Is it because buying into this idea means admitting the people of America no longer have the power to reform political and state structures? Is it because one would have to welcome the notion that it is grossly naà ¯ve to try and advance a progressive agenda? Is it because buying into civil disobedience as a tool for changing the direction of this country means conceding this country's systems of power--the press, liberal religious institutions, universities, labor, culture and the Democratic Party--have failed us and going along with that could breed debilitating cynicism?
One should understand that it is people like West, who give much more conventional liberal political scientists and writers like Harris-Perry, cover from right-wing attacks. If West is "the left" and Donald Trump and Newt Gingrich is what's "right," somewhere in the middle Harris-Perry can make a very detailed analysis of the Obama presidency and propose a way forward that the Obama Administration could potentially consider. But, there aren't any lefties like West who can communicate and occupy space in the mainstream, what's "liberal" becomes "fringe left." It becomes "extreme," which for Harris-Perry means her ideas will definitely not be something President Obama or anyone in the political class can entertain.
Cornel West appears to be someone seeking out
answers. He seems to be taking responsibility for his vote for President Obama.
He is doing what a citizen should do in society.
Numerous liberals or progressives, like Harris-Perry, continue to wait for Obama to address some of the ongoing crises and developments in America that deeply disturb West. They choose to cope and rationalize their discontent. They
note the limited options the citizenry has to beat back corporate power and
choose pragmatism instead of boldly buying into an idealistic vision for the
future.
Here's a suggestion: instead of judging whether certain individuals have the credentials to heavily criticize a president, Americans should discuss how criticism and outrage can be channeled into a turning of the tide that might bring forth more emancipation,
equality, peace and justice for all people.
Video of Cornel West and Melissa Harris-Perry's appearance on "The Ed Show" appears below.
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