The America We Loved Is Still Here

For today's post, I have chosen an encouraging title, because I believe it to be true. The America of tremendous physical beauty in a variety unparalleled on earth -- is still here. The America of charming and open people -- though changed -- is still here. The America of freedom of religion -- is still here.

At the same time there is unease in the land, a vague disquietude. There is no earthquake but rather a rippling, something more felt than heard. There is a sense of wrongness, but also a disinclination to see that wrongness clearly.

The wrongness has been most evident in these last days in the form of a Congressional bill which attempts to give the President sweeping powers to use degrading and inhumane treatment, or really any treatment he sees fit regarding prisoners. It even gives him and him alone the power to determine who is an "enemy combatant", either foreign or domestic. This includes U.S. citizens. Every citizen of the world should be frightened by this bill, for it is the U.S. which is still the historic leader and champion of human rights. It should frighten us because we know human nature well enough to know that no one can be trusted with such awesome power.

So what are we to make of an America with such a law? Yes, we who are American citizens can hardly escape blame. It is we who have allowed such a person as G. W. Bush to first enter the White House, then preside (if that is the word for it) in that place for nearly six years.

This, truly, is not America. This is surely not the best of us. The question is can we, even now, do better? Or the question might be put, can we do anything but work to drive out this alien uncouthness, this brutal governmental force which lives and works among us? (And the driving out, it should be said, is to be done non-violently, for violence only tends to beget violence.)

I believe we are up to the task. Yes, we will have to set aside our cynicism. And yes, we will have to get up out of our chairs and do some work. Yet, just as I attended our local October 5 protest yesterday, everyone can do something to save our Republic in this time. It is truly a defining moment for America. Let us be about the work of democracy, of justice, and even love.