Seabiscuit Goes to Washington: On Hope, Vision, and Politics.
Most of the time it is so incredibly disheartening to listen to these candidates dance around the issues, strutting around like roosters trying to show who’s the toughest – trying to prove that they are the ones who can save us from “those evildoers.” I can barely stand to watch them as they try to outdo each other: “I won’t talk to Iran for my first year in office,” “I’ll bomb Pakistan,” “I’ll protect marriage” (if they were serious about that maybe they should try outlawing divorce. But I digress…)
Why is it that most of us feel that we can’t do better than this? How is it that so many of us think that one party is that different from the other, that if only our party’s candidate could get in, that things will be so much better? How is it that something like the “Patriot” Act got through so fast, and so many people in Congress voted for it without even reading it? How could so many of them have voted to support the war, when the contradictory information that was reported so belatedly by the mainstream press was already there in the alternative media? Where were they? Is this really the best we can do?
While it’s true that since the Democrats took back the power in Congress, at least they have started investigations and introduced bills that do have some connection to what voters called for so loudly in the recent elections. But how is it that still they sent even more money and troops to Iraq, when it is clear to the vast majority of American people (if not their “leaders”) that we cannot “fix it” by staying? How is it that Clinton was impeached for lying about sex, when the current administration’s lies have caused death and destruction on such a massive scale? Why are they still barely being challenged for such blatant violations of international law and the Constitution? How is it that we are still, as a nation, spending billions of dollars every month on a war that, according to the non-profit Just Foreign Policy, has now reportedly killed close to a million Iraqis?
Just take a moment. Let that sink in.
I can’t even wrap my mind around it. And millions more are displaced. While here in the U.S. we have pathetic health care options for so many of us, schools struggling, bridges collapsing and many more in need of repair, the Katrina fiasco, and on and on… If you’ve ever seen evan’s car in town, it asks a really important question in big letters painted on the side: “What would you do with $450 billion?” Think about it. And if you go to costofwar.com you can see how much has been spent locally. At the time of this writing, California has spent over 57 billion dollars, and Ventura County has spent almost $1.6 billion. What would you do with that money?
I know that not everyone agrees about Iraq, and we can draw many lines to divide ourselves when we talk about abortion, gay marriage, and so on. But I think that the vast majority of people – “liberal” or “conservative” – value children, the environment, education, housing, health care, etc. And I suspect that a huge number of people in this country, not to mention the rest of the world, think that our system is badly broken (if not totally insane…) I think for so many people that it just seems so hopeless. We don’t even dare to dream anymore.
And then there is Dennis Kucinich. This isn’t even meant to be a “Vote for Kucinich” article, by the way. I haven’t met him (although I hear he might be coming to Ojai soon – stay tuned). I don’t know if he’s as good as he seems to be. But I know that something in my heart comes alive when I hear him speak, when I watch him in the debates so clearly and passionately saying the things that need to be said – the things that no-one else is saying. In this week’s debate he promised that in his first month in office he would cancel NAFTA and the WTO, and instead, to trade based on workers’ rights, human rights and environmental quality principles. He would also establish a not-for-profit healthcare system and focus on saving Social Security.
Dennis Kucinich was the one to introduce articles of impeachment against Dick Cheney. He interrogated Rumsfeld about his management of war news. Kucinich has been working for years to establish a U.S. Department of Peace. Some of the key issues on his website include Universal Health Care; International Cooperation (US out of Iraq, UN in); Guaranteed Quality Education, Pre-K Through College; Repeal of the "Patriot Act;" Environmental Renewal and Clean Energy; and Balance Between Workers and Corporations. He supports the use of medical marijuana, as well as re-legalizing the commercial growing of industrial hemp. He also addresses depleted uranium, sweat shops, and media reform. These are issues that are vitally important to me, although I know that not everyone shares the same vision.
In the debate this week he said, “I’m kind of the Seabiscuit of this campaign,” (referring to the underrated racehorse from the 1930s). Hearing him say that sparked my imagination, and rekindled that little flame of hope that – in spite of everything – never quite dies...
So - who is your Seabiscuit? What is your vision for this country? How would you act, how would you vote, if you started to believe that what you long for might actually be possible?
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Comments (17)
I share many of the same feelings as you describe, to a great depth. I'm clearly frustrated, yet, still, I'm hopeful.
I'm frustrated with the democratic leadership in Congress for not playing hardball with the republicans. Their strategy was long planned and is working as they hoped. But their choice to play it safe, score some strategic points let us down by not forcefully engaging in this power struggle, for what is right for our country. Their hopes and aspiration is to gain super majority rule in both houses, along with the presidency in 08. I believe they will get it.
I'm hopeful, for despite their spineless path to power in 08, this is better than what we have had for 6-7 years. After 08, then the 09 swearing in ceremonies, we will see some dramatic changes for the better. I hope too, that we have different leaders in both houses as well. Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid are deliberate, but spineless in this fight.
Democrats have forgotten how to fight for the scraps of power and hold it, and bury the opposition by good rhetoric and by deeds of power welding. Gonzales, Rove, Chertoff, Rumsfeld, and so many more should have had the political equivalent of a wooden stake driven in their hearts long ago. But our all too careful democrats stay the course of drag and pull. Drag someone in to the hearing, question them, and when they don't get what they want, they simply pull their hats of shame over their heads and hide, accomplishing very little save, a sound bite.
The country is going through a massive revulsion. The modern era is simply too modern. The complexity that it takes to exist today is astounding to me and to many others. The work hard and play by the rules doesn't count unless you can master all the add-ons to life's complexities. So it is in our political life as well.
When we see the debates, the modern political complexities come out, The whitewash approach of political hypothetical's exhibited by Hillary and others when trying to cut down Barock's statement on how he would go into Pakistan if no other way could be used, to get the bad guy. BTW, all who attack him have since come to his reasoning. You've got to love this guy. He has so much to say, that makes such good common sense.
The problem is, that all these demos offer something good. To choose is very difficult. I have one picked, sorta.
The bottom line here is with all the problems, dealing with the new complexities, the lost protections of human and political rights here in the U.S., the devastating economic shift we are experiencing, Accountability has to be the Hallmark of the next administration. We have to keep them honest. They have to pursue those who deal underhandedly with the citizens here. The FCC needs to be revamped, change the rules that govern ownership of newspapers, radio stations and television station, and all the cable companies to erase and prevent the concentration and control of news outlets to us, the people.
The frustrations that are innumerable, can be traced to the lack of Accountability.
I have hope the stewards coming up the ranks, will lead us to the beginning of a new Accounting, a New Social contract, a Renascence of what it is to be free again.
Comment #1 Posted by: Dana and Alyeska | August 12, 2007 08:02 PM
Among his many other fine qualities, Kucinich has a beautiful new wife who has induced him to become vegan.
Comment #2 Posted by: david moody | August 12, 2007 08:18 PM
As an evolved, enlightened human-being, Dennis Kucinich is miles ahead of the pack!
Thank you for this great Post Sally! Namaste.
Comment #3 Posted by: Suza | August 13, 2007 09:39 AM
Despite my support for John McCain, Guiliani will however be our next president. I hope im proven wrong.
Comment #4 Posted by: Anonymous | August 13, 2007 06:01 PM
I hope so too. My relatives in Europe think it will be Hilary. (They seem quite sure of this.)
Comment #5 Posted by: Suza | August 13, 2007 06:24 PM
I have to agree, it's Hillary in 05 + 3. Bill Richards will probably be Secretary of State. Joe Biden will likely be the V.P. on the ticket. Dennis Kucinich if he would accept it, could be Secretary of Labor. I think Dennis would be a much better president than Hillary, but I don't see it happening. I just can't figure where Christopher Dodd fits into this. I like him, but I rather see him stay in the Senate. Obama. I feel he and Dennis are far and away the most honest of all of them. Both are articulate and quite smart, both have depth to their points and say it like it is. Dennis is great at showing up all of them on the issues when he brings up every bit of legislation he has sponsored or cosponsored to show what he has been doing while the others say what they will do. Personally, I can't wait for Feb. when it will basically be all over, after that, it's just running out the clock.
Comment #6 Posted by: Dana and Alyeska | August 13, 2007 08:09 PM
oh, please no, Dana, Suza!
let's have Kuci-Kuci-ovich!
if it's time for the democrats to have their
eight years of world rape, let it be by an
acknowledged idiot like Kuci-Kuci. someone
that the Intelligence Agencies will never
have to explain money and power too, as he
would never know to ask the questions.
I mean, gag, Hillary? might as well have Nancy
Pelosi, of Mossad.
Oh, sorry, that's right, we already have Nancy.
Gee golly, what fun, right? To discuss mindless
politics, personal coercive power games, in
the shallow mind-field of Ojai ('Once Upon A Time')
California.
too daunting, incomprehensible, to dialog on
ethics, right and wrong, good and bad, at the
Ojai Post?
I mean, where would the authors and posters come
from -- who would drag them away from their beer
and pot, meat and potatoes, submarines and ice
creams?
Comment #7 Posted by: Millennium | August 15, 2007 11:18 AM
Mill, who will get your vote, then?
Comment #8 Posted by: Beer and Pot | August 15, 2007 11:30 AM
Oh come on. "Millenium" doesn't vote, didn't you know? No way would I believe it. Far be it from one so enlightened to participate in such a pathetic farce. No, you will never drag Millenium away from his tofu and rice, bare feet and mantras, and endless dialog within his own head on ethics, to perform something so utterly crass and useless as voting.
I predict: Millenium will not vote, will not run, and will not matter. But whatever happens, he will periodically rise from his yoga-induced stupor to loudly and harshly judge all those who do.
Comment #9 Posted by: Tune In, Turn On, Drop Out | August 15, 2007 11:51 AM
It's official!! You MT, in my opinion, are THE most cloyingly irratating, self-righteous, self-deluding, irrational, uninspirational, ineffective, obnoxious person (BAR NONE) who posts here on the OP. And there have been some doozies!!! Congratulations!
P.S. Sorry evan, Kenley, etc. for such a violent outburst - I just had to let it out...
Comment #10 Posted by: LTOR | August 15, 2007 11:57 AM
Alright, sorry for that last post. The right thing to do was not rise to MT's bait.
I'd like to offer in response to Sally's question: Kucinich, and nobody else.
But we won't get that choice. Let me instead offer another thought: Unless and until we get someone like a Hugo Chavez rising on the scene, who will assume strongman powers in order to truly devolve power to the people, or, failing that, until we are literally destroyed and reduced by war, incompetence and mismanagement to a shadow of ourselves and thus abandoned by the material interests of this world, we have no hope of getting a Kucinich.
Until then, we are stuck. No Seabiscuits. Hillary, or Giuliani?
If there is one thing we have learned since 2000, despite appearances, there most assuredly is a difference. Ideals aside, we would certainly be better off had Gore not stood down in 2000, and maybe even better had Kerry not bombed out and surrendered in 2004. Whoever the crappy Democrat candidate ends up being in 2008, if history offers a lesson, we will certainly be better with her/him than with the Republican.
Comment #11 Posted by: TITODO | August 15, 2007 12:09 PM
Millenium is correct in his assessment of the ongoing 50 year old polical joke. Long Time Ojai Curmudgeon you're belief system and memory need to be updated. USA is a military machine. Don't you get it. Democrats, Republicans, you really think those titles have any meanings? Wake up or shut up. Millenium has courage to voice his opinion. You are old and obsolete yet have the belief system of a child. That was so cute when you apologized to Evan and Kenley. They have become your uncles whose approval you need just like a Long Time Ojai Child.
Comment #12 Posted by: JFK | August 15, 2007 12:39 PM
I see this is going to be one of THOSE threads.
Comment #13 Posted by: Tyler | August 15, 2007 12:44 PM
Clever, "JFK".
I "get" much more than you think...but Tyler's right. My bad for taking "the bait".
I'm out.
Comment #14 Posted by: LTOR | August 15, 2007 12:49 PM
Some idiot said:
"Oh come on. "Millenium" doesn't vote, didn't you know? No way would I believe it. Far be it from one so enlightened to participate in such a pathetic farce. No, you will never drag Millenium away from his tofu and rice, bare feet and mantras, and endless dialog within his own head on ethics, to perform something so utterly crass and useless as voting."
Lets see, Millenium does not eat tofu. Tofu is poison. Soy needs to be fermented before it is suitable for human consumption. Millenium does not chant mantras. Voting is useless though - except for keeping people in the delusion of believing the pluralized oligarchy is actually a democracy. Voting serves the purpose of grouding the common man and making him feel that 'his vote matters".
What is so interesting to me about these knee jerk responses is that it reveals the lazy thinking of those who still are 'believers'. They tend to do a great deal of generalizing and stereotyping. They try so hard to think but they are only mimics. Quite amusing.
Comment #15 Posted by: kareem abdul jabar | August 15, 2007 12:56 PM
Thinking is really hard. That's why pretending is so attractive. Pretending that your vote matters, and that the majority's vote does not matter. Pretending that the U.S. is other than a militarized bully. Pretending that Al Gore would have gone into Iraq, killed hundreds of thousands, opened Gitmo, perpetrated kidnapings, excused torture, gutted domestic programs, ruined the public schools, appointed Alito and Roberts to the Supreme Court, etc. et. al. and on and on.
Comment #16 Posted by: TITODO | August 15, 2007 02:27 PM
LTOR: worry not, i don't think of myself as an uncle whose approval you need or seek, and i'm pretty sure you don't think of me in that way either. interesting analysis by JFK though.
i hope it felt good to get that "violent outburst" out! incidentally, i rejoice in your vocabulary! i doubt that there exist people who don't vent in some form or another...yours just happened to be quasi-public, and you've already accounted for that. at the risk of sounding uncle-ish, i'll share with you one communication tool that might help to more clearly share what's alive in you, and without being violent!:
1. describe the observed behavior without including any judgments. use direct quotations if you need to...for example [MT, when you said "..."] THIS IS HARD!
2. describe how you FEEL in your body and heart, again without mixing in any judgments. our english language doesn't make this easy, but here's a tip: if you say "i feel like..." or "i feel that...", you're likely not describing an actual feeling. some examples of feelings are Amazed, Fulfilled, Hopeful, Proud, Thankful, Annoyed, Confused, Distressed, Nervous, and Uncomfortable.
3. describe or identify the need(s) of yours that were met or not by the behavior described in #1. this part can get easier with time, because humans all have the same basic needs! some examples include: Autonomy (self-determination), Acceptance, Community, Emotional Safety, Honesty, Trust, Food, Rest, Touch, Order, and Peace.
4. finally, describe what you would like the other person to do (specific behavior) differently in order to meet your need(s). this part's tricky because it must be done with the understanding that it is a request and not a demand...the other person has no obligation to do what you've asked! but you've expressed yourself clearly and vulnerably, so at the very least you have Peace within your own conscience. and when the other person does connect with your humanness and responds as you'd like, what joy for both of you!
this communication model is no secret. you can explore more at the Center for Nonviolent Communication.
Comment #17 Posted by: evan | August 17, 2007 03:45 PM