Obama from a Nuanced Perspective

What Peace Activists Can Achieve in the Age of Obama

by Thad Williamson

Reading the collected literary works of Barack Hussein Obama in the days since November 4 has been an interesting experience. Like many in the Richmond peace community, I volunteered for Obama in the fall, and had paid close attention to his speeches and debate performances since his stunning win in the Iowa caucuses last January. Still, I hadn't actually read his two quite substantial books (Dreams of My Father and The Audacity of Hope).

Reading through those pages now leaves one with three distinct impressions. Dreams of My Father leaves one stunned and amazed that a person with this set of life experiences and this degree of social justice consciousness has actually been elected president. The Audacity of Hope leaves one impressed by not only the author's familiarity and relatively subtle approaches to a range of policy issues but with his ability to link a wide range of concerns within a coherent interpretive frame.

Finally, one cannot help but be impressed by the degree to which the campaign Obama waged and won was consistent with the vision of politics he lays out in his books. The basics of that vision can be summarized as follows: America is a seriously flawed place, but the basic instincts of its people are good. Our history has often been awful and brutal, but we as a people have the capacity for change. Ordinary people can be the agents driving that change, but that can only happen if we recover a faith in public life-that is, in politics. But that, in turn, can only happen if we reconnect politics to moral values in a clear way.

Obama's vision has already re-made history and opened up new possibilities for America's future political development. But now that his presidency is upon us, it's worth taking a hard look at just what Obama's world view is, and the trajectory it suggests for the next four years and beyond. While Obama repeatedly articulates a small-r republican faith in ordinary people's capacity to shape the future, it will be Obama himself calling the shots and shaping the agenda. Indeed, contrary to the hopes of many progressive activists calling for sustained mobilization and pressure to push Obama in a progressive direction, the evidence of The Audacity of Hope in particular suggests that Obama is not someone likely to bow to pressures of any kind unless or until he himself is persuaded of the wisdom of a given course of action.

So what then is Obama's world view? I will focus here on questions of war, peace, and international relations. The Audacity of Hope reveals Obama to be what might be called a progressive realist.

The "realist" part comes in Obama's acceptance of the basic framework of international politics in the 21st century. That framework is highlighted most obviously by the disproportionate power of the United States, backed by a massive military. Obama thinks the U.S. must play a lead role in world affairs, both to protect American interests and to help solve common problems, and that sometimes that lead role requires use of military force (as in Afghanistan).

Obama's realism is likely to make many peace activists uncomfortable. He does not think war is always wrong, and he does not think that American hegemony is necessarily a bad thing.

But Obama's form of realism is very different from the Bush-Cheney belief that America is both all-powerful and infallible. Obama recognizes that the U.S. historically has often played a destructive role overseas (he cites Vietnam and support for dictators, including in Indonesia as examples). He thinks that the "war on terror" (a phrase hopefully soon to be retired) cannot be won in Iraq or other military misadventures, but only by a more complex strategy in which military force plays a subordinate role. He does not call for cuts in the military budget, but does call for spending less on expensive weapons system and more on personnel and training. And he calls for paying attention to and devoting resources to the dire problems of the developing world, including Africa, for both humanitarian and practical reasons.

Obama's brand of realism is reminiscent of that of the mid-twentieth century Protestant theologian, Reinhold Niebuhr. Niebuhr was deeply interested in social justice both domestically and internationally, but also very clear that we human beings are deeply motivated by our own self-interest and that justice, reason, and even love itself can never fully tame our tendency to act selfishly, especially when we act as a group via the nation-state. Niebuhr's understanding of the human condition led him away from pacifism; instead he embraced the military fight against Nazism and fascism in World War II. Yet at the same time, Niebuhr wrote favorably of the possibilities for using nonviolent civil disobedience to advance social change, particularly with respect to civil rights, in the process helping inspire Martin Luther King, Jr.

In a world governed by power, Niebuhr believed, those who hoped to advance justice and democracy needed to be willing to use power-hence his endorsement of the basic Cold War framework (one which Obama writes admiringly about). But Niebuhr also warned of the hubris that comes with believing that our own motives are pure and that our power is limitless (just as Obama criticizes many of the side consequences of the Cold War, such as our involvement in coups abroad and the rise of the military-industrial complex at home).

What Obama hopes to do is to craft a broad new national security strategy with the same coherence as the Cold War containment strategy, but without the associated hubris. Such a strategy gives up on the idea we can spread democracy by force, but aggressively seeks to confront real security threats (such as loose nuclear weapons), using force when necessary. Importantly, Obama also recognizes the need to pay attention as well to "promoting peace," a goal which centrally must include raising the standards of living of the one-half of the world's population living on less than two dollars a day.

Overall Obama's vision, if realized, would certainly represent a historic shift of orientation, and his presidency promises a welcome return of the idea that sensible foreign policy must take seriously the perspectives of other countries and their peoples. What role might the peace community play in helping take advantage of the opportunity this presidency represents?

As noted above, I do not think it is realistic to suppose that activist pressure can alter Obama's basic framework, including his commitment to periodic use of force. Obama has made it very clear he intends to send more troops into Afghanistan (even while pursuing a withdrawal from Iraq), and I don't think public pressure can stop that particular train.

Where public pressure might pay real dividends is in ensuring that the "progressive" aspect of Obama's realist outlook is not left on the shelf. For instance, Obama is well aware of the problems of world poverty and the role the IMF, World Bank and global debt have played in accentuating such poverty. Relatively early in his campaign, he called for a doubling of foreign aid. Yet in the vice-presidential debate Joe Biden suggested increasing foreign aid might be one of the items to fall by the wayside as a result of the economic crisis.

Hopefully that was just another example of Biden putting his foot in his mouth. But the peace community and all those concerned with advancing justice need to make our voices heard and assure that the best promises offered by Obama are not sacrificed on the altar of expediency. The danger is that pledges to do something real to help the world's poor and secure the basis for long-term peace are quietly forgotten while bigger ticket items (Iraq, Afghanistan, the economic crisis) hog the headlines.

That is a danger the peace community can help avert. While we cannot alter Obama's basic framework for engaging with the world, we can insist that the new administration have the courage to live up to its own best principles.

Thad Williamson is assistant professor of leadership studies, University of Richmond

Support Those Who Work for Peace

In the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., I would like to urge everyone to support neither Israel nor Palestine, nor the leaders who claim to represent them. I would ask that you instead support the many organizations and individuals working (nonviolently) for peace in Israel and the Occupied Territories. This is just one of those groups. I learned about it just today:

Love Thy Neighbor

http://www.ltneighbor.com/index.html

Mission statement: To provide educational resources and programs about the plight of Palestinians in Palestine/Israel and to support both peoples' deepening commitment to nonviolence as the way to bring a just peace for themselves and their neighbors.

All across this earth, no matter how oppressive the environment or hopeless the conditions, you will always find people working for peace. Often these people do not have the support of a state apparatus or a propaganda machine. They don't have deep pockets. They are not treated as heroes or celebrities. They are often nameless and faceless. But they exist. They take to the streets when many others hide in their homes. Join them in any way you can.

Children of Gaza

Dear Intefaith Peace Partners,

I was able to speak to Suhalia Tarazi , Director of the Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza this morning.
I took notes and I am sharing with you as best I can her situation in Gaza.

" The situation is terrible. The injured are in their homes and unable to get to the hospital and the International Red Cross can't reach them. Gaza is now divided into three areas. 20% of the staff including 2 doctors are now unable to get to the hospital. Unfortunately a bomb went off in Jerusalem Square, right outside the hospital , only 30 meters away and it blew a hole in the hospital wall.
One of the aid's husbands was unable to reach his children. Later he discover that 1 child died and other members are all injured because a bomb destroyed a neighboring building.
The 19 year old son of one of the surgeons volunteered to work in the government ambulance. He was killed when his ambulance was hit by a missile. Three ambulances have been hit by Israeli missiles , five have died.
There is no electricity and no water. Fortunately the International Red Cross has provided Ahli Hospital with some food.
It is terrible and not safe to walk on the street.
After the invasion , Ahli Hospital on Sunday received 17 cases. Twelve were admitted to the hospital and 2 to government hospitals.
Today Monday morning 5 cases were received with 4 admitted for surgery. One doctor has slept in the hospital for the last 4 nights. Our staff is now working 2 -12 hour shifts, two shifts no days off.
Streets are covered with blood. - bloody time.
Staff members have taken people in their homes, with 20-30 people for refuge. The ambulance driver has 80 living in his home.
We all have received leaflets and telephone calls " you have to leave your home, we will attack it" Where to go for the 700,000 people in Gaza City?"

I feel very fortunate and blessed to be able to speak to Suhalia and I have promised her that I will tell her story and the story of the innocents. Thank you for all you are doing to circulate these messages. Please feel free to forward them the family and friends.
I offer her hope and encouragement and our commitment to help, with prayers and financial support. Remember tax deductible gifts may be sent to the American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, PO Box 240, Orange, CA 92859, or on line at www.americanfriends-jerusalem.org
I will continue to keep you up to date on this catastrophe happening in Gaza. If I can be of help please don't hesitate to call or email me.
Peace, Love and Joy ,
Charles


The Rev. Charles Cloughen, Jr.
President Emeritus, American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem
PO Box 313
Hunt Valley, MD 21030
410-229-0172
frcharles@verizon.net

Happy Holidays!

I didn't call this post "Merry Christmas" because I want to appeal to all faith traditions and those without faith traditions. The intent of the decision was not to wage a "war on Christmas" (phrase coined by FOX News, I believe). In fact, I must say that despite the rampant consumerism (which I battled against by writing a book and producing it as an all-inclusive Christmas present) that Christmas has come to symbolize and the corporate domination of what was once a more modest, personal celebration, Christmas must be cherished for all its splendor. How often do people come together like they do on Christmas? How often do people have the urge to write loving letters and e-mails to their friends all over the world? How often do people feel as charitable as they do on Christmas? I know that last year I had a desire to fly down to New Orleans and stand in front of bulldozers that were set to demolish public housing units that homeless citizens desperately needed. This year I want to stop every foreclosure in Baltimore. The good news is that the city has declared a moratorium for the holidays. It's not enough, but it's a start.

I was truly touched when I read that two Baltimore detectives did what was "morally right" by refusing to evict a 78-year-old woman on Christmas Eve. Every once in a while I find a nugget of goodness in the media's usual appetite for violence and celebrities.

At a time when church attendance has skyrocketed, I attended the Christmas Eve night mass at St. Ignatius. I must say that there is nothing more beautiful on this earth than hearing a well-rehearsed choir sing "Oh, Holy Night." It put me at peace for a precious few minutes. How can a peacemaker ever be at peace for long when the world is constantly at war? And never mind the world, what if his own household doubles as a battlefield in times of stress (such as Christmas)? Is anyone spared?

Now it's 4:15 a.m., and I can't seem to be able to "sleep in heavenly peace." I know I could if I had my beloved beside me. I will have to conjure her up just as we conjure up Santa Claus to bring us the contents of our wildest dreams.

The Relevance of 'Nonviolence in a New Era'

Tomorrow a dear friend and I will facilitate a day-long nonviolence training entitled "Nonviolence in a New Era." Our goal is to emphasize the need for nonviolent solutions to local, national, and global problems. While many American citizens (not to mention internationals) are basking in the glow of newly elected President Barack Obama, the realities of two brutal occupations, an increasingly dire economic crisis, global food shortages, environmental degradation, and deficient political leadership remain. All passion and 'change' rhetoric aside, real solutions will take the efforts of various sectors of the citizenry coming together (as they did to elect Obama); it will be a bottom-up process.

It is my sincerest belief that these solutions ought to be rooted in the principles of nonviolence. They should build on the radical but nonviolent traditions of Dr. Martin Luther King, Henry David Thoreau, Cesar Chavez, Dorothy Day, and others. Violence begets violence, and as any dedicated peace activist knows, the United States is the world's greatest "purveyor of violence" and has outdone itself since MLK spoke those words on April 4, 1967, exactly one year before he was murdered.

If we are to curb the disastrous results of state- and corporate-sponsored warfare, not to mention the "terrorist" reaction to it, we will need to be as vehemently nonviolent as those actors are violent. We will need to insist on peace as strongly as they insist on war.

We will need tools to combat violence in our world, our country, our neighborhood, our household, and even within ourself. These tools cost far less than what it costs to pursue violent means. Some of these tools will be taught for a modest fee at tomorrow's training. But we hope that the participants do not see our list as exhaustive. As Gandhi said, we are only at the beginning stages of unleashing the full potential of nonviolent action on the world. So much power has still not been realized.

There is no better time for young people to come together under the roof of nonviolence than today. We can only hope that our efforts spread like seeds in the wind. Let them spread to the turbulent communities of Balitmore facing foreclosure and other struggles. Let them spread to the offices of policymakers in Washington and across the nation. Let them spread to households plagued by domestic violence and to schools controlled by gangs and armed security guards.

And let our efforts spread to the innermost thoughts of all people. Nonviolence must ultimately come from within.

Our training is one small step in a vast, unfolding process. We are not leaders or trailblazers but participants in what we hope is a turning point in history on par with any humanity has ever witnessed - a turning point toward peace and justice.

Giving Thanks

As Americans we may feel the need to give thanks for the immense wealth that we possess (that won't last): the wealth of material possessions, the wealth of comfort and security, and the wealth of opportunity. Of course, our wealth, under the so-called bailout plan, is becoming more and more concentrated among the hands of a few especially thankful Americans. Because of the economic crisis our wealth is also being foreclosed and deflated. It is a time to hope for the best and grasp what we hold dear; I am talking about what transcends the material world.

I hope you will keep this in mind as you watch the Tennessee Titans devour the Detroit Lions as you devour your warm turkey and mashed potatoes. Keep this in mind as you make vacation plans. Keep this in mind as you begin your Christmas shopping. Remember the children of Iraq and Afghanistan. Remember the indigenous people who walked this land for thousands of years before the White Man came, bringing disease and slaughter (not turkey or stove-top stuffing), and such nationalistic holidays as Thanksgiving. Remember the stolen African people who built this country under the crack of a whip. Remember the fallen. Remember the forgotten.

Let us be thankful for our heartbeat and our strength to build a better country and a better world based on truth, peace, justice, love, and harmony. Let us be thankful for the sacrifices that were made by our mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, cousins, friends, teachers, and noble ancestors to make our lives as good as they are today - so long as they did so not at the expense of another. Let us be thankful for each other and that, regardless of the circumstances that brought us here, we are all here: black, white, brown, red, and yellow. Let us be thankful that there is still time and opportunity for us all to shape our future together across generations, borders, races, and religions. These are the thanks I give today.

Remember Palestine

Out of everything I read about Israel and Palestine, the most powerful and inspiring prose always seems to come from foreign delegates who travel to the Middle East each year to educate themselves about the conflict and stand in solidarity with the peacemakers on both sides. This is a five-part report from a recent Interfaith Peace-Builders/American Friends Service Committee trip called "Trees of Peace: 2008 Olive Harvest Delegation." I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did.

http://www.interfaithpeacebuilders.org/del29/default.html