Movement Metaphors and Finding Heroes In Congress

Conyers and Leahy should be taking off the gloves. None of this "my friend" crap. The people blocking the termination of this war have to be handled rough and tough, and that absolutely includes the dems who side with republicans. How are they any different than that most particularly despicable vermin-- Lieberman.

Continuing on the starting metaphor of this rant, America has been sent on a trajectory that is headed down the toilet. Bush, his neocon idiots, his sycophant generals and his rubberstamp republican enablers and their invertebrate coward democrats have accelerated that descent. The only way it will end is if the leaders who have been elected and given a majority use ALL the power at their disposal.

Tapping all the power at your disposal is not an easy thing. Great power comes with great risks and some danger. But wisdom, strength, confidence and determination, added together enable the strong to make full use of their power. This is lofty territory, where true heroism, where apotheosis-- touching and being touched by god-- occurs. It is not for the faint of heart. The times for these moments cannot be conveniently scheduled. They come with risks and the true heroes who accomplish these feats must be ready and able.

That is what we will need, literally in the coming weeks, from Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi, Patrick Leahy, John Conyers, and the majority heads of the other congressional committees. The Democratic presidential candidates who waffle or avoid taking stands on these issues deserve to fade into history. The presidential candidates who embrace the opportunity to take the strong stands that must be taken will be thrust into leadership.

These are dangerous times-- for democracy, for America, for freedom. They call for greatness. The greatest, most heroic people started out on the same level field as their peers. Then they did something-- taking the initiative or responding the extraordinary circumstances, that raised them above the crowd. It is the time for someone to find, within her or his self, what it takes to lift this situation to the next level, where the lies and distortions, and games are clearly shown for what they are. Will it be John Conyers or Nancy Pelosi, Hillary Clinton or Dennis Kucinich? Probably not. It could be any member of congress.

Metaphors-- they take our minds to places we might not go. Now imagine a volcano ejecting a huge boulder, then spewing lava, then a huge explosion of smoke and ash, filling the sky. And I'm not talking about eating a cereal that makes you more regular. I'm talking about channeling the inner strength, energy, vision and passion to rise above the mob to take the lead and make a difference.

It will take creativity and courage and impeccable timing. I pray we see it happen soon.

P.S. this started out as a note to my newsletter readers. I know it's unusual to include a call for contributions in an article. But then again, OpEdNEws.com is an alternative, experimental media site. We're always trying new things. Consider yourself a participant in an experiment, if this is your first encounter or your 100th with OpEdNews. We'll keep you on your toes.

 

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