Mediating Worldviews at the Kitchen Table
By now, we should be used to the Propaganda Twist perfected by Karl Rove et al.: use every media outlet available to publish repeatedly your own “Talking Points”. This afternoon, Carly Fiorina, Marcia Blackburn and a host of other lieutenants for the GOP fanned out through St. Paul to announce dispositively that everything swirling around Sarah Palin, especially the rumors concerning her vetting, all of that, "...is the Media's Fault! "And!" - foot-stamping across the Great Plains could be heard here - "We're NOT gonna take it anymore!!" (Anyone for a "gosh-darn-it!" here?)
Inane. Before Karl Rove, before Lee Atwood, inquiry into background, experience, credentials and references was part of the cross-examination that is the Campaign for President. Only since the unbridled use of Propaganda have questions about a person's credentials been irrelevant to "the issues".
But code has always been used to discriminate against those not part of what the late, great George Carlin incisively called "The Big Club"...and most of us are not part of it. Remember: This is all a Puppet Show...the Puppeteers are writing the scripts for everyone involved in this 2008 Republican Convention.
It's safe to say the Puppeteer Pirates never expected Barack Obama to win the Democratic nomination for President. Based on reporting to date, it's also safe to say that John McCain didn't speak for the campaign - yet again - when he called Sarah Palin and told her she was his pick. But, the Puppeteers own the Media, and with this megaphone in hand, they can adapt - quite obviously - in a very short time to unanticipated successes, such as Barack Obama's historic Acceptance Speech last week in Denver, and the fundraising that no doubt followed it. Just one of those moves of adaptation was on display all day today when the Corporate Media picked a fight with itself through The McCain Campaign. Everywhere, employees of the Media, anchors, reporters and pundits alike, were scrambling in response to Fiorina, et al. to defend themselves. And, in the process, of letting Sarah Palin down off of her own petard.
Remember: Power will not let go of Power easily. Consider the Black Pearl as your metaphor here....
Another move demonstrated tonight was the demonstration of rage at all who disagree with and dissent from the Neo-Conservative worldview as voiced and implemented by Bush/Cheney/McCain. The Project for the New American Century and American Enterprise Institutes are not dead. And, they certainly are not silent. The Sarah Palin debut tonight was largely written by Bush aide, Matthew Scully, and it showed. For eight years those of us who have asserted opinions and views differing from George W. Bush and Richard B. Cheney have been cast out as unpatriotic, disloyal, unAmerican, traitors. Given Senator McCain's relationship now with the Puppeteers, why would we have expected to hear anything different tonight?
The marked tones taken by Rudy Guiliani and Sarah Palin tonight, though, seemed to give voice to a rage that has not been heard recently. Clearly, there is concern among those in power that they are weakened, if not threatened. And, they are striking back.
It is of crucial import that those of us who disagree with the Neo-Conservative worldview and philosophy take nothing that is said about Barack Obama and Joe Biden, or any of us, personally. It is exactly when we defend against their attacks that we given credence to them. Better always to use the energy of the attack against the attackers. And, countless times tonight, the attackers led with their chins.
The great vulnerability that we all share right now is financial. All Americans, whether they are in denial or not, are facing economic peril. And, as Paul Krugman noted, one of the great translators of economics is Bill Clinton; but, there isn't one Democratic Party supporter of Barack Obama who doesn’t have the ability to speak clearly and evocatively about the financial crisis we are facing in America. This is the Democratic Party's greatest strength in all of its Campaigns this year, not just the Presidential Campaign; and, we all need to be speaking from coordinated and specifically targeted Briefing Books.
Lots can be said about Money. Facts, for certain, statistics that stagger. Lots of numbers. Even the Republicans acknowledged, "It's the Economy, Stupid...." through Carly Fiorina and Meg Whitman, both speaking tonight. But what no one has said, from Krugman to Clinton to Fiorina to Whitman is this: in that kitchen at that table in that tableaux so frequently drawn by politicians and pundits alike, We the People fight with our wives and husbands most often about money, and how it’s effecting our kids…and, worse, that we are feeling terrified, even panicked...and ashamed.
Most people blame themselves…because they simply do not know enough to accurately assess their situation, and understand that others are as much or more to blame for their current circumstances. And, even if they do understand, the complete absence of or helplessness to find any avenue of remedial relief obviates the import of any such analysis.
Panic and Shame can be just as debilitating as any concern or frank fear that somewhere someone might strike our country in another terrorist attack.
So, before anyone can connect with us in that kitchen at that table, we need to hear, indeed, we need to know two things: first, that there's a way out, and second, that we are, and forever will be, worthy of respect and love.
Talk about a different worldview!
Republicans, devotees quite often to the Ayn Randian "rugged individualist" worldview would probably retort that anyone encountering a financial meltdown, that is, anyone with any guts, or honor, would just shoot themselves in the head. Their view of an unwed and pregnant white teen on food stamps might be more positive than that same unwed teen being Mexican or black and applying for Assistance, but they would still not embroider that image of “welfare statehood” with respect and honor. No, for them, the Judgment of anyone who would “take” from the government as “lazy”, “dishonorable”, etc. is far more important. Crucial, in fact, to the “right” view they hold as their own. And, their view of an unmarried white girl pregnant with a child of mixed race is probably not anything fit for post-racial enlightenment either.) Palinguage is the new Orwellian Lexicon of political code.
In a world of compassion and fresh starts, that is, an economic world composed of both the Real Economy and the Financials, the reality of human failings and character flaws is built into every good model.
Goodness, interestingly, is not a word used often by rugged individualists. There's the "right" way and the "wrong" way, their way, and ours, but rarely if ever the Galbraithian nod to a society of "goodness". That harshness gives way to a climate of self-righteousness and rage, as we witnessed tonight, and of idealization of the "inspired individual" with no thought, acknowledgment or gratitude for the society in which the inspiration was experienced. For such to occur, the relationships that necessarily create the economics of our lives would have to be acknowledged as a predicate.
For those of the Republican/Neo-Con/Rugged Individualist worldview, relationships exist only in and by the blessing of the Divine in families. Even "country" is understood to be monolith, solid and unchanging. Any one not a Believer is lost. Period. To Family, to Country. To Community. Any one truly Saved will be able to and will shine in their witness and evidence of Forgiveness in the cold-cash form of Prosperity. And the full Christian/Capitalist Circle of worthiness is drawn.
Those who subscribe to the Christian faith in whatever denomination they choose can undoubtedly describe this more accurately than I, and surely can speak to fellow Believers with open-hearted connection. This is what I see, and remember, from a childhood spent in the Presbyterian Church, and an adulthood spent exploring and discovering the mythology and mysticism offered in every great inspirational tradition. I integrate the teachings and study of law and jurisprudence along with various Teachings of a variety of Masters to focus upon the connection we have with each other, indeed, the interdependence. And for every act of Ego necessary to move through life in our world, I look for balancing act of the eternal Collective. Just a disclaimer as I conclude.
For in the midst of the incitement to righteousness and rage tonight, as well as attack on Americans not held to be "true" Americans in view of those adulating and idealizing the Myth created by the script written by Scully and others, its easy to feel hurt. Angry. Demoralized. Hurt not because we're out of ideas or hope, angry not because so many lies and propaganda was pronounced, demoralized not because we've heard this every day since the election in 2000 became a contest between the obviously reasonable and legal "count all the votes" path and just announcing the Republicans' transition team (and worse)...but because we are all Americans. And when Americans treat other Americans this way, it's just not difficult to understand how and why Americans are now torturing other Citizens of the world.
Sarah Palin accused Barack Obama tonight of being willing to jeopardize the physical safety of Americans by "reading their Rights" to terrorists. This is pure Scully/Bush rhetoric. It is absolutely false. And, it is also the clear-eyed language of those intent upon nullification of our Constitution and complete vitiation of Good Government. What it misses is this parallel construction and truth: the Puppeteers of Bush/McCain are willing to jeopardize the financial safety and security of Americans by insuring the absolute power of corporations and neutering, if not completely destruction, of any kind of government.
Two worldviews. Two views, really, of humankind and all that inspires the world. And it feels, right now, like we're on the verge of a divorce from one another. It may be that the greatest mediation we need to engage in is the conversation I suggested at the outset: Kitchen table by Kitchen table, talking about the shame and panic that underscores the greatest fear in the lives of the vast majority of Americans today: the money fear, and the attack on personal financial security.
Inane. Before Karl Rove, before Lee Atwood, inquiry into background, experience, credentials and references was part of the cross-examination that is the Campaign for President. Only since the unbridled use of Propaganda have questions about a person's credentials been irrelevant to "the issues".
But code has always been used to discriminate against those not part of what the late, great George Carlin incisively called "The Big Club"...and most of us are not part of it. Remember: This is all a Puppet Show...the Puppeteers are writing the scripts for everyone involved in this 2008 Republican Convention.
It's safe to say the Puppeteer Pirates never expected Barack Obama to win the Democratic nomination for President. Based on reporting to date, it's also safe to say that John McCain didn't speak for the campaign - yet again - when he called Sarah Palin and told her she was his pick. But, the Puppeteers own the Media, and with this megaphone in hand, they can adapt - quite obviously - in a very short time to unanticipated successes, such as Barack Obama's historic Acceptance Speech last week in Denver, and the fundraising that no doubt followed it. Just one of those moves of adaptation was on display all day today when the Corporate Media picked a fight with itself through The McCain Campaign. Everywhere, employees of the Media, anchors, reporters and pundits alike, were scrambling in response to Fiorina, et al. to defend themselves. And, in the process, of letting Sarah Palin down off of her own petard.
Remember: Power will not let go of Power easily. Consider the Black Pearl as your metaphor here....
Another move demonstrated tonight was the demonstration of rage at all who disagree with and dissent from the Neo-Conservative worldview as voiced and implemented by Bush/Cheney/McCain. The Project for the New American Century and American Enterprise Institutes are not dead. And, they certainly are not silent. The Sarah Palin debut tonight was largely written by Bush aide, Matthew Scully, and it showed. For eight years those of us who have asserted opinions and views differing from George W. Bush and Richard B. Cheney have been cast out as unpatriotic, disloyal, unAmerican, traitors. Given Senator McCain's relationship now with the Puppeteers, why would we have expected to hear anything different tonight?
The marked tones taken by Rudy Guiliani and Sarah Palin tonight, though, seemed to give voice to a rage that has not been heard recently. Clearly, there is concern among those in power that they are weakened, if not threatened. And, they are striking back.
It is of crucial import that those of us who disagree with the Neo-Conservative worldview and philosophy take nothing that is said about Barack Obama and Joe Biden, or any of us, personally. It is exactly when we defend against their attacks that we given credence to them. Better always to use the energy of the attack against the attackers. And, countless times tonight, the attackers led with their chins.
The great vulnerability that we all share right now is financial. All Americans, whether they are in denial or not, are facing economic peril. And, as Paul Krugman noted, one of the great translators of economics is Bill Clinton; but, there isn't one Democratic Party supporter of Barack Obama who doesn’t have the ability to speak clearly and evocatively about the financial crisis we are facing in America. This is the Democratic Party's greatest strength in all of its Campaigns this year, not just the Presidential Campaign; and, we all need to be speaking from coordinated and specifically targeted Briefing Books.
Lots can be said about Money. Facts, for certain, statistics that stagger. Lots of numbers. Even the Republicans acknowledged, "It's the Economy, Stupid...." through Carly Fiorina and Meg Whitman, both speaking tonight. But what no one has said, from Krugman to Clinton to Fiorina to Whitman is this: in that kitchen at that table in that tableaux so frequently drawn by politicians and pundits alike, We the People fight with our wives and husbands most often about money, and how it’s effecting our kids…and, worse, that we are feeling terrified, even panicked...and ashamed.
Most people blame themselves…because they simply do not know enough to accurately assess their situation, and understand that others are as much or more to blame for their current circumstances. And, even if they do understand, the complete absence of or helplessness to find any avenue of remedial relief obviates the import of any such analysis.
Panic and Shame can be just as debilitating as any concern or frank fear that somewhere someone might strike our country in another terrorist attack.
So, before anyone can connect with us in that kitchen at that table, we need to hear, indeed, we need to know two things: first, that there's a way out, and second, that we are, and forever will be, worthy of respect and love.
Talk about a different worldview!
Republicans, devotees quite often to the Ayn Randian "rugged individualist" worldview would probably retort that anyone encountering a financial meltdown, that is, anyone with any guts, or honor, would just shoot themselves in the head. Their view of an unwed and pregnant white teen on food stamps might be more positive than that same unwed teen being Mexican or black and applying for Assistance, but they would still not embroider that image of “welfare statehood” with respect and honor. No, for them, the Judgment of anyone who would “take” from the government as “lazy”, “dishonorable”, etc. is far more important. Crucial, in fact, to the “right” view they hold as their own. And, their view of an unmarried white girl pregnant with a child of mixed race is probably not anything fit for post-racial enlightenment either.) Palinguage is the new Orwellian Lexicon of political code.
In a world of compassion and fresh starts, that is, an economic world composed of both the Real Economy and the Financials, the reality of human failings and character flaws is built into every good model.
Goodness, interestingly, is not a word used often by rugged individualists. There's the "right" way and the "wrong" way, their way, and ours, but rarely if ever the Galbraithian nod to a society of "goodness". That harshness gives way to a climate of self-righteousness and rage, as we witnessed tonight, and of idealization of the "inspired individual" with no thought, acknowledgment or gratitude for the society in which the inspiration was experienced. For such to occur, the relationships that necessarily create the economics of our lives would have to be acknowledged as a predicate.
For those of the Republican/Neo-Con/Rugged Individualist worldview, relationships exist only in and by the blessing of the Divine in families. Even "country" is understood to be monolith, solid and unchanging. Any one not a Believer is lost. Period. To Family, to Country. To Community. Any one truly Saved will be able to and will shine in their witness and evidence of Forgiveness in the cold-cash form of Prosperity. And the full Christian/Capitalist Circle of worthiness is drawn.
Those who subscribe to the Christian faith in whatever denomination they choose can undoubtedly describe this more accurately than I, and surely can speak to fellow Believers with open-hearted connection. This is what I see, and remember, from a childhood spent in the Presbyterian Church, and an adulthood spent exploring and discovering the mythology and mysticism offered in every great inspirational tradition. I integrate the teachings and study of law and jurisprudence along with various Teachings of a variety of Masters to focus upon the connection we have with each other, indeed, the interdependence. And for every act of Ego necessary to move through life in our world, I look for balancing act of the eternal Collective. Just a disclaimer as I conclude.
For in the midst of the incitement to righteousness and rage tonight, as well as attack on Americans not held to be "true" Americans in view of those adulating and idealizing the Myth created by the script written by Scully and others, its easy to feel hurt. Angry. Demoralized. Hurt not because we're out of ideas or hope, angry not because so many lies and propaganda was pronounced, demoralized not because we've heard this every day since the election in 2000 became a contest between the obviously reasonable and legal "count all the votes" path and just announcing the Republicans' transition team (and worse)...but because we are all Americans. And when Americans treat other Americans this way, it's just not difficult to understand how and why Americans are now torturing other Citizens of the world.
Sarah Palin accused Barack Obama tonight of being willing to jeopardize the physical safety of Americans by "reading their Rights" to terrorists. This is pure Scully/Bush rhetoric. It is absolutely false. And, it is also the clear-eyed language of those intent upon nullification of our Constitution and complete vitiation of Good Government. What it misses is this parallel construction and truth: the Puppeteers of Bush/McCain are willing to jeopardize the financial safety and security of Americans by insuring the absolute power of corporations and neutering, if not completely destruction, of any kind of government.
Two worldviews. Two views, really, of humankind and all that inspires the world. And it feels, right now, like we're on the verge of a divorce from one another. It may be that the greatest mediation we need to engage in is the conversation I suggested at the outset: Kitchen table by Kitchen table, talking about the shame and panic that underscores the greatest fear in the lives of the vast majority of Americans today: the money fear, and the attack on personal financial security.
posted by Annie Morrissey at 9/04/2008 01:06:00 AM
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