Letters to the Editor
Riversofexile
Published Letters: 76
-
Course correction, rather than "revolution"
[Read the article: The NYT's Michael Cooper demonstrates what real reporting is]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]In other words, we can't possibly wish for that sort of a solution to our admittedly fundamental problems until (1) the problems themselves are widely recognized as fundamental, and (2) these problems are widely recognized not to have intra-systemic solutions. Not even amassing a million people in Washington, DC, even in this time of increased anti-war sentiment, could come close to accomplishing what the movements of the 60s -- or the (17)70s -- had, because this kind of mass awareness and frustration has not reached the necessary levels.
DCLaw1
That method is obsolete, if only because the powerful have acquired the legal means to keep protesters ohysically at bay, not to mention the mocking and contempt of the well-meaning. Bush pioneered the technique, we can be sure it will remain in place - you know, security, and all. Besides, people aren't into that anymore, for many societal reasons, some legitimate, others less so.
Be that as it may, we do have tools at our disposal now that the 60's generation could only dream of. Here we are, able (for how much longer, people? think about it) to communicate globally, locally, on any topic. The next revolution will be one of knowledge, in my view, hence the priceless work of people like Glenn, studiously keeping track of all the minutiae, building the damn case for us.
The tools of knowledge are new, the audience is massive, so it's all just brewing right now, searching for its focus, its core determination.
Once we are focused (hopefully with the guidance of our sharpest old and new thinkers, leaders, out there around the world, not just in our backyard ), we can use the tools at our disposal, all peaceful, yet intelligently targeted.
A simple move would be for a massive, simultaneous hold on portion of our taxes. Put them all in a humongous citizens account, and use that as leverage to negotiate the terms of a proper, honest dialogue.
That sort of thing would take leadership, vision, and a good deal of citizen commitment. Can only happen with serious motivation. Who's willing to go to jail for non-payment of taxes? No one. Maybe when torture becomes commonplace in this country - that's the next step, let's not fool ourselves - maybe then, some of us might.
-
bethincary
[Read the article: The NYT's Michael Cooper demonstrates what real reporting is]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]while some may think this can['t] happen here--Look around-it already has.
What you describe before asking the above question are the fruit of the right wing revolution (aka corporate takeover) that has already happened. They've shredded the Constitution, made a mockery of our values, desecrated our fighting spirit, numbed us with their products, invaded and killed in our names, with our money.
And we've pretty much let them, we trusted the system to work, all on its own - or something.
-
bethincary
[Read the article: The NYT's Michael Cooper demonstrates what real reporting is]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]Well re the Marxist discussion - there is value in history, no doubt about that, if only as a point of reference, but hopefully for much more. We wouldn't be in this mess (in Iraq, at home) if more Americans had more of clue of history. History is relevant, as far I am concerned.
As for the rest, sure the actions of the Bush Admin and the military-industrial complex are what they are, I expect nothing different.
What has been far more upsetting to me is the failure of the system ( ie us, no one but us, our gvt, our money) to correct itself, as it were. You know, checks and balances, etc. That all went out the window with one, count it one (granted huge) terrorist act. And voila, we've become something else altogether. Either that, or our true nature has shown its face.
I remember posting somewhere - after 9/11, before the invasion - in response to what I thought a wacko proposition, that "no way Europe/US would venture back into colonization, the people of our countries wouldn't tolerate it". I was dead convinced it just couldn't happen. Yet, it dit. US/UK went and did it.
We've got to look at ourselves, first and foremost. We.did.let.it.happen.
-
Paul
[Read the article: The NYT's Michael Cooper demonstrates what real reporting is]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]That's a valid point.
I thought the people of the US/UK had learned something from the experiences you cite, and those of European colonization. I thought for sure they wouldn't tolerate even the prospect of a repeat, in the Middle East no less, knowing that severe, long term blowback was sure to ensue, for generations.
I take it you were less naive, and that therefore you weren't shocked by the complacency with which we let it all happen, continue to let happen, another show on cable news while we shop, and go on about our lives, undisturbed?
-
They so repulse
[Read the article: National Review reporter caught fabricating; where is the "liberal media"?]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=NDU5ZDI3YzI3ZDhiZDBlMGY3Yzg0ZTk4MWNjZDJkMDE=
The Arab tendency to lie and exaggerate about enemies
http://www.time-blog.com/swampland/2007/12/today_in_iraq_18.html
It is woven into the fabric of a tribal society.......the single most powerful reason why democracy simply hasn't worked among Arab tribal countries
(h/t Paul Dirks)
My God, they have no boundaries, they are unconstrained, they can print any old shit they want, and still be seen in respectable company.
Imagine exhibiting such a foul mindset about any other ethnic group in the most mainstream of all mainstream media, hm?
That said, none of this is new or limited to these two individuals, or the right wing, ok? These sorts of thing are also said casually in any number of "respectable" forums - other than print media.
I'm actually surprised anyone would even notice, let alone mention or protest, lies about scary-awful-terrorist-Arab-Muslim such-and-so group. When has the mainstream US media ever said the truth about the Middle East to the American people???
Kudos to Glenn, bien sûr, and especially to those US journalists in Lebanon for trying to set the record straight on this one, but this is just a tiny example of a pervasive, established attitude among those covering the ME for mainstream US media.