The 2016 U. S. election was a devastating loss for progressives in the United States. With the Republican sweep of both national and local offices, many of the gains and protections that had been taken for granted are being swept away. Ethical and financial corruption on a scale not seen since the “Gilded Age”, along with a stunning rise in inequality, are mobilizing people across age, racial and gender gaps to work for substantive change. The 2018 elections are occurring at a pivotal moment as the rise of an emboldened right wing has changed the complexion of the Republican Party while the Democratic Party seems to be caught in a dilemma that has it twisting between the expectations of its corporate donors and traditional politicians and a newly energized, more progressive base led by women and people of color. The New York governor’s primary race may offer a snapshot of the tensions facing the Democratic Party.
Mark Bilker, a San Miguel resident, is the Chairman of the Executive Committee of Democrats Abroad here in Mexico. He will bring his incisive analysis to the challenges that will be faced in the upcoming elections. While many are predicting a “blue wave” (perhaps more a feeling of hope than anything else) we will look to Mark for clarification of this and other issues that will shape this election.
Gregory Diamant, also a long time resident of San Miguel and a social justice activist for over 50 years, will discuss not only the elections but going beyond voting as a means to meaningful social change. What is the difference between mobilizing and organizing and what role do they play in our striving for justice?
CLICK HERE to read Gregory Diamant presentation