ATC on NPR, 1/12/99 (12 posts)
1. ATC on NPR, 1/12/99
Tue, Jan 12, 1999 - 10:44 PM/EST
JimP
Driving home this afternoon, I listened to Archibald McLeisch's (sp)son, Bill's audio essay. It really moved me. Articles such as that one cause me grief, because after listening to them, I usually end up re-evaluating many of my closely held opinions. This one has certainly do so for me. I wonder, after hearing it if I really want to be linked to the Republican party.
Did anyone else hear it? If so, what were your thoughts?
2. Reaction and Web Links
Wed, Jan 13, 1999 - /EST
Tyler
Jim,
Yes, I did hear the essay. While not having the same effect on me of changing my closely held opinions (I already agree with almost everything Bill MacLeish said), it was an amazing piece of work to listen to.
So as to draw more people into this conversation and because everyone should here this before we all talk about it (the whole "speak from personal experience" thing), here is the web address where you can find this essay (It's in Real Audio form, so you need the plugin):
http://www.npr.org/programs/atc/archives/1999/990112.atc.html
It's under the header called "Fellow Traveler” Enjoy, and post to this thread after you hear it.
BTW, I never ever knew that ACT had such complete web archives of its shows. They must be updated almost instantly after broadcast, as I just downloaded the essay only a couple of hours after it was broadcast. Interesting . . .
3.
Wed, Jan 13, 1999 - 9:57 AM/EST
Gayle
I really hate to be the first to comment on this, but here we go. What Bill MacLeish said in the essay is the essense of what a lot of people have been saying about the VRW. The hate and the agenda have been around for a very long time.
It has been obvious enough that people in other nations have noticed. Margaret Atwood, a Canadian writer, collected American news articles for years, saw the trend and wrote, "The Handmaid's Tale". Her novel is a look at what life might be like after a religious right takeover of our government. Absolutely chilling.
4. VRW
Wed, Jan 13, 1999 - 9:57 AM/EST
Gayle
I really hate to be the first to comment on this, but here we go. What Bill MacLeish said in the essay is the essense of what a lot of people have been saying about the VRW. The hate and the agenda have been around for a very long time.
It has been obvious enough that people in other nations have noticed. Margaret Atwood, a Canadian writer, collected American news articles for years, saw the trend and wrote, "The Handmaid's Tale". Her novel is a look at what life might be like after a religious right takeover of our government. Absolutely chilling.
5. Please pardon the double entry
Wed, Jan 13, 1999 - 10:01 AM/EST
Gayle
There was a glitch and I didn't think the first one got through, stopped it, and added my missing Subject Line. This computer stuff can be very confusing!
6. An Example
Wed, Jan 13, 1999 - 2:04 PM/EST
Gayle
Here's something found in a couple other internet forums:
FIRST THEY CAME for the single mothers, but I was not a single mother, so I did not speak up.
THEN THEY CAME for the mother's on welfare, but I was not on welfare, so I had no reason to protest.
THEN THEY CAME for the woman who sought abortion, but I had never had an abortion, so there was nothing for me to say.
THEN THEY CAME for the blacks, but I was not black, so why should I care, so I kept my silence.
THEN THEY CAME for the gays and lesbians, but I am purely heterosexual and could not be bothered to protest.
THEN THEY CAME for the the immigrants, but my grandparents came to this country, so I now have no reason to say anything, so I said nothing.
THEN THEY CAME for those who had a different belief system, but I had no outsoken beliefs, and so held my tongue.
THEN THEY CAME for everyone from a different political party, but I was not politically oriented, and did not want to be involved.
THEN THEY CAME FOR OUR LEADER, and in so doing they have turned their eyes on me.
NOW IS THE TIME FOR ALL GOOD DEMOCRATS TO COME TO THE AID OF THEIR COUNTRY.
7.
Wed, Jan 13, 1999 - 2:22 PM/EST
JimP
I first came across a similar sequence speaking of the Jews in Nazi Germany.
My ONLY quarrel with this one is the use of DEMOCRATS. I would hope that, recognizing what is happening, not only Democrats, but perhaps, Patriots would come to the aid.
That's where I see these types of exchanges as so valuable. We stimulate one another, and I very much appreciate the opportunity to both stimulate and be stimulated.
Thanks,
Jim
8. ???
Wed, Jan 13, 1999 - 2:58 PM/EST
Gayle
JimP: "...not only Democrats, but perhaps, Patriots would come to the aid."
In other forums, thems fightin' words, son! ?:)
You don't believe that Democrats can be patriotic?
9. lowercase
Wed, Jan 13, 1999 - 4:06 PM/EST
JimP
I think that Democrats may be partiotic, but also think that Republicans can be. Though they haven't shown much of it lately. If we go to the inclusive democrats, would that be OK?
10. I was kidding. ?:)
Wed, Jan 13, 1999 - 4:18 PM/EST
Gayle
I don't care if we use upper, lower, or even abbreviations, as long as we communicate.
11. I figured
Wed, Jan 13, 1999 - 4:47 PM/EST
JimP
you were pulling my leg a little, but I also figured ( figured being a good Southern word) that I'd better be careful to make myself clear.
I know this isn't the subject in this thread, but I'd like to explain a little of my conservatism.
The progression in the above is exactly what I think will happen if there aren't people who keep watch, and ask questions.
What may begin as a sincere effort to improve some situation may restrict another freedom. Then, over time, it progresses, step by step, until they "come for you." As a conservative, I believe that the best legal organization in the US is the ACLU. That may upset other conservatives, and even some liberals, but that's what I think. They often take positions with which I disagree, but that's OK too.
I think it was Voltaire who said: I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend until the death your right to say it.
That freedom is being eroded. Even in academic institutions, persons who present viewpoints not in accordance with a section of the student body have been shouted down, if they were allowed to speak at all.
This scares me. It isn't just conservatives Republicans, Libertarians, or the VRW that is guilty. The liberal institutions are also closing themselves to opposing thought. We are gathering into enclaves of sameness.
Enough ranting.
Jim
12. Fantastic!
Wed, Jan 13, 1999 - 7:08 PM/EST
Gayle
I'm happy to hear you feel the same about the ACLU as I. And I completely understand what you're saying about colleges...which could lead us into a Political Correctness thread.
