If you're feeling remotely good about this country and its people today, you might not want to watch this video.
I always thought that "Of the people, by the people, for the people," was an incredibly inspiring, hopeful phrase. It's been my touchstone for understanding this country and its government for years and years. We're not supposed to question our president? Sorry bud, of the people by the people for the people says differently! The little guy can't make a difference? Community organizers are stupid? Not according to a little phrase I like to call Ofthepeoplebythepeopleforthepeople!
This year, it occurred to me -- for the first time -- that maybe "The People" are not MY people, and maybe the gaps between us are more like canyons. If The [racist, hateful, vitriolic] People are going to run this country, then maybe my touchstone phrase no longer works.
Some days it's awfully hard to keep the faith, isn't it? But I return to another touchstone, this one a quotation from Anne Frank:
"In spite of everything [and I do mean everything, you ignorant racist bastards], I still believe that people are really good at heart."
Sigh... let's hope she's right.
2 comments:
Well said, and linked accordingly by my blog. Keep it up!
Deep down she is right.
I voted today. Let's hope for a brighter future.
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