In the June 2008 Harper’s, Mark Slouka writes about “Democracy and Deference.” At issue is the almost reverential regard Americans seem to have for those in power, whether the source of that power be political, monetary, or nothing more than fame. Slouka writes:
In today’s America, the majority is nothing if not impressed by power and fame (its legitimacy is irrelevant), nothing if not obedient.
You can read Slouka’s piece in its entirety here, which I encourage you to do.
Slouka’s eloquent analysis of our national deference to power is timely indeed as we ponder the next installment in the Executive Office. Sadly, from what I see there’s little hope that the next occupant will worthy of our respect either. As the curtain rises in 2009 (and the theatrical reference is entirely valid I would argue), we shall probably see more of the same – a corporate-owned media acting as sycophantic promoters of an institution that needs more than ever to be closely scrutinized.
Very interesting article. I hate to say it, but we have arrived at the state Slouka describes because we’re a nation of brainwashed, dumbed-down, unreflective and, most of all, cowardly people who would rather just not “rock the boat”. A nation of such people doesn’t deserve to be great.
I think the meaning of what it means to be “great” needs to be examined. Does fairly taking care of our citizens, particularly the youngest and oldest, constitute a measure of greatness? Would you consider greatness to include not only the fair collection of taxes but the careful accounting of said taxes? In my world view the refusal to use armed forces to settle all conflicts would be a major step towards greatness.