Re: [pf] Nader on The Connection today (NPR)

by Jill Taylor Bussiere

23 December 2000 13:05 UTC

On our last night of having the TV/VCR in our house, we watched the old
movie Mr. Smith Goes to Washington - about a young man, Mr. Smith, appointed
to be a senator by the governor when the former senator dies.  Mr. Smith is
a leader of the Boy Rangers, and believes in freedom, democracy, liberty,
and the will of the people.  He is appointed because of his innocence, and
is expected by the governor, his fellow senator, and a Mr. Taylor who runs
and owns the big businesses in the state to be such an innocent that he
won't derail their bill in Congress that is one of graft.  Instead, he
inspires all by his shining belief in the above, and his dedication to it,
in the face of all that is corrupt.  He is tenacious.  He wins the day by
appealing to the dreams and former belief in the system of those around him.

I was reminded of the campaign this fall.

                                        Jill
----- Original Message -----
From: Kaleopono <ssa@ilhawaii.net>
To: pf <positive-futures@igc.topica.com>
Sent: Friday, December 22, 2000 4:46 PM
Subject: Re: [pf] Nader on The Connection today (NPR)


> Molly's comment about Rick Hurtzburg chastizing Ralph Nader in the manner
of
> parent to child brought to mind an indellible experience I had visiting a
> senator in the nation's capitol in the early 1980s.  This person was so
full
> of awareness of himself and his power that it was impossible to have a
> discussion about the apparent needs of constituents and the nation.  All
> indications are that the situation has become much worse in the
intervening
> 20 years.  It is fitting to apply the epithet "Imperial Washington" to
that
> power hungry corporate soft money sinkhole.  Hurtzburg is a mirror.  Nader
> is a potent antidote to the systemic poison, worth listening to.  Like
Jonah
> whose odd taste (I suppose) caused him to be regurgitated by the whale, he
> knows the belly of the beast.
>
> Kaleopono