Of American Politics and Possibilities
People who really know me (or are regulars of this blog) know that I often have gripes about America and its politics. For a while I didn’t understand why I’ve become so cynical of this country though I’ve spent over 14 years (!!) living here. All the hopes and aspirations I read about America just didn’t seem to exist anymore. And all I seemed to see were just the negatives and caveats of my life in America.
Then today I stumbled upon this interview of Prof. Harvey J. Kaye with Bill Moyers. The enthusiasm of Kaye on the subject of Thomas Paine is infectious and puts me in a happy place about those hopes and aspirations I had for being in America again*.
* Unfortunately, as Kaye stated in the interview, Paine’s ideas and words are now being quoted by the wrong people in the wrong contexts to do the dirty works of politicians. Or maybe I am just too naive.
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February 2nd, 2008 at 11:42 am
I love the writings of Thomas Paine. I thought Kaye was exciting too. He had a glimmer in his eyes that made me see his passion.
Chu, remember that in these past 14 years we have had some of the worst political leaders and events ever in our short history. Nothing like murders of presidents and civil war, but on a more personal level. People in power who are caught in their hypocrisy and lies and machiavellian presidents who line their own pockets and manipulate our constitution make me crazy. I HATE THEM!!!!
We as individuals have more knowledge and power than ever before and we enlightened people all feel entitled to be an active part of our government……as we should be. We are disenchanted with the reality of the way our government can be manipulated and spun and we are smart enough to know the difference. You know how they say ignorance is bliss? Well knowledge is frustrating. This is why governments have killed off the learned men and women in their charge throughout history. They have burned books, hung witches and imprisoned college professors to prevent them from turning the minds of others against the corrupt governments. They can’t get away with that like they did back then so they resort to the current measures.
We are manipulated and propagandized like never before, but at least we have become acutely aware of it through the web and media. It makes us all frustrated and angry. As I see it our government is no different than any other on the planet though. It can be wonderful or corrupt. It can nurture, help and raise up segments of it’s population or persecute and disenfranchise others. The difference is that we have tried to create checks and balances and accountability….which sometimes fails…..but we are still trying. Like religion…..there will never be a perfect solution or government….ever.
I think of governments as living things that evolve and change all the time. I’m sure the people of 1864 thought that the country was doomed and the folks of 1771 thought we were doomed to fail, but they kept on trying. We as individuals have more power to change our laws and leaders than any country I know of and yet we become complacent about that.
I would LOVE to see you become a citizen so that you have the voice you need to make those changes you desperately want. We need minds like yours to help people sort things out and become part of the solution to these problems. Sorry for the long note. You must think I am a ranting old woman. Come to think of it… I guess I am. I still want to be arrested for civil disobedience some day.HAHAHA