The Right Wing's Assault on Democracy and Decency Continues Unabated

The recent news that Abelardo De La Espriella, a Trump-backed rightist, is headed for a win in Colombia's presidential runoff is a stark reminder of the dangers of authoritarianism and the erosion of democratic values. This outcome is not just a concern for Colombia, but also a warning sign for the rest of the world, including the United States. The fact that a candidate backed by a former president who has been accused of undermining democracy and promoting divisive rhetoric is on the verge of winning a major election is a troubling development.

The Economy and Who It Serves

The right wing's economic policies have consistently prioritized the interests of the wealthy and large corporations over those of working-class people. The tax cuts and deregulation championed by Trump and his allies have led to a widening of the income gap and a decline in economic mobility. The wealthy have gotten wealthier, while the poor and middle class have struggled to make ends meet. This is not just a moral issue, but also an economic one. When the wealthy accumulate more and more power, they use it to further entrench their own interests, creating a self-perpetuating cycle of inequality.

In contrast, progressive economic policies aim to create a more equitable distribution of wealth and power. This includes policies such as increasing the minimum wage, strengthening labor unions, and implementing progressive taxation. These policies are not just about redistributing wealth, but also about creating a more dynamic and sustainable economy. When working-class people have more money in their pockets, they are more likely to spend it, creating demand for goods and services and driving economic growth.

Family, Community, and Culture

The right wing's assault on family, community, and culture is just as alarming as its economic policies. The Trump-backed candidate in Colombia, for example, has been accused of promoting divisive rhetoric and undermining social cohesion. This is not just a Colombian issue, but also a global one. The rise of right-wing populism has led to a surge in xenophobia, racism, and misogyny, threatening the very fabric of our societies.

Progressives, on the other hand, believe in promoting inclusivity, diversity, and social justice. We recognize that our communities are strongest when everyone has access to the same opportunities and is treated with dignity and respect. This includes policies such as expanding access to healthcare, education, and social services, as well as promoting cultural exchange and understanding.

Freedom and the Role of Government

The right wing's view of freedom is often narrow and misguided. They believe that freedom means the absence of government regulation and the unrestricted pursuit of profit. However, this view of freedom is not only unrealistic, but also unjust. It ignores the fact that government has a critical role to play in protecting the public interest and promoting the common good.

Progressives, on the other hand, believe that freedom means more than just the absence of government regulation. It means having access to the resources and opportunities needed to thrive, such as healthcare, education, and a living wage. It means being able to participate fully in our democracy, without fear of discrimination or repression. And it means having a government that is accountable to the people, not just the wealthy and powerful.

Justice and Fairness

The right wing's assault on justice and fairness is perhaps the most disturbing aspect of their ideology. From their attacks on voting rights to their promotion of discriminatory policies, the right wing has consistently demonstrated a disregard for the principles of justice and equality. The fact that a former president who has been accused of promoting racism and xenophobia is still a major figure in American politics is a stark reminder of the dangers of complacency and the need for continued activism and resistance.

Progressives, on the other hand, believe in promoting justice and fairness in all aspects of our society. We recognize that our criminal justice system is broken and in need of reform, and that our economic and social policies must be designed to promote equality and opportunity for all. This includes policies such as reforming our voting laws, expanding access to healthcare and education, and promoting police accountability and community-led justice initiatives.

The Role of the Media

The media has a critical role to play in promoting democracy and holding those in power accountable. However, the right-wing media ecosystem has consistently demonstrated a disregard for facts and a willingness to promote divisive rhetoric and misinformation. The fact that a former president who has been accused of promoting conspiracy theories and falsehoods is still a major figure in American politics is a stark reminder of the dangers of a media landscape that prioritizes ratings and clicks over truth and accuracy.

Progressives, on the other hand, believe in promoting a free and independent press that is committed to telling the truth and holding those in power accountable. We recognize that a healthy democracy requires a robust and diverse media landscape, and that our media outlets must be willing to challenge those in power and promote critical thinking and media literacy.

The Importance of International Cooperation

The right wing's assault on international cooperation and diplomacy is perhaps the most short-sighted aspect of their ideology. In a world that is increasingly interconnected, we need international cooperation and diplomacy more than ever. The fact that a former president who has been accused of promoting isolationism and nationalism is still a major figure in American politics is a stark reminder of the dangers of a go-it-alone approach to foreign policy.

Progressives, on the other hand, believe in promoting international cooperation and diplomacy as a critical component of our foreign policy. We recognize that global challenges such as climate change, pandemics, and economic inequality require global solutions, and that our international partnerships and alliances are critical to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity.

Conclusion

The right wing's assault on democracy and decency continues unabated, and it is up to us to resist and challenge their ideology. We must promote progressive values such as economic justice, social justice, and international cooperation, and we must hold those in power accountable for their actions. We must also recognize that our struggle is not just about politics, but also about culture and values. We must promote a culture of inclusivity, diversity, and social justice, and we must challenge the right-wing media ecosystem that promotes divisive rhetoric and misinformation.

The outcome of the Colombian presidential election is a stark reminder of the dangers of authoritarianism and the erosion of democratic values. It is up to us to learn from this example and to promote democracy and decency in all aspects of our society. We must recognize that our democracy is not just a system of government, but also a way of life, and that it requires our active participation and engagement to thrive.

So let us continue to resist and challenge the right-wing ideology that threatens our democracy and our values. Let us promote progressive policies and values that prioritize the needs of people and the planet over the interests of the wealthy and powerful. And let us recognize that our struggle is not just about politics, but also about creating a better world for ourselves and for future generations. We owe it to ourselves, our children, and our planet to act with courage, conviction, and compassion, and to promote a world that is more just, equitable, and peaceful for all.