The phrase, "The truth is in the middle" has always troubled me, because it suggests an inability to take a stand. Yes, compromise is an important construct, but some things truly are bad, and some things truly are good. John Cleese is right about the need for enemies - that provides us with something to battle against - gives us energy, perhaps.
I am concerned about the false equivalence that this interview puts forth. The “whataboutism” of the media, in its effort to be balanced, is responsible for us going numb to things we should be outraged about. Democrats have flaws, but this both sides are to blame stuff is a cop out to the outrage we should be feeling now. The blatant corruption and ignoring of the constitution of this administration should mean that we should not be focusing equal effort to the problems of both sides. I think “bothsidesism” is a cop out. Sorry, I try to avoid politics on social media, but you did ask.
Thanks Paul, I appreciate the thoughtful response!
I can definitely see your side of it. What is happening now is so off the rails from anything we’ve ever seen before.
The tepid response from elected Democrats I think speaks to what both those videos were trying to get at. I can’t think of any other reasoning behind why the party hasn’t pushed back more aggressively than that they plan on using all of the shit that is happening now come election time.
Hence, keeping their gravy train running…at the expense of all of us. Otherwise, why are they not mounting a stronger response?
No need to answer if you don’t want. I really do appreciate you commenting in the first place 👍🏼
The fault there lies with Congressional Republicans. There is not much Dems can do outside of the majority. I am frustrated that Corey Booker who was eloquent in his filibuster, turned around and voted to approve some Trump appointees. On that type of behavior I agree with you, yet the problems are still one sided
I feel like such a dummy but I never really thought about how in some ways this all favors both parties because they can keep that cash flow going. Like, do they even care if they win or they get what they want so as there is $ flowing to their pocket? The irony being at least for me, I can't bear to donate any funds when they have had such a pathetic and weak response. They are floundering--but I never considered whether that was on purpose.
Great pull on Monty Python! I agree both sides are sanctimonious assholes and I unfortunately do not see that changing. Is one side worse than the other? Probably but I have zero confidence in any of them.
To answer your question, I don't think the answer is to move to the center. What if the center is unethical?
But I do agree with the Monty Python sketch (so funny) about enemies and self righteousness.
To make the situation better, I think the first step is to expand our horizons. Make an effort to listen to people with a different set of life experiences as us. Democrats and Greens pride themselves on this, but many are currently doing an abysmal job of it. (I can say that because that's the political persuasion I come from).
Thanks for commenting Moorea!! This was the first I’d heard of Hedges. He has a very interesting sounding book, have you read it? (Maybe he has more than 1?)
I wholeheartedly agree with your take on people listening to others and your opinion that the Dems aren’t exactly doing a bang up job with that right now.
And I’m afraid with all of the craziness we are seeing that it is just going to push people further away from doing so.
P.S. Also, the pushing people further away is true in reverse, unfortunately. The irreparably harmful consequences of Democrats' Covid policies are probably making it difficult for Republicans to sympathize with anything Dems are saying (even though a lot of their current cries are valid).
Oh, I haven't read any of Hedges' books, but I've listened to countless interviews he's given in the past 25 years. I really appreciate his ability to think critically and his love for humanity.
This is actually fantastic, I absolutely loved the John Cleese video! That was a first for me! Thank you for sharing and referencing our interaction. It was a bit of thick irony. Especially him demanding I take a clear side he could put a label on.
The phrase, "The truth is in the middle" has always troubled me, because it suggests an inability to take a stand. Yes, compromise is an important construct, but some things truly are bad, and some things truly are good. John Cleese is right about the need for enemies - that provides us with something to battle against - gives us energy, perhaps.
Totally not a view point I had considered Bill, thanks for sharing!
I am concerned about the false equivalence that this interview puts forth. The “whataboutism” of the media, in its effort to be balanced, is responsible for us going numb to things we should be outraged about. Democrats have flaws, but this both sides are to blame stuff is a cop out to the outrage we should be feeling now. The blatant corruption and ignoring of the constitution of this administration should mean that we should not be focusing equal effort to the problems of both sides. I think “bothsidesism” is a cop out. Sorry, I try to avoid politics on social media, but you did ask.
Thanks Paul, I appreciate the thoughtful response!
I can definitely see your side of it. What is happening now is so off the rails from anything we’ve ever seen before.
The tepid response from elected Democrats I think speaks to what both those videos were trying to get at. I can’t think of any other reasoning behind why the party hasn’t pushed back more aggressively than that they plan on using all of the shit that is happening now come election time.
Hence, keeping their gravy train running…at the expense of all of us. Otherwise, why are they not mounting a stronger response?
No need to answer if you don’t want. I really do appreciate you commenting in the first place 👍🏼
The fault there lies with Congressional Republicans. There is not much Dems can do outside of the majority. I am frustrated that Corey Booker who was eloquent in his filibuster, turned around and voted to approve some Trump appointees. On that type of behavior I agree with you, yet the problems are still one sided
I feel like such a dummy but I never really thought about how in some ways this all favors both parties because they can keep that cash flow going. Like, do they even care if they win or they get what they want so as there is $ flowing to their pocket? The irony being at least for me, I can't bear to donate any funds when they have had such a pathetic and weak response. They are floundering--but I never considered whether that was on purpose.
It really is a sad state of affairs. I’ll keep shouting into the void for a third party.
I’m always so envious talking to friends in other countries and realizing it doesn’t have to be this way!
Both parties have done a tremendous job of convincing the electorate that it does.
Plus, the way elections work in the US make it way more difficult for third parties.
Great pull on Monty Python! I agree both sides are sanctimonious assholes and I unfortunately do not see that changing. Is one side worse than the other? Probably but I have zero confidence in any of them.
Same. Third party here we come, bring back the Whigs!! 🤣
Monty Python. Spot on. Not a fan of Cleese on Substack whining about American politics when Londonistan has soooo many problems.
I’ve avoided him so far on Substack
Yup, I've always liked Chris Hedges.
To answer your question, I don't think the answer is to move to the center. What if the center is unethical?
But I do agree with the Monty Python sketch (so funny) about enemies and self righteousness.
To make the situation better, I think the first step is to expand our horizons. Make an effort to listen to people with a different set of life experiences as us. Democrats and Greens pride themselves on this, but many are currently doing an abysmal job of it. (I can say that because that's the political persuasion I come from).
Thanks for commenting Moorea!! This was the first I’d heard of Hedges. He has a very interesting sounding book, have you read it? (Maybe he has more than 1?)
I wholeheartedly agree with your take on people listening to others and your opinion that the Dems aren’t exactly doing a bang up job with that right now.
And I’m afraid with all of the craziness we are seeing that it is just going to push people further away from doing so.
P.S. Also, the pushing people further away is true in reverse, unfortunately. The irreparably harmful consequences of Democrats' Covid policies are probably making it difficult for Republicans to sympathize with anything Dems are saying (even though a lot of their current cries are valid).
I agree. And unfortunately I don’t think the Dems on the whole acknowledge that.
Thanks again Moorea!!
Good point, Henny 😔
Oh, I haven't read any of Hedges' books, but I've listened to countless interviews he's given in the past 25 years. I really appreciate his ability to think critically and his love for humanity.
This is actually fantastic, I absolutely loved the John Cleese video! That was a first for me! Thank you for sharing and referencing our interaction. It was a bit of thick irony. Especially him demanding I take a clear side he could put a label on.
Yeah, he certainly doubled down didn’t he?
Yes, yes he did. It happens though. I don't hold grudges for politically fueled emotions, as long as they don't become violent.