Challenging Times

These are challenging times for Progressives. The populist Right has been having great success of late.

While there are many progressives who backed the Leave campaign in Britain's referendum (I understand their position, though I think it was misguided), that campaign was dominated by the populist Right. I personally think that there have long been strong links between the Eurosceptic Right in the UK and some of the extreme wings of the US Republican Party (although, they are now the mainstream of the GOP in Congress).

In the US we are but days away from the inauguration of Donald Trump as President. He may have lost the popular vote - but won in key states, thus winning in the electoral college. What an irony that a system designed to lessen the chances of a populist politician winning power, succeeded in delivering the country to him. (With some help apparently from outside the USA).

The situation in France does not look very encouraging. Most observers believe that Marine LePen will win a place in the second round of the Presidential election. The Républicains have chosen as their candidate, François Fillon, who is himself quite an extreme conservative. At the moment, few observers give much hope to however will be the Parti socialiste candidate. [The Primaire à gauche takes place on 22nd & 29th January)

So how are progressives to act in these dark days?

We certainly need to reflect on how this situation has come about - and how we act to regain the initiative.

We also need to respond to the actions of the populist right as they exercise power. We must protest the attempt by the Tory government to deny Parliament a role in the triggering and process of Article 50. We must keep reminding people that the Brexit victory was only achieved through a cynical and persistent campaign of lies and false promises.
(the same applies to Donald Trump)

With power comes responsibility. We have to hold those in power to account. Parliamentary and Congressional committees have a key role to play. Let us give our support to those on those committees who are challenging the populist right in power. We need to tackle our representatives who fail to do their job in holding power to account. Don't be slow to write to your MP or Congressman. Help expose any abuse of power.

But most of all - remember the great history of progressive politics. It has achieved much in the past - and WILL do so again.