Praise Jesus or not, I don't care. It's not the point. The point is that the social mood/weather is changing. Some historians' notions that political climate is cyclical, that moods swing back and forth from pole to pole, may or may not be the case. However, in the past year, I've seen a big change occurring.
There's been a shift in my classes in the last twelve months. The conservatives are shutting up. They are outnumbered and discredited, it would appear. In some of our discussions, I don't have to be the one to address ridiculous conservative talking points. My little lefties do it for me, which is a nice change from a year ago (Of course, the lefties don't appear to mind when I address their ridiculous talking poiints). This change in political climate is heartening. The episode that somewhat demonstrates my point happened tonight.
We watched Fight Club last week and tonight we discussed nationalism, fascism, violence, mindless following of crazy leaders, and the big question: Is terrorism ever justified? This, of course, is a trick question, and an answer is not what I was looking for. What I got was some reasoned debate from young lefties, a disgruntled ex-military guy, and the only staunch republican in the room. He was the only "conservative" willing to trumpet Bushie talking points. His take on terror was ridiculous. He said that any violation of law is a terrorist act. I didn't even have to respond, other than to tell him I thought his definition wasn't tenable. My other students did the work of destroying the ridiculous notion.
The main point is that most of the class recognized the fascist tendencies demonstrated in Fight Club, and they related it directly to U.S. current events. I didn't have to do a thing but ask the right questions. The kids are cynical and suspicious of this administration. A year ago, I do not believe things would have played out quite the same. The pendulum has a long way to swing in the other direction, but I believe it has reached its apogee, that the republicans have successfully destroyed their party for a generation, and that all is not yet lost for a democratic outcome in the U.S.
Again, I say, this discussion tonight is heartening. I do not believe an "October Surprise " is going to work, short of W (the war criminal) suspending elections. This is a remote possibility, but a low probability event. I am going to bed tonight much more optimistic than I got up this morning.