Posted by
Mugged on Wednesday, June 06, 2007 2:29:31 PM
I'm reflecting on the value of optimism today after reading two items with vastly different perspectives on the state of our nation. The first was
Bill Moyer's commencement address from SMU. I genuinely pity Bill because despite possessing the talent and opportunity to sample the riches of America far beyond the reach of most he can still only regard it in the most negative terms. "America needs fixing. Our system of Government is badly broken." and "America's a great promise but a broken promise" are among his observations.
Contrast that with the refreshing optimism of
this blog post at Wizbang by DJ Drummond. I heartily second D.J.s viewpoint.
Though I once identified myself as a liberal I was never able to completely buy into the Orwellian view of America touted by my fellow travelers. Whether it was my buddy from the late 70s informing me that Big Brother was real and in full control back then or my German college roommate, fresh off the plane Stuttgart, informing me that American racism was as vile and vigorous then (1987) as it was in the 50s their dark visions never squared with my reality. Even at the zenith of my narrow minded Reagan Derangement Sydrome I couldn't help but admit (secretly) that things were pretty good. I might have played Gil Scott-Heron albums to bolster my liberal credibility, but I found the notion of revolutions - televised or otherwise - to be pretty silly and ill-advised.
In the end their repellent paranoia and pessimism played a significant role in my fully awakening to reality and embracing conservative values.
Be you liberal or conservative answer this honestly: Would you rather be trapped in an elevator for 10hrs with 5 diarists from The Daily Kos or 5 conservative bloggers?