Jeremy Mohler: What Is Democracy? Bargaining for the Common Good
Jeremy Mohler of the organization “In the Public Interest” wrote this reflection on the meaning of democracy:
The word “democracy” either fires you up or makes your eyes roll.
It’s so overused that even Donald Trump is wielding it to ramp up support for his administration’s meddling in Venezuela.
There’s even a new documentary out called What is Democracy? by filmmaker and activist Astra Taylor, who interviews everyone from philosophers to factory workers to get at the answer. The conclusion? There’s no definitive single answer to the question.
Maybe all we can say is: you know democracy when you see it.
I certainly see a refreshing example of democracy on display in the growing public school teachers movement. And it’s the real thing—not the electoral kind that we’re used to.
It’s called “bargaining for the common good.” The gist: teachers and other government workers use their ability to negotiate for better wages and working conditions to also improve the lives of other people in their community.
Some recent examples:
In January, striking teachers in Los Angeles won better wages and benefits but also 300 more nurses district wide, more green space at every school, support for immigrant families, a stop to random police searches at schools, and more.
In Oregon, the state’s largest unions came together a few years ago to collectively win higher wages, paid sick CONTINUE READING: Jeremy Mohler: What Is Democracy? Bargaining for the Common Good | Diane Ravitch's blog