Peter Dreier: ‘We Stand On the Shoulders’ of Social Justice Activists

Peter Dreier: ‘We Stand On the Shoulders’ of Social Justice Activists

Peter Dreier: ‘We Stand On the Shoulders’ of Social Justice Activists

From Barbara Ehrenreich to Paul Wellstone, changemakers fighting for equality are the real American heroes. 

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In the midst of the electoral horse race, it’s easy to grow cynical about the capacity for change in US politics. But as Nation writer and author of The 100 Greatest Americans of the 21st Century Peter Dreier reminds us, social justice victories from Social Security to women’s enfranchisement are the legacy of a century of activists who inspired change. He joined MSNBC’s The Cycle to run down the list of 100, from Saul Alinsky to Malcolm X, and reinforce why justice and equality are the true American values (despite what Newt Gingrich might say).

—Christie Thompson

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With the midterm elections now firmly upon us, the question is whether Democratic candidates will do more than merely occupy ballot lines as mild alternatives to the red-hot crisis that is Donald Trump.

As Trump spends over $1 billion a day on a globally destabilizing war on Iran and admits that he doesn’t “think about Americans’ financial situation,” millions across the country are struggling with the surging costs of essentials. Democrats must seize this moment and advance bold, small-“d” populist ideas—not settle for cynical caution that once again snatches defeat from the jaws of victory.

The Nation elevates progressive ideas, movements, and elected officials achieving real change across the country into the national conversation. At the same time, our journalists are exposing how crypto and AI-funded super PACs are spending hundreds of millions of dollars to knock out candidates they oppose, reporting on the devastating impact of the Supreme Court’s evisceration of the Voting Rights Act, and sounding the alarm on attempts by red states to quickly redraw electoral maps, disenfranchising Southern Black voters.

We can play this critical role because of support from readers like you. This June, we’re raising $20,000 to power The Nation’s independent journalism in the run-up to November’s immensely consequential elections.

It’s in our power to build a more just society, and your support at this critical moment brings us closer to that bold vision. I hope you’ll donate today.

Onward,

Katrina vanden Huevel
Editor and Publisher, The Nation

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