This is my first diary even though I have been a visitor and have posted numerous comments to this site through the years.I did post this as a comment the other day and was told by one of the members to post it as a diary for wider reading. I thank him and credit him for the title of this diary...An independent's view point of victory.
Ah,the morning after let down!!!! Musings and ramblings of a bored .....
Following a good night sleep after I had pulled an all nighter watching the election drama unfold, (I could afford to do it because I am not working) I get this growing uneasy feeling in my stomach as I watch people around me, both in real life world and in cyber space, rejoice the democratic (as in democracy and not the party) response of the American electorate towards the totalitarian rule. It was not be of tsunamic proportions compared to the sanguineous revolutions of the past but a true revolt all the same.
Memories from the vaults of history are hard to avoid
The American (mis)adventures in Indo china and the Iraqi situation. The post emergency euphoria of Indian populence in 1977; Ousting of Marcos; the orange revolution in the Ukraine; the completion of a full circle in Nicaragua to name a few.
Sadly the phrases like "history repeats itself" and "one who does not understand history is doomed to it "etc that are rich antidotes to prevent repetitive human mistakes and suffering stay collecting dust in the dustbins of memory.
To get my bearings and also seeking tempering remedies, I visited some of the far right blogg sites too. (This nothing new to me because I do listen to both extremes regularly) What I was hearing there validated my belief that ideologically nothing has changed in this country. There is no liberation; there is no return to constitutional rule of the law... There is the 40% each on the left and right. The classical divide is so much etched in stone and no matter what that will not change on either side. The driving forces of hatred, racism, class wars, haves and have-nots, greed; fear are same and holds true.
The remaining 20%Swingers (a disparate collection of moderates from the whole political spectrum; apoliticals, single issue people,those personally hurt,) just decided to go against the right this time. Since this group by definition does not have broad and strong political ideals they would swing the other way the next time if their needs are not met. I am not saying this in a disparaging way but stating the fact and making my point on what I am about to say about what needs to be done.
I am not a democrat (I am a fiercely proud independent) so I am not "politically exuberant" with the results of the election in a sense that "my party the democrats" won.
Democrats, enjoy this moment of glory, and I an independent would be rejoicing too....
I strongly believe that nations and people are offered windows of opportunity along the history of humankind to do things differently and today we are on the cusp of one of them. It's up to people and their political leaders to grab that opportunity and if they let it slip by there would be another cycle of oppression, violence and human suffering.
Start thinking outside the box.... Do not confine your thinking (right/left) to the old and failed ideology. None of the current ideologies by themselves are sound!
Let us start with the honest truth that there are enough resources on this earth to meet the needs of the world. Let's try to bring some degree of fairness in its distribution. No I am not talking about socialism.
Take a middle road to walk
Start addressing the needs of the people...
There are hundreds of areas that need to be addressed domestically and internationally."Addressing" does not mean throwing money as some conservatives might tend to label it as fruitless waste of money. The days of isolationists are over whether we like it or not.Happenings around the world have direct implications on this country especially in the areas of security and vice versa.Consider and treat other humans with dignity and respect. If you think we can win respect through might its just wishful thinking (ironically "Power grows from the barrel of a gun" was a quote of the discredited Mao)
Address the needs of the poor, sick and the under privileged along with that of the working and middle class. Do not be a slave to the corporate and the special interest groups. Bring them to work for the country and humanity and not the other way around. History will not measure the greatness of a country by its military might or GNP but how well the people where cared for. That is what a society is.
Both the republicans and democrats, over the years, had adulterous relationships with the "slave masters of the sweatshops", I call them coke and Pepsi.
Don't be distracted by MS. Spear's divorce that is not news but just a side show. You know what I mean. Deal with real issues.
Get to the root causes that are breeding terrorism in the world. Get into the mind set of the people who are the so called terrorists or the population that support it. See the world through their eyes.That is not appeasement it's understanding your enemy. Look at history, terrorism can never be defeated militarily because by definition it is the anathema of military might and is a tactic used by people who lack military capacity.
The only way you can try to attain freedom and safety is to defuse the sparks of disenchantment that light the fire of wars,
Be a fair broker, Stop saying... but they did that first or they were there first......
The root causes are numerous to list here.
There is a saying "Do not burn your house down to kill the rat......" that defines some of our draconian laws.
be transparent, honest and fair in governing
Demystify politics and government and bring in more people in to active participation
Strive to achieve a reasonable balance between national interests and the good of humanity.
Religious tolerance. God does not need to be defended; He or she can take care of self.
Even though I believe that W and his cohorts are war criminals, I do not think democrats should start with impeachment proceedings right now. It would turn out to be a circus , waste time and a big distraction. They need to provide oversight and request/demand accountability for all his actions from now on. This would bring back constitutionality to this country.
Review what has been done in the past 6 years,not to impeach but to to learn and correct our mistakes. This includes looking at the patriot act, military commissions act. Habeas corpus act, etc. After 2008, after they are out of office, bring them and their cronies to justice.
Iraq is a classical example of you can conquer but can't rule.I do not think there is any good solution to Iraq, But staying the course is not going to make it any better. Start looking for other equitable options.
So my democratic friends;celebrate your party's wonderful victory and accept our gratitude.
I would be rejoicing too... maybe for the same reasons as you....I would be.. for this country;its people;the world and humanity;constitution;justice and freedom!
Peace
American dream is a myth!