All apologies to Kierkegaard, but there was much observable activity in New Albany last night.
With the Obama and Clinton campaign offices holding grand openings and "Sicko" showing to a packed house at the New Albanian Public House, the human condition was (or at least should've been) well engaged.
This writer was unfortunately restricted to other venues. So, what happened?
There was a good turnout at the "Sicko" screening. I counted around 40 people at one point, and everyone was attentive.
ReplyDeleteAs with the first time I watched it, my immediate reaction was to begin taking French lessons.
Because I had a tasting session at 5, I was unable to make the Obama opening, but there is an item in the newspaper today suggesting Obama and Clinton are even in Indiana polling.
During the film, I couldn't help but consider that the U.S. funnels $12 billion a month into the life-support system of the military industrial complex. Clearly, we have the money to deliver universal coverage to our citizens. But because we are so easily manipulated through fear, division, and the sway of malevolent influence pedlars the will of the people is ignored.
ReplyDeleteMoore asked a Canadian man (paraphrase)"why would you agree to pay for somebody else's health care." The man's answer stated, in the simplest terms, not only the rationale for universal health coverage but also for the numerous things we agree to do as part of a civilized society, "because I want them to do it for me when I need it."
I read where some kook once said something about loving others as you would love yourself, but I'm pretty sure he wasn't American.
I was very excited and impressed by the turnout at Obama's HQ. There was a wonderfully diverse cast of women, children, and men representing a variety of creeds, races and ages.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I'm still learning names, there were several speakers who kicked off the campaign nicely, with well written well delivered calls to action. John Wilcox spoke about his experience with the Kennedy campaign and some of the correlations he sees. Two young people, Megan and Alan, were introduced as the folks running the show, both very nice and energetic.
I saw several familiar faces and some I look forward to becoming more familiar with over the next few weeks. Big shout out to C&S for the use of the building.
That's a worthwhile point about diversity, richarda, and one that I've heard echoed by others in attendance.
ReplyDeleteObama's ability to promote unity, as discussed particularly by critics, I think too often focuses on Democrats and Republicans, rather than the "real people" type that occurs at a grassroots level.
Quite frankly, I think that's one of the reasons his candidacy scares the more entrenched elements of the political establishment. If Obama wins, they will have lost not just to a more highly skilled politician but to a majority constituency openly rejecting their preferred and sometimes unbelievably accepted methodologies.
The world is watching to see if we can pull it off. I think doing so would pay immediate benefits in regaining the international community's trust.
I'm sorry to have missed a genuine diversity event in ole NA.
ReplyDelete