Whatever is to be said about the state of the gunman today, whether he had psychological issues or not, he was angry. Across America today, people are angry. They may choose to channel that anger in a number of either self-destructive or destructive ways. But whatever any of our feelings are, our challenge and our obligation is to channel that energy into a path based on resolution. For a path based on destruction is just that, destruction.
There are two categories of people. The first category is those in the powerful elite -- whether you are an active serving political leader in the legislature, a former political leader, governor or president, a leader of a non-profit group, or the leader of a political organization ranging from the NRA, MoveOn.org and the Sierra Club, or whether you are a national or local broadcaster focusing on political issues or some form of political strategist or advisor. This is the power class: The group that has a clear avenue of expression and power inside the political process, inside the political media, and inside politically organized institutions.
Or you may find yourself as the vast majority of Americans do, as a passive observer with little sense beyond your ability to vote -- without having an avenue to express your beliefs and ideas when it comes to the national conversation.
Both the power class and the passive class are experiencing this sense of frustration and unfairness to one degree or another. As the internalization of that energy is self-destructive, it begs the question... How do we as a nation, both as the power class and the passive class, express and ultimately resolve the ongoing unfairness that exists in this country to this day? Though we may not like to believe it, grave unfairness has existed since this country's founding.
Yet, the beauty of the idea that is America is the principle of a government beholden to all of its citizens. As frustrating as the unfairness may appear to be, it is imperative we understand the context that this country has always represented: the ideals of quality and freedom. But our country has always fallen short -- it has always been an ongoing process of trying to close the gap between that unfairness and our ideals.
Today, we find ourselves at a violent crossroads in American history as a result of our inability, or unwillingness to find a healthy outlet to resolve these problems. we now have two options. Internalize the energy into a sea of bile and resentment that will cause you to become less effective, productive and beneficial to those in your life. Internalizing this energy without finding a positive recourse is a recipe for personal disaster. I speak from experience. Internalizing that energy of unfairness, that frustration and that anger is a recipe for self-destruction from a personal to a national level.
We now find ourselves with a desperate need for an outlet for that energy, a need for an outlet that solves our problems rather than destroying ourselves or those around us.
So I pose two questions: For the power class, how are you using the energy of frustration and anger that revolves around the unfairness of this country? Are you using it as a tool to manipulate your environment in order to accumulate power, wealth, fame, or some other self-serving manifestation?
For the passive class, have you chosen to deal with your knowledge of this unfairness either through denial of its existence, or through a logical apathy founded upon the belief that nothing you do will matter?
It goes without saying that the events of today are a wake-up call for every American, regardless of their position in this society. And as we stand as a group at this violent fork in the road, will those within the power class take this wakeup call to acknowledge the responsibility they have to utilize their influence to serve the interests of increased fairness in America -- even if that requires the suffering of personal losses or losses among your powerbase ?
Understand that whether we like it or not, the personal indulgence of this exploitation by some in order to accumulate wealth and power is done so at a mortal danger to all Americans -- each likely as concerned for the wellbeing of this country as you, the passive class, may believe yourself to be.
America is in a desperate need of engagement by all of its citizens, and we all must understand that the luxury of denial and logical apathy among the passive can no longer be afforded. What we witnessed today is the worst expression of human nature. The unresolved frustration that led to today's events not only took the lives of at least five people, but also destroyed the life of the shooter himself in the ultimate act of self-destruction. Shockwaves will be sent through the legislative body of America for months to come.
The path of destruction of ourselves, or of others, is an easy path. The path of resolution, shared sacrifice, and the brutal honesty necessary for those who are benefitting the most from the culture of unfairness that plagues this country today must be addressed.
It is easy for someone like myself or anybody else to get up on a soapbox and point fingers as to who may be given bad guy, or where a given failure, may exist. But, setting a path to resolve the unfairness that plagues this country will originate not by looking outward at those whom we believe are perpetrating a given unfairness, but through a period of brutally honest inward reflection into the values that each of us apply to the ways we make the decisions in our days, from one minute to the next.
It is through investment in internal reflection that we can open the door to the knowledge that only our own happiness and fulfillment can manifest a peaceful path to resolving the problems that we face as a nation.
Through that reflection, those in power can ask themselves whether they can muster the necessary courage to reject the forces of their own ego and their own paycheck to make what they know is the right decision.
Through that reflection, the passive class can muster the strength to shed the protections of denial and apathy.
While your voice may feel hollow by itself, the possibility of becoming part of a national chorus of awakened can serve as a deeper foundation for the compassion and wisdom to accept our own shortfalls and those of our leadership as we continue the national trip toward a more fair and free America.
Follow Dylan Ratigan on Twitter: www.twitter.com/DylanRatigan
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Right now, there is no difference between the Repubs and Dems except the lobbying groups they are beholden to serve. We need a new direction, and some crazed lunatic in Arizona shouldn't keep us from applying pressure on our government.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/02/16/bank-of-north-dakotasocia_n_463522.html
Dayne
Wake up Americans --both left and right - when we regain control of our representatives -- then is the time to argue ideology. Until then we should fight as Americans to regain our country from the special interests.
Until EVERYONE starts talking and blogging and marching for Campaign Reform we are just spinning our wheels discussing anything that might challenge the special interests.
Join the fight
http://www.fairelectionsnow.org/volunteer/petition (FENA)
http://www.freespeechforpeople.org/petition
http://change-congress.org/
http://movetoamend.org
http://foavc.org”
You are so right It is up to folks like you to steer the energy to where it is desperately needed - on removing the possibility of corruption in government and as you say, regaining control of your representatives.
These are very interesting times and much is possible. Good luck!
This site hosts something close to a public forum where "ordinary" people have what passes for a voice.
However - comments are moderated to screen out speech that is considered inapproprate
The (often inciteful) speech of our media stars does not appear to be subject to any equivalent moderation.
We have on the record instances of media celebrities calling for bodily harm (and worse) to identifiable individuals
As long as this situation persists civility is but a dream
Add to that, a President who ran as an advocate for the voiceless and middleclass now totally turning his back on those who elected and instead identifying himself with the moneyed class and preaching the narrative of the Party he ran against, many feel that no one represents them, cares about them or works for them any longer.
The discussion over ...unity after a tragedy....& how people should police themselves a bit in what they say etc. is in my mind valid & while seemingly honourable on the surface ....a bit after the fact. I mean this by that statement: Why does it take a tragedy...to do what they are saying....AGAIN...after another. To have any respect for life or each other...to follow even 1 simple rule. The Golden one. In my mind , while it all sounds nice now....why not learn it from PAST tragedies...& not forget so easily the lesson. Why be taught the same lesson over & over only tro forget it? The bodes very similar to Einstein's definition of insanity. I feel bad to say I don't have the faith in humans to do this like DR & some do...it's commendable to see that displayed as DR does.
Don't you think perhaps...if ...the unity could be there BEFORE the tragedy....that quite possibly then....the tragedy would NOT?
Just something to think about.
Have we gone too far in using violence and violent metaphors in efforts to get a point across? I think so. Politicians are increasingly under threat, their lives, their families, etc., and its becoming too commonplace. How did we get to a point where we want to kill and maim people who are trying to serve? Its one thing to disagree with someone, but to try to murder them for their belief our stance is absurd.
"it's hard to be a healthy cell in an unhealthy body".
So, take that whichever way you wish.
Here's a snapshot of those who rise to power in this country and world.
http://dissidentvoice.org/2008/05/beware-the-psychopath-my-son/
The sooner we realize these leaders are incapable of empathy, the sooner we have a chance to join together and remove them from power.
Absolutely incredible piece though. I really thought you plowed through the smoke to the true discussion (and I mean that with no disrepect to the victims or their loved ones) -- its just that I believe (as do you, i believe, after reading your words) that we can all do better....far better.
Take Care DR.
Daniel.
Politics is a rich man's game. The rest of us are kind of spectators, we can throw our .02 in the well, but the water level's pretty far down there, and you have to listen close to hear the splash. Big Money runs the show, and that's always how it's been.
People are slain every day. By other people...but....it also seems that leaving it up to those who would deem a life's value based on materialistic bs to begin with was an unbalanced idea from the start. People wanted money ...they got it...it's really an abomination ...something made by humans...loved by humans & something most any would do anything to gain. The roots causing the societal imbalance go way deeper & way farther back than jsut 2 years obviously, but things have gotten ugly & money should never hjave gained the right to free speech. It is a "thing" yet it speaks very loudly.
If 'money" ran the show...the human race would have extinguished itself long ago. I hope you don't feel "enlightened" or that your diatribe accurately descibes the world we live in.