Maine Owl

My vote is not necessarily for Obama's policies but for a social movement

It's time to stand up and be counted if you're a Democrat in Maine. Yes, I'm a registered Democrat and have had periods of actual participation in Party activities over the years. I put out for a couple years a newsletter for the Portland Democrats and served as City Committee chair for about a year. This year I've been estranged and suspicious of the Party (you can look up those posts on telecom immunity for past & future spying, for example, and I hold deep suspicion of Democratic lawmakers' approach to war.) This is not a declaration that the estrangement is over. But I've made up my mind for Obama and I will stand for him at the caucus on Sunday.

Why? Well, it happened today at a talk I went to record in Orono at the University. It was by Jarvis Tyner (pictured), executive vice-chair of the Communist Party USA, and former candidate for vice president of the U.S. Tyner made the case in favor of the social movement building behind Obama. How'd he put it? Well, I have the audio...

Former CP USA veep candidate on Obama, AUDIO HERE:

Jarvis Tyner: I hope to see Obama win... The reason people are attracted to him? He calls for the development of a multi-racial movement for social justice. ... He is a social revolutionist. He wants to change this country and take it to another level of greater democracy.

I'm sold not because I put any special weight on the CP, but because I do believe in social movement, as Tyner helped me understand. The Republicans are all about crushing the people, making them cower in fear. Obama is no leftist, but he is as opposite as can be to the Republicans on positive participation. I am highly critical of Obama's policies, and I will remain so in this blog. But a view towards social justice ain't too bad. For me on Sunday, it will be Obama.

Oh yes, Tyner is the brother of jazz great McCoy. Now there is a reason to heed his words!