Class Conscience

My Duluthcitizen profile intentionally lies. I clicked “labels are not for me” under political views. But that’s not true. I’m totally into labels. The correct label just wasn’t an option (Duluthcitizen admins, take heed). I am a socialist. Not “extremely liberal” (I feel a little like spitting whenever I say the word “liberal”), not a social democrat or, goodness forbid, Democrat… a revolutionary socialist. I believe in a better world, one not based on greed and getting ahead of one’s neighbor. And I believe that the only way we’re going to get it is revolution. The old order is based on a completely unsustainable, capitalist system and must be completely toppled to build a true, people-based democracy.

Here in Duluth, I see the injustice spawned by our capitalist system everywhere. I see institutional racism that goes unnoticed while touchy-feely “let’s black and Indian and white all hold hands” stands in as a weak substitute for real action. I see the dismal treadmill of homelessness and poverty, which the best of well-meaning efforts seems only to hold steady, never to decrease. I see mansions in the beautiful east side and flop houses in Lincoln Park. I see alcoholism and drugs and depression and lack of motivation because no matter how hard you try, it seems like that higher-paid job, that better life, always alludes you while someone else cashes in on your cheap labor.

I also see a lake, the greatest lake in the world, that can take your breath and wash away the worries of the world. I see a city of jade forests and exhuberent waterfalls and luscious wildflowers and wildlife. I see a community that cares for its assets, cares for one another and cares for the world no matter what kind of tough situations we find ourselves in. I see a lively and growing arts scene. I see the potential that Duluth has if we can unite to struggle and strive for every last ounce of social equality we can muster.

So this is why I write–because I want to see that dream realized. I may be a transplant, but Duluth is my home. I want my home to be a place where all are treated with dignity, respect and love.

I don’t know what the final product of this Duluthcitizen effort is going to look like, but I encourage any independent media that gives citizens a real voice. I contribute regularly to the Zenith City newspaper, and most blog entries here will probably be or include links to my articles at www.zenithcitynews.com. You can also pick up the paper at local grocery stores, coffee shops and other businesses.