Apocalypse may not be a field of study but it would seem that the chaos of modernity has produced a perspective related to values. Citizens of various philosophical persuasions are reflecting increased disrespect for fellow citizens and thus for modern day democratic governance.
Much of the problem may flow from the fast-changing nature of our society which has so many de-stabilizing elements. But part falls at the feet of politicians and their supporters who use inflammatory rhetoric to divide the country.
Candidates may prevail in elections by tearing down rather than uplifting, but if elected, they cannot then unite an angered citizenry. Negativity raises the temperature level of legislatures just as it dispirits the soul of society.
The words above are from James Leach, the new Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) from his speech Bridging Cultures. For those unfamiliar with the NEH, it is described this way: “Because democracy demands wisdom, the National Endowment for the Humanities serves and strengthens our Republic by promoting excellence in the humanities and conveying the lessons of history to all Americans.”
We’ve heard much on the lack of civility in our nation’s political discourse: the Teabagger Movement, the rancorous town halls of last summer, intra-party fighting amongst blue-dog (centrist) and far-left Democrats over the health care bill, the continued questions over the Wall Street bailout, the continued blaming of President Obama by both sides, and the media that thrives on “gotcha” – politics as blood sport for your viewing pleasure.
In A Decade of Dueling Realities, Judith Gayle beautifully addressed the origin and status of the habits we formed during the Pluto in Sagittarius era leading to our present state. Ideas became ideologies, evolved to the point that we can find no room to discuss anything but our extremes in view. The country’s two-party system is now a single rope, pulled tightly on either side by the extreme left and right. All seem determined to keep the nation’s political pulse in a medical red zone, and us from finding amicable solutions.