Empty this morning. Kind of like a blank chalk board.
Went to a 'true majority' event last night. Met Ben Cohen from Ben & Jerry Ice Cream fame. Ben seemed to be an 'enlightened being.' He was funny, grounded, his ten-point agenda includes feeding the children of the world, taking care of the environment, having government spend sensibly, taking some money from the military monster and applying it to more constructive priorities, etc.
Hard to believe anyone would be against such a program. Hard to believe that in this 'war on terror' climate, that our politicians will listen or enact.
I left slightly deflated, thinking that the 'movement' is a disparate collection of issues with no solid foundation, no cohesive philosphy. Talking to the 'faithful' revealed that fear seems to be the motivating spirit. Fear of the 'evil bush,' and all his misguided plans. Ben's quiet, bemused demeanor was the exception. Ben has decided that 'ridicule' is an effective tool, but it seems to be a pale echo of the audacity of Abbie Hoffman/Jerry Rubin yippie antics.
How do you translate Ben's quiet glow into an effective movement?
The most hopeful point: the internet has emerged as a new superpower of minds transcending all borders. This 'superpower' can stand toe to toe with U.S.A. No armies, but many, many hearts, and minds.
Can a 'new spirit' emerge from the net?