Our Future to Create

The rush is over. I'm thinking about what enhanced my 2007 and will inform my 2008. Susan Faludi's _The Terror Dream: Fear and Fantasy in Post-911 America_ did both. Finally, here are answers to my nagging question about 9/11: Why did we go stark, raving, self-destructively mad? insulting our allies, subverting civil liberties, attacking Iraq, undermining our own economy ... torturing people?

Ms. Faludi broke the code for me on why America chose fabrication over reality: wrong-wing extremists and opportunistic corporate mass media exploited 9/11 to their own ends. They peddled false-myths and Hollywood fabrications that pandered to our immaturity. Sorry folks, John Wayne is NOT going to save us.

Too many Americans bought what these demagogues and opportunists were selling. Adolescent Hollywood creations and old-fashioned misogyny replaced genuine heroes. We allowed the government which failed to protect us to steer us treacherously far from our history, our legacy, as a beacon to the world Many now fear us as a rogue state.

Lies are lies, delusions the other side of the same coin. It's a dangerous currency. Authentic adults demand the truth, however distressing. Effective and responsible actions require it. So I'm especially grateful that Ms. Faludi's improved my 2007 with true stories and genuine understanding.

Her contribution to 2008? I'm encouraged when people like Susan Faludi face grave challenges rather than hide behind childish dreams. And in spite of appalling attempts to undermine our heritage, we, the people, are the sovereigns of America. The future is ours to create. I can hardly wait!

You can listen to our full one-hour Conversation with Susan Faludi, focused on Terror Dreams, at our website http://www.PaulaGordon.com.