Mood: Depressed
Sep. 15th, 2004 08:48 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
dwgmMy dear ones, I know you don't remember the helpless disillusionment of the '60's and early '70's. You will perhaps say that no, we weren't helpless, that the war was protested strongly. Yet it went on and on anyway, as you know, and it was later revealed that our leaders, people who supposedly cared for us and our country, concealed information, distorted information, let themselves turn a blind eye to truth that might have spared the lives of so many.
In many ways the world is a better place than it was a hundred, or even fifty years ago, and I try to keep that in focus to fuel the optimism that seems much more natural to me than despair. But human nature is what it is, and there are too many people who still consider violence, and particularly large scale violence, to be a viable solution to life's problems, and too many people who allow themselves to be sucked in by a shiny package of lies and propaganda and false patriotism. It breaks my heart. This country can be great, in very many ways it is great, but we need to look at ourselves with clear vision and see ourselves as citizens of the World, not just as Americans.
I generally try not to think of this stuff much, as it does provoke such a feeling of helplessness. However,![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
firesignwriter posted this link, and I could not remain silent.
In many ways the world is a better place than it was a hundred, or even fifty years ago, and I try to keep that in focus to fuel the optimism that seems much more natural to me than despair. But human nature is what it is, and there are too many people who still consider violence, and particularly large scale violence, to be a viable solution to life's problems, and too many people who allow themselves to be sucked in by a shiny package of lies and propaganda and false patriotism. It breaks my heart. This country can be great, in very many ways it is great, but we need to look at ourselves with clear vision and see ourselves as citizens of the World, not just as Americans.
I generally try not to think of this stuff much, as it does provoke such a feeling of helplessness. However,
firesignwriter posted this link, and I could not remain silent.
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
Sorry to intrude on this discussion
Date: 2004-09-16 07:58 am (UTC)First item I would like to mention. While there is one person or group that wants to hold power of some sort over another there will be war. I am not saying war is a good thing. Just that it is pretty much inevitable while there are still humans on this planet.
As for the ware in the Iraq and Afghanistan? I think it will be a long time before anything is settled while American presence remains in those regions. Do you always hold on to the bicycle as a kid learns to ride it? One day you have to let go and let them ride down the road or crash into the tree.
Meanwhile over in Africa there is some major evil mojo going down in Sudan. It seems most of the world is informed about what apparently is going on there. Here in America though it seems would could care less. The information is there to find out, but it is not on the news very much. The American government is staying out of the mess that is happening. Just this past week Colin Powell actually used the word genocide in speaking of it. Millions of people displaced from their homes. How many dead? Who knows? Thousands and thousands at the very least. Scary.
Second item: Politics. Such a dangerous topic for discussions (the other being religion ;) ). I think one of the biggest issues I have with it is this whole left-wing/right-wing thing. Democrat vs Republican. There are MANY other political parties out there to choose from. Odds are at least one of those "lesser" parties will match the ideology of most people. As kellenanne states: "I subscribe more to the idea of less government...". Immediately Libertarians (http://www.lp.org) jump into my mind. I think for our political system is dying. The rate is accelerating each year too. The "two-party" system is wasting away. We need an injection of new views and ideas. To give a fresh perspective to Americans.
Who will I vote for? Not Bush. He has done some good things, and a lot of not good things. The Presidential office is the head of our country. He should be representative of America. Especially to other countries. I particularly do not like other countries viewing us a idiots. Being articulate and charismatic (not the physical appearance type of charisma) are very good qualities a leader needs. Albeit, there have been leaders that are one or the other, and neither. Usually that is the exception though. Honestly, Bush does not inspire me, or fill me confidence. I would rather try another unknown. Not keep the known that does not work for me.
I think that is enough grump from me.
Hope all of you have a wonderful and delightful day!
Re: Sorry to intrude on this discussion
Date: 2004-09-16 09:18 am (UTC)