Good advice and good insights. The unquestioning patriotism of my childhood was replaced by cynicism as we learned more truths about the Vietnam. Truman , then Eisenhower were presidents in my childhood, and the first election campaign I can remember was that of JFK. Johnson inherited a Vietnam mess so bad he probably stood no chance of reelection. (I since started reading Robert A Caro's biography series about Johnson; incredibly informative about politics in general) Nixon's presidency sealed the deal on distrusting government. Ford pardoned him in an attempt to unify the country, but the action also increased cynicism. I had hopes about Carter, but he seemed out of his league at times. Generally I have been somewhat cynical of every president since, though was very favorable of Obama, and detested Trump from the beginning of his last "reign". I voted for Hillary Clinton, but thought she was out of touch with most Americans. So.. where did the cynicism begin? Mostly with Nixon. But Democrat Bill Clinton disgusted me with his outside connections and generally disrespectful attitude towards the office.
I tried to summarize history of presidents in my effort to identify a turning point, but I cannot within that context. Technology probably also plays a role. We now receive and exchange information instantaneously. We seem to have no time for carefully considering options. It probably "takes a village"...
My pre-occupation these days is finding that compelling narrative that can define our "deeper hopes. ... urgent and sacred as the rights they defend." The Tree of Liberty is not safe.
The branches of the Democratic party are easily played against each other: it turns out there is no unifying trunk. While one branch worries about Palestinian atrocities, another worries about Trans rights, others worry about Free Speech, Immigrant Rights, BIPOC Rights, Clean Water, Parkland Management, etc. The Left has no cohesive vision or connection to the central trunk. They waste energy resisting 1,000 papercuts all while Dictators hack at the tree of democracy every day.
Turns out: Democracy has no activist coalition! And the GOP is no better. Both the GOP and Dems cry tyranny when out of power, but ignore democracy when in power and it is inconvenient. The GOP experienced Obama and Biden as dictators. The current group are simply playing the cards they were dealt.
What is the story of American democracy that we should develop these "songs, symbols, stories, rituals, and movements" around?
Lacking that compelling story, I too am in danger of what you called "learning helplessness."
Perhaps I should take another look at the writings of Thomas Paine and Samuel Adams...
Superb. Everything critical examined and stated so clearly.
Good advice and good insights. The unquestioning patriotism of my childhood was replaced by cynicism as we learned more truths about the Vietnam. Truman , then Eisenhower were presidents in my childhood, and the first election campaign I can remember was that of JFK. Johnson inherited a Vietnam mess so bad he probably stood no chance of reelection. (I since started reading Robert A Caro's biography series about Johnson; incredibly informative about politics in general) Nixon's presidency sealed the deal on distrusting government. Ford pardoned him in an attempt to unify the country, but the action also increased cynicism. I had hopes about Carter, but he seemed out of his league at times. Generally I have been somewhat cynical of every president since, though was very favorable of Obama, and detested Trump from the beginning of his last "reign". I voted for Hillary Clinton, but thought she was out of touch with most Americans. So.. where did the cynicism begin? Mostly with Nixon. But Democrat Bill Clinton disgusted me with his outside connections and generally disrespectful attitude towards the office.
I tried to summarize history of presidents in my effort to identify a turning point, but I cannot within that context. Technology probably also plays a role. We now receive and exchange information instantaneously. We seem to have no time for carefully considering options. It probably "takes a village"...
We need to get busy supporting the ideas, policies and politicians that are best for our democracy!! No dictators allowed!!
Amen!
Well said Mr. Anderson.
My pre-occupation these days is finding that compelling narrative that can define our "deeper hopes. ... urgent and sacred as the rights they defend." The Tree of Liberty is not safe.
The branches of the Democratic party are easily played against each other: it turns out there is no unifying trunk. While one branch worries about Palestinian atrocities, another worries about Trans rights, others worry about Free Speech, Immigrant Rights, BIPOC Rights, Clean Water, Parkland Management, etc. The Left has no cohesive vision or connection to the central trunk. They waste energy resisting 1,000 papercuts all while Dictators hack at the tree of democracy every day.
Turns out: Democracy has no activist coalition! And the GOP is no better. Both the GOP and Dems cry tyranny when out of power, but ignore democracy when in power and it is inconvenient. The GOP experienced Obama and Biden as dictators. The current group are simply playing the cards they were dealt.
What is the story of American democracy that we should develop these "songs, symbols, stories, rituals, and movements" around?
Lacking that compelling story, I too am in danger of what you called "learning helplessness."
Perhaps I should take another look at the writings of Thomas Paine and Samuel Adams...
Well said & insightful. Thank you.