We, the People
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
Belief in a great future, lofty ideals and the hope of a nation: all embodied in the preamble to the United States Constitution. Something has happened in our country; to its people. Fear and finger pointing rule the land. The people see enemies all around; far away -- but preparing to murder us all on planes and trains and with dirty bombs. When did we give over our free minds to the lies of delusional politicians whose only interests are their own? When did we start measuring our words -- careful not to offend lest our conversations are recorded, our reading habits tracked, and our intentions questioned?
Have we forgotten our liberty? our free spirits and free speech? Am I a fool to still believe it still exists somewhere deep in the heart of America?
CHARTERS OF FREEDOM
No, Helen, of course you're not a fool for believing in a society made up of free spirits.
ReplyDeleteIt's shocking that our country, with all our access to information and media, has become a "closing society." (Read Naomi Wolf's "Ten Steps To Close Down an Open Society," link below.) But to me it almost seems inevitable, like an evolutionary thing or an aging, maturing thing. Part of how a country grows up. Like pms, maybe. Sort of hormonal, or something. :-)
I think our people were asleep in the American Dream for a long time. There was something of a spiritual and political awakening starting in the 60's and 70's, but then came the inevitable backlash with the Reagan years. In many ways I think many people are much more awake and involved today than ever before, not only in spite of all the right-wing paranoia and distrust, but because of it. Like you. And me too.
This is our time, and I think it presents some enormous opportunities to open all kinds of doors and free up some spirits. I think many people secretly feel trapped and they're waiting to hear a message of openness and acceptance and liberation. That's where you and I make our entrance from Stage Left. :-)
Spirits fly.
Craig
Naomi Wolf:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/naomi-wolf/ten-steps-to-close-down-a_b_46695.html
Let me add a bit to that. (I think I left something out.)
ReplyDeleteI think what happened somewhat during the late 1970's and 80's, and more so the 90's, was that even while the backlash against awakening and openness was taking place, some people kind of continued "carrying the torch" (if that's not too cheesy :-) of the awakening. I think most of us didn't know what we were doing or what it would lead to. Kind of a quiet revolution.
And I think that's what led to this greater opening today. The Left is HUGE today, and very active. The audience that mostly ignores the corporate media and pays more attention to Democracy Now, Air America, The Daily Show, Mother Jones, Daily Kos and other left-leaning and internet-based media has grown by leaps and bounds.
The worse life gets for many of us, the more accepting and compassionate many of us become. Life is changing, and while we get poorer and less free on the outside, we grow inwardly more awake and free.
That's how I feel. As pissed off as I get about the raping of our country by the rich and powerful for their gain in power and money, I don't stay pissed as long as I used to. (Maybe that's an age thing, too.) It helps me to be politically active whenever I can. I actually like to canvass for America Votes, my main squeeze in activist groups. Glutton for punishment. :-) I like to talk to people about issues, especially when Tanya goes with me.
(DId I just write a freakin book? Wow. I have to get ready to leave for my mom's house, so I'd better get off the computer! Hope you're doing well.)
Craig
Thank you for your comments Craig. I sure needed to hear some reassuring words right now. As we close in on election day, I grow more and more apprehensive. I worry about this Country of ours. Sometimes I wonder, what can I do as an individual? There are so many problems and so many problems. Where do I start? At this time in my life, all I can do is remind people that we still have a Constitution that is worth reading, believing in and living by. We still have a Bill of Rights that we should defend because it protects us. Criticizing the government is defending the Country.
ReplyDeletewell nice pic
ReplyDelete