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History, as nearly no one seems to know, is not merely something to be read. And it does not refer merely, or even principally, to the past. On the contrary, the great force of history comes fromj the fact that we carry it within us, are unconsciously controlled by it in many ways, and history is literally present in all that we do. It could scarcely be otherwise, since it is to history that we owe our frames of reference, our identities, and our aspirations.
James Baldwin; White Man's Guilt, Ebony 1965
In the past week or so, I attempted to write about my thoughts on the Kavanaugh investigation, and the disgraceful manner in which Dr. Ford and others were treated by republicans. I found it difficult not because of a lack of words but because of the level of anger I was expressing. So I zapped each attempt, and eventually took to reading some of the works of one of this nation's greatest authors, James Baldwin.
You can't go wrong in reading any of Baldwin's works. I think the paragraph quoted above provides a powerful example. It's one that I benefit from, when trying to make sense out of how horrible things are right now. Because they are as awful as anyone reading this has thought or said they are. In fact, they are even worse.
What has been happening in the United States in recent times is problematic. A bad time in our nation's history, for sure. Thus, the only important thing now and as the future unfolds is what we are going to do about it?
I loved the demonstrations that took place in a variety of places in Washington, DC. I liked that our Senators stressed that the hearings were a job interview. Combined, it serves a clear message to those who were elected to represent us: we, the people, actually decide who we hire and fire on your job. The republicans, of course, are hoping that people will get tired or bored, and have low turn-outs on Election Day.
Trump and his ilk will try to fire their base up, and to discourage the united front we need to overwhelm them. Not just beat them. Even if they have a strong turn-out, we crush them. Send the message to those republicans not up for re-election in November. And that isn't idle talk, it is one of the possibilities that is open for us in four weeks.
Which possibility unfolds in November depends on what each of us does ever day between now and the elections. Find a family member or friend who doesn't vote, because they can't see the connection between politics and their daily life, and help empower them. Volunteer at campaign headquarters. Do what you are comfortable with. Participate in this chapter of human history, for the Civilized World is counting on us.
Peace,
H2O Man
coeur_de_lion
(3,676 posts)who used to vote but decided to stop?
My favorite cousin has been influenced by her husband, normally a very logical guy, to stop voting.
He says his vote makes no difference and she agrees with him. I tried the "if everyone said that" argument and it didn't help.
Can you think of anything that might be more persuasive?
Great essay as usual. I am so down about this Kavanaugh thing I really don't know what to do next.
OhNo-Really
(3,985 posts)lunatica
(53,410 posts)when you dont vote your vote still makes a difference because the voter on the other side has his/hers count as two.
My message is that everyone is accountable for their inactions in equal measure to their actions. It doesnt matter what you do (or not do) because it affects the outcome.
Kind of Blue
(8,709 posts)Excellent advice and points.
Indeed, inaction is an action as well as indecision is a decision both come with consequences.
coeur_de_lion
(3,676 posts)malaise
(268,693 posts)and timely
Rec
babylonsister
(171,032 posts)I think so, too.
Thanks, my friend.
lunatica
(53,410 posts)That, along with so much that they do is right out of the Dictatorship for Idiots book.
malthaussen
(17,175 posts)What a blow it would be to our collective ego if we found that the "entire civilized world" can get on just fine without us.
I'd say this is a test, right now, a snapshot of what we want to be as a nation. Leave the rest of the world out of it. If we want to stand for Enlightenment values, then get out and vote away the pigs who sneer at them and feather their own nests. Since 1980, we have been an "I got mine, fuck you" nation in large part. The situation today is the swollen, pus-filled abscess that must be drained before the infection kills us. OTOH, if we, as a nation, cannot be motivated enough to stand up for the principals we claim to love, then I'd say (from the moral standpoint), we get what we deserve.
-- Mal