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Maybe the old adage, "It has to get worse before it gets better" applies a bit. Revolutions don't occur in a vaccuum right? Social, political, violent - all require some catalyst, fuel, and leadership for movement. The eras of Vietnam and WWI/WWII were ones of great upheaval and turmoil(?). THere were lots of movements. But here, at least in the US, we haven't budged from our couches or computers...yet.
Do you remember when people thought that $3.00 gas would be the great "last straw" for the American people? Well, it came and went. Nothing. BUt perhaps there is something, something more latent, stewing beneath the surface. Maybe something else will trigger it. EX: Prolonged war in Iraq, a recession, idunno. Calm seas above, boiling waters beneath.
Perhaps we have "media fatigue" which contributes to our collective ADD or desensitization. Think Rwanda, Darfur....
Or maybe even complacency - There's nuthin' I can do about it so why bother.
And then there is the "my vote doesn't matter anyways" or the "I don't like either guy" (which may be more problematic).
Moderates, I think, by definition do not stand out, do not rock the boat, and do not attract attention. But I believe there are times and circumstances when the moderates may be pushed to action.
I don;t know man, but I think the upcoming elections should be interesting. I only wish more independent candidates were running. My district, once again, has poor choices.
I agree that students are ill-quipped today in the matter of basics even, let alone philsophical discourse. The curriculum needs stimulus. However, I am not sure I would pin it on neoliberalism.
Your protrayal of the right can also cover others as well. I think it's the way that they can attain, and maintain power. The type of oversimplification combined with media scare tactics has become commonplace.
RB, your post was very thoughtful and thought provoking, I need more time to think about it. Maybe a day or two, so I can respond better. It is also possible I may not as well.
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