Some of the older aspects of American life will remain: racism is especially effective in maintaining the cooperation of the people that comprise the War Party. Do not expect some great national coming-together-under-common-threat. It didn't happen after 9-1l (except in the vapid chatter of TV "news" personalities), and it won't happen when the attacks and threats become regular occurrences. Generally speaking, white America acts badly under stress.
The civil rights struggle made rapid gains in the years after World War Two, due in some measure to the political parties' desire to present a liberal face to the world. Back then, the Soviets competed for hearts and minds. The Bush crowd - and those who will succeed them, if we allow it - is immune to embarrassment. If they bully the nations of Europe, how do you think they will treat us? And who will come to our defense?
The impending Bush war(s) is a domestic crisis. The exploited and abused people of Africa, Asia and Latin America surely require our concern and best efforts. But we must also understand that a New World Order means a New Domestic Order, as well - of which we have only gotten a small taste.
I, for one, never imagined that I would one day be considered an enemy by billions of fellow human beings. Yet that is now thinkable.
We have had more than our share of coping with enemies here at home. George Bush has placed the nation on a course that leads to a global struggle between "us" and all of "them." Which one are we? Are you sure about your fellow Americans?
Sincerely,
Glen Ford,
Co-Publisher of The Black Commentator
http://www.blackcommentator.com
The civil rights struggle made rapid gains in the years after World War Two, due in some measure to the political parties' desire to present a liberal face to the world. Back then, the Soviets competed for hearts and minds. The Bush crowd - and those who will succeed them, if we allow it - is immune to embarrassment. If they bully the nations of Europe, how do you think they will treat us? And who will come to our defense?
The impending Bush war(s) is a domestic crisis. The exploited and abused people of Africa, Asia and Latin America surely require our concern and best efforts. But we must also understand that a New World Order means a New Domestic Order, as well - of which we have only gotten a small taste.
I, for one, never imagined that I would one day be considered an enemy by billions of fellow human beings. Yet that is now thinkable.
We have had more than our share of coping with enemies here at home. George Bush has placed the nation on a course that leads to a global struggle between "us" and all of "them." Which one are we? Are you sure about your fellow Americans?
Sincerely,
Glen Ford,
Co-Publisher of The Black Commentator
http://www.blackcommentator.com