The Generalist
One's identity is far more than one's profession.
I’m appalled. The election results force me to reassess who we are as Americans.
At the same time I know we need to stay engaged and work for good government, mutual well-being, and democracy. We will be sustained by our faith, our community of friends, and old-fashioned grit.
Everybody who’s not emotionally shutdown or inside the cult is anxious. You aren’t paranoid when the threat is a real and present danger to all that you love and respect. The best journalists that I read see it clearly. TPM spells it out.
And, this is the culmination of a much longer historical progression of actions that subvert democracy.
I believed, when I was a Republican, that Democrats would ruin the country with their tax and spend mindset. Ronald Reagan, the great communicator, told us that government was the problem. Supply side economics would bring us lower taxes and a thriving economy. The reverse proved to be the case.
Here’s what history says about the myths that still dominate GOP economic orthodoxy.
Political beliefs, reinforced by groupthink, trump reason and critical analysis. Even when objective evidence contradicts those zombie beliefs, they continue to influence the political faithful.
Lincoln at Gettysburg:
“ . . . that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain — that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom — and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”
Robert Reich quotes Donald Trump, who spoke recently at Gettysburg, suggesting that his incoherence is evidence of dementia.
Not only is Trump confused about the significance of Gettysburg, but the political party he leads, which once celebrated the sentiments enshrined in Lincoln’s Gettysburg address, now advances the ideas of tyrants and dictators.
You can’t revere Lincoln or his words if you:
The Republican Party and its leader, Donald Trump, do not represent the values of Lincoln, most Americans, or even most people who identify as Republicans.
The election this fall offers an opportunity for redemption. If you have been going along to get along, this could be your last chance to reclaim dignity and integrity and make the Grand Old Party great again.
In “interesting” times, it’s important to keep a sense of humor. I got a chuckle out of John Young’s column below and think you may too.
Did he [DJT] really mean what we think he meant when he said you won’t have to vote again? His apologists say no, but Pete Pete Buttigieg put it well when he said, “I don’t want to have to worry about whether he meant what he said.” None of us should have to worry that our elected leaders might actually do what they flippantly say to please a crowd of their true believers.
We are confronted with a political party that has many of the classic characteristics of a cult and blends them with enforcing conformity by systematic reward and punishment that reminds us of an organized crime family. Its leader is showing signs and symptoms of senility, and many mental health professionals characterize his public behavior as typical of a sociopath.
Yet, for reasons of personal ambition and fear, the refuse to turn away from him.
Ask yourself: Can you think of a single selfless act of compassion or public service attributable to the Republican Nominee? Can you think of anyone less willing to accept the will of the people? It would be laughable if it were fiction.
Far too many of us are so disgusted with the political process that we have abandoned critical thinking and become complacent. Historian Heather Cox Richardson lays out the picture of what lies ahead. It is grim.
Heather Cox Richardson analyzes the significance of the upcoming election for Americans. (click)
Canadian wildfires caused the air in Newtown, PA to exceed the 400 AQI level that’s considered hazardous to all. Lesser levels pose a risk to subsets like the elderly (me), those with a history of asthma (also me), children, pregnant women, and those with compromised health.
Here is the map showing real-time measurements for Newtown and vicinity. You can focus the map on any area you choose. Click the picture below to view the real-time map.
Marguerite, my wife, wrote the article below explaining why the AQI (air quality index) is of concern to everyone.
Economist Robert Reich is conducting a series of classes you may be interested in; I think he plans 14.
Doug Muder is, to my mind, one of the best critical thinkers of our time. In this week’s Weekly Sift, Doug deconstructs Marjory Taylor Greene’s call for a national divorce that would return the US to a confederacy of independent states.
Virtually no thinking person is taking her idea seriously. But, informed by history, economics, and practical realities, Doug Muder carefully demonstrates why she is so very wrong. It’s a good exercise in Civics.
an Opera by Scott Joplin
Houston Grand Opera Orchestra
with an all-black cast of singers and dancers
Online Links
For those who would like to share this remarkable experience with off-campus friends and relatives, here are the YouTube links:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6ynOUAFIG8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHG6PMUUHOA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Sr5AokEGGg
The libretto is also available both in document form and as a slide show keyed to the sound track:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ecgr5ViF-Xc
You must be logged in to post a comment.