Dangerous Time For The Nation

The ultra-right wing is composed of racists, homophobes, xenophobes, theocratic totalitarians, those who cling to failed economic doctrines, those who long for a blissful past which never existed, those who fantasize a government-free future which is not possible, and those who hate anyone that isn't like them - them being, basically, middle aged, white Christians who think everyone else should and will burn in hell.

In opposition is not the left wing - there is no real left wing in America and never really has been except for some naive flirtation with communism during the time of the depression - but a diverse, slightly right of center assortment of ideologies which is probably best described as not being ultra-rightist.

Although it professes some ideology, the ultra-right is really fueled by ignorance, fear and hatred - all of which are powerful, motivating forces. And, have no doubt, they are mobilized. Their blind urge to unseat all whom they blame for their current ills leads them to support candidates who are not only unqualified, but dangerously inept and/or actively dedicated to policies against the interests of their supporters. In many cases, it is very much like the chickens voting to put the foxes in charge of the chicken coop.

By contrast, the opposition to these forces of darkness are demoralized, frustrated, and giving ample evidence to support Will Rogers' quip, "I don't belong to any organized political party. I'm a Democrat."

Well, as a nation, as a world, we cannot afford to succumb to this sort of malaise. There is simply too much riding on it. Despite its flaws, the Obama administration has managed to pass the only significant health care reform in decades; ditto for financial industry oversight; despite the naysayers it has saved the US banking and auto industries. As a matter of fact, a little judicious googling will provide you with a list of over 100 significant achievements that everyone who voted for him, and even those who opposed him, can and should be proud of.

Take a good, long look at the climate of the country, and the quality of the opposition. Ask yourself if you dare take the chance of political control by Palin, O'Donnell, Gingrich, Beck, Limbaugh or their ilk. Is that a world you could live in, or even survive?

So, whatever your sense of disappointment with the slow pace of recovery, or the compromises in policy required by political necessity, or the anxiety over the national debt, etc., put these aside and focus on the need to rebuff the tide of hatred, ignorance and fear. Use the magnificent power that makes a U.S citizen stronger than the mightiest monarch, and vote. Do it yourself. Make sure that every like minded person you know does it. Speak out on every appropriate occasion and try to motivate others.

Without, I think, being overly dramatic, what depends on it is the future of the nation and, in many ways, the world.
- posted by Martin Eagle @ 12:58 PM