Revolutionary Sparks for Discussion

Cornel West on:

Why There Is a Serious Danger of 

a Right-Wing Revolution in the US

"Political campaigns are not social movements. Even great campaigns like those of Jackson in the 80s, Obama in the recent past or Sanders today are not social movements. We must distinguish between social momentums, social rebellions and social movements. Given the massive national security state and the pervasive carceral (note: “imprisoning” as in “in-carceration”) state, social movements are rare – past, present and future. The American Empire is more ripe for a counter-revolution than revolution, for right-wing movements than left-wing ones. This is so primarily because of the deep xenophobic roots in the country and profound militaristic sentiments in the culture. Hence, progressive social momentums and chaotic social rebellions are more likely to reshape our priorities and gain some concessions from greedy elites and callous citizens. This is why moral and spiritual dimensions of social activism are crucial – to sustain our will to fight inside and outside the system with little chance of immediate victory!"

From Interview by George Souvlis, in  http://readersupportednews.org/news-section2/318-66/37492-focus-cornel-west-why-there-is-a-serious-danger-of-a-right-wing-revolution-in-the-us

Annotated and text emphasis by Duane Clinker