Friday, August 17, 2007
Doing Democracy
In the battle for the soul of New College, some have asked us what we are doing.
We are defending democracy.
In trying times like these, there will always be those who counsel surrender at every opportunity. That is life.
In opposing governance of the rich, by the rich, and for the rich, the clamor for capitulation by those who lack the intestinal fortitude and moral fiber to prevail is but one obstacle along the way. For those just learning the tools of liberation, they serve as models of subservience accustomed to seeking permission to exist from the ruling class. A sad but true story.
For those who understand that freedom is not purchased by meekness and compliance, these lessons will serve them throughout their lives. Learning by doing, teaching by example, doing democracy.
Who are our heroes? Hank Adams, James Baldwin, Jack Minnis, Thomas Paine.
Why? Because they had the intelligence to know what needed to be said, and the courage to say it. A rare combination.
We are defending democracy.
In trying times like these, there will always be those who counsel surrender at every opportunity. That is life.
In opposing governance of the rich, by the rich, and for the rich, the clamor for capitulation by those who lack the intestinal fortitude and moral fiber to prevail is but one obstacle along the way. For those just learning the tools of liberation, they serve as models of subservience accustomed to seeking permission to exist from the ruling class. A sad but true story.
For those who understand that freedom is not purchased by meekness and compliance, these lessons will serve them throughout their lives. Learning by doing, teaching by example, doing democracy.
Who are our heroes? Hank Adams, James Baldwin, Jack Minnis, Thomas Paine.
Why? Because they had the intelligence to know what needed to be said, and the courage to say it. A rare combination.
