Patrick Goggin
By Patrick Goggin
Editor’s Note: Mr. Goggin wrote this heretofore unpublished article in September.
November 11, 2008
The influence of the Dutch on the formation of the ideals that germinated to significantly contribute in creating this one-of-a-kind nation, is well known. One might say that it was this influence that is the primary driver behind our liberal notions today — the idea that when we work together as a society, we are better and stronger and that everything is not always about the individual.
This decade, we as a nation seem to be questioning this very principle that helped forge what at times has been one of the most appreciated aspects of our self-identity, and adored and admired by the outside world.
In Holland, for example, they share bicycles: one finds an available two-wheeler, rides it to where they need to go, then leaves it there for the next person – and so on down the line. This notion manifested itself concretely after the Great Depression when FDR and Congress instituted numerous programs to bring us collectively from the brink of failure as a nation, not unlike Lincoln saving us from ourselves when he accepted civil war over slavery.
Indeed, in the dawn of the 21st century we are questioning the wisdom of government-managed social security, and have forgotten how to take care of those brave soldiers sent off to fight a highly questionable war when they return with, amongst other things, very serious post-traumatic stress.
In essence, the United States is facing an identity crisis. The presidential campaign, for that matter, is an expression of this crisis in all its glory and ugliness. On one side we have, as Deepak Chopra this week so eloquently put it, our shadow campaigning from a base of fear, mudslinging, and, let’s be honest, lies. On the other, we have a campaign genuinely offering hope, change, and a new way of governing; or, depending on how you look at it, offering an old way much truer to our nation’s roots.
When our founding fathers created the three branches of government and a federalist structure, it ensured gradual change. At the same time they instilled the greatest power in the electorate’s center. For this reason we refer to states like Missouri as “bellwethers.” As the bellwethers go, so goes the nation.
Thus, ultimately, this election and the fate of the United States at this critical juncture for both us and the world, will likely be decided by some five percent of the electorate – the so-called swing-voters in the swing-states. For better or worse, our future rests in their hands. I for one believe that upon deliberation they will see through the chatter of the media, the deceptions, and choose light over shadow. This nation is simply more evolved than McCain and Palin give us credit for.
Fear not, have faith, but, most importantly, do something. For if we allow the shadow to paralyze us, we will lose the nation we thought we had, one that I feel, by and large, sees its sum as greater than its individual parts.
The Hunger Site
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