July 11
GUESTS: Maria and Michael Quackenbush, activists and cofounders of the Dutchess County Progressive Action Alliance, talk about the origin and present day goals for this grassroots progressive organization.Dutchess County Progressive Action Alliance -Facebook
I welcomed the chance to look at some local progressive activism that emerged after the last presidential campaign. Maria and Michael were part of the Bernie campaign, and they wanted to bring his ideas as well as organizing techniques to the Hudson Valley.
The Dutchess County Progressive Action Alliance was only one of many such organizations that sprung up to resist Trump. But the group has not only lasted but prospered. The DCPAA has action committees that meet regularly on women's rights, on climate activism, on gun control, and universal healthcare. As the marching chant says, "This is what democracy looks like."
Can grassroots activism be effective in wresting back our democracy form corporate ownership? That is the real question. Can people get together in the inner cities and the suburbs and create change? All by themselves?
We will soon see if the Democratic Party can be taken back. Pelosi, that corporate hack, is more fearful of her own party's new leftist representatives than she is of Trump. Will the people stand up and demand an end to corporatism, militarism and racism?
As a member of the Green Party, I am happy to see so many of our priorities adapted by the Dems. I am not ready to jump ship just yet. It would take the overthrow of Pelosi to get me to change my registration.
