I The Extremist Of Both Parties Are Tearing The Usa Apart
The polarization of America is an amazing thing to see. Here we are the biggest ethnic melting pot in the world. We have gone a long way (not far enough, but a good start) in advancing women's rights, easing racism, accepting sexual preference,over the last 50 years.(Sure there are still some knuckle-draggers out there that won't change for anything, but in the main, America has become more tolerant of our differences). If you believe in the power of religion, then the outside observer might well believe that we are becoming more "godly" (don't you all find that sadly ironic?) - but I am off the point. Today, we are in the midst of a new kind of division, one that is far more deeply rooted and insidious than any since the civil war, because it connects with every prejudice and every fear. Although most Americans are moderates, we find ourselves in the midst of a battle between the extremes. Why?
I believe it began in the late 50s. As Ike made his final presidential address, he warned of the growing power of the "Military-Industrial complex". His words are chilling to listen to today, because as we have all seen through Vietnam, through to Afghanistan soldiers keep dying and companies keep getting rich - but its not just military suppliers, its banks and pharmaceutical companies and health care and oil companies and car companies and the media - the list goes on. The government has effectively sold itself off to business interests. Today, its only candidates that can attract sufficient money (directly and indirectly from business interests) ever get to the top tier and gather enough votes to win.
So what does this have to do with being polarized?
As the power of business interests grew, so did the influence of the media. and it is no coincidence that much of the media in this country is now controlled by large business interests. Business is very good and made much better by creating controversy. Ever notice how often we hear the words "shocking" used in the news teasers?
Controversy creation is an extremely blunt weapon that the (actually not very clever and not very moral) media mavens swing around like a mace and chain. The result is fear and anger, resentment and suspicion. Sure there are a lot of things to be afraid of; global warming, terrorism, Iran with nukes - but what are the stories we are fed? Muslims wanting to build Mosques, Gay kids being bullied, "Death Panels", "Bailouts" on and on, we get pumped up on out-of context sound bites and we fight, we tear down the very things we worked so hard to build. We elect Obama on the "Hope and Change" message, but can we let him govern? No, because half of us are pissed-off because we lost. If McCain had been elected the other half would have been pissed-off. (we actually were pissed off at Bush and that is what sealed McCain's fate - oh yeah, and that nit-wit he chose to run with).
I predict that the new "tea-party" will not be a party at all, but more like a sad little footnote in the book of American populist failures (green party anyone?). The ranting and outrage must slow down because we are all going to get far too exhausted to keep it up. - I hope.
I believe it began in the late 50s. As Ike made his final presidential address, he warned of the growing power of the "Military-Industrial complex". His words are chilling to listen to today, because as we have all seen through Vietnam, through to Afghanistan soldiers keep dying and companies keep getting rich - but its not just military suppliers, its banks and pharmaceutical companies and health care and oil companies and car companies and the media - the list goes on. The government has effectively sold itself off to business interests. Today, its only candidates that can attract sufficient money (directly and indirectly from business interests) ever get to the top tier and gather enough votes to win.
So what does this have to do with being polarized?
As the power of business interests grew, so did the influence of the media. and it is no coincidence that much of the media in this country is now controlled by large business interests. Business is very good and made much better by creating controversy. Ever notice how often we hear the words "shocking" used in the news teasers?
Controversy creation is an extremely blunt weapon that the (actually not very clever and not very moral) media mavens swing around like a mace and chain. The result is fear and anger, resentment and suspicion. Sure there are a lot of things to be afraid of; global warming, terrorism, Iran with nukes - but what are the stories we are fed? Muslims wanting to build Mosques, Gay kids being bullied, "Death Panels", "Bailouts" on and on, we get pumped up on out-of context sound bites and we fight, we tear down the very things we worked so hard to build. We elect Obama on the "Hope and Change" message, but can we let him govern? No, because half of us are pissed-off because we lost. If McCain had been elected the other half would have been pissed-off. (we actually were pissed off at Bush and that is what sealed McCain's fate - oh yeah, and that nit-wit he chose to run with).
I predict that the new "tea-party" will not be a party at all, but more like a sad little footnote in the book of American populist failures (green party anyone?). The ranting and outrage must slow down because we are all going to get far too exhausted to keep it up. - I hope.
By:
mcmouse50
Age:
56-60
,
Male
