If there were any lingering doubts that Sarah Palin has a personality disorder, she dismissed them today.

In a predictably narcissistic statement, she failed to understand that her words and actions have been irresponsible & inappropriate. The woman who created a map with 'cross-hairs' and refers to politicians on the other side of aisle as 'targets' simply can't understand what all the fuss is about.

She insists those who have unmasked her are the real problem. In her disordered head, she is a victim and those speaking truth are evil.

Oh, Sarah, Sarah, surely your health care plan includes therapy - use it. Please get on the couch and off the airwaves because you're not responsible enough to be trusted with a microphone.

I’ve received email and seen postings on Facebook over the last few days calling for readers ‘not to politicize’  the tragic event in Tucson which leaves several dead and a young woman who has served her country fighting for her life. The communications imply that examination of the root causes only ‘politicize’ and that assigning blame only ‘trivializes the tragedy’. They suggest that analysis or critique of the rhetoric or behaviors of public figures or the climate created are simply ‘blame games’.

I disagree with this approach in the strongest terms. We do indeed need to have conversation, analysis and critique of how political and social issues are framed and discussed in this country. That certainly has to include looking at ourselves and at the root causes of problems. It must include an honest assessment of the words and behaviors of those that lead the public discourse.

Our collective denial and lack of self reflection has enabled bad actors among us to divide, deceive and demonize. This recent tragedy is another ‘wake-up call’ and I’ll not advocate hitting the snooze button yet again. We’ve squandered more than one opportunity to look at ourselves and what we’re aligning with. How many lives will it take before we begin to acknowledge that we are dysfunctional? How many lives have to be sacrificed before we require responsibility and accountability from our public figures and policy makers regardless of the party they represent? When lives are at stake, we can’t look the other way rather than face unpleasant truths; we can’t look the other way because they represent our ‘team’. But we have been doing just that.  This behavior is analogous to a family that doesn’t talk about the alcoholic member. When the alcoholic runs over someone with their car, the family responds by saying “this isn’t the time to play a blame game”. They collude in denial, don’t take away the car keys or demand corrective action. Instead they refuse to look at the cause, they ‘hush it up’ and hope the ordeal will go away quickly and quietly. Their pride is too tied up with the public face of the family to do what is right.  And this is where we are as a country: so divided by political lines that we can no longer see what is clearly right to do for society or for the nation. It’s more important to protect the party name, to protect whatever position we’ve adopted than to admit there might be flaws. This is dysfunction.

It is not a trivial matter to require our public representatives, pundits, etc., to show decency, respect and responsibility. If they can’t be responsible when choosing their words, then they shouldn’t be in the public arena. This is a most appropriate time to discuss responsibility and accountability. It’s one thing to frame someone as your political opponent (opposing strategies and views) and quite another to frame him as an ‘enemy’ (of the party, of the state, of democracy, etc.). When those in the public knowingly, deliberately choose rhetoric and symbolism that clearly suggests violence, they should be held accountable. I’m not least bit concerned at this moment for their ‘comfort’.  Not all of us will quietly shove it under the rug in a false pretence of politeness or ‘civility’.  No, if someone chooses to be a public figure, they own responsibility for their behavior and for the outcome of their words and actions. If you’re a teacher, a preacher, a politician, a pundit, or celebrity, you’re going to be held responsible for the words that come out of your mouth. On your head be it. You are well aware what the symbols you’re using mean; you understand the connotation. You are choosing your words and symbols deliberately. You are choosing deliberately to perpetuate a climate of fear and anger at a time when nearly 40% of our population has a prescription for an anti-depressant. You choose deliberately to use terms provoking, in fact advocating, violence in a society where weapons and ammo are easily available in Walmart. You intend to be provocative; you know what you’re doing, but are too immature to accept the responsibility.  Just as the alcoholic knows what is likely to happen when he gets behind the wheel after drinking his 3rd pint. It’s just a matter of time. He knows it and so do you.

And to those who are too full of pride and co-dependence to call ‘foul’ , you are also guilty. Yes, you are to blame for not leveling blame. There’s nothing trivial about this bad behavior and how it’s rotting the country. You enable the disease by calling for a moratorium on discussion, for pretending and preferring ‘politeness’  or sensitivity rather than demanding an examination of root causes and demanding corrective measures and accountability. 

So let’s all grow up. Let’s look at the problem coldly and clearly. Hate speak is not to be tolerated – from anyone. Advocating violence is not acceptable. These behaviors have negative - recently fatal - consequences that tear apart our social fabric as well individual lives. This rhetoric has no place in a democratic, civil society. A democratic society values difference of opinion and the exchange of ideas. It exalts the ability to freely express without fear of reprisal from government or from neighbors. Our nation was built on the exchange of ideas and the freedom to do so. We cannot allow a handful of self-serving individuals to destroy what we are. We are Americans. We value the diversity in our country because we know that it is our strength. We are respectful of one another, we are civil. And if we are not acting in accordance with what we are by denouncing behaviors contrary to what we are, then we are not patriotic, we are not democratic. We are enablers.  We’re scared and small.

It’s time to grow up and shed light on the problem, on who is causing it and how we encourage it to continue. Each time you don’t call the radio station and tell the manager that hate speech is not acceptable and you won’t tune in again until it stops, you’re responsible. You’re enabling. You’re part of the problem. If you continue to support an organization or institution (church, temple, private club, political party) that doesn’t extend equal rights and respect to people of all colors, faiths, sexual orientation, and nations, then you are part of the problem.  Organizations only function because we join and support them. They will not change until we grow up and take responsibility for fairness, justice, and decency and demand they do as well. If you’re a member of congress and you don’t denounce the hateful, bigoted, and violent speech of your colleagues, you’re part of the problem. If you’re a corporation buying advertising and you don’t withhold your advertising dollars because you make a nice buck off hate rhetoric, then you’re part of the problem. If you’re listening to or supporting the purveyors of hate and violence while professing to be sorry for the tragedies that inevitably would occur, you’re more than just a hypocrite, you’re an enabler of the hate, violence and social injustice. You’re part of the problem. In fact, you’re the largest part of the problem.

We each have to decide not only what we stand for but what we indeed are. As mature and responsible adults, we can’t make excuses for the guilty and refuse to address the problem. We can’t say it’s too bad about the accident and continue to leave the car keys within reach. You have to decide. Are you an enabler; part of the small scared family providing refuge to the guilty and creating the opportunity for more lives to be lost? Stuck in denial about where this is coming from and refusing to see? Or are you going to wake up and tell Sarah Palin, Rush Limbaugh, Ann Coulter, Michelle Bachmann, Sharon Angle and anyone else spewing venom that mature, responsible, respectful people don’t behave as they have been behaving? Functioning members of a civil society do not behave as they do. Do you have enough courage to call your own ‘family’ dysfunctional and do you have the courage to set it right?  Are you going to continue to sleep or will you wake up? Our future depends on your answer.

I think it's a good idea to begin the year with some reflection. It leads us to repeat the things we've done well; that have served us and others. The postings this month will focus on the things that make us human: reflection, interaction, creation, and humor. 

The following is a slightly edited version of an email I sent to my women friends before year's end. I hope you enjoy it and that it encourages you to make a lighthearted list of your own. Your discoveries may surprise you: 

My Discoveries and Fab Finds                                                                                                      The end of the year is a time for reflection and I'm sharing my list of reflections/discoveries/realizations with you. Feel free to reply in kind and play with me.

1)  Starting with the most important category (food, of course) I've discovered that Calvados olives are great in any salad; spinach with nutmeg a la Jamie Oliver gives me a reason to use my favorite spice in the spring and summer; Curry Simple packages are just what they say and yummy (thanks Jane) and The Grange restaurant in Chicago doesn't make a bad dish.

2)   I've realized that I'm not afraid of birthdays, I just hope I have enough of them left to do everything I plan to do. Which brings me to wine - whatever time is left, there's not any to spare on mediocre vintages. The latest delightfully delicious discovery (thanks Bob) is the Rodney Strong Cabernet. 

3)   I've discovered it's not a good idea to let the avocado pit fall into the disposal.

4)  I discovered the mountains in Yellowstone are high and there are no guardrails; Elk are large; The Met still inspires awe; Toronto gets damned cold even in spring; Koalas are very soft and Sydney is one of the best cities on the planet.

5)   I've discovered it's better to re-gift than be stuck with a dip chiller.

6)   I've discovered I have the same measurements I had in my 20's. Just in different places. 

7)   Music: I've discovered The Fab Four - all over again. Particularly John Lennon (thanks to the 'Looking Through a Glass Onion' tour and John Waters). Books: Peter Carey (Parrot and Olivier in America) and Steven Johnson (The Invention of Air - turned on to it by Jay, thanks)

8)   I've realized it's not selfish to take the chocolate truffles out of the Harry & David holiday tower before your friends come over.

9)  I've discovered no matter how tired I am at or of work, I have plenty of energy to go dancing.

10) I've discovered that taking gummy vitamins for adults, ignoring TV, laughing and playing with friends and making regular massage and/or reflexology a maintenance priority is less expensive, time consuming and stressful than being poked, prodded and tested.

11) I've discovered nothing takes the place of friends.

                                                Happy New Year All!

2010 The Year We Lost Democracy

Bookended by the Citizens United court decision in January and the call for the arrest of Julian Assange and the assault on net neutrality this December, 2010 will certainly be remembered as the year of corporate triumph over the will, rights and voice of the people.

In slow but steady increments our rights, freedom and power have been usurped and we’ve been willingly and not always unwittingly complicit in the takeover. The lack of outrage regarding the Citizens United decision which removes campaign contribution limits and required disclosure is evidence of our complete control and/or ignorance. The ruling, in essence, recognizes corporations as ‘persons’ and effectively neutralizes the individual vote. It is worth repeating here what I wrote during a boycott campaign in August:  Corporations are not persons. They do not have the same rights or the same interests as I. When corporations - concerned only with profit and not the welfare of the people or the state - are allowed to 'buy' government, we've lost democracy and entered into fascism, which by definition aims to structure a state and the government of the state according to a corporate worldview. When our voices are silenced, democracy ceases to exist. What emerges is an ultra-nationalism where it is verboten to question or criticize the state (corporate power), to argue for justice, or to show compassion for a minority group. Our lack of response and resistance to the court decision and to other behaviors by organizations and corporations to appropriate our freedoms and rights has assisted if not assured the success of corporate statehood.

Why are we so willing to assist in our own demise? We’ve fallen for the corporate magic trick.

All tricks work like this:
1)      Control the circumstances – limit and control the audience view
2)      Distract their attention
3)      Create the illusion

What an audience sees and hears is selective and framed in a particular manner.  Censorship is not required when you have the ability to control the stage.  The limitation of what or who appears or the discrediting of dissenting participants is all that is required for success in the set up. Corporate controlled media outlets determine who appears, what stories will run and also how the story will be framed. For example, recently the watchdog group Media Matters uncovered directions from Fox News Washington managing editor Bill Sammon: “refrain from asserting that the planet has warmed (or cooled) in any given period without IMMEDIATELY pointing out that such theories are based upon data that critics have called into question.” According to Ben Dimiero: “ The directive, sent by Fox News Washington managing editor Bill Sammon, was issued less than 15 minutes after Fox correspondent Wendell Goler accurately reported on-air that the United Nations' World MeteorologicalOrganization announced that 2000-2009 was "on track to be the warmest [decade] on record."  Sammon also ordered journalists to use the term ‘government option’ and not ‘public option’ during the healthcare debate in order to sway public option against reform. (See FoxLeaks  12.15.2010 by Ben Dimiero found at http://able2know.org/topic/165370-1 ).  That’s controlling the stage.

If you want ClearChannel to broadcast your concerts or you want the radio stations to play your songs, you’d better tow the corporate state line or you’ll find yourself banned from the airwaves like the Dixie Chicks were.  If you’re an academic or a politician with a conscience you’ll be marginalized like the late Howard Zinn, Noam Chomsky or Dennis Kucinich.  A large segment of our population never heard of Walter Cronkite or Edward R. Murrow let alone the kind of journalism they represented. Increasingly rare today are journalists of conscience - like Jeremy Scahill who exposed Blackwater - published.  Most ‘journalists’ are complicit in the sidelining.  When Walter Cronkite joined with Dennis Kucinich in calling for the establishment of a Department of Peace he was consigned (with Kucinich) to the category of crackpots by reporters and pundits. Sure, we’re at war, but corporate media outlets don’t want you to consider an alternative, to hear the protest songs or read books exposing corporate profiteering. They don’t want us to see the body bags coming home. And we haven’t seen them and reporters ignore them. And we are still not outraged.

The neutrality of the internet is in jeopardy. What does this mean? It means the content available to us on-line will soon be seriously controlled and compromised.  It was easy to see this one coming. The internet is perhaps the last free source available to us. It must come under control for the trick to work completely. The stage cannot be a free and open space.

Distraction is critical and easy. We are the most easily distracted society on the planet. Almost any bright shiny object will do; nearly any manufactured drama. While we’re shopping or paying attention to Bristol Palin’s unbending knees and lack of rhythm, the humiliations on some island or the backstabbing in a make-believe boardroom the realities that should capture our attention and conjure our emotions go completely unnoticed. (How many people do you know know about Citizens United – one of the most important court decisions in our lifetime directly impacting all of our lives? I rest my case.)

This is not to say that we shouldn’t have some relief from work and some fun in our lives. In fact, we don’t play enough. But play is not the same as being distracted from unfolding events. When there is too much distraction too much of the time, we’re at risk of being fooled. When there’s too much distraction the line between reality and fantasy is blurred. We forget that people, the planet and justice are dying and start to believe we will be next to live the fabricated Beverly Hills lifestyle. Distracting fantasies are packaged for us by the corporate state. While we look the other way our voices and rights are stolen. Many of our freedoms have already slipped away, as if by sleight of hand, to the delight of those that seek power above all else. Not power as a force for justice, good and the American Way (so called) or safety, but power and privilege for an elite few only.  The voices heard now are corporate voices, concerned only with profit at any cost. That’s not democracy.

Can you imagine a call for the arrest of Bob Woodward or Carl Bernstein and shutting down the Washington Post in the days of Watergate? Yet the calls for Julian Assange’s head and to shut down WikiLeaks is heard loud and clear from both sides of the political aisle.  Is it not the responsibility of a free press to inform the public? Isn’t it important that the public know of government manipulation, of intentional corporate malfeasance? The WikiLeaks cables have exposed incidents of corporate wrongdoing and diplomatic blunder: The reasons for going to war were know to be bogus; Pfizer knowingly put children at risk (many are now dead and many more are disabled for life) and the U.S. government helped Pfizer try to cover it up. The U.S. tried to pressure France into accepting Monsanto products – again the government acting on behalf of a corporation. Shouldn’t we know about this? Don’t we have a right to know about these happenings, given that we have a ‘free press’? No not according to the corporate state. Bank of America and other corporate entities quickly closed ranks to insure that transactions to/for WikiLeaks were stopped.  The corporate state knows how deal with whistle blowers and journalists of integrity. But we’re too distracted to pay attention to attempts to shutdown free speech and punish those who behave for the greater good. That’s why Bradley Manning, not tried or convicted of any crime, has been held these many months in solitary confinement. Without sunlight for 23 hours a day and forbidden any exercise he is only under suspicion of having leaked information.  Where are his rights? And still we are not outraged.  We are distracted by shouts of security and patriotism and we acquiesce. We join the call and meekly hand over our rights and freedoms (and even more quickly hand over those of others) as long as we can feel safe.  Take away the power of our individual votes (they have) and some of our freedoms (they have) as long as we can remain part of the act.

There’s a reason for the study of Humanities, so named because they humanize us. The corporate state doesn’t want us to be humane. It is in their interest that we are automatons. We would do well to learn about and espouse free market capitalism, listen and obey clergy without question, and watch endless hours of television (i.e. advertising). All designed to make us want to be like the pretty people we see and buy the things they have which, of course, are manufactured (elsewhere) and sold by the very corporations who determine the TV programming and the classroom curriculum. It’s very, very neat. And we are very compliant. We’ve got shopping to do, celebrities to emulate, TV to watch and Kate Gossling to read about. Or in the ultimate act of denying responsibility and distraction, we ‘give it to God’ to worry about. We then with a clear conscience can forget that corporations with government consent and assistance are raping and pillaging the earth, destroying our future possibilities and denying our right to a voice. We can forget that what’s left of our democracy – the last hope for people living in poverty and injustice all over the world – is dying.  Oh, look! Dara Torres is going to be on Dancing with the Stars!        Distraction is essential.

The Illusion is the aim of all the distraction, deception, misdirection, and mis-information. It is multi-fold and it goes like this:

    It begins with ‘It’s Morning in America’. (Except it isn’t morning here. It wasn’t morning thirty years ago for the poor or Middle America and it still isn’t. But we’ve been too distracted to notice unless we’re one of the families who’ve been foreclosed this year or if our job is now overseas, if our income has remained stagnant for the past decade or longer then perhaps we’re starting to pay attention).  It’s morning in the number one country in the world (Except we’re no longer number 1 in any of the things that matter. Not in manufacturing, not in job creation, not in health care or in longevity, not in education, not in research, not in quality of life, time off, not in free speech or press, not in human rights, not in standing in the world. Statistics and facts from studies from all over the world bear this out. We do, however lead in consumption, incarceration, the highest child poverty rate among developed countries and we have one of the highest levels of income inequality.) It’s morning in the leading country in the world where we have the best of everything. (Only we don’t have the best available to us. Increasingly we learn that our food and drugs are tainted, our regulatory systems are compromised and the imported goods we buy are sub-standard.) It’s morning in the leading country in the world where we have the best of everything in abundance and cheap – no need to sacrifice here. (But it isn’t cheap. The so-called ‘cheapest gas prices’ of the industrialized nations is illusion at the pump. You and I pay the difference through our taxes in the form of subsidies to the gas and oil industry even now, after 7 years of record profit for the industry. Per 2008 figures the subsidy to big Oil was $139 billion. Our annual military spending is larger than the next 5 developed nations combined to the sacrifice of our national infrastructure, education and health. Nothing’s cheap and our sacrifice for this illusion has been very, very expensive.)

It’s still morning in America. We’re the leading country in the world. We have the best of everything in abundance as far as the eye can see and each of us can afford to have it all. (That’s the illusion and we help perpetuate it.)

So what do we do in 2011?  I suggest walking out of the theater. I suggest we admit that we enjoyed the show but now it’s time to grow up and go back to work and to authentic play. Democracy demands participation. Strive to be a bit more informed and more broadly. Limit or refuse to do business with business that aren’t just; make the time to find better alternatives. Speak out and unmask the illusion when you hear it. Speak up and call to attention your friends and neighbors. Call them away from the distractions to speak on behalf of those individuals who can’t speak for themselves or for those issues that deserve attention. For if we don’t, we will be living in a very different country by 2012; the curtain is about to draw.

      “It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society.” Krishnamurti

©Dawn Murphy 2010  The End of Democracy