Web Letters: For the 'FDR'

I have just finish watching the Rev. Jackson's speech and comments on C-Span about Martin Luther King and the Progressive movement. They were basically an elaboration of his comments in this article, but I appreciated the opportunity to hear an expanded version of these written comments. It is my hope that we will see more articles from him on the mechanism of change used by the Martin Luther King and the civil rights movement. Similar to Obama, Rev. Jackson mentioned hope as an element of change, but I am a fan of determination as an attribute. This attribute was certainly not unknown in the civil rights movement.

I am not particularly optimistic about the next Administration. even if Democrats are elected to office, and I suspect a good deal of pressure will be needed to reform even a Democratic Presidency. A third rail of a Progressive movement will be useful in pushing a "New Deal" agenda. As the fourth rail represented by the mainstream media might be replaced by the Internet and international television systems on cable. Even if we do not agree with everything they say, it is important to hear their point of view.

However, as the Rev. Jackson knows, such a movement needs to be inclusive and have broad support. Most Americans think of themselves as middle class, which they have been up to the present Bush Administration. But this Administration initiated a class war against everyone who is not wealthy, and the American people have come to recognize the enemy. They have few illusions, and will respond to an programs that addresses their need for jobs, medial care and an independent economic system that takes their interests into account. There is a lot of hard work ahead, but we can never quit!

Pervis J. Casey

Riverside, CA