|
|
|
|
| Challenging political egos |
|
 |
|
When Denver hosts the Democratic Convention in August, its bigger problem may not have anything to do with selecting a window-dresser for the Democratic Party’s nomination for the president of the United States of América. For that matter, the real challenge may be pale in comparison to dealing with the “Recreating 68” rowdies, although a future fiasco is brewing in the background. The larger more political problem may be controlling the civil discourse inside the convention where super delegates may engage in political frenzy over who should rule a hen house, historically run by roosters. The spilt in the party may be the wedge that is needed to keep the Republicans in power.
As an ancianita in Oaxaca once stated to me, “La politica es la reina del mundo.” The top two egos for the Democratic presidential nomination, blinded by individualism, may not want to concede nor use their powers of persuasion to work together. It is the litmus test for a party torn in half by a series of contradictions over controversial public policies including immigration and health care, in house sparring, democratic civil discourse, and the values of “I” versus “We.” If the candidates refuse to compromise, the recipe could spell failure for the party.
Having one of Bush’s clones in office for four more years may be the final outcome.
On the home front, The Auraria Higher Education Complex will be transformed into a demilitarized zone. Theatre of the Oppressed starring Denver’s Progressives will be on stage for the final act; street action could transform civil discourse into a debacle as activists storm the fort. The cavalry is prepared, armed Secret Service men and FBI agents trained in counter insurgency tactics, with the most advanced technological weapons won’t hesitate to use them to keep order. It would take complete discipline from non-violent protesters to avoid a confrontation, particularly if Denver City Council does create conscious fiat in response to their request to assemble and protest peacefully. Corralling human beings into cages like animals doesn’t fit the definition of a civil society.
“To protect and to serve”, the canon of police etiquette and the forces’ motto may be temporarily changed. One has to ask who are the police serving and protecting? Are they serving the interests of the two-party system hell bent on preserving the status quo and a two-party system that has become anachronistic? What are they protecting? Constitutional Freedoms! Two which include freedom of speech and freedom of assembly?
It would be a supreme contradiction to refuse “Recreating 68” patrons these basic democratic freedoms. They simply are begging for space to practice good old fashioned protest, an old American custom that is one of the hallmarks of democracy. Recreate 68 members only want to shout diatribes at politicians, many who they believe have lost their statutory commitment to the people. Such is what democracy is supposed to be about. Let’s hope that it is not transformed in the tyranny of the few.
It will be a toss up as to who wins the Oscar. Controlling the flaring of hot tempers and uncontrolled impulses, shouting in glory, wearing funny hats with stars and stripes and waving flags may be one great challenge. The other may be keeping peace with protesters who have read Henry David Thoreau treatise on civil disobedience and want to practice and protect individual and group liberties.
Don’t be surprised if Ralph Nader makes an appearance, sucking up a few votes from the Democrats so that he can write the last chapter in his book: “How I muffed up two presidential elections.”
Egg throwers who have been target practicing may show up. Anarchists will be dressed in their usual garb; perhaps even wearing Zapatista masks. Drummers accompanied by Native American ceremonies will fill the air with sage. Buddhists will be chanting in a cacophony of interesting vibrations. The peanut gallery will be filled to the brim also enclosed in barricades for their protection.
Republicans have joined forces. Politically, they refuse to air their dirty laundry in public. They may be too late. What they fail to recognize is that the stench of the Iraq War lingers on America’s troops as they return home psychologically numb or in coffins. Do Republicans have the upper hand? They seem to think so.
Bush and McCain are playing palsy-walsy, like two peas in a pod; they have become inseparable. They have front row seats in the Democratic free-for-all that will be taking place in Denver. They will be sipping on sodas and munching on popcorn as they are entertained on national television. And although, they are both war mongers or as they claim “freedom-fighters” they will be snickering at the melee that may keep the Republicans in the White House.
Ramón Del Castillo, Ph.D. is an independent journalist.
|
←
Back
|
|
|
|
|
|
view more photos
view more videos
Gente de Minesota 
Hoy en Delaware News - 
La Prensa Hispana - Noticias 
La Voz de Dalton El Periódico 
Revista en español para la 
El Semanario New Mexico 