When I lived in S. Africa, in 1964, the year I got married, I moved to Johannesburg, but was still registered as a voter in Germiston, where I grew up. There were elections that year, and one of the Nationalist party (the Pro-Apartheid party) was standing against the Liberal in my city. I thought "what does one vote count?" But I drove back to my old city to vote anyway. The Liberals (anti-Apartheid) won, by one vote!
Excellent essay. I wish I could act, but I’m frozen right now. I will vote, but I fear that even the most persuasive arguments for democracy will fall on deaf years. The chaos is more energizing, especially for the media
It's a dispiriting time. It's hard to know what to do now because there's no candidate to rally around. I get distracted by directing my anger at Biden for making everything so much more difficult. It feels like a holding pattern.
Susie, your response to Mary Kate, assuming the motive of the shooter in Pennsylvania last week has to do with his not being heard or dissenting. I don’t believe that we know what this young man’s purpose was or if he had anything to say.
About my last sentence, it has to do with the fact that if our freedom steps on another’s freedom, that is not protected by the first amendment. An example of misunderstanding of what the first amendment protects is people saying that they didn’t need to wear a mask, that they were free to do whatever they wanted, whether or not it was dangerous to other people let alone themselves.
I don’t think that people are free to do
“whatever they want .” The limits to that freedom are in relation to others. Another related example is that I don’t believe that someone is free to drive 100 miles an hour, especially in a 30 mile zone. why? because it endangers other people. In a community people individuals cannot just do what they want. Verbal descent, which we value is limited I believe by threatening other people.
I appreciate your explaining your position about the limits of dissent. Sometimes this is difficult to parse. In the case of the campus protests, I believe there were people who said things that were threatening, but the police were called in the blink of an eye which shut down the entire avenue of expression for all of the protesters. How can this be the way free speech is engaged at a university?
You're so welcome, Mary Kate. The shooting in Pennsylvania really clarified this for me. People are pushed to extremes by the lack of opportunities for expressing dissenting opinions that get listened to.
'Robust dissent'. Two beautiful words, Susie Kaufman. Your words resonate as do your memories. I've been following the work and words of younger activists Jessica Craven, Jess Piper and Kate Morgan Reade on Substack. Their voices and others like them will carry us into the future. I am hopeful.
I visualize this writing of yours with the Statue of Liberty as a visual. I am in total agreement with you except for some campus’ dissent which included violent threats, defacing of property, and anti-Semitic rhetoric. First amendment rights don’t include preventing others from having their rights.
I replied above to your original message which I think did not include the last sentence. I'm very gratified by the opportunity for this back and forth with you. Would you like to expand on the last sentence?
I understand your concerns. Our discussions are an example of dissent at its best. We listen to one another!
When I lived in S. Africa, in 1964, the year I got married, I moved to Johannesburg, but was still registered as a voter in Germiston, where I grew up. There were elections that year, and one of the Nationalist party (the Pro-Apartheid party) was standing against the Liberal in my city. I thought "what does one vote count?" But I drove back to my old city to vote anyway. The Liberals (anti-Apartheid) won, by one vote!
What a great story! Gives me hope which I really need today.
That it does. I’m still annoyed that RBG refused to retire when Obama was Prez.
As with everything, we’ll see…
Tainted an otherwise exemplary career.
Excellent essay. I wish I could act, but I’m frozen right now. I will vote, but I fear that even the most persuasive arguments for democracy will fall on deaf years. The chaos is more energizing, especially for the media
It's a dispiriting time. It's hard to know what to do now because there's no candidate to rally around. I get distracted by directing my anger at Biden for making everything so much more difficult. It feels like a holding pattern.
Susie, your response to Mary Kate, assuming the motive of the shooter in Pennsylvania last week has to do with his not being heard or dissenting. I don’t believe that we know what this young man’s purpose was or if he had anything to say.
About my last sentence, it has to do with the fact that if our freedom steps on another’s freedom, that is not protected by the first amendment. An example of misunderstanding of what the first amendment protects is people saying that they didn’t need to wear a mask, that they were free to do whatever they wanted, whether or not it was dangerous to other people let alone themselves.
I don’t think that people are free to do
“whatever they want .” The limits to that freedom are in relation to others. Another related example is that I don’t believe that someone is free to drive 100 miles an hour, especially in a 30 mile zone. why? because it endangers other people. In a community people individuals cannot just do what they want. Verbal descent, which we value is limited I believe by threatening other people.
I appreciate your explaining your position about the limits of dissent. Sometimes this is difficult to parse. In the case of the campus protests, I believe there were people who said things that were threatening, but the police were called in the blink of an eye which shut down the entire avenue of expression for all of the protesters. How can this be the way free speech is engaged at a university?
Perfectly put. The garbage rises higher; the toxins proliferate without the cleansing effects of air and sunshine.
Thank you, Jan. It's becoming increasingly difficult to get a deep breath.
You’re one vocal step ahead of me but we’re dancing to the same music. Thanks for your heartache, your clarity, your voice.
You're so welcome, Mary Kate. The shooting in Pennsylvania really clarified this for me. People are pushed to extremes by the lack of opportunities for expressing dissenting opinions that get listened to.
'Robust dissent'. Two beautiful words, Susie Kaufman. Your words resonate as do your memories. I've been following the work and words of younger activists Jessica Craven, Jess Piper and Kate Morgan Reade on Substack. Their voices and others like them will carry us into the future. I am hopeful.
Thank you so much for recommending fresh voices. I'll check them out!
I visualize this writing of yours with the Statue of Liberty as a visual. I am in total agreement with you except for some campus’ dissent which included violent threats, defacing of property, and anti-Semitic rhetoric. First amendment rights don’t include preventing others from having their rights.
I replied above to your original message which I think did not include the last sentence. I'm very gratified by the opportunity for this back and forth with you. Would you like to expand on the last sentence?
Here in Canada we feel like a tsunami is coming to pull us under. Thanks for your voice.
The support of Canadian friends is most welcome.