Month: February 2019

The Intersectionality of Frederick Douglass

Dale Seufert-NavarroLeave a comment

This month we not only celebrate Black History Month, but the birth month of one of our nations most respected activists, Frederick Douglass.

Douglass was born as a slave on the Chesapeake Bay of Maryland. While the exact date of his birth is unknown, many choose to honor him on the 13th or 14th of February. He escaped his slave status and became an activist for the abolition of slavery. Perhaps the greatest wisdom and strength of Douglass was his understanding of the intersectionality of race, class, and gender. In a time when slavery was the law of the land and women suffrage was a mere dream, this is very extraordinary.

Frederick Douglass not only worked towards the abolition of slavery and the racial equality of freed slaves after the Civil War, but he advocated for the right of women to be equal members of society as well. The Northern Abolitionist movement was full of women so this no doubt influenced his view on the matter. He was once quoted,


“When the true history of the antislavery cause shall be written, women will occupy a large space in its pages, for the cause of the slave has been peculiarly woman’s cause.” [Life and Times of Frederick Douglass,1881]

In a time when most men would have felt emasculated in being associated with the womens rights movement — this is also true of today — he took pride in this title.

“…caused me to be denominated a woman’s-rights man. I am glad to say that I have never been ashamed to be thus designated.”

In fact, Douglass joined Elizabeth Stanton and Susan B. Anthony in forming the American Equal Rights Association in 1866. The group called for universal suffrage at the Women’s Rights Convention of Seneca Falls in 1848, where he was a guest speaker.

Douglass also understood the importance of poverty and class solidarity. In 1866, Douglass traveled to the White House to speak with President Andrew Johnson about black equality and suffrage. At the time, Johnson did not want anything to do with the issue. In his mind, this would embolden neo-Confederate restoration. Douglass offered a different vision, one that combined disenfranchised blacks and poor whites in the south.

“Let the negro once understand that he has an organic right to vote, and he will raise up a party in the Southern States among the poor, who will rally with him. There is this conflict that you speak of between the wealthy slaveholder and the poor man.”

Here Douglass understood that while racial animus was real, it was partly due to the division sown by wealthy elites to divide all of the poor, black and white. This is very much the case still today.

Douglass understood that the institution of slavery was not only due to racial supremacy but also because of financial incentives. He was also able to see the lot of women in society was just as entangled in this capitalist patriarchal system.

This ability to see the intersectionality of all of these issues is just as important today as it was in the late 1800s. In some way it is even more important. We like to think that we have evolved past some of these things, but that is simply not the case. Better, but not perfect. The prevailing case of sexism thrives not just on social media but in everyday life. These sexist and racist attitudes can not be blamed on social media alone. In fact, these new platforms are simply mirrors of our deep seated perverseness. Social media has its own problems, for sure, but to argue that they are a cause is yet another case of the strawman. We should use them as a way to highlight what through history as been veiled and not so apparent.

It is sad that so much time has passed since the time of Douglass, and yet we still seem to be reckoning with so many of the sins of that time. In a time when solutions to societies ills seem so hard to decipher, we should lift up voices like Frederick Douglass. A man that understood that it is not just one or the other, but a combination of things. We should strive for all forms of justice — racial, economic, sexual, and gender based. We should also understand and accept that these things permeate all of us whether we think so or not. Instead of fighting this we should accept and embrace it. Go through to get through to the other side. We have to face these injustices in all of their forms, whether personal or societal. This is the only way that we can begin to understand and evolve as a society.

Dale Seufert-Navarro

CALL TO ACTION: Stand with Ilhan Omar

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Ilhan-Omar
AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster

One of Congress’ newest members has been facing harsh criticism – from Democrats and Republicans – over remarks some have referred to as anti-Semitic. I am here to say that she did nothing wrong, and we must stand with her.

Since entering Congress Omar and Representative Tlaib, have been outspoken critics of the nation of Israel and its treatment of the Palestinian people. The most recent controversy was due to Omar’s tweet related to AIPAC and a bill in the Senate. What was her grave sin? In a tweet responding to Republican Leader McCarthy calling her anti-Semitic for supporting the BDS – Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions of Israel – movement, she said, “All about the Benjamin’s baby!” This was a reference to the money that AIPAC – the American Israel Public Affairs Committee – uses in Washington to influence American politics. In fact, their own website states its purpose is to influence Congress for the benefit of Israel. Why does Israel get the distinction of getting shielded from criticism? The media and Democratic party rightly call out the money and influence of the pro-Saudi Lobby, the NRA, Wall street, big Pharma, among others.

She was clearly trying to draw attention to the power that the lobbyist group AIPAC has in Washington, like any other lobby. She faced swift criticism from both parties, with Nancy Pelosi even calling for her to apologize. Omar has since released an apology.

Her apology on twitter:

“Anti-Semitism is real, and I am grateful for Jewish allies and colleagues who are educating me on the painful history of anti-Semitic tropes. My intention is never to offend my constituents or Jewish Americans as a whole. We have to always be willing to step back and think through criticism, just as I expect people to hear me when others attack me for my identity. This is why I unequivocally apologize. At the same time, I reaffirm the problematic role of lobbyists in our politics, whether it be AIPAC, the NRA or the fossil fuel industry. It’s gone on too long and we must be willing to address it.”

In her criticism of the State of Israel and support of BDS she is unequivocally right. The nation of Israel is an undemocratic apartheid nation that is perpetuating the oppression of the Palestinian people. In trying to highlight this injustice she is absolutely right. If she misspoke in her wording that she must acknowledge, but we cannot be more upset about semantic wording than actual physical injustice. Let me be abundantly clear, criticizing a secular nation – not a faith – is NOT anti-Semitic. Israel and its far-right proponents have used this claim to suppress debate and paint its critics in this light. No nation is above fair criticism.

Benjamin Netanyahu and his far-right government have continued and worsened the oppression of the Palestinian people. He will claim that there is no occupation, but the facts are very clear on this. International law and the UN, with countries around the world, have condemned many of Israel’s actions, from the forced removal of Palestinians and the building of illegal settlements to open air assassinations by snipers during protests. During its bombing campaigns over the past years, Israel has bombed schools, hospitals, and press buildings – all in direct violation of international law. The Palestinian infrastructure is heavily restricted. Israel controls their airspace, territorial waters, all crossings, telecommunications, and population registries – controlling who can leave or enter Gaza. This blockade even prevents some international aid from getting to the Palestinian people. Now I ask you, how is this not an occupation? Most recently Israel passed the ‘nation state law’ that essentially is a Jewish Supremacy law essentially making Arab citizens second class citizens.

All that being said, the nation of Israel has the right to defend itself but the disproportionate response by the government of Israel is horrendous. Also, anti-semitism is real, and Jews face a rise in violence. But we must divorce actual bigotry with valid criticism of a government not a religion. This cheapens real anti-semitism and muddies the waters when trying to have a valid discussion about policy.

All of this comes at a time when the status quo on Israel and Palestinian relations is rapidly changing. Progressives and young people are beginning to see the occupation of Palestine for what it is – a racial and ethnic apartheid state created by state violence. Young American Jews are some of the loudest critics of the state of Israel and even within the nation, its own citizens are questioning and protesting the actions by their government.

Ilhan Omar is an easy target for Republicans and the conservative media, she is a hijab wearing woman of color and she is strong in her convictions. As progressives and lovers of justice and equality we must stand with our sister in Congress and the Palestinian people.

I urge you to call, write, or email the Congresswoman and voice your support. Let her know that she is not alone, and we are all standing behind her.

Washington D.C. Office Information

1517 Longworth HOB
Washington, DC20515

Phone: (202) 225-4755

Minneapolis Office Information

404 3rd Avenue North
Suite 203
Minneapolis, MN55401

Phone: (612) 333-1272

Dale Seufert-Navarro

2020 Spotlight: Cory Booker

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cory1
Cory Booker – CNN.com

On February 1st, Cory Booker joined a quickly growing list of Democratic candidates running for the presidency. His announcement video draws on his time as mayor of Newark, New Jersey and calls for a return of ‘civic grace.’ Booker points to his unique path in politics, claiming that it is just what our country needs at this rough moment in history. He is a gifted orator and certainly knows how to use a media platform to his advantage. Some parts of his political past are quite interesting, but some on the left remain skeptical of his progressive intentions.

Cory Booker was born in Washington D.C., but grew up in Harrington Park, New Jersey. Booker received a degree in Political Science and a Masters in Sociology from Stanford University. He also attended the University of Oxford, studying American History, and Yale Law School, receiving his Juris Doctor.

His political career started in 1988, when he successfully won a seat on the Municipal Council of Newark. It was during this time that he tried to highlight problems facing urban development. Booker went on a 10-day hunger strike, lived in a tent in the inner city of Newark, and began a week-long challenge to live on $30 food budget – the amount of SNAP benefits recipients receive. The new councilman’s proposals – initiatives to help young people, people of color, affordable housing, and transparency of local government – were routinely outvoted by his fellow members. In 2006, Cory Booker won his race for mayor of Newark, bringing with him a bench of council candidates that became known as the ‘Booker Team’. This gave the new mayor a strong mandate to govern. A central focus of his time as mayor was crime reduction, increasing police forces and working hard to get illegal guns off the streets of Newark. His tenure saw the increase in the amount of affordable housing, increased wages of city workers – while simultaneously reducing his own salary, and the institution of open office hours where residents could regularly meet the mayor to discuss concerns.

Booker gained lots of national media attention during his time as mayor. He once shoveled snow from an elderly resident’s drive way, rescued a woman from a burning building – receiving mild burns and smoke inhalation, and invited displaced residents into his home after Hurricane Sandy destroyed much of the shoreline. Many have claimed that Booker is a master of social media and the attention it brings, using these platforms to elevate his profile. While this may be true, that he seeks out ways to enhance his brand for opportunistic personal reasons, these incidents are noble nonetheless and should be praised and acknowledged.

In 2013, Cory Booker became the first African-American Senator from the state of New Jersey. His time in the Senate has been a mixed bag with the Junior Senator voting for some very good legislation yet, he has drawn criticism from progressives for other votes and campaign fundraising.

On a positive note, Booker co-sponsored and voted for the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and the Respect for Marriage Act – repealing DOMA and requiring the federal government to recognize same-sex marriages. He has been relentless in his opposition to the Trump administration, voting overwhelmingly against the presidents’ nominees and even testifying against fellow Senator Sessions when he was nominated to U.S. Attorney General. Perhaps his most notable achievement recently was his work in getting the First Step Act, an important bipartisan criminal justice reform bill, passed and signed by President Trump. Booker is a proponent of ending the failed ‘War on Drugs’ and supports medical marijuana research as well as decriminalization. The Humane Society has called the Senators voting record the most pro-animal in Congress. Interestingly the Senator has been a vegan since 2014, and a vegetarian for over 20 years.

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Booker during his time as mayor of Newark, NJ – NJ.com/Robert Sciarrino

Most of Cory Bookers criticism from the left is not about his views on social issues but his fundraising and close ties to the financial and pharmaceutical industries. In 2017, Booker, along with 12 other Democrats, voted against a bill allowing Americans to buy prescription drugs from Canada – where the exact same drugs are significantly cheaper. Walter Bragman at Paste Magazine stated, “This is classic Booker – stand out front on feel-good social issues… and align with big money everywhere else.” It is interesting that Bookers home state of New Jersey is home to many pharma headquarters, and the Senator received about $57,000 from pharmaceutical PACs in 2016. But in 2014, an election year that he actually ran in, he received $160,000 from the industry. To Bookers credit, the Senator has recently come out in favor of a Medicare for All system, cosigning Bernie Sanders’ legislation. Many ask why the sudden support, when the Senator has been arguing for a single payer system for years now, questioning his sincerity.

Many have characterized Booker as Wall Street’s favorite Senator. In fact, the Senator received more money from the financial industry than any other member of Congress, with Mitch McConnell in a close second. The past election cycle he received about $1.8 million from securities and investment firms. He even publicly defended Bain Capital in the 2012 election when President Obama criticized Mitt Romney for his work with the company. On Meet the Press, Booker said the Obama campaigns attacks on Romneys career at Bain Capital was “nauseating” and Democrats should “stop attacking private capital”. In Esquire Charlie Pierce wrote, “When the predatory nature of America’s business elites threatened to become a political issue, Cory Booker leaped to salve the wounded fee-fees of the crooks…”.

Booker has also been a supporter of charter schools; which most progressives reject as they see them as a means to privatize education. In 2012, Booker spoke at the School Choice Policy Summit. There he said the traditional public-school system, “still chokes out the potential of millions of children…your destiny is determined by the zip code you’re born into.” While this is indeed true in some respect and the education system needs to be reformed, better funded, and funded differently, the answer is not to privatize education or take more money out of the public system. The group that organized this event was the American Federation of Children, chaired by Betsy DeVos.

There are indeed some positive parts of Booker’s record and some very admirable actions in his past. Every politician is just that – a politician. Their pasts and voting records must be analyzed with nuance and contextualized attention to specific times in history and politics. That being said, it seems unclear if Cory Booker will be able to convince progressives and Democrats that he is the best option to lead an evolving party. The left is finally beginning to understand that the Democratic party has become too close to certain industries and is out of touch with the larger party base, choosing to surround themselves with wealthy donors at fundraisers. Progressives have been skeptical of Booker’s fundraising and apparent ties to financial industries. These issues will undoubtedly come out in the primaries and debates. The Senator will have to find a way to reconcile his past with his current positions.

Dale Seufert-Navarro