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This blog is the work of an educated civilian, not of an expert in the fields discussed.

Wednesday, March 29, 2006

Perspective Please

And Also: Tocqueville warned that strict equality might result in lack of individuality, largely as a result of social pressure. Reading Susan Brownmiller's memior on the women's movement, the point hits home. Not only in some pictures where nearly all the women seem to look alike (stereotype woman lib), but in her own accounts of rank and file targeting anyone who are singled out in any fashion, including via a single byline or media appearance. Problems of conformity pop up all over the place, sometimes especially in movements.


A few additional words about yesterday's post. First, the documentary is an example of an important principle: sometimes apparently small or minor things can be quite striking on some basis. The beauty school seems on some level trivial, but it is a real way to help Afghani women, also providing a cross-cultural bridge that is quite important as well. Likewise, the program is small enough that it is particularly real for the general public here as well.

This is why relatively small matters can be important in the scheme of things. Thus, an everyday event or happening might represent the state of affairs regarding equality or how women are doing today. Sexual harassment at the local work place and so forth. And, this works in various areas. For instance, a matter dealing with free speech -- perhaps a television show getting fined for a scene that selectively is deemed too suggestive -- might seem small. But, it stands for a wider principle, and has a direct effect on the general public. Little things matter.

[An interesting tidbit. While picking up my paper/coffee, I overhead the local store clerk talk about how he dealt with customers differently in this country. He went out of his way to be friendly, especially to all the women customers, and I have been noticing more customers of late. Annoying when I have to wait to pay for my coffee. Seriously, interesting bit about customer relations -- and one I wish a few more people around here did it. A bit of customer friendly training did wonders in the post office though I had to deal with an ass recently.]

They also can provide a means to understand broader themes. This is a problem with the NSA spying matter. When Clinton was involved in his troubles, the press had loads of stories addressing various angles -- we even later heard about Monica's handbags. The NSA spying matter has lots of aspects the join together into a greater whole, including the overall nature of the government's spying on the American public. Now, some effort is made to point to this fact, such as labeling rowdy protesters as "terrorists" when a handful of the group might do something to breach the peace. But, there really is no connecting of the dots, or consistent coverage. Such side stories can be quite useful.

As to that matter, a bit more on Sen. Levin. His underplaying of the NSA problem as merely something Congress might have to legitimize ex post facto rankles. This is an example of what people are annoyed about with the Democrats. This is not a matter of asking too much of them, asking them to do something they do not have the power to do (given their minority, lack of subpoena power, etc.). It also might suggest the need for new leadership. Russ Feingold is an example of a younger firebrand, but there are various ways for members to make themselves known.

For instance, the new senator from Illinois likes to take a more evenhanded approach . But, new voices are needed -- even some of the "realistic few" in Congress are really old guard faces, like Rep. Waxman. One value of new faces is that they might expect more -- looking toward a time when they will again be in power. They will not be satisfied with small things, such as protecting their positions of power (at some point, the Republican leadership goes too far, so even moderates in the minority will rebel ... as maybe the Republicans are doing in a small way respecting the President's actions -- the Hamdan orals suggests the Supreme Court is annoyed as well). Their eyes will be on the future, building up the movement, and having more energy to do so. And, more chance to catch fire with the public.

Anyway, it seems like the goal posts are not placed far enough these days. A questionable but perhaps fitting metaphor came to mind today. It also might be fitting given the state of affairs at times these days. I had a bit of trouble with my toilet of late, the flow suddenly becoming sluggish. Thus, it was an accomplishment when it worked without a hitch. Of course, the damn thing should work consistently. But, at some point, you are happy about small favors. And, you in the process do not consider the big picture -- this should be how things always work. You know, if you are black, it should not be a "great" thing for the cops not to hassle you. But, your expectations drop down considerably after awhile.

We need people who look at that big picture. Fight for the small victories, but keep in mind that it is not the only thing that matters. So, Sen. Levin ... sure, worry about making sure the President is doing things authorized and overseen by Congress (btw, maybe you should read Sen. Leahy's press release on the Patriot Act signing statement), but maybe those things are wrong to begin with. Thus, you found out compromising with Sen. Graham on the DTA did not quite work as well as it might have. And, keeping that in mind, including in media appearances, is something we can expect from the minority party.

If not, we need more new blood that understands the point.