I haven’t read Ms. Cahill for Congress, but Pat Holt has made me want to. Talk about how a teacher can impact students, change lives, make a difference… good for Tierney Cahill.
As well as selling me totally on the book, Pat raises an interesting point about “one story only” media coverage these days. I’m not sure I agree that this is the key driver of the many media failures we’re seeing. But it ties in for me to a larger notion that every “traditional medium” (publishing, newspapers, print magazines, television, Hollywood, yadda yadda) is in the throes of identity crisis. And although I believe in the power of the intarweb to tell complex and multi-layered stories, it’s still in its adolescence in terms of bringing focused attention to ideas, stories, cultural trends, etc. and in terms of providing access to cultural and political power (although the Obama communications team is at least making a start). Those who provide such content online are still learning how to do it best. And those who use it — we, the readers — are learning that focus isn’t just measured in MTV sound bytes and one-column articles.
We’re all, I hope, in the process of learning how to focus differently, how to decide when deeper attention is warranted. I think we have to, because otherwise stories like Cahill’s get lost. That’s a shame, and I hope that gap closes soon. I’m sure that when it does, it will be because the internet — and its readers — grew up a little.
Wouldn’t you know that it’s an already over-worked teacher who decides to teach democracy by running for congress?Many teachers were my mentors, and they were the first intellectuals I respected outside my own home. Shame on the state democratic party for not getting it and for not helping. And shame on the media for not picking up on great story.
Besides the one story meme there is also the attitude that always greets the idealist. Think of Obama’s response to the question about changing Marijuana Laws. The indulgent smile. And of course, looming in the background, the conservative minions, the Rush Limbags, the scared parents (who apparently never inhaled and survived the experience).
Barbara, I think Cahill is one of those people for whom the saying If you want something done, ask a busy person was invented. I had good teachers, but none like her. Must be awesome.
rhbee, I know exactly what you mean. Although I do have sympathy for Obama in this regard — if I had the world economy, the US financial meltdown, the massive job losses, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan and general Republican obstructive stupidity on my plate right now, I’d be a little world-weary if someone wanted to talk about legalizing marijuana. People need to learn to pick their moments.
The point for me is that this is the moment. It is whyI voted for him. To get rid of the fear. To end the war on just about everything by saying “Let’s Change.”
I taught for 25 years under the same kind of gun that Ms. Cahill faced. It turned something I love, learning, into something I couldn’t bear to think about anymore. All because the people who knew better wouldn’t come out. I know it’s fearful but whatever the hell kind of closet “they” try to keep you in it isn’t half as bad as the one in which you keep yourself. Against war, say so. Against racism/sexism/inequality say so. In favor of giving everyone a fair chance to learn, say so. The war on drugs has devasted lives just so the religious/pious side of human nature can have its day. Now is the time to change that by using the economics of our world as the force behind the change. Laugh at Cahill. Laugh at those people who use drugs sensibly all of their adult lives and still can’t prove to the small-minded that something about this prohibition is just wrong. Smile indulgently one more time while I vomit.
Anyone watch last weeks edition of Doll House? Psychotropic drugs, contact highs, extreme psychosis and yet, the strong mind of the scientist is still in control undamaged and useful in figuring out what to do.
The paranoia over drugs goes on because we let it exist the same we let the rape of prisoners in our jails go on because that’s just the way it is. But it isn’t. Drug users aren’t weak-minded losers. And letting coincidental rape be added to prison sentences isn’t a joke. We are. By being afraid to face the possibilty that this change in the drug laws is necessary. This is just another symptom of all the things we will have to change in this new and bankrupt world.
Everyday, I see by the news that the real war is now in front of us.
I agree with you that the so-called war on drugs is stupid and destructive. And I agree that no one should smile indulgently and push aside anyone’s very real concerns. And I also believe that rightly or wrongly, even progressive/humanist/change-oriented human beings only have a certain amount of bandwidth. That’s why social changes are sequential, not concurrent.
No challenge intended to your concerns. I’m just trying to articulate my perspective. I think anything that touches on human dignity is important, and there are so many of those challenges to be addressed… so many priorities and needs to balance.
I’ve been thinking a lot about leadership lately. You’ve given me more to think about, and I appreciate your taking the time to talk about it.
Sorry, Kel, didn’t mean to get so emo about it but . . . it must have been percolating in there just waiting for the right stimulus package.
Emo always welcome here (smile). The only conversation I have a problem with is the name-calling kind, which is certainly not your style. And I really mean it about appreciating your sharing your perspective. I always learn something when people are willing to speak both passionately and thoughtfully.