The power of the lust to dominate has increased.
As these adverse shifts have occurred, the prospects have dimmed for our maintaining a democracy based on our basic American values. Plutocracy -- the rule of the billionaires and of the mighty corporate system -- has gained ground.
The prospects for our being able to navigate our way wisely and constructively through the challenges we face -- including the challenge of climate disruption -- have dimmed.
And there's no sign that these adverse trends are about to stop, let alone be reversed.
In these very basic ways, it must be acknowledged: we are losing.
Does anyone here think things are going in a good direction? Does anyone feel confident that we will have hands on the helm that will steer us toward a future as good as what we have known, let alone a better future?
I see hope, but continuing the political dynamic of this era is not a sufficient basis for hopefulness. If we -- and the nation -- are losing even when we gain electoral "victories," then surely there is a need for something more than what my interlocutor envisioned (victory in 2016) if America is to be saved.
What is that "more" that has to happen? What can turn this battle around? What can we do?
To answer those questions, we have to see the battle clearly, and locate the strategic points around which the political dynamic might be shifted. That will be the task of the next installment.
As these adverse shifts have occurred, the prospects have dimmed for our maintaining a democracy based on our basic American values. Plutocracy -- the rule of the billionaires and of the mighty corporate system -- has gained ground.
The prospects for our being able to navigate our way wisely and constructively through the challenges we face -- including the challenge of climate disruption -- have dimmed.
And there's no sign that these adverse trends are about to stop, let alone be reversed.
In these very basic ways, it must be acknowledged: we are losing.
Does anyone here think things are going in a good direction? Does anyone feel confident that we will have hands on the helm that will steer us toward a future as good as what we have known, let alone a better future?
I see hope, but continuing the political dynamic of this era is not a sufficient basis for hopefulness. If we -- and the nation -- are losing even when we gain electoral "victories," then surely there is a need for something more than what my interlocutor envisioned (victory in 2016) if America is to be saved.
What is that "more" that has to happen? What can turn this battle around? What can we do?
To answer those questions, we have to see the battle clearly, and locate the strategic points around which the political dynamic might be shifted. That will be the task of the next installment.
(Article changed on November 19, 2014 at 10:13)
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