Ideologies separate us . . .

"Ideologies separate us. Dreams and anguish bring us together."

-- Eugene Ionesco
1912-1994

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I like the show "Criminal Minds." At the end of every show, the character Gideon states a quote. The quote above was tonight's quote. But I wonder, is a point of no return on the separation thing. ??? Are we so divided that we will not be able to reconcile & unite?

Personally, I don't think anguish will pull us together at this point. If anything tragic were to happen (like Katrina or another 9/11 type event) there will simply be finger pointing & blame throwing. But, is it still possible that with good, decent, solid leadership, someone with integrity could put forth a dream that will pull all Americans together?

Comments?

While I'm feeling generally optimistic these days, I'm also realistic. Basing the potential future on the relatively-recent past, I have to say the answer is no.

It can take centuries to build a civilization, and a day (or a month, or a year) to bring it down. Witness Egypt. Rome. Even Yugoslavia. Definitely Iraq.

Human nature being what it is, well, here we are in 2005, and the U.S. Civil War still isn't over.

It's like a long marriage: All it takes is one affair to blow your trust in your spouse, forever.

We'll be the United States until we collapse from within. But I sincerely doubt we will be the "United" States ever again.

I can cut some slack for their '00 vote, but not for their '04 vote. I have co-workers who voted for him cuz they believe his "I'm a man of God" bs. :wtf: How do you reconcile Christian beliefs with the actions of this man? And my mother voted for him cuz she is totally brainwashed by faux news, O'Lielly & Rush. :cry:

I agree that we will probably never be united again. I feel fortunate that I have lived during the best years of our country, but I am so sad to be witnessing our decline.

My mother, too...I know how you must feel.

On the one hand, I love my mother. She has some very good qualities. On the other hand, not so much. It creates a lot of angst. :(

I've discussed this with friends. A true leader with the background, integrity and intestinal fortitude, I think could make our country great again. Many of the people who currently drink the RW cool-aid are obviously easily swayed. A true leader could give them something "real" and "worthwhile" to get behind. A true leader could fix many of the ills in our country and eventually the world. I thought we had such a person in Al Gore. I thought we had such a person in John Kerry. They each may have been well cast in the role but for Karmic and or other reasons (BBV), they didn't get their chance. I hold out hope that we can get back on track in the direction we were headed when I was 7, the year JFK was assassinated. Is that naive? Maybe but it's a hell of a lot brighter future to envision than the one we are currently saddled with. Thanks CQG, I'll end my day on a positive note...there is always hope!:hi:

But it has a nice, echo effect in the mind.

I watch the show, too, in other words. :)

I've always like Mandy Patankin & the rest of the cast is good too. Reed is one of my faves.

The first episode was very mediocre, but every one since then has been outstanding. The one two weeks ago was Emmy material.

Which one was that?

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The one about the serial arsonist.

That had one of the best dramatic scripts I've ever seen on television. And all the actors, of course, were first rate. It should win an Emmy on every level.

national vengeance directed toward all Muslims after 9/11, putting personal interests over what is best for humanity, and fighting wars & killing for imaginary gods and a nonexistent afterlife.

Ideas built on facts are what bring people together! :grouphug: