February 21, 2005

coming to terms...

with a couple of things...first...for most of the world religion and government go hand in hand...it's time to stop believing that we are different...special...better...in fact we are in denial...we...us idealists...are the exception...not the rule...this realization doesn't mean it's time to shut up and roll over...let's just come to an agreement...if you don't get pushy...meaning don't try to convert...proselytize...or lecture about what's right and wrong...and i wont call you an ignorant boob...i may not beleive in civilization...but let see if we can keep it civil...

second...the cultural and olitical shift to the right in this country has been going on for a quarter of a century now...a generation...clinton was a hiccup...i don't favor the notion of the pendulum effect...ideas and movements shfting back and forth...that's too linear...too limited...lifes richer than that...with more depth and breadth than a concept so simple...anyway...maybe conservatism will start to peter our...don't count on it...just like some norms and values from the 60's and 70's remain entrenched in culture...so will the results of the dominant culture today...

what makes america different...special...better...is that we allow room for voices that aren't a part of the dominant culture...at least we're supposed to...there will always be venal nincompoops who will work to take that away...and there will always be freaks, rebels and idealists...who will push right back...Dr Thompson was all three...there is now a huge void...his voice will continue to echo...but you will know that real change has happened in america if someone else can demand the attention of the zeitgeist...the way the good Dr did....

Johnny Cash Loves You!