Hi, again. I've come back for more. I'm reading the comments section now -- I hope Sallyl keeps writing, her comments are much more substantive than mine. Incidentally, I have intended those earlier remarks as personal, you needn't post them to the suggestion page (unless you just want to.)
So far, I've promoted your page to 3 colleagues. I copied your bio page and passed it out -- handy since it has the web address at the top of the page!
You know, if all of us who think we are "just one person" could find our way to your site we would discover that, as a group, we are a powerful force with the potential to effect at least some of the changes we advocate. Kind of like the Perot-ites.
We have been so conditioned to not get involved, not court trouble, etc. It's like herding cats to get people who think critically and independently on these issues to do more than just talk, and I should know -- I'm one of the first cats in the pack! I think it's partly that academic training teaches you to observe life rather than to take part in it. I find it difficult to DO life, much easier to STUDY it. Less messy. I think most of my friends are the same.
One of the primary motifs of science fiction writing is "if this goes on..." I find myself looking at the world, and especially this country, within that framework: if we keep insisting that there is only one "true family" type... that the way to respond to people we don't like is to kill them...that teenage pregnancy is a "black" or "welfare" problem...that economic gains will "trickle down" from those who only want it to those who really need it...And that's only (some of) my personal worries.
It MAY be that what we need is a leader. But I, and probably a lot of others out there are so wary of Leaders we're not likely to follow. After all, Hitler was a Leader, Stalin was a Leader, Reagan was a Leader; obviously you can't trust those types! I once heard a joke to the effect that any man (sic) smart enough to run this country would be too smart to take the job. Ouch!
I babble. And that brings me to my final remark -- this all ties in quite neatly with my current reading: Babel Tower by A.S.Byatt which is about Leaders, censorship, relationships, etc. My description does nothing for the book, which is thought-provoking (frightening for some people but necessary, I think) and complicated. I wish someone besides me would read it -- I never have anyone to talk books with!
Bye!
Janet1 - August 27, 1996
As you probably noticed, I went ahead and printed your first message. I don't want people to believe that I am being selective in the messages I chose to publish. I will publish anything I receive regarding REBUILDING SOCIETY so long as it does not contain the identification of the author. I want people to feel free to say whatever they wish, and anonymity is the best way to assure that.
I don't care if people make negative comments about this site or even about me personally...there has to be a place for these people in an ideal society...noone can be excluded. But if someone wishes to "slap me" or anyone else who shows a willingness to contribute, they have to be willing to be "slapped back."
I believe that many people, myself included, feel the same way about Leaders as you do. As I had noted in other places, any significant changes are going to have to come from the grass-roots since nothing beyond that level can be trusted. One of the greatest attributes of a democracy is that it allows for the masses to rule themselves without leaders. I believe the founders of the US implemented this concept well, but I believe it can be improved on to remove the vestiges of aristocracy they introduced or left intact. I can't help but believe that once a large number of citizens agree that the scheme we develop here would be ideal, that change will follow.
The next time I'm at the bookstore, I'll check to see if I can find your book. Thanks for your input.
Kenneth