The U.S. intervention in Iraq, which pummeled the defenseless, was grotesque. But we ought not ignore that the U.S. had to try to minimize civilian casualties. This wasn’t because this century’s imperial leaders have larger hearts or more exalted souls than last century’s. It was because our social movements made them fear the repercussions of still worse carnage.
I don’t see bigger obstacles now than in the past. I see similar institutions in place now, as in the past, but also a much more aware populace, both domestically and worldwide. I think what is now on movements~{!/~} agendas isn’t just peripheral symptoms but the whole system. The educational and consciousness raising problem has become steadily less about getting people to realize there is injustice, and steadily more about getting people to share a new vision. This changes our tasks, and it is major improvement.