From: Joe (jtait@texas.net)
Date: 09/17/02-12:04:57 AM Z
Jack Fulton wrote:
>Here is a quote from Julius Caesar to think about.
>
> "Beware the leader who bangs the drums of war in order
> to whip the citizenry into a patriotic fervor, for
> patriotism is indeed a double-edged sword. It both
> emboldens the blood, just as it narrows the mind. And
> when the drums of war have reached a fever pitch and
> the blood boils with hate and the mind has closed, the
> leader will have no need in seizing the rights of the
> citizenry. Rather, the citizenry, infused with fear and
> blinded by patriotism, will offer up all of their
> rights unto the leader and gladly so.
> How do I know? For this is what I have done. And I am
> Caesar."
>
>
>
>
I think continual criticism and dissent in this vein is more than needed
in American culture, especially considering the potential of an Iraqi
war, and moving towards even more restrictions on personal liberties and
freedom in general (I worry more about the Patriot Act than taking
pictures of New York tunnels).
However, I see myself getting more and more aggravated at seeing people
magnifying the state of affairs WAY BEYOND the proportions of reality;
generally coming from progressives and the "left". I don't presume to
know Jack's politics, or anyone elses on the list, but I think it would
be fair to say that many here would fall within the generalization of
progressive.
Having said that, for whatever reason :) , I feel the need to say that
the general tone out there in progressive circles is ridiculous. I have
to believe that there would be NO SITUATION in which progressives would
publicly concede that ANY American policy is a reasonable one in the
face of what amounts to incredibly grueling decisions that someone has
to make (not applauding on Bush admin policy here). This world is SO
complicated and I feel more and more disallusioned with anything but
pragmatic politics and at 23 years old have abandoned any notion of
idealism. Its not a romantic place to be, or one that allows me to
separate myself from this corrupt world; but at least I am dealing with
the possible and the here-now where actual change happens. People seem
so ready to simply point fingers and congratulate themselves on the
moral stances they take on issues, and they continue to remain on the
outside where its easy to do so.
I say this mostly to vent and am not targeting Jack's or anybody's
comments here, but I continue to struggle trying to figure out how best
to approach to this world and remain human.
-Joe
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