Really interesting thoughts about the deep state and "hope without optimism" and the extinction of humanity.
I would only offer two counterpoints to Hedges' thoughts.
First, I think that child-like hope (which I agree with him entirely that we have) can be the force of change in America, and this is what differentiates us from places like, say, Europe. It's almost like, yes, he is correct that it can lead to inaction. But, it can also provide a force beyond all reality and lead us to achieve unexpectedly great things. The American Revolution or putting humans on the moon or The New Deal are just a few such examples. Most people have an attitude here that "anything is possible" that (to my experience) people in other countries do not usually have as a population. If there is a force out there that can overcome the entrenched deep state corporatism, this is the country that can do it because of that.
Second, global warming and climate change will almost certainly NOT lead to the extinction of humanity. It will likely be an effing disaster of unprecedented proportions. But even the worst projections of heat rise and ice melts will leave this Earth within prehistorical precedents where animals survived quite handily. And humans are crazy adaptable. What will likely happen is a huge reduction in number of humans--like from the current 7.5 billion people to maybe tens of millions. Fewer people, less greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere. Eventually, after thousands of years, the climate will moderate and the number of people will expand again.
Unless we're talking about nuclear war, of course. Then all bets are off.
So, I think there is hope on the one hand. And hope on the other. It's not optimistic hope. It's more like that I'm glad Clinton did not gain the presidency because now the TPP and other trade deals are dead in the water (progressive victories!)--but now we get to deal with the crap that's going to be dumped on us by Trump.
Comments
I liked the show too...
Chris had Abby Martin and Ben Norton on his show...On Contact (26 min)
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqcINip57qc]
I thought it was interesting.
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
Thanks for highlighting Chris's interview.
Still yourself, deep water can absorb many disturbances with minimal reaction.
--When the opening appears release yourself.
Interesting
Really interesting thoughts about the deep state and "hope without optimism" and the extinction of humanity.
I would only offer two counterpoints to Hedges' thoughts.
First, I think that child-like hope (which I agree with him entirely that we have) can be the force of change in America, and this is what differentiates us from places like, say, Europe. It's almost like, yes, he is correct that it can lead to inaction. But, it can also provide a force beyond all reality and lead us to achieve unexpectedly great things. The American Revolution or putting humans on the moon or The New Deal are just a few such examples. Most people have an attitude here that "anything is possible" that (to my experience) people in other countries do not usually have as a population. If there is a force out there that can overcome the entrenched deep state corporatism, this is the country that can do it because of that.
Second, global warming and climate change will almost certainly NOT lead to the extinction of humanity. It will likely be an effing disaster of unprecedented proportions. But even the worst projections of heat rise and ice melts will leave this Earth within prehistorical precedents where animals survived quite handily. And humans are crazy adaptable. What will likely happen is a huge reduction in number of humans--like from the current 7.5 billion people to maybe tens of millions. Fewer people, less greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere. Eventually, after thousands of years, the climate will moderate and the number of people will expand again.
Unless we're talking about nuclear war, of course. Then all bets are off.
So, I think there is hope on the one hand. And hope on the other. It's not optimistic hope. It's more like that I'm glad Clinton did not gain the presidency because now the TPP and other trade deals are dead in the water (progressive victories!)--but now we get to deal with the crap that's going to be dumped on us by Trump.
Great Hedges Interview
Perfect reflection on where we are now that Trump has grabbed Merica by the Pussy.
Thanks for posting this.
Donnie The #ShitHole Douchebag. Fake Friend to the Working Class. Real Asshole.