Left Forum 2011: Interview with Tony Johnson

Dear Rev. Johnson, Having spoken to you before, concerning the Business Administrator position at the Community Center, and having seen Unitarian Universalism listed as an "Other Resource" by Trustee Rev. Corey Bantik of Modern Egyptian Ritual Magick, I took the opportunity to visit the Community Center Website. In doing so, I was please to view your video interview about the Religious Left. Your explanation of the origin and sects which comprise the religious left was very well conceived and articulated. I also agree with your assessment that the lack of a center involving the religious left issues of concern related to the environment, immigration, racism and social justice can pose a problem as well as offer an opportunity. However in my humble opinion, the religious left in general and the African-American big churches and big congregations in particular have been co-opted by and made subservient to the mealy-mouthed and watered-down platform of the Democratic Party. Until the religious left can act in a self-reliant and independent fashion, and sever ties with the two major parties, it will never be a serious agent for change and for alleviating the plight of those who flounder in this society where any semblance of a safety nets has been withdrawn. In the day leading up to the Occupy Wall Street movement the Midwest was the nerve center of protest, because so many of its locales have traditionally been manufacturing centers where millions of jobs have been offshored in recent years in order to reduce labor costs and to maximize profits. Like racism and social injustice in the African-American community, the mobilization of those who want the necessity of employment over obscene corporate executive compensation and bonuses occur where the impact is felt most. I sincerely hope that the religious left will take off the kid gloves, ruffle a few feather and act in a politically expedient manner in order to bring about the changes that are needed to prevent a collapse of the social fabric as we know it. Keep in mind during the 1960s Catholic Priest spearheaded a radical movement that came to be known as "Liberation Theology". Without a concerted effort from all segments of society, I have no reason to feel "hopeful". Respectfully submitted, Miles Williams