Harry Targ
I often
write about the enduring structure and practice of imperialism on the world
stage. This leads me to endorse the view that we must work to overturn the
system of capitalism and its worldwide structure, imperialism. Framed in this
way one usually concludes that minor changes in leadership and policies of
imperial powers make little or no difference. From a tactical point of view, we
are led to think of building a worldwide anti-capitalist movement. Therefore, reformist
compromises are deviations from the historic
struggle.
However, I
think about my very modest work on Cuban Solidarity and the large, passionate,
and articulate commitment of thousands of others to support Cuban independence
against the US drive to destroy the Cuban revolution. For over half a century
(at least since 1898) the US military, political elites, mobsters and their
collaborators from among the Cuban ruling class exploited Cuban peasants and workers
until Cubans successfully rose up and carried out a revolution, setting Cuba on
an arduous path to build socialism. To stifle this historic struggle, the
United States launched an economic embargo, invaded the island, generated CIA
assassination plots, and, in short, made the Cuban people suffer for their drive
for independence.
But in North America (and elsewhere) solidarity activists organized to end US efforts to destroy the Cuban revolution. While the Cubans survive, they continue to suffer. However, the international solidarity movement has continued to oppose the economic blockade, supported the Cuban people financially, and worked arduously to pressure politicians to loosen and end the blockade.
These campaigns from time to time have had modest success. I observed the opening of Cuba to tourism, the US formal recognition of Cuba by President Obama, and increasing commercial ties between the two countries encouraged by his administration for a number of years. In the Cuban case, for a time, pressures on political candidates made a difference, particularly a difference in the lives of the Cuban people.
And we see that the Cuban policies of Presidents Trump and Biden have reestablished the suffering of Cubans not seen since the 1990s. I can only conclude from this one case that working for reforms and selecting among admittedly compromised political candidates can make a difference.
Thinking
about the Cuban example in the light of the candidacy of Kamala Harris versus
Donald Trump is important. Right now sectors of the economic and political
ruling class are mobilizing to support candidate Harris. They see the long
trajectory of post-World War Two political elites from both parties of which
the Biden/Harris team is the latest rendition as more in their interests than
the Trump/Vance MAGA team. This is reflected in the statement published in the
Washington Post by “former National Security Leaders” endorsing the Harris candidacy for president.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/documents/9ed12fbf-99e1-4766-92b5-57899d847ec0.pdf
One approach to these latest developments is to dismiss their significance and adopt the view that only bringing down the system of imperialism will end the pain of people. I understand how people, particularly from outside the imperial states, can come to that view.
But, those of us who are peace activists in the United States have an
obligation to respond to political events in the context in which we work. We
have to do what we can to mitigate the impacts of US foreign policy as best we
can. We have to call for a ceasefire in Gaza. We have to say no to more arms
for Ukraine. We have to oppose increasing military
expenditures in our communities and states. And we have to demand that our government pursue diplomacy not
military expansion and support for war.
While these modest demands directed to political candidates will not satisfy us, we must make them. Otherwise, the peace movement will be giving up the modest political space we have to the “former National Security Leaders.” Let us make our voices be heard to candidate Kamala Harris, remembering that the Cuban solidarity movement was just one example that for a time lessened the pain of the Cuban people and may do so again.
In general, trying to influence candidates as we mobilize for peace can make a difference. If we do not try, we will not know.
