It is not because this is an inherently conservative country that liberal leadership is so weak. The problem lies not in the people but in the corridors of power, in the media and the Congress and the many institutions -- including liberal ones -- that have been shifted rightwards by strategic efforts over the last 40 years. That is why progressives find themselves fighting defensive battles, as in Wisconsin -- while the right, which has neither the presidency nor the Senate -- plays offense.

The Buffalo News, citing poor financial results within the opening six weeks of this year, is mailing out letters offering a new voluntary resignation incentive to 26 Guild members in three departments. The buyout offer will apply to select individuals in editorial, classified advertising and customer service. It is equal to two weeks’ pay for each year of service or $50,000, whichever is greater.

On Feb. 20, Kamal Abbas, Egyptian union leader and prominent figure in the Jan. 25 movement, sent a message to the “workers of Wisconsin”: “We stand with you as you stood with us.” The two struggles are closely intertwined. Labor movements have been in the forefront of protecting democracy and human rights and expanding their domains, a primary reason why they are the bane of systems of power, both state and private.