Comments on: Shopping for Groceries at the Hardware Store http://www.teeveedub.com/2011/01/27/shopping-for-groceries/ Rants, ramblings, vitriol & occasional subversive venom Fri, 22 Apr 2011 13:48:11 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 By: Peter Gowen http://www.teeveedub.com/2011/01/27/shopping-for-groceries/#comment-23 Peter Gowen Fri, 22 Apr 2011 13:48:11 +0000 http://www.teeveedub.com/?p=168#comment-23 There seems to be an epidemic of political confusion in this country these days. We are all members of one "special interest group" or another, and finding fair representation in the old two party system becomes less and less feasible. The truth is, there are a lot of truly progressive politicians in the Democratic party, but it seems the cards are stacked against them, and, for better or for worse, that just don't fight as dirty as the GOP. Thus, filibusters, continued presence in the Middle East and Central Asia, and threats of government shutdown over a simple budget plan. So what can we do? Keep waiting, and keep voting out the baby-boomer-era Republicans. We have to let the leadership of this nation know that this is a new century. Our country saw a sea change during the civil rights and women's liberation movements of the 60s and 70s, but they were ugly times, and took too long. That was a 20th century model for reform. The revolutionary movement sweeping the Arab world today shows that in the 21st century, reform hits hard and fast, and change must be radical. A modern-minded leader must see things this way. Give the people what they demand, immediately, or lose power. I do not mean to suggest that we take to the streets in violent bloody protest, but that with the social media available to the public these days, one can start a huge, sweeping movement in a few weeks. With my foot in my mouth, I point out the example of the explosive growth of the Tea Party Movement. I would ask that progressive voters actually look into the leadership and sources of funding of anything they support, though, and not get caught up in any mindless stampedes. Alas, at least gay marriage has been established as a real and legitimate political issue that is not going to go away, and at least it has gotten a foothold in a few safe havens across the country. That's how it starts. We cannot rest until we truly have equal rights for all people in this country. Vote. There seems to be an epidemic of political confusion in this country these days. We are all members of one “special interest group” or another, and finding fair representation in the old two party system becomes less and less feasible. The truth is, there are a lot of truly progressive politicians in the Democratic party, but it seems the cards are stacked against them, and, for better or for worse, that just don’t fight as dirty as the GOP. Thus, filibusters, continued presence in the Middle East and Central Asia, and threats of government shutdown over a simple budget plan.

So what can we do? Keep waiting, and keep voting out the baby-boomer-era Republicans. We have to let the leadership of this nation know that this is a new century. Our country saw a sea change during the civil rights and women’s liberation movements of the 60s and 70s, but they were ugly times, and took too long. That was a 20th century model for reform. The revolutionary movement sweeping the Arab world today shows that in the 21st century, reform hits hard and fast, and change must be radical. A modern-minded leader must see things this way. Give the people what they demand, immediately, or lose power.

I do not mean to suggest that we take to the streets in violent bloody protest, but that with the social media available to the public these days, one can start a huge, sweeping movement in a few weeks. With my foot in my mouth, I point out the example of the explosive growth of the Tea Party Movement. I would ask that progressive voters actually look into the leadership and sources of funding of anything they support, though, and not get caught up in any mindless stampedes.

Alas, at least gay marriage has been established as a real and legitimate political issue that is not going to go away, and at least it has gotten a foothold in a few safe havens across the country. That’s how it starts. We cannot rest until we truly have equal rights for all people in this country. Vote.

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