I never intended this blog to cover anything remotely political, though my leanings are well known. However, it seems to me that more and more our political choices are becoming our moral choices. It is no longer simply a cool question of political or economic theory. If we are devoted to conscious awareness and compassion, then we cannot turn our backs on those who are having a hard time simply getting through life. Whether we are born without advantages or whether we hit difficult periods where we don’t know where to turn, we need to know that there is a hand to grasp to keep us from drowning, because our individual lives matter. Each life matters to the whole of life. A slap in the face and a lecture about pulling ourselves up by our bootstraps, as if we’re worthless slackers, does not enhance life, it diminishes and shames it. No one is asking for handouts (and, as you will see, the opposition defines things like universal health care as a handout). We have the choice of going backwards into the policies of a dark time we know, historically, did not work, or we can move forward, together, into a future of compassion, commitment to a greater whole, and creative mutual contribution.
Imagine my horror at reading the following email in my inbox this morning from the Obama campaign. As I said, I never intended this blog to touch on politics, but my conscience would not let this go. If you are a citizen of the U.S. and you can donate even $5, please do what you can–money is our most effective weapon. The choice, for once, is simple. Join the campaign to stamp out lies and stupidity.
The email:
Friend —
Today we learned that Mitt Romney said this about Obama supporters to fellow millionaires at a closed-door fundraiser:
“There are 47 percent of the people who will vote for the President no matter what. All right, there are 47 percent who are with him, who are dependent upon government, who believe that they are victims, who believe the government has a responsibility to care for them, who believe that they are entitled to health care, to food, to housing, to you-name-it. That that’s an entitlement. And the government should give it to them. And they will vote for this president no matter what…These are people who pay no income tax …
“My job is not to worry about those people. I’ll never convince them they should take personal responsibility and care for their lives.”
The man who spoke these words — who demonstrates such disgust and disdain for half of our fellow Americans — is the other side’s choice for president of the United States. He wants to lead our country.
If we don’t come through for President Obama right now, this will be the guy making big decisions that affect us and our families every single day.
There are only 50 days left in this campaign. Please make a donation today:
https://donate.barackobama.
Thank you for being on our side,
Messina
Jim Messina
Campaign Manager
Obama for America
Hi Dawn,
I’m not a political person, although I do strongly support certain social causes -such as universal health care, to name just one- based on my strong belief that *all* of us matter, regardless of how much money, power or influence we happen to have. None of us should have to *earn* our worthiness as a human being.
For me, the biggest problem with this email is that it manipulates us into believing that if the one side is so *obviously* morally reprehensible, then the other must be morally superior, when in fact the choice is often far less clear and more a matter of choosing between the lesser of two evils.
I can’t even watch politics anymore; the thinly-veiled, self-serving greed and the lies/misinformation that perpetuate it make me heartsick. We all want so badly to believe in something or someone, we create heroes and saviors where none exist.
I feel that I should add my two cents into this discussion, even though I am not an American. So much is at stake with this, it astonishes me to hear the above argument for moral flaccidity in the face of insanity and pure corporate greed. The corporate interests are counting on you to be immobilised in this way; jaded, cynical, hopeless and helpless. This is not the time to be debating this when we must use our heads and our hearts to leave a future of beauty for our children’s children’s children and for all of the creatures of the Earth.
@ Donna – Maybe it’s that politicians are counting on us to continue to support the same corrupt system where *both* party candidates are largely beholden to and influenced by corporate interests.
One major example of this is Obama’s Affordable Care Act which feeds into this corporate greed by requiring the American people to purchase an inherently defective product (health insurance) at exorbitant rates, while leaving millions of people uninsured or under-insured and without healthcare. Contrary to promises made during his campaign, President Obama wouldn’t even *allow* single-payer advocates access to private meetings in which big insurance and big pharma were invited and the ACA was drafted.
To the millions of people who will continue to suffer because of a lack of affordable access to healthcare and/or medication, this hardly represents the “future of beauty” you describe.
I’m active in my support of causes I believe in; whichever candidate makes it into office, I’ll continue to make my voice heard and to try and withhold financial support from the greediest corporations – which is something I think most Americans fail to do. Instead they vote and then become complacent. I don’t think anyone who knows me would ever accuse me of being “morally flacid”, although that’s a great term. Thanks; I’ll have to remember that one.:)
Nothing is perfect. No one is perfect. The system is flawed. And yes, corporations run this country now.
But if you think that withholding your vote will make some kind of statement in an election where the choice is so clear–where one party is moving forwards and the other so clearly backwards, threatening to take away our hard earned rights (there are other issues besides health care at stake)I think you’re mistaken. The system is not going to change unless we, as a people, make our voice heard by choosing people who will represent us, who will be our voice within the system and who will share our general beliefs and philosophies about how we should treat our fellow human beings. If you think that your causes will find a friendlier ear with the opposition, I think you’re mistaken there, too. Sometimes it is a question of the lesser of two evils. But it matters. It’s more important to take the tiniest step forward than to retreat into the darkness.
You’re right Dawn and I agree, there are *many* other issues besides health care, which -as far as issues go- is really only a symptom of a much greater problem, that of profits (and politics) before people. Some have even argued that the ACA’s passage represents the tiny step forward you refer to. I’m not so sure I agree, even if it ends up that *some* of us temporarily make out a little bit better – I don’t want to make gains on the backs of others who will lose out, while all the while putting more money in the pockets of greedy insurance company CEOs and their stockholders, something President Obama was and is fully aware of. I do realize this is only one example of Obama’s political/social values, but it’s a *very* significant one. Both parties (and candidates) pose a threat to our rights, much as we’d like to believe otherwise.
Clearly President Obama is more aware of social issues and is also far more eloquent and humane in his choice of words, if not in his policies; frequently there’s a big difference between what candidates (and elected officials) say and what they do. I also agree about the importance of supporting people who share our values and will represent us – too bad those candidates don’t make it very far in politics, certainly not as far as presidential elections, where if they do make it they’re accused of taking away votes from more *politically* viable candidates.
The way it stands now, withholding votes probably won’t make much of a difference. And maybe it is better for truly informed voters to vote for the lesser of two evils; I’m not encouraging people not to vote, only to be more aware/involved and not turn a blind-eye to unpleasant truths . . . or turn politicians into false-gods.
It’s good to talk about this. Even if we disagree, I appreciate you allowing me to voice my concerns.
LB, I appreciate your being so articulate about your position. We are going to have to agree to disagree. From my point of view this election choice is black and white; I don’t want to live in a place that’s governed by people who think the way Romney and his cohorts do. If Obama’s rhetoric doesn’t live up to his policies, remember that he is not working in a vacuum and that our system is based–in fact, was founded on–the notion of compromise. As a policy maker, you take your best shot and work with what you can get through the system. (Do you honestly think that any of the third party candidates over the past years would have been remotely effective once faced with the political structure of our government?) Personally, I don’t believe that anyone should make a commercial profit out of healthcare; but that’s the way it is in this country, and anything that gives health coverage to more people, even if flawed and temporary, is better than nothing, in my book. (I lived in England for many years, where the health system, if flawed, works; where you don’t have to live in terror of something happening to you or your family if you’re out of work or work independently. This country is in the dark ages as far as taking care of its own people.) But I really have to disagree with you if you think that the Democrats pose as much of a threat to our rights as the Republican party. Just look at the history of human rights in this country–civil rights, women’s rights, any time the oppressed and disadvantaged have struggled for equality–you will not find Republicans at the helm. And in some future America when the revolution comes and the tyranny of corporate structures come tumbling down, you will not find Republicans leading the way. They’re the ones who put the corporate structures there in the first place, and strive to control via their puppet empires and ‘trickle down’ economics. A brief history of social and economic policy in this country in the last century will make things very clear–we are dealing with black and white choices here, not shades of infinite gray.
Good discussion.
It does my heart good to hear intelligent debate in this.
Thank you, and my heart is with you in deciding the fate of the planet- for this is truly what this is about.
Thanks Dawn (and Donna). I’m glad we can at least discuss this and (hopefully) respectfully agree to disagree. I also hope our discussion makes people think more deeply.
In principle, there are major fundamental differences between the Democrats and Republicans, and although I’ve voted for Democratic candidates in the past, I know I would *never* vote for a Republican (save for during the Civil War) for all of the reasons you’ve stated. There were definitely times during our country’s history when the difference between candidates (and parties) was very clear.
But that was then and this is now. I can’t in good conscience -knowing what I know- cast my vote for anyone (Republican or Democrat) whose policies hold the very real potential of causing more harm than good and that do nothing to address the underlying issues of power and greed and instead perpetuate them. Historically, people have fought for the right to vote based on the premise that there was something (and someone) worth voting for.
Compromise is a loaded word. There are times when *reasonable* compromise is necessary and healing, and times when compromise is not only unacceptable but also unreasonable and wrong and we mustn’t participate. I understand this goes against the worldly way most of us have been taught to think; instead we’re rewarded for going along with popular group-think, of which politics is a part. The whole point of my comment was to encourage people to think about things differently by looking beyond superficial marketing ploys and rhetoric and trying to make a real difference.
Great leaders -those worth supporting- don’t compromise on important issues where people’s lives, dignity and well-being are at stake. They’re willing to stand up for what they believe in, even if it means risking the next election or in some cases, their own well-being. I want a president who will stand up for those who can’t speak for themselves, one who’s willing to do the right thing even if it’s not the politically savvy thing to do. At the very least, I want a leader who won’t reward the very same corporations whose greed has helped to bleed the American people dry.
Thank God there were people unwilling to compromise when it came to slavery, or civil rights, or women’s rights or the anti-war movement of the 60’s; there’s still more work to be done for sure, but these movements all resulted in meaningful change not born of compromise.
Please understand, I’m not in any way advocating either violence at the one extreme or apathy at the other. What I am saying is *nothing* will ever change so long as we keep justifying corruption and injustice by saying we have to compromise.
Dawn, in response to your statement, “And in some future America when the revolution comes and the tyranny of corporate structures come tumbling down, you will not find Republicans leading the way. ” . . . I have to say, I ‘m pretty sure you won’t find President Obama leading the way either! You’re probably right about the revolution, although I’ll continue to hope people wake up before it’s too late and instead of relying solely on political leaders, begin to take meaningful steps towards becoming more aware and involved in practical, productive (and non-violent) ways.
Personally, I’d rather donate to organizations trying to make a difference, such as HealthCare-NOW!, Doctors Without Borders, or my local food bank than give money to President Obama’s reelection campaign.
LB, Thank you again for being so articulate and even-minded in your response. When you talk about compromise, I believe you are looking at history through rose colored glasses. Even the Civil Rights Act of 1964, (a black and white issue if there ever was one), fueled by the heightened feelings after Kennedy’s assassination, could not get through the system until it was completely gutted and rewritten at the last minute by a bipartisan committee. Political history is the history of gray areas. It brings us to an interesting question–are leaders supposed to pass legislation and get things done, or are they supposed to stand for something? I’m not saying I have the answer to this, I think it’s another gray area. (We won’t open the can of worms that is the history of the Kennedy/Nixon election). For all of the protest at home, the Vietnam war ended when we saw that it couldn’t be won–and this happened under Nixon’s watch, not Johnson’s. Kennedy actually escalated the war. The choice comes down to this: do I want to have a voice within this system we have now, even if the system is imperfect and the candidates themselves even more imperfect, or do I not? My opinion is that a non-vote is a vote for the greater of the two evils, no matter how small we perceive the divide.
I work a lot with young children and the collective thrust evolving thru them is one of independence – a defiant independence. They want to own their authority to govern themselves and they ruthlessly blow off adults who coddle or dominate them. If children are any indication of the future – something about self responsibility and independence is emerging now…….
And this is a perfect illustration of the Pluto in Capricorn generation. The ones who have the square to Uranus will see a new revolution through. This is a very different group from the group who had the square the last time around, in the early thirties, with Uranus in Aries squaring Pluto in Cancer. This group will follow through with the rebellion against (and collapse of) traditional structures that we’re beginning to see now.
I find myself at a difficult crossroads with regards to politics. Yes, I will agree Obama is certainly been attempting to right a ship, without much assistance. I wrote to the White House, speaking to this fact in 2010. That anyone would categorize nearly half the population as wanting a handout, obviously has never been around this half much (like working side by side) in his last 10-20 (or more) years. Romney is like Dewey back in 1948 – a cardboard corporatist. That said, I do know without any doubt we need drastic changes to our thoughts, and willingness to make sacrifices (not to basic needs) but to a whole host of frivolity that has made its claim on a few too many Americans.
I have went so far as to say we need a Constitutional Convention, even knowing we have a lunatic fringe very willing to sabotage rights for their selfish desires, oft to turn back the clock to 1860.
But the objectives I see in greatest need are to clarify, improve, and modernize a venerable Constitution that often lays in tatters due to Court rulings and Congressional pomposity. I know what the Constitution means – I defended it in the Navy; my family has done the same going back to the Revolution, a few unto death and defeat in battle.
Every so often, we need to reexamine what it takes to make a We the People what it is: a shiny example to the World. Sadly, I am afraid even with a Constitutional scholar (Obama) in the White House, it is going to take even more from us, the small people caught up in the whirlwind of senseless bickering and dawdling while Rome, indeed, is smoking.
For myself, I am not a fool at all. I study, have examined Economics, Con Law, and the Philosophies I think can hold some answers. Nothing is perfect, we all should know. But we can be a whole lot better off, each able to have hearth and home, education and career, love, and most of all, hope everyday.
Make no mistake, if I ever achieve half the dreams I desire, if only by force of will, change will happen in these United States. And like the oath I took, I will defend it to death.
It is always what you will give up that defines what you will achieve. Americans, at many times, have held that credo close to their hearts. It wasn’t sought out; but it was entrusted to them to do what was necessary for survival of this country, and even, the World. A few still hold to that now, but greater numbers are needed. Apply within.
Final Note: Just think, I am not a speech writer. And my creative English teacher, at present, thinks I need remedial lessons on grammar. Flake. But, we adapt. (Going to grad school next semester is adapting…for me.)
Thank you, Jason, for writing a beautiful coda to this conversation.
I was reluctant to put anything of this nature up on the site for fear of stirring up yet another hornets’ nest of hate. I received only one vitriolic email. I don’t want to sound condescending but I’m very proud of all of you, as I always am–I tell everyone that I have the most intelligent, open-minded and spiritually aware followers on the planet. You prove it to me again and again, and its a privilege to be writing for you.
I appreciate what you’re saying Dawn and understand you and I probably want much the same thing. And I don’t have answers either, although I don’t see things changing very much within our current system of government, which, from my limited perspective, seems to be a direct reflection of what society values and deems acceptable. Until and unless more people agree on what they want our world to look like (which we don’t), and maybe more importantly, the *means* by which we arrive at that place, I doubt if very much of anything will change – although the players might.
That’s why I don’t support “revolutionary” tactics that include aggression, violence or force. Nor do I support any effort that prevents Americans from choosing. Much as some of us might like to glamorize the idea of revolution, you can’t fix bullying with more bullying, no matter which side you’re on or the methods employed.
Instead of just rebelling for the sake of being “against something”, I’d like to see people working towards clearly-defined and *specific* goals by making an effort to inform and educate, and through using peaceful forms of protest as a way to make their voices heard. *Informed*, socially conscious, caring people are more likely to make informed choices that support the kind of just and peaceful society they want to live in, especially if they feel supported by one another. One very effective way to achieve that goal is through individuals withholding political and financial support from organizations, businesses (not just corporations) and politicians that don’t reflect their values and by actively supporting those that do. Understandably, this is tough to do sometimes (I fail all the time) but even small efforts can make a positive difference. I think this goes along with what Jason said, “It is always what you will give up that defines what you will achieve.”
For now I guess each of us will have to follow our individual consciences.
Obama 2012!!!
“Personally, I don’t believe that anyone should make a commercial profit out of healthcare”
I’m deeply saddened to see the seepage of politics even into an astrology site. But even sadder to see the fear and anger that this email has incited in its quest for campaign money.
As a refugee from the soviet union I can tell you that ONLY capitalism creates millions of minds trying to serve the customer, to find better ways of doing things, to create ease and convenience at the lowest price in every aspect of our lives. It is against human nature to expect people to work for free out of a sense of altruism or even responsibility. We get the best out of every product by shopping around, by knowing the costs, by comparison. We don’t get to do that with insurance. Maybe we should..
The problem with our system is NOT access. It is cost. All this talk about health insurance is a red herring. As someone who has not had health insurance and became seriously ill I can tell you that. The cost is what is crazy, but we were still able to get treatment on a payment plan. If health care is so important, people need to act like it and be willing to pay out of pocket for the basics and keep insurance for the calamities (IMO this is a good way to reduce costs)
My husband had colon cancer and was treated with Avastin, which helped almost miraculously at first. Avastin was banned in England in 2010 because of COST. Is that humane???
In short, I know that probably nothing I say will convince you that it is unwise to give the government any more power over our health and bodies. Even the corporatist system is CAUSED by the accumulation of power at the highest levels of government. Take away their power and who can the corporations lobby? No one. Nor should they.
Please, think more about this.. it is not a black and white question. Yes, we need to care for each other, we need to donate to charities, but we also need to be responsible for ourselves and be as willing to pay for good health as we are on cable tv and going out to dinner. Romney has a point: I don’t want him to care about my life. I want him (and Obama) to stay out of it.
Sincerely,
Sarah
Thank you for presenting yet another point of view, Sarah.
I am going to close the discussion on this post, as I think most everyone who regularly reads this site has seen what is here. Thank you all for your contributions.