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That is the backdrop of the withering smear attack on Van, a refreshingly honest and mature voice filled with wisdom and insight into the possibility of America as a strong, caring, environmentally responsible, multiracial nation. Those of us on the progressive side who have transcended our old identities and are psychologically ready to hear and celebrate his message are, in fact, thrilled that the message comes from a black man who is speaking on behalf of all people of every gender, race, and class.
It is sometimes difficult for progressives to understand just how inherently threatening our message can be to those whose sense of identity depends on clinging to their position in the collapsing hierarchy of power and privilege. Even if we call only for a world of love for all people and all beings, skilled propaganda masters of the right easily take our words and spin them in a way that make them feel threatening to their followers. Of course Van's language is not so restrictive, and appropriately so. His honesty without malice or blame is why we love him and look to him as a leader.
We on the progressive side best respond by being strong and centered in the artful manner of Joanna Macy's Shambhala warrior, deflecting the thrusts of the forces of hateful violence in ways that disarm them without responding in kind.
I believe the culture is shifting at a deeper level. Ever more people are awakening to the possibilities of a world beyond the old social ordering, a world that truly fulfills the American ideal of liberty and justice for all, and they are redefining their personal identities accordingly. The shift is only partially visible, however, because those who navigate it are less inclined to respond in kind to the voices of fear and hate and thus get less media attention.
I believe the shift is destined to accelerate, because the brains of all but the most severely psychologically damaged humans are hard-wired to care and connect. Many of those who go along with the culture of hate and fear do so simply because it is their only experience. We best reach them by demonstrating the possibilities of a different way of being and relating.
All the while, we need to maintain a clear focus on Wall Street as the primary source of the economic, social, political, and environmental crises that threaten our long-term security and viability as a nation. To resolve the crises, we must strip Wall Street of its power and bring forth a New Economy designed to serve the needs of people and nature rather than simply profits. Among other things, this requires legislative action to break up the big Wall Street financial institutions, strictly limit financial speculation, and bar corporations from usurping the political rights of persons. We cannot allow Wall Street to succeed in its effort to put the blame on President Obama and divert our attention to a continuing series of diversionary issues.
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