assuming that everyone in the universe should WANT to "drink beer, watch football, vote, and sue their neighbour", along with driving SUVs and having fast food several times a week.
I heard that Arnold Schwartzenegger said in some interview that he was very concerned about the environment, but he drives a Hummer, because "he likes it". That kind of sums up Americans. We have a disconnect between our ideals and what we are willing to do about them.
And the percentage of people who vote here- the most important item on that list -- is appalling.
You may be aware since you were recently here in Texas that there is a proposition on the ballot for capping medical malpractice awards. The expected turnout is 9%.
9%!
And what is it in a presidential election? Around half?
Still, while we are obnoxious beer and gas guzzling fat armchair athletes, there has to be something good about us and our system. We lead in so many areas. We are builders and creators. We love challenges. We are generous- we hand a beer and a McDonald's to everyone who wants in.
It is just that we seem unable to make that imaginative leap to another's shoes. But then, as someone wrote somewhere around SI, we are young and that is a characteristic of youth.
I thought your comments about intellectualism being looked at suspiciously by the ordinary voter were spot on, and one of GWB's appeals was his "good buddy, aw, shucks, I'm not an intellectual, and there's no place like home" personality. He seemed sane and ordinary and he had such a great mom. How could you not love a woman who says, "Nancy Reagan and I both wear a size 4. Only that's her dress size, and it's the size of my left leg."
I voted for him because I couldn't stomach Al Gore and Bush seemed much more moderate than he has turned out to be. This next year will be interesting, but so far not too promising in choices. |
