RE: Abdul El-Sayed and 'The Establishment'
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The extremes on both sides of the political spectrum worry me. I've witnessed what the Democratic Socialist of America candidates have done here in the Twin Cities after they've been elected and it's been disastrous for the local economy and quality of life of the middle class taxpayer. People are yearning for change so badly that they're willing to take chances on anyone who even offers them a smidgeon of hope. As you said, it's such a dangerous situation.
This "Diary of a CEO" podcast with Pete Buttigieg has been one of the best political interviews I've seen in a very, very long time. Pete makes a whole lot of sense. I think he's, obviously, going to run for President in 2028 even though he isn't admitting it—yet. He's saying so many of the right things but I believe our system itself is rotten to the core and doubt one person could make much of a difference at this point.
El-Sayed is not a Democratic Socialist. He was not endorsed by the Democratic Socialists. And I think Democratic Socialist encompasses a spectrum of policy positions. For example, Bernie Sanders calls himself a Democratic Socialist but is not formally connected to the party. I think Democratic Socialism, as defined by the party leaders, is extreme. Part of the smear of El-Sayed is that commentators always link his name with the DS party. He has declared openly and countless times that he is a progressive and a capitalist https://www.newyorker.com/news/the-new-yorker-interview/abdul-el-sayeds-argument-for-america-and-against-his-own-party.
I wrote the blog to show that his policies, progressive policies, are favored by the majority of people in this country. However, these policies, as listed in my charts, are not favored by a privileged establishment (both media and political figures)--so they characterize him as extreme, as a Democratic Socialist. Say it enough times and it becomes "true". Everyone believes it.
I just heard the link again this morning. Someone referred to Sayed on the news, and then referred to Democratic Socialism. The person didn't call El-Sayed a Democratic Socialist, but the linkage was clear. It is also deliberately inaccurate.
I would just like people to be able to make up their own minds about what they actually want and not have media characterizations mold their opinions.
Thanks for the comment. I'm going to look up the Twin Cities. Wasn't aware of the political shift there.
Hmm, whenever I've seen El-Sayed mentioned DSA was always mentioned as well. I guess this is an example of the ability the media has to distort public opinion (and my dropping the ball on doing my research ; ) ). Buttigieg also speaks about how our government isn't representing the will of the people and I think he's dead right about that. The DSA has gotten very involved here at the local level. Not everything they're doing is horrible but they've helped enact policies that have been very detrimental to small business and the local economies. Things like a 3% cap on rents and renter rights laws. On the surface this sounds amazing but then when you dig deeper and see how landlords are taxed into oblivion with double-digit property tax increases and a myriad of other State taxes and fees and can't make it up in rent. Also the new renters rights laws have made it nearly impossible to evict tenants, even if they get behind on rent or destroy your property. Small landlords are throwing in the towel and selling their properties to—many times—private equity firms. Similar things are happening on the small business level, family run businesses are finding it harder to keep their doors open and corporate run businesses are moving into those spaces. Some of the progressive policies just don't jive with real life or at least don't jive with many of the other laws currently on the books. I'm sure a better balance will be found sooner or later.
Yes! Exactly my point. You think that's accidental? This is almost a coordinated campaign (I know I sound paranoid) to discredit him with people who may not do the research. After a while it becomes an established 'fact': He's a Democratic socialist. We have to ask ourselves why this mischaracterization would be so universal? I just had to stop, read, and consider. I didn't really expect many people to read this blog...long and boring. But I had to write it. My own modest contribution to fair elections in this country. Also, I'm a former social studies/government teacher so I can't resist :))
If something is repeated often enough people will definitely believe it! This is one of the best tools of deception there are. It was a great blog! It's getting attention for a reason. It's timely and engaging.
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