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Above in this comment thread:
The Obama Phenomenon
Demonizing the Other
Posted by
mrubenstein
at
March 13, 2008 05:31
I agree with Michael Lerner’s statements about how important it is not to "demonize" the Other .In fact, I think the manner of our being towards others will be the most important element for healing our nation. And while I respect your statement that you (Tikkun?) do (does) not support any particular candidate, isn't it imperative that the next President actually “gets it”? That the next President is capable from his or her very core to genuinely display behavior that doesn't demonize the Other?
In his recent book The New American Story, Bill Bradley describes a weekend retreat back in 1993 where President & Mrs. Clinton explained to Democratic senators how they would get their new health care reform legislation passed. One senator asked what their strategy would be if the legislation hadn’t passed by the July 4 recess. “You don’t understand,” Mrs. Clinton relied. “We will demonize those who are blocking this legislation, and it will pass.”
Yes, you are right that the Obama phenomenon is about us, not about Obama. But someone will be the next President, and shouldn’t that person be authentic to the phenomenon?
In his recent book The New American Story, Bill Bradley describes a weekend retreat back in 1993 where President & Mrs. Clinton explained to Democratic senators how they would get their new health care reform legislation passed. One senator asked what their strategy would be if the legislation hadn’t passed by the July 4 recess. “You don’t understand,” Mrs. Clinton relied. “We will demonize those who are blocking this legislation, and it will pass.”
Yes, you are right that the Obama phenomenon is about us, not about Obama. But someone will be the next President, and shouldn’t that person be authentic to the phenomenon?
Support Obama
Posted by
Anonymous User
at
March 18, 2008 12:14
I think there are many parallel interestes in the Obama campaign and Tikkun's mission. I believe in the power of networking despite differences in core values and strategies to overcome violence, ecnomic disparities, and global harmony.
I feel your work could gain momentum if you worked with the Obama campaign to further your mutual interests while respecting your differences and singularities.
Obama needs the support of spiritual progressives like yourself to make this a political reality. It worked with Gandhi, King, Heschel, and others...Its bound to work in your movement. Think about it and give Obama a call.
I feel your work could gain momentum if you worked with the Obama campaign to further your mutual interests while respecting your differences and singularities.
Obama needs the support of spiritual progressives like yourself to make this a political reality. It worked with Gandhi, King, Heschel, and others...Its bound to work in your movement. Think about it and give Obama a call.
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