Once upon a time, songs and poems asked questions, both poignant and whimsical. A poem by Elizabeth Barrett Browning both asked and answered a forthright one: “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.” Hell, even Freud mused – with a bewildered lilt to his musing: “What do women want?”
Which led me to remembering a vintage song – “Isn’t it Romantic?” A love song; a melodious love song. Now, the word “romantic” has taken on a brand new hue – a new place in our lexicon – for our president has used it in connection with our invasion and occupation of Iraq. George W. Bush recently opined, as only he can, that war is romantic. That our brave young men and women are engaged in a romantic endeavor, and that he, yes he, envies them.
We have become accustomed to listening to the rantings of a man to whom English is a third language, but this time it takes the – if not the cake – the vacant doughnut hole. Soldiers in a deliberately chosen war, who are dying for no reason, are taking part in a romantic adventure? Seeing residents of a sovereign country slaughtered, and its infrastructure destroyed is romantic? Having our VA hospitals overflowing with the mentally and physically damaged is romantic? Death is romantic?
If we elect John McCain, this romanticism will continue. If we elect Hillary Clinton, whose salivating obsession to return to the White House is paramount, we may well be succumbing to a different kind of nostalgic romanticism. Barack Obama has no notions about combining romance with death, devastation and destruction. His is the kind of reasoned, compassionate intellect which forbids confusing romance with providing excuses for ending life.
This is written not only more in sorrow than anger, but in a full court despair. Yet, with hope still lingering in the corners of my outraged heart and head.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
A Slice of Liberal Tongue on Wry
Once again, we will have the political groundhog—crawling out of his hole every four years—exercising his ego via declaring for the presidency. Yes, for the third time, Ralph Nader—a veritable nadir of decency—is bent on playing his favorite role: that of self-serving spoiler.
Barack Obama is more than a candidate; his campaign has become a movement, inspiring heretofore unlikely voters to participate in an election of extreme importance. For seven years, we have been held virtual hostage to an administration which bows to no constraints. George W. Bush, and his frightening cohorts, have led us into a war of their choosing, which has been transformed into an occupation.
In the process, not only have we sacrificed the lives of our own young men and women, but have succeeded in destroying a sovereign nation, along with thousands of its people.
This is the human cost; the economic one is almost too vast to comprehend. Those who come after us will pay the price for this wanton spending on death, when our own country – and its residents – continue to face a crumbling infrastructure, to say nothing of dual losses of jobs and homes.
But there is more: our standing in the community of nations has sunk to an ominous low. We are, sadly but justifiably, regarded as bullies by those who regard for what America has stood for was once a matter of pride and respect.
This is the time – when hopes are high that the Democratic Party will prevail in November – that Nader once again pursues his hopeless dream of accomplishing the impossible. All he will achieve is to help John McCain continue the administration we are now being victimized by.
For shame, Ralph Nader. And for shame anyone who would waste a ballot on a man who licks his lips at once more delivering a body blow in his hopeless quest. One that he knows is without hope.
This is a new Blog – one reflecting the feelings and opinions of a writer; a woman of “a certain age” who is passionate about the prospect of change. The kind of change and, yes, progressive hope, embodied in and by Barack Obama.
Comments are welcome – are, indeed, solicited. May we continue a mutually rewarding conversation on issues and concerns that resonate with anyone reading this debut piece.--Barbara Rich
Barack Obama is more than a candidate; his campaign has become a movement, inspiring heretofore unlikely voters to participate in an election of extreme importance. For seven years, we have been held virtual hostage to an administration which bows to no constraints. George W. Bush, and his frightening cohorts, have led us into a war of their choosing, which has been transformed into an occupation.
In the process, not only have we sacrificed the lives of our own young men and women, but have succeeded in destroying a sovereign nation, along with thousands of its people.
This is the human cost; the economic one is almost too vast to comprehend. Those who come after us will pay the price for this wanton spending on death, when our own country – and its residents – continue to face a crumbling infrastructure, to say nothing of dual losses of jobs and homes.
But there is more: our standing in the community of nations has sunk to an ominous low. We are, sadly but justifiably, regarded as bullies by those who regard for what America has stood for was once a matter of pride and respect.
This is the time – when hopes are high that the Democratic Party will prevail in November – that Nader once again pursues his hopeless dream of accomplishing the impossible. All he will achieve is to help John McCain continue the administration we are now being victimized by.
For shame, Ralph Nader. And for shame anyone who would waste a ballot on a man who licks his lips at once more delivering a body blow in his hopeless quest. One that he knows is without hope.
This is a new Blog – one reflecting the feelings and opinions of a writer; a woman of “a certain age” who is passionate about the prospect of change. The kind of change and, yes, progressive hope, embodied in and by Barack Obama.
Comments are welcome – are, indeed, solicited. May we continue a mutually rewarding conversation on issues and concerns that resonate with anyone reading this debut piece.--Barbara Rich
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