Obamamania

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Obamamania

John Johnson

I don't think this Obamamania that seems to be going on is a good idea. For him or for us. When is the last time that the powers let a popular, progressive leader actually have the real power to led?

Around the world there are extreme wealthy enclaves where the residents do not just sit around playing tennis and counting their stock dividends. They all have 24/7 operations going on to secure that they keep on having their little enclaves.

We are still trying to figure out who killed the Kennedys, Martin Luther King and more recently Benazir Bhutto. If you remember President Pervez Musharraf pulled governmental protection for Bhutto when she, on behalf of Bush and Rice, entered the country and her motorcade was bombed and later in another parade she was assassinate, and the Secret Service pulled protection at a recent rally for Obama in Texas of all places.

Barrack Obama has always kept at least one foot inside the circles of wealth and power, otherwise he wouldn't have gotten as far as he has, but that isn't always enough for those running things.

They put their guy Dick Cheney in the White House to actual direct things, do you think they would have trusted the wackado Bush to keep their interest safe?

What we progressives are oft to say and what this newspaper is all about, is that we cannot put our faith in traditional and veted political leaders. We always have to be building our own communities and movements. We have to vest real power in ourselves.

A problem did occur in the massive demonstrations and political activity before the War in Iraq started and for about the next year when real effects were seen. Dick Cheney said go and most of the entrenched powers, including the media followed along. Those taking the high road did not capitalize on the initial success by doing more creative things or solidify the constituencies. More 4 hour marches weren't and didn't do much.

There have been spurts of activity since then but nothing of lasting value developed. One reason why so many throw themselves into the current political campaigns.

Not as many are reading and pursuing the calendar listing in Change-Links. Where we use to get more walk in volunteers that has slowed. Donations and new subscriptions have slowed. While we all will be at least relieved when (and if) Bush leaves and hope for a more decent administration, the folks that wield the real powers still will and until millions drop the inhibitions and self imposed limitations and join with others to build a strong progressive movement.

Activist, progressives and similar types certainly can feel isolated and weak in seemingly one person crusades against the monoliths. I occasionally do, but that's what is planned for us. The Media, for example, are prime conduits to make us feel that way. As individuals we can be strong but we gain real strengths when we are a part of a vibrant community, where we can express ourselves, our views and not be leery of being ignored. Where are ideas and feelings are valued and built upon by others.