[lbo-talk] AP: Video Seems to Show Beheading of American

[T Fast]

If we could just get off the continuum of barbarity and civilisation as it
applies to nations, races, ethnic groups etc., then perhaps we could move
forward (dare I say progress) with a conversation about where progress (with
a substantive normative position which underpins the definition)  has taken
place and where regression has set in.  Let me be specific lest you or the
list think me simply an erudite barbarian.  In the US, Blacks have made
significant progress vis-a-vis their white counterparts in some areas in
other areas such as welfare reform, criminal justice etc black Americans are
worse off then they were three decades ago but better off then they were
five decades ago.  We could do a similar tour of working class material
conditions or juridical supports.

AND just because America may not be the most progressive place in many
respects does not mean that progress does not exist.  But unless you concede
the American conceit in this regard then the whole conversation is a circle
jerk...Good thing it is masturbation May.

Travis


> T Fast wrote:
>
> >And then the anticipated retort: Civilised people...civilised for what?
>
> You're right. Nothing but unmitigated barbarity, and it keeps getting
> worse. Since nothing has ever gotten better, why bother to be a
> leftist, then? Religious purity? Moral masochism? Feeling superior to
> the vast lot of humanity? Dysthymia masquerading as politics?
>
> Doug
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