Join us for a Book Discussion on "The Democrats:
A Critical History" by Lance Selfa
Wednesday at 7pm, Room 26
in the UW School of Social Work (Corner of 15th N.E. and N.E. 41st)
http://www.haymarketbooks.org/pb/The-Democrats-A-Critical-History
In Part one of our meeting we'll discuss "The Democrats" by Lance Selfa p1-86 (part two of the book will be discussed 6/16).
The November 2006 and 2008 general elections represented a strong rebuke against George W. Bush and the Republican Party in general. With the historic win of Barack Obama to the presidency, and with both houses of Congress firmly in the Democrats control, the sense of true "hope and change" abounded to many on the left. At last, the "populist" Democratic Party would forever end Washington's corrupt,venal policies and its inextricable ties to corporate, big business interests. However, will the Democratic Party ever be the political institution that will bring about these sweeping reforms? In part one of this book discussion we'll begin to look at the history of the Party and it's role in the capitalist system.
In the second half of our meeting, we'll discuss local organizing. We'll hear an update from our LGBT rights committee on local and national actions for the Harvey Milk Day of Action (May 22) and other organizing to win Full federal Equality. And we'll discuss our Socialism 2010 Conference in Oakland and our efforts to organize a contingent of Seattle activists to attend as a group.
