As a priveleged, white male living in a country with a National Health Service, pension rights and unemployment benefits, I have a lot to be grateful for. I’m not sure how that shapes my world view, but if I had to pick a label I suppose it would slide between liberal and socialist.
The US presidential election has raised the spectre of socialism and attributed it to the Democratic party. Elections are not known for their truth telling, so it comes as no surprise that it is intended as a slur on the reputation of the Democrats.
Ever since the McCarthy era, America has feared a socialist philosophy. The idea that the state should provide for those in need, that a redistribution of wealth is no bad thing and that health care should be freely available to all is strangely repugnant to a certain type of American voter.
The ability to embrace your fellow citizens, no matter what their politics, is poignant at this time. If Biden wins, he will try to roll back some of Trump’s actions, such as withdrawing from the international treaty on climate change.
The divisive nature of the campaigning will probably cause a backlash against the new President and his supporters. If democracy has any value to US society, there should be efforts made to accept the legitimate right of their new President to take office. Voter turnout was exceptionally high, and the postal ballots are as legitimate as any cast in person.
odespinner 