The political agenda set by the rich focuses attention on one policy or
another, but never proposes that we examine the whole system--its economy,
politics, culture, etc. Most people have experience with the fact that if
you try to put a bandaid on a problem that requires surgery, you will
suffer severe consequences. The political affairs of the country are no
different.
Fundamental problems need fundamental solutions. Instead, people are
drawn into choosing sides for or against one policy or another, whether tax
cuts, more jails, etc. There is "debate" about how fast to pay off the
debt, but no discussion on rejecting this anti-people solution. What about
other alternatives to the current economic situation? What about debating
the choice of changing the direction of the economy, to one that meets the
needs of the people? What about seriously discussing solutions to racism
and inequality, or the danger of war, its sources and solutions? These
fundamental problems are absent from the agenda.
Pre-set agendas also serve to block rational discussion. People are
pushed to take sides even before everyone is fully informed and the issue
is fully discussed and elaborated. For example, both Clinton and Dole
emphasize that they will be "tough" on crime. The US already has, by far,
one of the highest incarceration rates in the world--1.6 million people by
the end of 1995. What kind of society produces so much crime? Why is the
only answer more punishment? Problems like drug addiction are turned into
law and order issues, with youth being made to pay the price. But
discussion of this reality is blocked, through the pre-set agenda, by and
for the rich.
The ruling class can not solve the social problems which concern the
people, whether these are problems of racism, poverty, the environment, the
danger of war, etc. Creating a new society is a job for the people. One
part of this struggle is organizing to set the political agenda and insure
there is serious discussion of it.
Shawgi Tell
University at Buffalo
Graduate School of Education
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
