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Edited on Thu Oct-23-03 11:23 PM by hippywife
Conquering our Fear
It's fear. Plain and simple. The Bush administration has kept America in a constant state of fear since 9/11/2001. We've not been allowed to get over it, even a little, what with their constant alerts, their war in Iraq, their sad and sorry implications of links between Saddam Hussein and Al Quaeda, visions of mushroom clouds, imminent attacks; in other words, their lies. I think that is what Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich was getting at in his Prayer for America speech back in February 2002, when he talked about the splices and jumpcuts of this tragedy being interjected as we move through our lives, as we attempt to enjoy "our secular celebrations." The vision of the twin towers is burned into the retinas of every American and overshadows every decision that we make, consciously or unconsciously.
Even among those who reject Bush and the cabal that brought him to power, the fear is evident. That nervous, ever-present, nagging persuasion is still there, ever so subtle. Those who would express belief in Congressman Kucinich and his vision of change for this country and the world, yet say they will support another candidate in the primary, are still being held hostage by that fear, whispering that media-hyped meme of "electability" over and over again like Renfield in Bram Stoker's Dracula.
This little bit of insidiousness that has been injected into this campaign, if it is allowed to flourish and spread, insures one thing for certain: a defeat for true progressives. Whether Bush remains in office or not, the right wing will go home secure in the knowledge that their murmurings have had the desired effect of keeping us from standing up to demand and attain substantial and necessary change. They will have the hope they need to fight and possibly win another day because, with their campaign of fear, they will have succeeded in manipulating the outcome of the election by keeping people from voting their conscience.
This country wasn't built on fear; the revolution was not undertaken without passion. It was a bold and gutsy move by men and women who followed their hearts and their vision; a vision that told them they could create something wholly new and different than they had ever experienced. It was based on the strong ethical stand that all people, everywhere deserve freedom. And freedom, comes at a price. They were willing to pay that price. Have we gotten so comfortable with our lives that we no longer have that sense of rage, that sense of passion for what truly is worth fighting for? Where is the fortitude and conviction that brought about the Civil Rights Movement and the end to the Vietnam War? Are we still the home of the brave or are we so scared that we will cede our souls as we cast our votes for someone less desireable?
Sometimes the lessons of our heritage and our duty come out of the most inane and unwitting circumstances. The National Do Not Call List, of all things, spurred an incredible number of Americans to action like few other things in recent memory have. More than fifty million households registered in an attempt to regain the priviledge to once again enjoy an evening meal in peace. Of all the petty and insignificant things, this was the one thing that got an otherwise apathetic citizenry off their duffs. However, there is one very significant lesson to be learned here and Ralph Nader, in his wisdom, nailed it in the last paragraph of his recent article, Congress Hears This Call. Mr. Nader points out:
"All in all, the lesson is that should many Americans devote a tiny amount of time to convey their desires or displeasures, the thunder from that large community is heard in Washington. Civic morale in America should grow and give people a better feeling that when they act, they make the difference. "
That's a call to action, folks. Not merely a civics lesson.
We are moving ever closer to a future where the rest of the world will not tolerate the continuing dalliances with their economies and their resources, let alone the ugly aggressions this nation has inflicted, acting in pursuit of its own interests, without regard to the damage done others with whom we share this planet. I would even dare posit that we stand on the very threshold of that future. American policies haven't always been much of a comfort to the rest of the developing world and the Republicans aren't the only ones who have been rifling around in the deep pockets of the corporations who pillage and rape developing nations. A return to business as usual will not be enough by a long shot to make amends on the world stage for the travesty the Bush Administration has wrought. It would be the wisest of all possible actions at this juncture, when America holds a reputation in the eyes of the world that it never has held before , to make the bold gesture. Rather than present the face of business as usual, it would be wise to show the world that we are serious about true reconciliation and progress. It would be wise to elect Dennis Kucinich.
I will not allow the right wing to interject its agenda of fear when I stand to be counted and cast my vote for the candidate that best embodies not just my values, but the values of that once young nation as it cast its fate to rebellion against tyranny, that marched for the rights of all men, that brought our troops home from another deadly war. When I cast my vote, I will vote for peace, equality, freedom, and optimism; not just for this nation but for all citizens of the world. I will be voting for Dennis Kucinich for President.
Copyright 2003, Monica A. Griffin. All rights reserved. Permission for reposting is allowed provided the complete text and attribution are kept intact. Monica Griffin is a volunteer, citizen-supporter of Dennis Kucinich for the reasons stated above, along with so many others which can be found at: www.kucinich.us
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