Portside

Reader Comments: Bertolt Brecht's message for our times; This is How the Future Voted; The Rest is Up to Us; Racism and White Nationalism up to the election and after; FBI plot?; Trump and Reconstruction-Era White Supremacy; Support MST School Against Brazilian Terror; Healthcare Justice Conference in January - planned before the election, now even more important; and more...

We know the rancid politics of the Tea Party, but what is behind the thinking of white, rural and hard-scrabble far-right supporters whose economic self-interests are at odds with their hard-right political and social beliefs. Berkeley sociologist Hochschild spent five years doing field research in western Louisiana, describing what people say, how they live, reconciling their contradictions and what lessons can be learned by knowing these people in a deeper way.

The fundamental duty of America’s President, is to protect and preserve our democracy. We hope to work with President-elect Trump to help him carry out this responsibility. Regardless, America’s labor movement will safeguard the most vulnerable among us. But make no mistake, we can never back down from our values. Racism, misogyny and anti-immigrant appeals caused damage in this campaign and we must all try to repair it with inclusion, decency and honesty.

We can’t move to Canada or hide under the bed. This is a moment to embrace democratic politics, not repudiate them.

It is important to recognize that the Trump victory was far from a slam-dunk; the election was very close. One might not get that impression, however, when one looks at news headlines as well as Electoral College maps. Bill Fletcher shares some quick reflections.

Let us lick our wounds and reflect on the future. This election result was one that more of us should have anticipated as a real possibility. In either case, that the results were so close and that we did not have the ideal candidate to represent the new majority emerging in the USA remains for me a source of immense hope. The struggle certainly continues.

One hundred women of color leaders pledge to continue to take action to bring forward solutions: "We know the politics of hate will not get us to the solutions we need. As women of color, as leaders, we will build and lead us on a path forward."

A new book of essays by one of this country's most celebrated poets.

Unions are still fighting for several key policies that have yet to be achieved. The next president could determine where labor regulations and the economy go from here. Labor unions hope the next president will focus on the minimum wage, healthcare, immigration and trade, among other important policies.

Organizers predict the “sleeping giant” will finally wake up, and say this year will be nothing compared to 2020.