social ministry fair, and awards. Coffee and juice are available in the morning and lunch is included in your registration. Registration is only $15. Register at baltimoresmc2020.eventbrite.com.

72] --   On Sat., Feb. 29 from 11 AM to 1 PM, get over to a Garden Work Day, hosted by the Baltimore Free Farm, 3510 Ash. St., Baltimore 21211. The work will be done by the greenhouse at the corner of Everhart and Yeager Streets, across the street and up the hill from 3510 Ash Street.  Bring a bottle for water. You will be given gloves, tools, and tea for your work!  Look at https://www.facebook.com/events/s/garden-work-day/2542950762659867/.

To be continued

Donations can be sent to the Baltimore Nonviolence Center, 325 E. 25th St., Baltimore, MD 21218.  Ph: 410-323-1607; Email: mobuszewski2001 [at] comcast.net. Go to http://baltimorenonviolencecenter.blogspot.com/.

“The master class has always declared the wars; the subject class has always fought the battles. The master class has had all to gain and nothing to lose, while the subject class has had nothing to gain and everything to lose--especially their lives." Eugene Victor Debs

Sanders Is Not Another McGovern. I Know – I Worked on McGovern’s Campaign.

Friends,

  Like Stephen Zunes, I worked for the McGovern campaign, while living in Johnstown, PA.  My district of responsibility was an African-American section of the city, and I was on a cloud as a vast majority of those voters supported George. For a $50 donation, I received a “Skinny Cat for McGovern” button, which I would wear while shopping at a grocery store.  I was teased unmercifully by the cashier after the election.  But sometime later as Watergate unfolded, she told me I was right to support McGovern.

Kagiso, Max

https://truthout.org/articles/sanders-is-not-another-mcgovern-i-know-i-worked-on-mcgoverns-campaign/?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=a253b51b-19c4-4dd1-a74b-b03a9a9eaba5

  OP-ED

POLITICS & ELECTIONS

Sanders Is Not Another McGovern. I Know – I Worked on McGovern’s Campaign.

Vietnam Vets protest the war as George McGovern enters the Cow Palace on October 13, 1972, in San Francisco, California. RON POWNALL / MICHAEL OCHS ARCHIVES / GETTY IMAGES

Stephen Zunes, 

February 26, 2020

   With Bernie Sanders now the clear front-runner for the Democratic presidential nomination, we are hearing talk that — despite polls indicating otherwise — he would not be able to win against Donald Trump in November. Repeated comparisons are being made to the 1972 landslide defeat of George McGovern — the only time the Democrats nominated a genuine progressive — with the implication that a similar fate would befall a Sanders nomination.

Speaking as a political scientist, as someone who is not voting for Sanders in the primary, and as a longtime Democratic activist who worked on McGovern’s campaign and was a friend and collaborator with the late senator, I can say there is no justification for the comparison.

First, that election was 48 years ago. Polls show that Americans are closer on the issues to those articulated by Sanders today than Americans were to those championed by McGovern in 1972. Same with important Democratic-leaning constituencies. For example, the AFL-CIO, then dominated by Cold Warriors, refused to endorse McGovern. By contrast, today’s unions are far more progressive and are likely to actively mobilize their resources for Sanders.

Second, Richard Nixon — unlike Trump — was a very popular president at that time. McGovern never came close to leading Nixon in a single poll. Trump, by contrast, has had the most consistently low popularity ratings of any president, and polls have shown Sanders topping him by wider margins than any of his Democratic rivals.

More importantly, McGovern’s progressivism was not primarily responsible for his defeat.

The economy was doing great and there was far less wealth and income inequality than today. Nixon was finally ending the Vietnam War, which had been McGovern’s signature issue. The embarrassing fiasco involving the dropping of Thomas Eagleton, his initial running mate, from the ticket due to previously unreported mental health issues from years earlier caused a huge drop in McGovern’s numbers from which he never recovered. The “dirty tricks” campaign — planting phony stories, undercover operations, posing as McGovern supporters engaging in disruptive behavior, and more­ — that was later uncovered in the Watergate investigation that forced Nixon’s resignation had an impact in discrediting the campaign. There were weaknesses in the McGovern campaign’s organization and McGovern lacked the charisma that has provided Sanders with such an avid following. And Sanders has demonstrated a far more effective fundraising ability than McGovern, who was badly outspent by Nixon.

Those who trumpet McGovern’s loss generally fail to mention that when more progressive Democrats were defeated in the primaries because voters were convinced that they needed a “moderate” at the helm, they have usually lost. Examples include 1968, 1980, 1988, 2000, 2004 and 2016.

And let’s not forget that when Republicans have ignored the advice that a certain candidate “can’t win” because of extreme views, they have generally been able to mobilize their base and win anyway, such as with Reagan in 1980 and Trump in 2016.

Those who fear that Republicans will insist Sanders is a “socialist” and equate his social democratic policy positions with Soviet-style Communism should remember that Republicans apply such labels and worse toward practically any Democrat, even in situations where the tactic is ludicrous. The Republican attacks are going to be vicious and dishonest whoever is nominated. Furthermore, red-baiting doesn’t have the resonance it did during the Cold War. The majority of voters at this point weren’t even adults when there was a Soviet Union, which collapsed nearly 30 years ago.

Socialism is not as scary a concept as it used to be: One poll found over 40 percent of Americans actually prefer socialism to capitalism, and other recent polls have also yielded similar figures.

Still, from David Brooks to the Clintons, the message of Sanders’s supposed “unelectability” persists. Notably, these have generally come from conservative anti-Trump pundits and those in the Democratic Party establishment who simply do not want to see a left-leaning president. Indeed, similar arguments were being made against Elizabeth Warren when she was surging in the polls last fall, even though she self-identifies clearly as a capitalist rather than as a socialist.

They also know that every major Democratic candidate has a good chance at beating Trump, so they naturally would rather see a more conservative Democratic nominee than a more progressive one.

Perhaps Sanders as the nominee would alienate some moderate Republican-leaning voters. They are a vanishing breed, however. There were no serious Republican challengers to Trump’s re-nomination. Polls show overwhelming support for Trump among Republican-leaning voters. (This is why Republican members of Congress have been so afraid to challenge him, even when faced with clear evidence of impeachable offenses.) Polls also show Sanders has more support among independent voters than any other Democrat and is running better than most Democrats in key swing states.

The notion that nominating a progressive candidate will inevitably result in Trump’s re-election simply isn’t true.

Jim Hightower, a left-wing Democrat who won statewide office in Texas, has noted that within the white middle class, there are more downwardly mobile angry voters who would be more attracted to Sanders’s call to shake up the system in a progressive direction than a return to normalcy. The status quo ante doesn’t have that much appeal.

Studies have shown, for example, that areas in the northern tier swing states that shifted most dramatically from Obama in 2008 and 2012 to Trump in 2016 corresponded almost exactly to areas with the highest casualty rates from Iraq and Afghanistan. Trump actually ran to Hillary Clinton’s left on foreign policy, disingenuously claiming — unlike her — that he opposed the Iraq War, would end foreign entanglements and would bring U.S. troops home. He could use the same argument against Joe Biden or Michael Bloomberg.

Trump also made inroads among working-class voters opposed to the North American Free Trade Agreement and the World Trade Organization, which Clinton, Biden and other centrist Democrats supported.

Sanders, by contrast, opposed both the Iraq War and these neoliberal trade agreements. As the Democratic standard-bearer, he would rob Trump of his advantage among the thousands of swing voters whose children were disproportionately sent to fight overseas and whose jobs were sent out of the country.

The antidote to right-wing populism based on a nativist and racist ideology is a multiracial left-wing populism based on inclusion. By contrast, a neoliberal centrism that has left so many Americans struggling economically provides fodder for those who seek to scapegoat immigrants and people of color.

Indeed, a Democratic victory comes within reach if Democrats mobilize higher turnout among youth, people of color, and other left-leaning Democrats and independents who stayed home or voted third party in 2016. Sanders has demonstrated he can do this in increasing youth turnout in the primaries and building a multiracial coalition. And to win in the general election, Democrats also need to beat Republicans in the enthusiasm gap, which can determine the numbers willing to actively campaign for or contribute to their party’s nominee.

As Robert Kuttner and other analysts have noted, energizing Democratic voters to turn out in high numbers would more than make up for the limited handful of centrist voters turned off by Sanders’s progressive politics.

It’s time for progressives to push back on the Democratic establishment’s scaremongering and self-serving arguments about electability. The notion that nominating a progressive candidate will inevitably result in Trump’s re-election simply isn’t true.

Copyright © Truthout. May not be reprinted without permission.

Stephen Zunes is a professor of politics and coordinator of Middle Eastern studies at the University of San Francisco.

Donations can be sent to the Baltimore Nonviolence Center, 325 E. 25th St., Baltimore, MD 21218.  Ph: 410-323-1607; Email: mobuszewski2001 [at] comcast.net. Go to http://baltimorenonviolencecenter.blogspot.com/

"The master class has always declared the wars; the subject class has always fought the battles. The master class has had all to gain and nothing to lose, while the subject class has had nothing to gain and everything to lose--especially their lives." Eugene Victor Debs