The leaked memo from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) about how to deal with Black Lives Matter should not surprise anybody. Nor should anyone be surprised that the memo’s author now works for the Clinton campaign. This memo is consistent with the long history of a commitment by Republicans and Democrats alike to marginalize and ultimately obliterate black movements for justice in the U.S. and around the world. As the memo so clearly demonstrates, the Democratic Party tries to string along exploited people by saying that they hear their demands, yet they offer no place at the table and instead try to put our aspirations on hold. But the oppressed can no longer afford to wait.

From Patrice Lumumba to Patrisse Cullors, the U.S. has acted decisively to undermine legitimate movements with diversionary tactics, coup d’états, and smear campaigns. Violence and “inclusion” are not contradictory for people of color in the U.S. We do not want the DCCC to “lead from behind.” Instead of calculating how to manipulate Black Lives Matter, they should advocate for the Department of Justice to prosecute police officers getting away with murder and for the restoration of economically ravaged communities. People around the country demand justice, not appeasement. That is why we are campaigning to transform this corrupt political system controlled by the elites of both parties.