One of the things that came out of the work discussion around the Dunkin' Donuts fiasco I mentioned was that there comes a point where some level of moral outrage has to be expressed to make meaningful change. A coworker asked when moral outrage ever had any meaningful impact on history. I found that quite surprising, because this country was founded on moral outrage.
And therein lies the problem. He, like apparently a majority of Americans, don't get outraged by anything. How else could you explain the moron in office getting re-elected after lying to us over reasons to start a war? People just don't give a shit about anything anymore, and don't stand up to anything. That, frankly, scares the fuck out of me more than any terrorist. Sleepy indifference is a far greater foe to our way of life.
For example, I was listening to This Week in Tech on the way to work, and the guy running The Internet Archive was talking about how they were served a letter by the FBI, with no due process, demanding information with fear of extreme repercussions (under the guise of fighting terrorism) if they didn't comply. Tens of thousands of letters like this have gone out, and only three were challenged. And the crazy thing is that the FBI rolled over each time, knowing how Constitutionally f'd up it is. Why hasn't anyone else waved their hand and protested?
I'm glad I wasn't around for the 60's, but it seems to me that in terms of challenging what is right and wrong, and what defines our national character, people really gave a damn (or so the news highlight reels would lead us to believe). Now the only thing people seem to give a shit about is Britney's rehab and reality TV. That sucks. We've got issues concerning our government, the environment, the economy, etc., that Joe Taxpayer doesn't seem to spend any time thinking about.
My hope is that following this presidential election, things change. There has to be some kind of leadership that brings a call to action to the front of the conversation. I don't know if it's possible to shake people out of their complacency, but I sure hope it is.
no kids who makes you a dad..not me get your sh$$ straight. be you for now not fake..
Jeff, I couldn't agree with you more. Things are getting very surreal, in a Twilight Zone kind of way, if you ask me.
Anyway, here are some lyrics by Pink Floyd that ring true even more today than when they were written in 1977. There is even a little bit of hope for the future at the end, if, we rise up together.
In fact, I findthe whole Animals album still very relevant.
Sheep - by Pink Floyd
Harmlessly passing your time in the grassland away;
Only dimly aware of a certain unease in the air.
You better watch out,
There may be dogs about
I've looked over Jordan, and I have seen
Things are not what they seem.
What do you get for pretending the danger's not real.
Meek and obedient you follow the leader
Down well trodden corridors into the valley of steel.
What a surprise!
A look of terminal shock in your eyes.
Now things are really what they seem.
No, this is no bad dream.
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want
He makes me down to lie
Through pastures green He leadeth me the silent waters by.
With bright knives He releaseth my soul.
He maketh me to hang on hooks in high places.
He converteth me to lamb cutlets,
For lo, He hath great power, and great hunger.
When cometh the day we lowly ones,
Through quiet reflection, and great dedication
Master the art of karate,
Lo, we shall rise up,
And then we'll make the bugger's eyes water.
Bleating and babbling I fell on his neck with a scream.
Wave upon wave of demented avengers
March cheerfully out of obscurity into the dream.
Have you heard the news?
The dogs are dead!
You better stay home
And do as you're told.
Get out of the road if you want to grow old.
I was around for the 60's and the highlight reels do accurately reflect the national state of mind. It was also a time of accepting personal responsibility for one's actions and the willingness to take those actions. Change requires action and until we stop pontificating and start doing, nothing is going to change.
Part of the problem is people no longer think, be they Joe Taxpayer or anyone else. Evidence reality TV, the ultimate oxymoron, and the willingness to accept mainstream media's endless nonsense about what is happeninmg in the world. People don't look for the truth, or perhaps, simply do not want to know!
We don't trust government and rightfully so. But we also keep electing the same buffoons, liars and thieves to run that same government. Hmmmmmm?
I have remained active most of my life and encouraged others to be so. Given all the outrageous, morally reprehensible activities throught the world, I share your concern and wonder what does it take to trigger that moral outrage that can be the catalyst for real change?