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Joel Mandel's avatar

Mr. Dean,

Calling out the terrible realities of the War In Gaza is almost a given for anyone with compassion in their heart. The Israeli's, Hamas and the Gaza residents are all in an existential fight. Do you have any suggestions for how to address the legitimate concerns of the Israelis and Gaza residents? Identifying problems is relatively easy, finding solutions is much more challenging.

What should be done bring lasting peace to the Middle East?

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Pieter Van Winkle's avatar

Please clarify. Harris = bad, Vote Harris? I know your heart is in the right place but I I’m not sure there’s a way to participate electorally and achieve your stated goals.

Just because you can vote, doesn’t mean your vote matters. There are deeper ways to participate.

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David Dean's avatar

I’ll be sending out an essay later this week that goes into these questions in detail. You’re also welcome to read the strategic frameworks linked above from liberation road and north star socialist organization that dig deep into this. I believe that a the unique dangers of a Trump administration are very real and not just fear-mongering from establishment Dems, that our social movements would be in even greater danger if he’s elected, and that the only way to block his election is to organize for a Harris win in swing states. And yes, as stated in this post, I also think there are many ways beyond voting that we must contribute to social change. Will share more soon.

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Pieter Van Winkle's avatar

I'll look for your essay.

I have fallen into the "vote for x or else end of the world" trap for 5 presidential cycles in a row. It's like some kind of cognitive torture, to watch the world crumble and be presented the lie that it can be made better by voting for one corporate party over another. I feel my personal theory of change no longer upholds the belief that a "vote" matters. I feel like a sucker for having been manipulated with those tactics.

It feels closer to the truth to be caught in a "Sophie's Choice"-like scenario - every 4 years. Forced to choose between death by drowning and burning to death.

So, without a meaningful third party, I guess that I fundamentally disagree that there is ANY electoral movement likely to address root causes.

Nonetheleess, I'll be willing to read your further thinking on this (essay), in particular what you see as the unique dangers of a Trump administration. Not because I think one party is to be preferred over another (as I said, a false choice in the end) but because I want to check my map of reality against others. Thanks.

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