On Mon, 17 Sep 2001, Doug Henwood wrote:
> Ken Hanly wrote:
>
> >What is more this is also expected of Canadians, Britons, Turks, and
> >citizens of every other nation. Workers of the World Unite and sing: God
> >Bless America.
> >Bow your heads in prayer with Bush and company. This is what you are to do.
> >Most have watched TV and understood what the proper behavior of well
> >socialised civilized people should be or at least feel what it should be.
> >This is not the time for serious analysis or embarassing questions. Left,
> >right, center or whatever the vast majority of Americans are patriots.
>
> Riding in a car last night from upstate NY back to the city, I
> listened to an NPR call-in show, which is something I rarely do.
> Among the guests were Louis Lapham and Gay Talese, both of whom spoke
> of the need for Americans to be self-critical and avoid the usual
> jingoistic bluster. Almost all the callers agreed, and they were
> extremely thoughtful and articulate about it. Granted this was NPR,
> with its relatively upscale and liberal audience, but still, I don't
> remember hearing anything this sane in earlier crises.
>
> Doug
>
I would also note that though it is clearly frustrating the hell out of
Neil Conen (sic?), a number of lefty voices are getting themselves heard
calling in. There is definitely not as unified a hope for war making as
the president and even NPR are making out. Again, I think this is due to
the way this tragedy has had a direct effect on Americans. And, perhaps
more importantly, the way putting our faith in Bush,Powell, et al to
somehow 1) only go after military/terrorist targets and 2) not lead to
increased likelihood of more WTC/P's really is making people think twice.
This is in some ways even less abstract than the possibility of nuclear
winters....Then again, maybe the people will demand an Ariel Sharon style
solution in return....In any event some liberal compromise won't likely be
forged since it can't work...
Steve