----- Original Message ----- From: dperrin at comcast.net
Wojtek is more right than wrong. I know that as socialists, social democrats, progressives, anarchists, whatever, we must believe in the People and their inner humanity. And yes, there are numerous decent Americans. But the majority are either reactionary, elitist, or simply apolitical. They cannot be reached nor want to be. So long as their concept of America lives, nothing will substantially change their minds.
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It's not so much their inner humanity that's the problem as their common humanity. The fundamental experience in the U.S., especially for people who make it, is the experience of being completely isolated, completely alone. The fundamental experience for people who don't make it is that of being losers. Either way there's no ground for solidarity for the sense that an injury to one is an injury to all. There is just fear and resentment. It's a very toxic brew.
But material conditions determine consciousness, when the immiseration reaches a certain point, working together will make the difference between survival and death. At that point, it might be possible to find or create that common humanity again. In that there can be dignity without resentment...a totally new feeling for Americans.
I am very sorry to hear what you say about reactions to the Iraq war. Very depressing stuff.
Joanna