The following excerpts are from a column written by Cal Thomas dated September 10, 2009, titled "The Reason for Our Discontent."Who wrote the following: "We must learn to welcome and not to fear the voices of dissent. We must dare to think about 'unthinkable things' because when things become unthinkable, thinking stops and action becomes mindless."
A "right-wing extremist" didn't write these words, nor did a cable TV or radio talk show host. Sen. J. William Fulbright, the late Arkansas liberal Democratic senator and Bill Clinton mentor, wrote them in his 1966 book, "Arrogance of Power."
The arrogance of power and disdain for average Americans is what fueled much of the dissent expressed in town hall meetings. Growing numbers of people see a small cadre of government, academic and media elites caring nothing about them, except when it comes to their tax dollars. Many, especially those who are conservative and even worse, religious, are viewed by these elites as enemies of progress and sophistication.
In a letter to Henry Lee on Aug. 10, 1824, Thomas Jefferson wrote something that could be applied to the arrogant elites who have caused the rising anger in modern America: "Men by their constitutions are naturally divided into two parties: 1. Those who fear and distrust the people, and wish to draw all powers from them into the hands of the higher classes. 2. Those who identify themselves with the people, have confidence in them, cherish and consider them as the most honest and safe, although not the most wise depository of the public interests—"
Very good! Send this one to the Everett Herald, Seattle Times, etc.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting, Royce! These are strange times, and your comments remind me only the people and dates have changed. In the 1960s the majority of protesters believed the arrogant ones in power were the conservatives, but now in the 2000s, the protesters believe the arrogant ones in power are the liberals. Personally, I've been labeled both (liberal and conservative) in my lifetime, and neither one was a snug fit. The lunatic fringe on both sides stops me from identifying with either side now. I think that puts me right in the middle of the huge American majority.
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