In response to my inquiry “What does it mean to be a leftist in politics?”, here’s what Chat GPT put forth:
To be a “leftist” in politics means aligning with left-wing ideologies, which prioritize social equality, advocate for active government intervention to address societal issues, and support social progress and change over traditional hierarchies. Leftists typically focus on reducing wealth gaps, supporting disadvantaged groups, and believe that government programs and policies are necessary to achieve a fairer society.
Key Characteristics of Leftist Politics
Equality and Social Justice:A core principle is the belief in social and economic equality, with a focus on reducing or abolishing unjustified inequalities and addressing the concerns of disadvantaged groups.
Government Intervention:Leftists believe the government should play a significant, active role in society by using its power to make laws and spend money to fund services like healthcare and education, often through progressive taxation.
Social Change and Progress:Leftist politics embraces social change and progressive causes such as gender equality and climate change policies, as opposed to conservative efforts to preserve traditional institutions.
Cooperative Relations:Supporters believe that human development and progress are best achieved through cooperative, respectful relationships, which can only thrive when excessive differences in status, power, and wealth are eliminated.
Pretty impressive. … And with such correct conceptualization in mind, it is no wonder that Leftist economies top the world charts for both DEMOCRACY and HAPPINESS. Please see my post here.
Kevin! So glad u followed up. Man are u a sympatico soul! Let's def connect. ..but umm, err, then u can decide whether to keep all this personal info out there in the public comment. :) ... Hit me up via email (just my name @ Gmail) :)
Hey Mitty— This is Kevin Sturr. We ran into each other in Bed Stuy last night. I appreciate your writing here and am glad to be connected. Writing appears to run in your family: I had forgotten that you’d Dad was also a writer and a poet.
You and I appear to be in the same generation—I graduated from Columbia in ‘85 and then went to CUNY Law at Queens College (took a “leave” after a year to go to Mali in 1987 in the Peace Corps for 2 years). Grew up mainly in Syracuse. I was just fired by Trump and Mr. Musk (along with thousands others) from the state dept/usaid—was a foreign service officer for almost 25 years mainly on the continent (most recently back in Mali again—got back in June). I was a bit of an anomaly at State because I brought my activist instincts with me (from Columbia and the Central America work—beginning of anti-apartheid struggle) and spent my most rewarding times in community development, civil society strengthening, promotion of human rights work working with activists, students, etc. When we all got the ax, I decided to come back to the city from DC (my wife, who is from Mauritania, and I have a place on Capitol Hill and we have 3 daughters—one at home right now) to volunteer on Zohran’s campaign. Had read some of Mahmood Mamdani’s work and remember learning that he was a member of SNCC when he first came to this country and was excited to learn a son of his was making a run for mayor. Worked a couple weeks before the primary and have been back for the past month and am going to try to stay through the election.
I noted all the activism and community development work you’ve done in addition to your writing and was particularly interested in the work you’ve done in West Africa as well. I am trying to get Zohran (through advisors, etc.) to visit a mosque in Bed Stuy where most of Brooklyn’s West Africa community prays on Fridays. I speak pulaar and some bambara from my time in Mauritania, Mali, Senegal, etc. and have been reaching out to the community in Brooklyn.
Once again, great to meet you and hopefully we’ll meet up on the canvassing trail.
Best, Kevin Sturr