April 8, 2011

Continuations of an Uncivil War -- in Congress


The Civil War started on April 12, 1861 so this year marks the sesquisentennial--150 years.  The war ended April 9, 1865 at Appomattox Courthouse.  We see this continuation in Lincoln's death a week later on April 14, 1865.

Nearly 150 years after Appomattox, we C-Span groupies watch the uncivil political debates going on about defunding planned parenthood, redefining the crime of rape, attempts to defund any opposition views that may or may not be paid for by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and other acts of political aggression against the poor, the middle class, people of color, people who have progressive views, gays and women.

The Civil War continues.  We just don't have the cool music that Ken Burns' documentary.  Nor, thankfully, do we have the grapeshot and cannon booming in the background.  This particular episode of the war is being waged with money.

In the intervening years, we have learned nothing about the fact that when we raise up our brothers and sisters raise ourselves.  What we have learned, I suspect, is that government requiring us to help one another is always going to be criticized. 

We see this each time the Tea and Repubican parties refuse to pass legislation that would benefit the middle class, the poor, the women in this country, the young soldiers refused medical assistance for PTSD and continue instead to help their cronies in Wall Street and the health care industry.

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