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Jun
27
Written by:
Jim Hansen
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
What made yesterday's activities so compelling is the way they illustrated two sharply contrasting world views. That they were played out in front of the Fort Boise Community Center and later in the inner chambers of a private corporate building reinforces the contrast.
When the rulers don't think of themselves as accountable to communities of ordinary people, policies like domestic spying and torture can be conceived and excecuted. Policies to root out political "enemies" and punish political disloyalty even in a department called "Justice" are a logical extension of that thinking. Making sure the vehicles of communcation acknowledge their power is critical so that the information they diseminate to consumers is not critically questioned.
After Attorney Gonzales retreated out the back door of the Community Center to avoid interacting with ordinary people with an alternative world view (as participants, not passive consumers), he met with a largely compliant press corps behind closed doors. The term they used was "credentialed" even though there is no such thing and the doors where they posted gatekeepers were in a large corporate building. There is a great perspective on that stage of the episode at New West Boise. Jill's description is very perceptive.
The gathering of 100+ people yesterday showed that, in fact, for this country's model of a republic to succeed, we have to see ourselves as full participants in governing. The people gathered at the Community Center were reaching back to the vision of America where we each answer that call.
Even if the big guys are taking your picture (and as you can see they were at the community center) Keep gathering. Keep insisting that your friends and neighbors participate too. Keep standing up an speak truth to power. There is too much at stake to just change the channel.
Tags:
6 comments so far...
Gonzales v. Boise, Idaho
Jim, I've been posting congrats all over the web this morning to you and the other 99+ protesters who were able to attend yesterday and represent those of us who weren't. You all should be very proud and a huge thank you out to every body who participated. My posts at Air America, DKos and AMERICAblog are garnering a lot of "way to go"s for your good work.
By Mike Flinn on
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
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Re: Gonzales visit illustrates elite, top-down world view
Thank you, Mike! I'd love to visit with you about an illustration that even more sharply defines the contrasting world views. It plays out in everything that we are working on to make ourselves, our families and our communities healthier: job security, clean air & water, schools that help our children become good citizens, health care, reduction of violence,...
By Jim Hansen on
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
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Re: Gonzales visit illustrates elite, top-down world view
Jim, check out the War Room at Salon today. They mention the protest, and have a quote from Gonzo.
By Merdie McCarter on
Thursday, June 28, 2007
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Re: Gonzales visit illustrates elite, top-down world view
I loved the comment by Larry Grant when he stated that AG Gonzales is very unsure of his position and job that he has to move his press conference away from the people he serves.
On another note, if Dick Cheney is not a member of the Executive Branch how does he rate flying in Air Force Two?
By Jerry Helgeson on
Friday, June 29, 2007
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Re: Gonzales visit illustrates elite, top-down world view
Great job in standing up for accountability. I was at Kitt Peak working with astronomers from all over the country. They were very impressed that our Attorney General was afraid to face the people even in Idaho. Thanks to everyone who showed up. Press on!
By Virginia Jones on
Saturday, June 30, 2007
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Re: Gonzales visit illustrates elite, top-down world view
I was at that protest and I was very dissapointed that AG Gonzales wouldn't take a few minutes to talk to the people of this comunity in open and fair debate. Our officials shouldn't have to hide or should they.
By Kelly Randall on
Sunday, July 15, 2007
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