June 28, 2002
Acquiescence to Activism:
In a message dated 6/27/02 4:41:33 PM Eastern Daylight Time, Linda O'Brien writes:
A Letter from Linda O'BrienDavid,
I've recently discovered your website and very much admire the work you're doing. I wanted to write awhile back when your featured essay was on the subject of an electric potential in the air for a return to our democratic roots. I've been feeling that too and have had correspondence from around the country that leads me to believe it's true. In spite of the accuracy of Dowd's commentary on the too-great comfort of the 60's generation, there is an extraordinarily active, though still not visible, coalition of movements out there--more realistic, perhaps, than the prior group, but no less idealistic.
A comment on the subject of the anthrax attacks on Congress and government shutdowns, etc.--I wondered if you noticed when you read Dennis Kucinich's Prayer for America, the section on the fact that Congress was not being bolder because they were very afraid. When he lists the reasons why they were so afraid, in context it always appeared to me that he was making a veiled accusation. I don't think he was referring to fear of al Qaeda.
Thank you for your writing--you're very much needed.
Linda O'Brien
Dear Linda,
Thank you for writing.
I agree with you that there is activism crackling in the air now (thank God). In my sour comments on Maureen Dowd's piece I was trying to shame some people into getting out of the category of the acquiescent and into the category of activist. I was also trying to describe a mechanism I think I have observed in my generation, one with which baby boomers now have to come to terms.
We were idealistic when it was ourselves who were on the spot. But it is different when you get older and you're just struggling to raise a family and survive. Those are the kinds of issues people have to face now. We are a pampered generation and we are now facing our own struggle against tyranny. Now our generation is confronted with the responsibility for the world we pass on to future generations. Although most of us are basically simple and peaceful and just want the freedom to live our lives in peace and justice, there are some people who are trying very hard to consolidate all power within a small group including themselves and their circle. We haven't chosen this battle, but we are now forced to deal with it. For years I think we have been in denial about it all, like it was on a TV set. But finally we have to face that it is real.
Your point about Kucinich's speech is interesting. I think you are right that it is implicit in his statement that Congress is afraid. The question that is underlying so much of the coverage and the public dialogue is, what are they afraid of? Obviously after September 11 they are afraid for life and limb. Though frightened out of their wits, underlying the fear they must know that the executive branch, that is, the most powerful organization in the world, has them over a barrel, can wipe them out in a minute if they want to merely by relaxing their vigilance just a little. That is the sword that is held over the head of America.
But as people start to speak up, the underlying contradictions start to surface. They can't be both our protector and our intimidator. In fact, they are using their power to protect -- or not to protect -- as a bludgeon over the head of the population.
The American people now have to renounce their fear. This is a life-or-death proposition for the historic principles of the democratic republic. Americans have to speak up and stand up against the abuses of power of this corporate junta headed by the Bush administration. Either that or be sheep. That is our choice.
Thanks again for writing,
David Cogswell