Reply #129: Dear Thistle42 [View All]

[Voltaire99]

Wise words, and thanks for the post.

Your concern about idealism v. pragmatism is the right one. With nearly half the nation declaring itself "born again" as well as contented with Bush after all his miserable lies and failures, we face a tremendous struggle to regain power. Our task is nothing less than wresting control from the grip of the ignorant and violent. Before they bring us all down with them.

Still, on this matter of idealism, there's a problem, as I'm sure you've observed over the years: there isn't much of it going around, is there? Idealism is probably never in great supply. But its absence isn't accidental. Idealism is ground out of people, and that grinding can be influenced and regulated.

Probably no force in America now is more responsible for curtailing idealism than those politicians who know better, yet go along with policies like Iraq, the Patriot Act, and tax cuts for the rich. And it's nothing new. Look back to the 90s: the vicious gutting of welfare didn't come from the Republicans. Look back to the 80s: the majorities voting for Reagan's policies weren't Republican, either.

When you have a moment, check out this piece by the socialist writer Alan Maass. It puts some things, like Dean's destruction, and the mantra of "electability," in useful context. I suspect given your politics and background you'll like other writing on the Counterpunch web site, too:

http://counterpunch.com/maass02032004.html