Michael Albert’s recent article, “We Need a United Left” is a much needed exploration of the Left’s electoral positions and choices in 2016. Undoubtedly, our movement requires more solidarity and less hostility. Here, Albert’s article attempts to explore how those holding contending positions might better relate to and understand each other.

Albert offers four clearly identifiable positions amongst those who would identify as “leftists” or “progressives.” Those positions include:

Position 1: Vote for Clinton as Greater Good
Position 2: Vote for Clinton as Lesser Evil
Position 3: Vote Green or Don’t Vote
Position 4: Vote for the Best Attainable Overall Outcome

Of the available options, I would choose Position 4: vote contextually. Without doubt, it makes sense to vote according to what’s happening on the ground leading up to election day. As conditions change, voting options should as well.

For instance, if there is a terrorist attack prior to the election, it would become even more important to defeat Trump. At the same time, if I lived in a swing state and the election was close, yes, I would vote for Clinton.

Fortunately or unfortunately, I live in Indiana, a state Trump will likely win by double digits. For me, the choice is already clear: vote Stein. Locally, however, I’ll vote Democrat because I don’t have alternative parties or worthwhile independents to support.

That being said, while it’s important to explore these electoral options and hopefully provide a united position, I would like to touch on something much deeper. As I write this short essay, many on the Left attack each other over the results of the Brexit vote. Indeed, I witnessed the same thing when Obama was running in 2007/08, and again during the Arab Spring, and again concerning Syria, and so on.

These horizontal attacks are toxic and unproductive. Such behavior produces sectarianism at a time when movements around the world require more unity and genuine solidarity.
Without question, we live in momentous times. According to the world’s best scientists, what humanity does in the coming decade will decide whether or not we survive the century. Our economic institutions are failing and militarism remains a global menace. Systemic racism, patriarchy and religious intolerance are still pervasive phenomena in our society. Our collective challenges are daunting.

In this context, a united Left is essential.

Vincent Emanuele is a writer, activist and radio host of “Meditations and Molotovs” which airs every Monday @2:00pm(EDT) on the Progressive Radio Network (prn.fm). He can be reached at [email protected]

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