Many of us saw the premiere of "Countdown", now brought to us by Current TV. I also saw the introductory remarks, by Olbermann, on what this venture means. I have to admit __ even though I know Olbermann as a hopeful figure with soundly stated ideas that lean in my direction, Left __ I was nonetheless surprised at just how political the intro was. It was a verification and at once a cold douse of water; it said, yes we are indeed in the messy mire. Let's not pretend or make-nice about it.
Just the same, I sometimes think if I pinch myself hard enough, I might wake up (see "Alicedom," below). But no. It is here; a real test of our convictions and our courage. That's why you are seeing a political statement, again, on a counseling/personal-growth site; speaking up has a lot to do with integrity, as does finding the courage of conviction. Today, a client of mine, who'd run a high-drama reaction the week before, owned up. He spoke brilliantly about his patterns while also showing himself some empathy. It was one of those honest discussions where you feel so sane, so relieved, the only thing for it is laughter. And, at the same time, I was realizing that discussions like this are rare outside of the therapy room. At least they are in my life with my friends. With my partner, it's another story. But ... why not with friends, I find myself wondering. How conditioned are we not to comment on the obvious? Certainly the "positivity" movement acts against people being critical; frowning on hole-poking, it seems to reinforce too-much-care about what others might say or think. Since I have written about that before, suffice it to say these times can't afford people blanching at the thought of making an enemy; that kind of indulgence is the kind of self-importance socio-politics needs less. So, here's to Mr. Gore, Mr. Olbermann, and the other progressive truth-sayers. Those who are willing to bring unbridled honesty to the public forum deserve our support and our deepest gratitude. May your voices be heard! I just got an E mail about the legislative progress made recently by Congress. Hmm. True. And I am so glad for what they have done. Finally. But I thought they were supposed to be passing things all year. (Apologies ... that was sarcasm.)
It's easy, getting jaded; so let me try and attempt to be more earnest. I want to see accountability. Not just personal accountability, either, but public accountability. Either of them precede trust, of course; and for the 8 years we survived under Mr. Cheney with Rove and Bush, Jr., there wasn't much of it to be found. Maybe that's why so many people, now, are supportive of (even enthusiastic about) Wikileaks. Here is an individual, in Mr. Assange, who says, if you don't want to do the right or admirable thing, then at least be transparent; and I will be making sure your actions are transparent." Public accountability. More sentimentally, I fondly remember my grade school teachers and realize any number of them could advocate more ferociously for public accountability than can our current Justice Department & CIA officials, or Supreme Court judges. No disrespect to my teachers, who were awesome, but that should be an embarrassing comparison for the administration. The personal quality of their interventions is unfortunately not a characteristic of politics, as much as might be healthy. If it were, then moral arguments and appeals to one's higher nature (like compromise) would be effective. I personally am not seeing two Congressional sides who want to respect the governing process enough to be moved by appeals to higher nature .... Had that been the case, we wouldn't have seen months of obstructionism. So, I understand the old sentiment: there's business, and there's pleasure; and never the twain shall meet. Given that difference between governmental politics and 'playground' personal policies, I want someone with much more determination to 'hold feet to the fire', and do the tough questioning, as I am seeing from journalists and movie makers. Olbermann, Maddow, Moore and Assange. The ability to ask tough questions has and will always be necessary to a functioning society. (Remember Dan Ellsberg?) I am so grateful for these probing questioners. More power to them. |
Welcome!There's nothing like letting your truth o u t . Archives
July 2016
Categories
All
|