The Freedom to Speak
I have to say that I am proud of the citizens of Dried Salmon County who feel that there is still enough freedom in this country that they can voice their opposition to the powers that be.
There is an on-going opposition to the war every Friday at the Post Office. On Sunday there was a group marching in opposition to LNG. Lately this blog along with its associated Astoria Rust Forum, Dried Salmon Blog and Forum, North Coast Oregon, Jeff Hazen’s blog and the District Attorney’s blog have been the hot seat for exchanges of points of view and comedy. I recently looked at my stats and can’t believe the amount of traffic these comments are getting.
I was trying to think up a phrase that would capture what is going on in our little corner of the cyber universe. There is such passion among the writers. There are also some mean spirited exchanges and many claiming the moral high ground. There are accusations and evidence being called into question. There is a quarrel between philosophies; means of understanding and values.
This particular article isn’t about my thoughts and concerns in the matter, but rather an appreciation of the process that we are all going through to keep everything within view and open for all to read and form their own opinions or organize a dispute.
The phrase I came up is Anarchistic Democracy. To me it may be the prefect term to describe that which is happening all over the country in opposition to the freedoms we’ve already surrendered and lost. This is the time for debate on all levels. The things we deem as evil must be removed. So folks, it’s good to see such diverse voices out there.
Sure there will be detractors who oppose any contribution of anonymous opinion, but it is the idea that is important. These forums and blogs give everyone the microphone in equal portions. Keep those ideas and opinions flowing.
posted by The Guy Who Writes This at 5:57 AM
7 Comments:
Auntiel, you, me, coffee, 1 pm, today? Same place that I messed up yesterday? Great post today, btw. You are free to tell me to go jump in the lake! CB
Guy, it must be something living in a place where individual voices can be heard both in government and those represented. I think big cities just keep loping along because the machine is too big to be stopped and the individual citizen has lost the power, and finally the inclination, to effect change. Sigh.
I think the present bunch in the White House coupled with the years of a GOP controlled "rubber stamp" Congress have finally awakened "the sleeping giant". Much like the Japanese did at Pearl Harbor. Vietnam was a slow arousal, but this time many still remember it. When the people arise to protest one thing like the war, they tend to start paying more attention to everything else as well:)
I like the freedom of speach, even tho I speak anon. Not because I'm a coward, because I choose to.
I don't care for the approach Scott uses to stick up for the DA!
What kind of trouble would he cause if we weren't nameless? He does seem to have the DA in his back pocket, threats never work, at least not for me, I stay real far away from threats (crazy world).
I also don't understand why he would think because Price has the better garden and they leave early to tend to the cats , dispicts how wonderful people they are.
I have been reading much about the DA in CC, I am not impressed with any of his actions.
Our county wasn't bad before he came! He comes in and takes credit for being the knight in shinning armour to the press.
Our county has been shamed by Marquis climbing the corporate ladder, he is only half way up, he has come across a stumbling block our county wants justice for all back!!!
CB, Darlin, you are golden...chill.
Lori, unfortunately the two major news outlets are a big problem. They will back anyone who gives them ad revenue or scoops. We are shouting them down and spreading the word. We don't need to change the world. We just want our sides presented so decisions can be made with some degree of objectivity. It seems to be working.
Mike, wouldn't it be nice if we could all just relax and not have to be so vigilant and vocal. It can really wear one down.
Anon, if there were no opposition we would think everything was going well. I'm glad for opposing viewpoints. It firms up the base.
I think one of the greatest movies of all time, depicting the American political process, was Mr Smith Goes to Washington with Jimmy Stewart.
The back room deals, the political intrigue, trying to frame an innocent man, the little newspaper taking on the major media. And in the end, you really didn't know what happened. Did Smith win after the other Congressman confessed to wrongdoing and admitted Smith was right? Or did the political "boss" win after all?
In other words, the movie ending left you feeling just like real politics does. Seldom sure of who actually won, but satisfied that the "good guys" put up a good fight.
Good point, Walt. All the posturing we are seeing here now is all politics. These are good times for the pundits.
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