by “In these days of political, personal, and economic disintegration, music is not a luxury, it’s a necessity; not simply because it is therapeutic, nor because it is the universal language, but because it is the persistent focus of our intelligence, aspiration, and goodwill.” -Robert Shaw
Last night was our first holiday concert performance, (the Choral Society of Grace Church) and this afternoon is our second and last. SOB. But we start up again in January.
We’re pretty much sold out, but they always hold aside a few tickets to sell at the door. If you’re in the city and looking for something to do, the concert is at 3pm, Grace Church, 10th Street and Broadway (but get there early if you want to get a ticket and a decent seat).
I took this on the way back from choir practice.
I’ve been thinking a lot about the divided opinion on Trump. There are people who still claim to like him, and even if they don’t really like him, they claim that he is good for America.
But whenever I look at commentary on Trump, the negative commentary is so mixed up with how hideous he is as an amoral person (“when you’re famous, you can do anything, you can grab ‘em by the p–”) that how good or bad he is for America (or the world) gets lost in the shouting.
I don’t think people can have a civil discourse on the merits of Trump as president unless they can only deal with the facts of how America is affected. And by that I also mean, we have to leave out the fostering of a dangerous environment for the people who Trump supporters tend to hate, like gays and black people etc. That is for the moment peripheral to the direct impact on America that his policies are having. Such as the tax legislation recently forced through the Senate.
Do you agree? And if so, how and where can this discourse be had? Who will believe the arguments put forward if there is general distrust of “the other side”? Can there be a value neutral environment to discuss this sort of thing?
These are things I wonder about on my walks.
I’m afraid I can’t agree. I believe it’s connected really. I wonder if I should write a book about this. It’s just that there are so many.
I’ve tried many times to have a neutral conversation, and I have yet to find a conservative who was willing to have a civilized conversation. Which is not to say they don’t exist. This is a comment on the people I’ve already made a attempt with. (Something is wrong with that sentence!)
If you did write a book on it, I know the writing would be better than other books like it and it would be well researched! Yes, I wonder if there is a solution. It’s sad. It makes me want to wail, “why can’t we all just get along!?” But you’re right. We also have to be able to talk about the bigotry and hate. I think it comes from fear and people do NOT like to admit they are afraid, or how afraid they are, or if they are afraid of irrational things. So they turn the irrational into the rational and then it’s worse for the brunt of their fear/anger. (I think I’m onto something … )
You’re so nice, thank you.
I wish I knew what it was all about. I fear so many things, but I don’t try to eradicate what I fear!