Jim Hightower calls himself an "old-time Democrat." A national radio host, best-selling author, former Texas politician and political and social activist, Hightower spoke Sunday afternoon about rebuilding democracy in America from the ground up.
The United States needs to establish more ethical democratic, political, social and economic systems, Hightower told the audience. Because many Democrats are embracing more conservative ideas, Hightower stressed the importance of a revival of traditional Democratic socialist values to achieve a more equitable distribution of wealth.
Hightower argued that the primary source of America's economic and social problems is large companies that "have taken the middle-class jobs and hauled them to other countries for cheaper labor and profit....
"Corporate power is becoming sovereign in our country," he said, "but there are people out there willing to fight against it."
Hightower applauded the pioneering work of Students Against Sweatshops, some of whose members have spoken on Hightower's nationally syndicated radio show, "Chat and Chew." He praised the student organization for its continual perseverance, firm moral stand and appeal to the majority that will ultimately instigate change.
"It's going back to the grass roots that's going to make a difference," he said.
Hightower said that the concepts of economic justice and equal opportunity are embedded in America's foundation.
"It all comes down to fighting for the fundamental values of our country and for our economic future," he said.
Murmurs of approval spread through the room when Hightower argued that "politics are not addressing real people."
Again, he emphasized that these "real people" must be the catalysts to change.
"We can't rely on Washington to help us, because it's Washington that's [supporting corporate power]," he said.
After Hightower spoke, the audience engaged in an open question and discussion session, and raised concerns about sweatshop conditions both abroad and within the United States. Also, some audience members mentioned their worries about a lack of people actively fighting social and economic injustice. Hightower responded by saying that this problem can be alleviated by forming alliances among consumers.
The discussion was followed by a book signing of Hightower's new bestseller, There's Nothing in the Middle of the Road but Yellow Stripes and Dead Armadillos.
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