One of the most rational voices in media today is Fareed Zakaria. His world view and intelligent understanding of the complex interactions between people and nations, echo the true spirit of journalism.
His latest opinion post in the Washington Post reflects the patriotism and pride of citizenship that is only felt by first and sometimes second generation citizens. By the time the third generation rolls around pride in America is replaced by interest in self. It is only when the immigrant's gratitude is fresh in memory that we truly appreciate what we have under the Red, White and Blue.
Here's what he had to say:
Perhaps you've (Both of you.) noticed that I haven't written anything here since the brilliant Clint Eastwood send-up of the Republican National Convention. I just couldn't beat Eastwood's ironic performance. I've also been really depressed and disgusted at the state of American political discourse.
Well, it's finally got my blood pressure up. The tipping point was the "special interest's" defamation of the "special interests" who are backing proposition 32 in our lovely state of looney toons. One set of special interests claiming that they are not special interests while they blatantly misquote, misinterpret and distort the actual law proposed by the the other "special interests" also claiming not to be special interests.
Forget the outright prevarications by the major candidates and the various Political Action Committees that back them. Ignore if you will the irresponsible posts on Facebook and the other "social sites". Forgive the racist, and religious blasphemies foisted by zealots on both side of the aisle. It's all part of the new politics of fear and intimidation that have resulted from an out of control culture promulgated by the pandering pundits of the 24 hour news cycle.
Our only salvation lies in the one thing the American People will not do. That is to read the propositions, get educated on the issues, study the candidates, their records, their promises and their almost daily positional zigzags and then get your ass off the couch and vote.
