I don't know if there's an easy way to say this .... It's not you, it's me. We have had some wonderful times together. We'll always have '08.
As I watch the campaign unfold I can't help but wonder how we found ourselves in this spot .... Again. The spot where it seems, progressives are portrayed as "big government, wealth redistributing, morally flawed, everybody deserves a medal, anti-capitalism, tree-hugging punks. Again. As we try to rail against the depiction I find myself disappointed and at times a bit dispirited at the seemingly repetitive nature of our futility.
How is it possible? Is the populous that tuned out? Are we that tuned out?
Every Sunday morning I sit and click. "This Week", "Meet the Press" and such with the same focus on absolutely the wrong things. Watching questions being posed like they're in a game of T-ball. And, if not for the devastation that would be the result of failed vigilance, it would be comical. Comical I tell you. With each stated claim of this nation's greatness, I marvel at the boldness of it. However, strangely enough I sort of admire the dogged dedication and steadfastness of it all.
Think about it, what is there not to admire? How else do you explain some of the fundamental stances?
"Economic growth Is only stimulated through less regulations, less taxes and with these things in place capitalism and the private sector will be unleashed. Thus, releasing a tidal wave of prosperity for everyone." And people believe it! Ha! I mean seriously, but hey maybe it's me.... That's why this is so hard for me to say to you ....
I fear we've grown apart ... You've changed so much that at times I wonder, "are you in there?". I mean what happened? We always had each others back when came to stuff like, the ability to eat, pay bills, get a good education and earn a decent pay. We fought for that. YOU fought for that and didn't flinch. Amazing. Now, it seems even you are starting to believe what they're saying about us. Compromise is a nobel word capitulation is not.
How did we let the education of our children, the safety of communities, the very people who are us become vilified and with little resistance? How? Why do we not seem to have that same doggedness and steadfastness that for all intensive purposes seeks to reinstate the gilded age of the robber baron. Except, this time it's being done with compliance ... And I don't know anymore if you're with me in this fight. Are you? I hope you are .... I really hope you are.
The voter suppression, the union busting, the homophobia, the racism, the sexism, the ableism and, the unveiled attempt to paint America as "theirs". You heard it, "Let's take 'our' country back." So, when they sing, "Our country tis of thee...." who exactly is the OUR? You know, I remember when this would happen in the past we would not only fight but rigorously push for the fundamental of our principles, equality. We don't fight together anymore, now it seems that you're scared that you'll have to actually stand toe to toe. It's not the flinching ... it's the caving. It's not the willingness to bargain. It's not the pragmatic approach to problems. It just seems at times that you are befuddled at their tenacity.
Equality in access to opportunity is no weak-minded spineless position to take. It by its very nature causes us as a.country to at least need to come to terms with certain realities. But more importantly, it offers endless opportunities to make the promise of this nation actualized.
I hope you understand .... It has reached a tipping point of sorts.
Keith P. Jones - Progressive
Advocate/Activist