I See Masses, but the Opiate?
For the past several months I've been perusing the "Reader's Guide to Periodical Literature" for every year beginning in 1890, writing down every article that pertains to the Washington, D.C. public school system. From reading the headlines, I've learned a bit about the history of the capital city. One thing that barely gets mentioned, however, is the lack of home rule. You know, the whole taxation without representation thing. What I don't get is, given the city's immense problems, why don't we hear a serious cry of injustice on this? Something more than just cutesy liberals and yuppies voicing a bit of discontent?
I'm not suggesting that democracy will solve D.C.'s problems -- just look at the city 45 minutes north, Baltimore -- but it certainly can't hurt. Why don't grassroots organizations actually push for this in a serious way? Why haven't we seen violence, for example, as with other cities/territories seeking home rule? Any thoughts former D.C. residents? Just curious.
I'm not suggesting that democracy will solve D.C.'s problems -- just look at the city 45 minutes north, Baltimore -- but it certainly can't hurt. Why don't grassroots organizations actually push for this in a serious way? Why haven't we seen violence, for example, as with other cities/territories seeking home rule? Any thoughts former D.C. residents? Just curious.
posted by Robot at 11:06 PM
3 Comments:
don't worry, it's coming.
the singularity is near
in actuality, i believe that there is a real disconnect between public and private life, a phenomena that is at the heart of conservatism, as it is conservatives who impose the rules in the first place that lead to this phenomena. they impose rules that are to a large degree different from what is - for example their contention with gay marriage. while it may be a political ploy to harbor such disgust against homosexuals, its end result is nonetheless that is becomes a rule.
these rules, or norms, which demand a different behavior from that which is privately practiced, are what govern the public space, as habermas calls it. when the public space is limited to a few acceptable ideas, change is all but impossible. how i believe certain ideas were de fact outlawed is too much for one to write here.
but it hardly matters what we post on this blog, on the internet, or agree upon in private discussion. the fact of the matter is that the public sphere is by definition supposed to be public. these ideas are supposed to be aired out. they are not supposed to be private. and when private thoughts about government are subdued, there is trouble.
but you ask why there is no trouble. governmental criticism, the problems with government have become something to be expressed privately, for example, for fear of retribution, unpatriotic labeling, or even interference by the law.
Or better yet, a threat to career aspirations.
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