Shock And Awe
Tonight I wanted to write something about politics. I wanted to be able to write something thoughtful and unique about how the Republican House and Senate leaders are abusing power and restructuring our system of government for their needs. Tonight, above all, I wanted to provide some insight to these nervous times.
But I can’t. Instead I lean back in awed disbelief at the audacity of a vocal few, the barely suppressed hatred that is motivating powerful people, and the escalating volatility inherent in extreme political disposition. And our Administration is nothing if not extreme.
I ponder whether the Democratic position has not been extreme enough in the recent past to reap enough emotion from their backers. Even I, a firm proponent of social reform, feel they have been pedestrian in their position, churlish in their choler. Perhaps the time to play safe has ended.
Our self-righteous right-wing enjoys the passion of wrath. Perhaps it is this wrath which is the glue binding the extremists to the masses. Never underestimate hatred, it is a galvanizing force. Righteous hatred is worse, as it is fueled by willful blindness.
I ponder whether the Democratic party can wield such tools as deftly as the Religious Right. In contrast to the usual toolkit of reason and foresight, both are cold chisels to the pneumatic hammers of dogmatic self-righteousness. The crafting of an improved nation must be accomplished in less time, and the Political Left needs to upgrade their tools.
I know the Democratic Left to be right, just as I know in my heart the Republican Right is wrong. Tonight, however, I cannot put voice to my growing fears. I’m too shocked at our selfish leaders, too awed by their unmitigated audacity. Tonight, I just scratch my graying head and wonder.