My Rant Against Cynicism

If we give up on each other as a people, if we accept that we are permanently divided, if we believe that transformation as individuals or as a society is but a pipe dream, if we disparage the idea of “We the People,” we are done for, we are lost. There is no hope for reviving democracy. We have lost the power struggle to the oligarchs. We are toast. In fact, we are accepting the rationale for a police state in which people are merely controlled not given opportunities to learn, grow, and change.

So, please, do not tell me that people can’t change. Yes, I know there are people being evil and hateful especially on the national stage and even on social media. But, that’s not all the people, not even the majority of people. You’re not going to persuade me, and I am tired of hearing it. The fact is, I have changed. My family and friends have changed. I have documented people changing. To keep insisting on this as a fact is a cop-out from the challenges of democracy. It’s hard work, but there is no greater form of government — there is no other path to freedom. There is no instant gratification in the business of social change. There is no McDemocracy.

Let’s stop the cynicism, nihilism and pessimism, and roll up your sleeves and let’s get to work on forming a more perfect Union. Who is up for the hard work? I am fully committed and I realize it is a life-long project.