Are progressives trapped in eternal adolescence?

[poe]

"I enjoy conversing with individuals not born in the US. Their perspective is truly refreshing because almost without exception, their countries of origin have at some time experienced war, famine, corruption or abject poverty. they have no Declaration of Independence that entitles them to "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness>" Consequently, they are much more open to hearing "bad news" and have fewer questions about how to "fix" it. I hasten to add that Jefferson's original phrase in the Declaration was "life, liberty and the pursuit of property." Let us not forget that the profits from a capitalist land-conquering, land-holding system, not happiness, was the original intent of our founding fathers. Like the founders, the ruling elite of our day find "happiness" in ownership-hence Bush's Orwellian "ownership society."

Americans, even so-called Progressives it seems appear to be fixated in an eternal adolescence that wants to repair adversity as quickly as possible without living it...."

To read the entire article titled," American Born, addicted to Happiness" by Carolyn Baker , go to www.globalresearch.ca/articles/BAK411C.html

[Merlot]

1. I strongly disagree with this statement:

Consequently, they are much more open to hearing "bad news" and have fewer questions about how to "fix" it.

I find that most people who are foreign-born have very srong opinions about politics, what's wrong with government (theirs and ours) and have very well thought-out ideas regarding change. They are usually suprised by the lack of debate between Americans on these basic subjects.

As for progressives being "trapped in eternal adolescence" maybe in some respects we are. If it means we have a little more idealism and are willing to believe we can accomplish change, is that so bad?

[poe]

3. "As we enter the dark time of year....

"The days of simply applying band aids to America's deplorably corrupt and unjust political, economic and social institutions are over. It appears that nothing less than total transformation is being demanded of us."
-Carolyn Baker

We should not be looking for fixes we need entirely new modes. To attempt to heal a disease within the parameters which caused the illness is a recipe for bad medicine and prolonged aches. The world is waiting.

[rooboy]

2. It's not progressives who are always looking to "Daddy" to protect them...

n/t

[leftyandproud]

4. good article

I think in many ways it is correct. I'm willing to admit that liberals and progressives want to create a pain free life for as many people as possible. Sometimes our methods fail, but what differentiates us from conservatives is that we are willing to try and expand government in areas that can alleviate pain, where conservatives believe a little pain is needed to help the individual grow and learn to cope with what life throws at them. They want a "No pain, no gain"...results oriented, success and competition-based world...while the left prefers to work for cooperation and equality. Even if they aren't achievable in the real world, I see a sort of charm about the "naive" optimism on our side. Sure, it may be immature on some levels to expect cooperation from individuals, groups, and countries that are naturally competitive, but I really don't see anything wrong with it. I believe there was a book called "Hard America Soft America" that deals with these subjects. I think both sides mixed together end up making a balanced society.

[American Tragedy]

5. The article is well written, but I don't fully understand the point of it.

Is she saying that we can only stand by and watch and wait?

I suppose I feel the same futility, but I attributed it to my own weakness. I'm not accustomed to hearing others reinforce it.

[leftyandproud]

6. theme: resistance is futile

Sit back and enjoy the ride.