Mood: Depressed

[dwgm]

My 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, firesignwriter posted this link, and I could not remain silent.

Comments

[fnordelissa.livejournal.com]

we just have to hope that if we all speak, vote, and send out thoughts and intentions for peace and understanding, that it will eventually make a difference. In fact, when I feel hopeless, a good source of hope is the great Jane Goodall... she has more reason than anyone to have no hope for all the terrible wastes and horrors in life, having seen so much of it and knowing about all the details of environmental waste in particular, and she still finds hope. She wrote a book about it, called, appropriately, "Reason for Hope"... I highly recommend it. One of her sources of hope is young people... which is why she has 'roots and shoots' programs to encourage young people to act for the betterment of humans and animals on this planet. The young people might not help us much in this election, since they can't vote yet, but... maybe they can convince their parents, and maybe enough energy put in the right place will make a difference eventually. I also recommend the film "What the #$*! do we know!?"... it has a lot to say about the power of thought and intention.

I have to hope that it will improve. I know there is good in people, even in people afraid of looking at the other side of the story. I know what you mean about feeling helpless... I just can't let myself feel that way. It's sort of like the way I prevent myself from getting sick... I have faith in the strength of my body and my immune system. (I do also try to get enough sleep and good nutrition) I have to have faith that we will become, collectively, better than we are. *hugs*

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

I am, in general, as I said, an optimist, and I believe things ARE getting better--I was at the Goodall talk too, remember, but she was only reiterating what I feel is true in the first place. Individuals can make a difference, can make the world a better place, each in their own way.

The war and the complacent and even approving attitude of much of the public and press toward it is what makes me ANGRY. As far as I'm concerned there are people dying over there because of oil and Bush's connections with that industry. And yet he is ahead in the polls.

No, I don't despair for humanity. I am close to despair at the willingness of the American public to be taken in by the powers-that-be, and by the media, and at the attitude of 'My Country: Love It Or Leave It' that seems to be equated with support of this war.

How soon they forget.

[fnordelissa.livejournal.com]

well said, I think. (I forgot that you were there with us, sorry! then my reference will serve to enlighten those who haven't yet heard her words)

and I definitely know what you mean. This country does sort of appear to be going to Hell in a handbasket, in some ways. but actually, the fact that much of the world hates Bush is almost reassuring... the rest of the world recognizes that this is a needless waste of life, money, effort, etc. It's just our own country, held in the thrall of publicity and as you say, a sort of fervent and blind patriotism which is frightening and destructive (in my opinion) that can't see the waste of it all. I wish there was a way to change the media... more people should watch the Daily Show with Jon Stewart. They've got the media's number, and they make ruthless fun of it. it certainly makes me feel better to watch it!