The Troubles - Democratic Underground

H2O Man

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Mon Mar-15-10 11:07 PM
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The Troubles

“Everything is the exact opposite of what it really is.” --Harry Nilsson

Older D.U.ers – those who have been here for at least a couple of months -- will recognize that I've used the above quote previously. Those who have been here for either longer or shorter periods will realize that it is an apt description of some of the curious dynamics on this forum.

(A word of warning: I did have surgery this morning, and as so many experience these days, was released “sicker & quicker.” Be warned that, in this case, “quicker” does NOT refer to my ability to think clearly. The medical staff warned me that tomorrow would be hell, and I am getting a preview tonight. So, if this comes out confused and cranky, so be it. One last thing, before I get started: if Evander Holyfield steps into my house, I'm likely to bite his ear off. So be that, too.)

Because I'm not particularly mobile, my son Corey suggested that we all watch a “family movie” tonight. People asked me what I was in the mood to watch; I said anything that contained pain, violence, and tragic results. Corey said that since St. Patrick's Day is upcoming, that we'd watch “Michael Collins.” I strongly recommend this Liam Neeson docu-drama for anyone recovering from surgery around St. Patrick's Day.

Now, on a more serious note …...

Good people can have very different opinions about that period of “The Troubles.” Many people prefer Michael Collins to Eamon de Valera, for example, as a symbol of the Good Fight. And many others prefer de Valera. Now, that's fine. People can and should debate such concepts. What is wrong is when that debate leads to hate, for that hatred always leads to violence.

As the movie notes, the irony was that Mick Collins, when attempting to remove the gun from Irish politics, was killed. The forces behind his tragic death were those who actually were struggling for the same basic advances that Collins was advocating for. But those forces believed that their stance – hence, they – were more “pure” than Collins.

Another historic example, also depicted in a wonderful movie, involved Gandhi and Jinnah. By no coincidence, they were engaged in a struggle to remove the same empire from their lands, as were Collins and de Valera. At a time when advances were being made, there was an ugly split between two groups, one symbolized by each leader. Debate led to hate, and hatred unleashed violence. Nathuram Godse, a Hindu who believed his stance was more pure than Gandhi's, assassinated the Mahatma.

Yesterday, I spent a great deal of time reading through a large stack of insurance and medical documents. I also sent out a rather large sum of money, to a variety of medical providers. And I say this, knowing that I have about as good of medical coverage as the average person. In fact, I have much better coverage than two of my siblings, who are currently being overwhelmed by a combination of serious health concerns, and too few resources to have accessed the care that they needed.

I have my own opinions in regard to the health care reform efforts being promoted by democratic officials in Washington. I include both the White House, and both houses pf Congress. Yet, I do not believe that my personal beliefs are important enough to focus on in this humble message to people on this forum.

Rather, I want to focus on something that is really important – at least something that I am convinced is. And that is this: it is possible, in fact desirable, that people here have a wide variety of opinions and beliefs on what those elected officials are doing. We need to recognize that, even with those different beliefs, we are on the same side. We are not on some imaginary fence, where some will be safe, while others fall off and suffer. No, that is not the reality of the situation. Because we all have family, friends, and neighbors, who deserve adequate health care.

How do we get there? Do we follow a path of stepping stones? Or not? People can believe either of these positions, or something in between. Or something different. And still be a good democrat, and not an advocate of the empire created by insurance companies.

The Democratic Underground should be a place where there is respectful communication. That includes listening to those who hold different opinions than ourselves. Even if we are convinced that they are wrong. More, even when we believe that others are wrong, the exact second that any of us becomes convinced that this renders the other(s) “impure,” and that we enjoy an advantage that results from our own purity, we betray the very values that make this forum – and, indeed, the best of our Democratic Party: the grass roots – strong.

So be it.

Your friend,
H2O Man