Tuesday, March 02, 2004
We're hearing more dire warnings about the demise of our society and civilization. There may be some validity to them, but not for the reasons that are sending the religious right into conniptions. What is civilization if not the mitigation of the dog-eat-dog aspects of the state of nature? Isn't the essence of civilization and society found in overcoming the unrestrained and remorseless self-interest of the natural world and instead learning to recognize and value commonality? Isn't it found in supplanting 'might makes right' with regard for the weak, the different, the old?
The definition of civilization among the right seems sometimes to be little more than having good manners and deference to one's betters, knowing your place and not rocking the boat. The right values the superficial over the substantive, the ritual over the reality, politeness over respect.
When I worry about current events leading to the deterioration of our civilization, I see it not in a segment of our population desiring that their love be granted formal recognition. I do see it in such places as the developing assault on Social Security. If we backslide away from our concern and care for the poor and weak and old among us, we do imperil civilization. If we embrace unrestrained rule of the strong, we do slide back toward our savage origins. While the ruthless would live large, too many would again be born to lives destined to be "nasty, brutish, and short."
The definition of civilization among the right seems sometimes to be little more than having good manners and deference to one's betters, knowing your place and not rocking the boat. The right values the superficial over the substantive, the ritual over the reality, politeness over respect.
When I worry about current events leading to the deterioration of our civilization, I see it not in a segment of our population desiring that their love be granted formal recognition. I do see it in such places as the developing assault on Social Security. If we backslide away from our concern and care for the poor and weak and old among us, we do imperil civilization. If we embrace unrestrained rule of the strong, we do slide back toward our savage origins. While the ruthless would live large, too many would again be born to lives destined to be "nasty, brutish, and short."
Alan Greenspan argues for reducing the federal deficit by cutting Social Security benefits. Comments from Calpundit and Paul Krugman at NY Times, and a quick discussion between Lou Dobbs and David Cay Johnson posted at Whiskey Bar.
Wednesday, February 25, 2004
Broadcast news seem a little watered down? There's a better choice.
blogcastnews.
News, straight up.
blogcastnews.
News, straight up.
News, opinion, and analysis. Straight up.
