blog of June 30 (entered July 02)

The progressives and activists understand the Republicans to be standing in Obama’s way. Personally I don’t believe in activism. Everyone wants to just sort of sweep the Right out of the way - except the Right themselves of course - but the group represents something that has always been an important force in U S/American affairs. We should come to understand the situation better instead of responding in this way.

Who are the Rightists? Who are these persons, adamantly opposed to any sort of change whatsoever? They even deny that global warming exists only to have it proved so, by their society's own scientists. That never makes them change at all, though --- why are they so insistent on being who they are?!! --- They insist on views that are alienated from the facts of life and the world that has grown up around them – and us -- for two hundred years. But it's all part of society.

I would argue that Rightists represent a reality or a part of the society and therefore, they are a force, like it or not. Progressives or liberals are not going to bring about change if they, like Rightists themselves, do not understand their society.

Why are these people there? Which underlying social realities and human forces do they represent? The "modernity" we live in has a history of being a compromise that includes dissenting elements of Right or Left. Without understanding our real situation as human beings the actions of reformers are not going to be successful - nor in the final analysis really very compassionate. So, before you supposedly sweep the Right out of the way with that activism of yours, guys, it is better to understand who they are. Then you become more human, and, perhaps more respectful.

In the middle, between extremes, is the democratic method. So, the democratic method is a middle area between extremes, and what is distinct about this middle, democratic area is that there is some sort of tolerance.

Progressives, however can be just as intolerant as Right-wingers.