Katrina holds a mirror up to the face of America

[many a good man]

In the 1960s America saw images of itself strikingly at odds with what we were used to seeing in Hollywood movies and TV sitcoms. We saw southern sheriffs siccing their vicious dogs on peaceful civil rights protestors. We saw Klansmen blowing up a church and killing little girls. We saw a tiny country of rice farmers bombed with napalm, agent orange, and DDT. We saw gold and blue stars in neighbors' doors and windows. Tens of thousands of flag-draped coffins on the nightly news.

In the sixties a mirror was held up to the face of America and we didn't like the reflection that we saw looking back. We saw a world spinning madly out of control. We saw a government that seemed incapable of meeting the challenges of the day. We realized it was up to the people to demand change. Our anger led to action which led to hope. We thought we had the power to change the world.

Images from the aftermath of Katrina have invaded our homes and stirred some of the same feelings. This is not "our" America. This is not the brand called "America" to which we have given our loyalty and allegiance. While we weren't paying attention America has turned into a different place. Its a place we no longer feel safe. No longer feel proud.

In the seventies hope was followed by cynicism and a longing for stability. As the images faded from view so did our memories. The vivid images that creep into our homes nowadays are beginning to shake us out of our complacency. People are beginning to realize the stakes have been raised.

The world is waiting to see how we'll react. Will we sink into greater pessimism and selfishness, or will this country rise up to the challenge? The idea of America has been a dream to millions around the world. But the images they have seen these past five years now give them pause. Will their hope, their striving also turn to cynicism?

Folks, we are at an historical crossroads. There is so much at stake. We must band together and redouble our efforts to help save not only our future, but to save the "idea" of America. We cannot relent. We have to write more letters. Call more Congressmen. Speak out at every opportunity. We have to act like our lives are on the line. Many lives are on the line. What happens during the next few years could affect people generations to come.

Let's keep our heads held high and DEMAND a country worthy of our values and aspirations! Never give up!!!

TAP

[DemoTex]

1. Mark Twain's mirror ..

I bring you the stately matron named Christendom, returning bedraggled, besmirched, and dishonored, from pirate raids in Kiao-Chou, Manchuria, South Africa, and the Phillipines, with her soul full of meanness, her pocket full of boodle, and her mouth full of pious hypocrisies. Give her soap and towel, but hide the looking glass.
-- Mark Twain, speech, "A Salutation from the 19th to the 20th Century" (December 31, 1900)