Six More Days

Off in the distance, I heard a sound,
I paused and listened, but nothing was found,
The sound grew louder, and closer, and clear,
The voices of voters without any fear,
Saying crisply and loudly our future depends,
On seeing real vision, and embracing new ends


Once upon a time is now, but just for now; next week will be the future. A new president-elect will be elected, once upon a time, next Tuesday.

Gonzo Journalism might have an heir to Hunter S. Thompson in Matt Taibbi who, as Thompson did, writes for Rolling Stone. Taibbi’s style is his own but he has the ability to cut through the noise like few others. Amidst the fear and loathing that “rear their heads” during this election, we are at one of those extraordinary moments where the United States can realize its potential in new and different ways.

Taibbi’s observations about red states—likely—turning blue, offer an explanation of what is happening beyond the obvious disaffection with Republican economic policies. True, voters tend to vote their wallets, but that is only part of the picture. The historic “now” reveals global hunger for leadership. While the US is sometimes resented—even hated—for its success, when the US struggles, as it has under George W. Bush, the world suffers along with us. If we elect Obama, he will have an unprecedented opportunity to change the world in positive and uplifting fashion. Of course, John McCain will have the same opportunities, if he wins. But as Taibbi points out, Obama’s history and path to the presidency will give him particular advantages as he re-establishes the United States of America as the leader it should be, advancing the idea and practice of freedom in substantial and meaningful fashion.

I hope our friends on the right can embrace the evolution that would be an Obama presidency. Political orthodoxies, both liberal and conservative, get us stuck. So, too, Obama will have to be more than a traditional liberal in order to succeed. His ability to bring diverse constituencies together will have to expand and grow in order for him to realize greatness. He can be the next FDR or another Jimmy Carter. My bet is that we have nothing to fear but fear itself. Now, all it will take is for Barack to get elected, once upon a time.






http://www.rollingstone.com/blogs/taibbiunbound/2008/10/from-the-issue-the-death-of-a.php

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matt_Taibbi