Stories in the popular press these days abound with references to “conspiracy theories.” It seems that every time some fringe group or some eccentric individual makes some wild, unsubstantiated claim, we have a new “theory.” Actually, we don’t.
Seeing our flag flying proudly from the highest point on the pole has always communicated strength, resolve, and determination in the face of adversity. But when it is lowered to half staff, it seemsto convey a sense of weakness, woundedness, and even perhaps defeat.Perhaps we should have a second flag—a Memorial Flag, or pennant. That flag could fly just below the national colors and would symbolize the respect and remembrance of anyone or group who made the ultimate sacrifice for the Republic and its people. It would signal that this was a memorial occasion, while the national colors would still fly at full staff. The message would always be: “We keep our colors high, and bow to no foe.”
To make a broad distinction: I see two “Americas” here.
One, mired in pre-scientific patterns of ignorance, superstition, rejection of modernity, and clan consciousness, struggles to hold on to an increasingly obsolescent “lone pioneer” self-definition.
The other, struggling to understand and cope with an immensely more complex world than we’ve ever experienced, is trying to form or evolve a modern, inclusive national consciousness that can cope with that world.
One looks forward. The other looks backward. One embraces newness, ambiguity, and complexity. The other avoids it.
Author: Source: Comments: This timeless dissertation reminds us that one of the factors that cause Americans (or people of any culture) to misconnect and misunderstand one another is the simple but extremely important difference between extroverts and introverts. Written by an introvert, this charming defense takes extroverts to task for …
Author: Source: Comments: Comedian Bill Maher rants about the high cost and increasing irrelevance of the college experience, which he calls a massive scam. He’s a provocative individual, and I don’t necessarily agree with all of his rants. However, I do believe we can make room for an “energetic” discourse …
Plato, the Greek philosopher who taught and wrote about the idea of democracy 2400 years ago, offered a warning to all future generations. Democracy, he said, has one fatal flaw. Its greatest benefit, ironically, always becomes its greatest weakness. He had doubts about whether democracy would survive the centuries