This is a cross generational dialogue between, Hillary, 31 and Octo, 83
discussing a very important issue...
Jack Nadel
I am totally repelled by what is being discussed, and what is being swept under the rug. Of course, I’m referring to the present state of confusion as regards our major issues. Despite all of the protests, and the fact that four million Iraqis have been displaced and 3500 Americans have been killed, the war drones on. Despite the inadequate action of the Congress, the President continues to say, "Let’s stay the course. Let’s count on the generals to win the war." But we first have to see how the surge is working, and we won’t know until September when the word can come from General Patreas. Another word comes from the generals – that September is too soon, that we really won’t know until November. How long will a frustrated public swallow this inane logic? And, more importantly, when will the real debate begin? During the Vietnam War, there was a public outcry and I was very much a part of it. But I don’t see this kind of dedication or passion coming from the younger generations. Can you tell me what people between the ages of 20-60 are thinking?
Hillary
I can’t tell you what that many people across that many generations are thinking. I can tell you that there is plenty of talk against the war. That everyone I know is against it. That many attend protest rallies and vigils. That many blog about it. But having grown up after Watergate, and during Iran-Contra, I can tell you that I have no faith in our government to do right thing. And, add Enron to that mix, I have no doubt that corporations will do anything to make money. Put the corporations and the government together and they will make a war to make money. It seems pretty simple, and WAY out of my control. I think the biggest sentiment is that this president doesn’t represent us, will not hear us, let’s just get through this time and hope that the next administration thinks differently and gets us out. In all honesty, Jack, what do you think anyone could do to stop this?
Jack
You’ve just touched on where I can see effective response. You refer to the blogosphere, and here is my problem: the ball is carried to the 10-yard line, and then it is fumbled. I find that this football metaphor gives the clearest picture. One of the popular, progressive blogs, is the Dailykos.com. They are part of a yearly convention called the Yearly Kos. It has enough prestige so that all of the Democratic candidates for president will appear and give a talk to this group at their convention. They listed the airline Jet Blue as a sponsor. The Chairman of Jet Blue was bushwhacked by Bill O’Reilly’s staff and confronted with hard questions about opinions that appeared on Daily Kos that they found "disgusting". In a particularly onerous broadcast, O’Reilly hit Jet Blue with relish, claiming that they were sponsoring a convention by people that are a "hate" group. And, they quoted remarks that had appeared on Daily Kos.com completely out of context as O’Reilly compared Daily Kos to the Nazi party. The Chairman of Jet Blue fumbled through the interview and seemed to be totally unprepared for this type of confrontation. The next thing I heard was that Jet Blue had withdrawn, and in effect, recanted as though they were guilty. Here is my problem, Hillary, aside from comments in the Daily Kos, the progressives did not respond. To me, this was a clear-cut battleground that could have aired in front of the general public. In my opinion, Bill O’Reilly and Fox News should have been made to defend themselves instead of attacking. MY point here is that for whatever reason, the Progressives have not had the stomach to further confront. I am left with an unsatisfied feeling. Politically, I am totally independent and have no allegiance to the left or the right, but I hate it when the issue is dropped like a hot potato.
Hillary
Jack, I don’t think you’re wrong. You know that I am hypercritical of the media and believe it is manufactured and one-sided. Even CSPAN is no longer immune. Reference the hearing on Iraq that was relegated to CSPAN3, internet-only. That being said, I wonder what you’re saying here. Do you really believe that the war in Iraq could be ended if the Progressives argued a little more loudly in the media?
Jack
I cannot make such a claim. But I do know that the debate has to be properly aired and that the challenges are accepted. When one side makes an outrageous claim, the other has to pursue it. The best example I can find was the confrontation between Bill O’Reilly and Al Franken. I am not going to judge who won that debate, but it sure cleared the air, since Franken was ready and willing to confront the challenge of inaccurate and dishonest statements. I think we need more of that because the reality is, people are getting killed every day and we should not just have the patience to wait for the next administration.
Hillary
With all due respect Jack, I cannot possible believe that shining a light on Bill O’Reilly is going to make the war in Iraq less tenable.
Jack
Of course not, this is just another symptom of the disease, which is a lack of debate on important issues. All ridiculous statements should be challenged, and the congressmen and senators should be confronted in their home territory so that they realize that their political lives depend on them taking a leadership role. There is no simple answer, but my feeling is that statements are not backed up. If the polls are true, and 70% of the people are against the war, how can we continue to pursue it in the same way? A well-known definition of insanity is to do the same things over and over again, and expect a different result.
Hillary
There may be one shining light starting to appear in this regard. On You Tube, people are able to make videos where they ask politicians a question that is closest to their hearts. They are generally quite hard, and not the type of questions that one generally hears pundits or debate moderators asking. CNN has picked up on this, and they are running these questions on the air as we speak. Maybe there is hope yet for an honest discussion on the issues that are important to the average American.