Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

precursive t1_j9296xq wrote

As an independent northern New England Gen X left libertarian, I don't particularly disagree with any of your analysis, though I disagree with some of your prescriptions (other than your legislative prescriptions, I'd vote for them, probably) and have grown less... fire-y over time about it all, especially when it comes to talking about isms and ists.

At this point in my life, I'm a fan of the patient, committed approach summarized well by John Lewis'

"Use the words of the movement to pace yourself. We used to say that ours is not the struggle of one day, one week, or one year. Ours is not the struggle of one judicial appointment or presidential term. Ours is the struggle of a lifetime, or maybe even many lifetimes, and each one of us in every generation must do our part. And if we believe in the change we seek, then it is easy to commit to doing all we can, because the responsibility is ours alone to build a better society and a more peaceful world."

Get a job working for state government, run for office, vote, work for NGOs, be a model for youth... give what you can when you have surplus... love, love, and love, fully agape.

I guess I no longer believe it possible to immediately change the world (or anyone's mind), any more than I believe it possible to boil sap into syrup in a second, but I do believe millions of people committing from their hearts and of their own free will to "be the change you want to see in the world" can make a real, meaningful difference, over time.

While we should remain ever vigilant to not "fall backwards" as well as do our best to "skate towards where the puck will be"... "two steps forward, one step back" seems to be the reality of [mostly] non-violent progress. While, without a doubt, there remain tragic stories at an individual level, I believe we are, from 10,000 feet, in a better place, across the board, than where we were 100 years ago. Hopefully 100 years from now our descendents will look back and feel the same.

Agape, stay on course!

1

joeydokes OP t1_j92ia7f wrote

> have grown less... fire-y over time about it all, especially when it comes to talking about isms and ists.

I hear that. Me too :)

And thanks for the John Lewis words of perseverance and fortitude, reminders help!

People generally don't change until they're ready to, often when faced with some harsh reality (like sickness/death/loss ...) I'd like to share your optimism insofar as making meaningful change happen, but ground truths make me feel we are facing insurmountable hurdles. That still doesn't mean we can't laugh, love, tell our stories and be our best selves possible.

> Hopefully 100 years from now our descendents ...

Will not all be miserable or the spawn of an entitled 1% in a world with billions less people calling it home :)

I don't envy kids today in the world 20 years from now, let alone the next century. Their story will be the legacy of ours today.

Anyhow, thanks for the great reply and be well!

1