Rex Americanus
I could sit here and howl on an ongoing basis about the flaws I see in the current administration in Washington, DC.
But simply put, these flaws and their impact have been laid out concisely by Ramsey Clark, former Attorney General during the Johnson administration, and I cannot add to the power of what he has drawn up.
(It's interesting to note here that the current Bush administration is the only one in memory which has been attacked on an on-going basis not only by members of the opposition party's previous administrations, but also by members of previous administrations of ITS OWN PARTY. My word...)
This Clark site page is tough stuff, but a very important part of the dialogue.
Yes, obviously, this is the same Ramsey Clark who remains among the favorite ongoing targets for the venom of the rabid Neo-Con right. I must say that it's impressive to see someone with the guts to take that much crap for that many years and stand true to their principles.
Whom do the rabid right's media attack dogs save the most derision and condescension for? That's the tip off. Disdain is their primary weapon against those they fear. Simple math: the greater the caustic derision, the greater the fear.
It's important to be aware of who the main targets are. It's fairly safe to assume that these targets are those viewed as the greatest threats to the right (i.e., those with ideas that threaten the right's world view and longing for one-party power, and to whom people might actually listen and perhaps be swayed by).
These are the people who come in for the full nudge-nudge, wink-wink, "you know and I know better, don't we, that (whichever person who disagrees with us) is really a moron," type of oozing, sarcastic appeal to the brain-stem level of their programming.
Ramsey has long been one of their favorite bogeymen. When they got tired of bashing ol' Earl Warren, they found Ramsey Clark.
As an aside, years ago, I developed the Rex Reed Principle to help me deal with the performing arts, and it has served me well for decades. However, I now also see possibilities for its implementation on a national, political scale.
Simply put, the RRP describes a scenario where, no matter what the person noted states (any topic applies), if the polar opposite course is followed, peace of mind and joy awaits.
Rex Reed stands as a pillar of consistency. Everything he loves, I am assured of hating. All that he loathes, I can embrace fully and happily.
In my unformed youth, I initially followed Reed's advice, suffering great personal peril. I have sat through dreck which he trumpeted as artistic genius. I have, unfortunately, missed films and performances of value and taste, solely because his was the only (and negative) review I saw of it. Later, I would learn of its being a piece of great value and insight by others who had seen or heard it, or by my finally catching up with it at a much later date.
Hence, the RRP: "Whatever he says, I do the exact opposite, and I will be well served."
This is a principle I have followed steadfastly over the years, and I have, in fact, been well served.
Applying this principle to the larger world around us, the same approach can be taken with the conservative media, whose approach runs towards the "We report; you swallow." model.
Therefore, those they trumpet, I must give serious consideration to opposing. Those they disparage, I must seek out and consider embracing what they propose.
Hey, it's served me well so far...
Thanks, Rex!
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posted by Gotham 5:08 PM
