Sunday, May 28, 2017

Who, and What is America in 2017?


PPTS: May 24th, 2017

An "After Show" Reflection

Regardless of where you personally stand on the political/ideological spectrum in our country, even citizens with the most fundamental, basic understanding of democracy in America must surely admit that our country is in nearly complete disarray. 

On the show today, we tried to identify sources, consequences, and actions for those citizens who feel that doing nothing is just not an option. I must say that this show absolutely refuses to accept any action, by any individual or group that is illegal, immoral, unethical, or repugnant to democracy in any form, by any person, at any time.

In "fake news" today, we learn that citizens in California are setting out to drop fecal matter on the Donald Trump Star on the Hollywood Walk of fame (located at 6801 Hollywood Drive in downtown Los Angeles). Surely listeners to this show, and followers of this blog would NEVER resort to such vandalism! But there are those out there....(Our thanks to Bill Mahar for bringing this fayke newz to our attention.)

Go ahead. Experience that moment. I'll wait.


Let me ask you a question. I want to know your reaction to this.

The question I would ask is: "What does this make you feel?"

Don't worry; you don't have to respond to me, but you DO have react to you. 

During the previous week, I did a completely unscientific, voluntary survey of 517 US espondents to this question. (For a data scientist, that represented a fair population for the survey.)

I found, generally three primary responses to the question. In no particular order, they were:

A. This song fills me with pride, love, and joy.

B. This used to be our song, but it's not any more. We've failed its message.

C. Damn right! And we finally are making America Great again!

Can you identify with one of these major responses? Why?

On this show, we talk a lot about America, and being American. But, what does that actually mean? And why is it the responsibility of citizen to do something about it?

Understanding the answers to these two questions is a current day imperative--if you believe in the America we have enjoyed/endured for more than 270 years. 

That is why this show exists. That is why you, as citizen, must act. America is your legacy, your privilege, and YOUR obligation. Democracy in America in 2017 resides in the same place it has always resided: in the heart of citizen. From the few survivors of "The Greatest Generation" to the citizen will cast their first ever vote (or not) in 2017.

I invite you to consider these questions, and your own personal answers as you listen to today's episode, conveniently available on the right side of this page.. Then, let me know what YOU think, and what you will DO about it.

For the entire team,

The Tennessee Progressive




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