Repeating History. Civil Rights and Health Care
Today we went to the National Civil Rights Museum. About 100 degrees different from Graceland yesterday. Today ran the emotional gamut. Anger and sadness, mainly, but some very high inspirational moments hearing Dr. King give his “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech.
I was born in 1965, right in the midst of one of the most critical and volatile periods in the civil rights movement. it gives me pause to consider that my mother grew up in Atlanta when segregation was in full swing. I have a hard time getting my head around all that went on in the late sixties and how much it affected the lives and personalities of those who have influenced me growing up.
I think the thing that amazed me the most as I watched the anger and stupidity of the ignorant and racist idiots from Little Rock to Selma, Birmingham and Albany, GA, is how much it reminded me of some of the current footage at the health care town halls.
Not that every one of the dissenters is a racist idiot, but those on the fringe who start throwing around accusations like how the government is full of communists and Nazis is just hyper-simplified terror tactics. Tactics spread by educated manipulators who have made an art of whipping the masses into a frenzy of passionate and illogical conclusions based on pseudo-science or twisted logic.
I think the Jeffersonian emphasis on an educated populace is the key here. Fear is based on ignorance. If we are going to rise above the mediocrity I see us falling into, we need to do something about giving our people the tools they need to engage in argument and rational challenges to the vitriol they are being fed by an elite group of haters and fear-mongers.
I’d like to believe that most Americans do NOT take everything they hear as truth. I fantasize that they question when things seem too pat, answers too simple and wrong-headed.
I just wish we learned from our history, didn’t repeat our mistakes.
Is that too much to ask?
Comments
Jeff DennisAugust/15th/2009 8:51 pm
John,
I don’t believe a ignorant populace is the whole problem. A few people with over the top signs shouldn’t tarnish the real passions felt by citizens. I also don’t think having legislators calling protestors Nazis or Evil-Mongers lifts the debate.
Maybe if the government presented a bill that was understandable by someone without a law degree we could have a more level-headed conversation. 1000s of pages that even our elected officials don’t understand, or read is a little frightening. 1 congressman, I believe,it was Conyers from Mi., even said he didn’t read the bill because he didn’t have the time and 2 lawyers to explain it to him(paraphrased).
I do believe fear in an intrusive govt. is well founded, do you remember all the protests over the Patriot Act? Should we worry the govt. might listen to our phone calls or know what books we check out, but not be concerned at all about the govt. having access to our medical records?
I also don’t think that only the people opposed to the health care reform as it stands now are using fear and violence. You should look into the story of the SEIU members beating a black man(Kenneth Gladney)for protesting health care reform. Union thugs roughing up an African-American, prehaps this is closer to the 60’s than I thought.
Jeff
JohnAugust/16th/2009 3:53 am
First of all, it was the protesters who were calling the government folks Nazis and Communists. And your overall point is what I’m saying. I’m not specifically discussing healthcare, as much as the way civil discourse is unfolding, again.
I’m a firm believer in free speech, and think it is important for every man and woman to have their point of view heard. That’s what makes this such a viable democracy. However, I just wish it involved more rational thought and contemplative insight and less over-the-top “change is bad” mentality. Hell, I’ve heard groups of retired conservatives ranting about socialism in one breath, and threatening to bring down the government if they don’t save social security with their next breath.
Let’s be good citizens, and for that we need to educate ourselves on how things work. Yes, congress makes things too damn difficult. Let’s do something about that. But the fear-mongering I’m hearing from both extreme ends of the political spectrum (left and right) do a disservice to our people.
Do you think we can make a change? Do you believe it is possible for the American people to be open-minded and accepting of change?
Brenda CooperAugust/15th/2009 8:52 pm
Yep — I agree. It’s the same silly rhetoric by people who detest change and don’t understand that being a good human means leaving room for all.
I’m so disheartened to hear the town hall meetings sound so little like rational conversations.
JohnAugust/16th/2009 3:46 am
I’m all for dissent, and for individuals to have their say. I just wish it were based on thoughful discourse, and not so much fear and anger.
And the individuals can *almost* be forgiven for believing the stupidity they are hearing from their trusted leaders. The bills are complicated and congress goes out of its way to make things difficult. But those who know better should be ashamed of themselves. Those who deliberately stir up fear and mislead should be removed from office, no matter which side of the political spectrum they hearken from.
Gary Dale CearleyAugust/16th/2009 1:00 am
It is very interesting that you hearken back to Thomas Jefferson because it is extremely likely that he would not only have approved of the government getting involved in health care but would most likely have been against it. He was for very limited and minimal government.
JohnAugust/16th/2009 3:44 am
Gary,
I think I get your meaning, but you were a bit confusing. I think you are saying that Jefferson would be against the health care bill.
I understand, Jefferson would indeed be for small government in that particular case. I was only referencing his public stance that the electorate must be educated for a democracy to work. Whatever your belief is about this or any other aspect of government, I believe am intelligent debate is much preferred over a shouting match.
The fact that the same fear-mongers and nay-sayers here are the same people that defend medicare and social security. The irony is thick here and somewhat disturbing.