“I’ve been blogging for 18 years,” is one excuse.
Risky to bet I’ll vote for very many more “far-leftists” when more temperate progressives are on offer. A better world might be possible — but better math, physics and psychology don’t seem that way. By now everyone has heard the good news about the revolution, and if not enough people bit last year you probably won’t talk them into it next year.
Then again, I could be wrong!!! I’m extremely familiar with that sensation.
Firing Congresswoman Summer Lee already, after just one term, would be like kicking the stool out from beneath the “Trifecta:” that historic progressive alignment and momentum, before it even had a chance. That would be almost schizophrenic. Mayor Ed Gainey is the only one who’s had time to make an impression, and maybe it’s mixed, but Joe Biden himself has said mayoring is the hardest job in politics. These progressives aren’t going to grow up and learn like we’re constantly begging them, if they’re never afforded any opportunity.
Besides, running such left-wing nominees is coinciding with splendid performance, fueling wins for US Senate, PA Governor, and state judicial seats. Sending them packing might push these younger voters back into the arms of 3rd parties, fringe ideologies, and foreign active measures. And let’s face it, it’s cool of Pittsburgh to be represented on “the Squad” — and maybe a useful profile enhancer for both city and rep.
And don’t forget, this is only a House of Representatives seat — not an executive, and nothing that ever comes down to one vote. Rep. Lee acknowledged as much in explaining her vote against Biden and most Democrats on the bill to raise the federal debt ceiling and thereby not shut down the government — how she intended that to represent for vulnerable communities which could ill-afford the cuts Republicans demanded, yet with foreknowledge Democrats had gathered the numbers to pass it anyway.
Some votes are tougher to defend. Take the Ukraine Israel Taiwan aid package for example. Liberal democracy truly does have relentless, remorseless enemies out there. There is a lot to object to regarding Israel’s specific behavior, but the way Iran for example has long scapegoated its very existence to malign “the West” for the sake of alternatives like Russia though pay no attention to Syria, is cheap and opportunist. We need to keep pace with the fascist tyrants no matter what.
Still, it’s hard not to respect her principles of peace and more investments at home. I don’t mind when Lee wraps herself in a keffiyeh — innocent Gazans can find little enough compassion in Washington. I don’t mind the calls for ceasefires — even the return of hostages requires cooling off periods. I don’t mind when others historically more marginalized than I are more often centered.
I mind how “Zionism” is becoming a dirty word and a cancelable offense, and worry that’s going to cripple the coalition and scuff our whole perception of history.
I don’t think Summer Lee is antisemitic. I worry she may be close-minded or incurious about the context and alternate interpretations of Zionism’s 19th century origins, the vibe for so many peoples across 3 dissolving empires in the early 20th century, broken promises, rescinded invitations and the cynical manufacture of hatred. Though I’m hoping she’s well aware of all that, and simply in a tight political spot — since right-wing Zionism characterized by continued West Bank settlement and shockingly heedless military reprisals can obscure the often secular, socialist, nonviolent strains throughout history.
I’d rediscover my enthusiasm for Rep. Lee if for just a few sentences in sequence, she highlights what’s unique about antisemitism and misperceived about Zionism or at least some Zionists (without lapsing immediately into “all bigotry matters”) and pivot to a case for patience in pursuing a two-state solution (the only solution that doesn’t end in someone’s genocide.) I want to feel the love, to hear her ungrudgingly and in her full Hulk Hogan mannerisms argue for progressive Zionists’ indispensability to her working class, multiethnic, multi-generational (“say your prayers, eat your vitamins…”) movement. But… I don’t truly need her to dance for us like that. I only need her to vouch to the coalition how people like my family and I aren’t just stubbornly evil.
If Lee can’t concede that while maintaining her authenticity, I’ll just have to align with the blander, more moderate Democratic wing. But one can’t expect to feel anything like the same exhilaration there, as though you’re turning the world upside down. You can’t feel any more empowered among so many hefty institutional players. You can’t find community with these people. You may not even be thanked. It’s possible however you’ll acquire the satisfaction of making an adult, patriotic choice.
I’ll update this post and more if I notice Lee makes her general attitude toward Zionism any more clear. It’s actually great how there’s such low risk in this primary — and thus no pressure besides one’s own investment. Both candidates can do the job. The important thing is really to make certain our two contenders and their most rabid supporters don’t vilify each other badly enough to endanger the seat in November, or do further damage to the Democratic coalition. The best result would be if it comes out even stronger and wiser. I’m hopeful Summer will come through.
The Pittsburgh Comet 
