Homer wrote:I recently read an article by David Brooks written for the New York Times. Brooks is a Republican and a Christian, I believe.
A comment from the article:
America is seeing nearly as much cultural conflict as it did in the late 1960s. It’s quite possible that after four years of this Trump will have effectively destroyed the prevailing culture. The reign of the meritocratic establishment will be just as over as the reign of the Protestant establishment now is.
Of course Donald Trump is a buffoon. Buffoonery is his most effective weapon. Because of him, a new culture will have to be built, new values promulgated and a new social fabric will have to be woven, one that brings the different planets back into relation with one another.
That’s the work of the next 20 years.
Hopefully you can google
The Abbie Hoffman of the Right: Donald Trump and read the article. It gives me hope that Trump, if he accomplishes nothing else, will set the stage for a more Christian culture to arise from the mess we have been in since the 60s generation.
Hi Homer,
American "culture", on a macro scale, can only be universally understood and adopted through its magnificent idea we call The U.S. Constitution. As we all know, we have the ability to amend the country's most prized intellectual achievement; however, collectively, we can only defend or provide clarity to this ongoing idea. So then, can our culture be changed? No, not at its foundation.
Homer, I believe "the culture" most people are referring to are the myriad of "micro cultural" behaviors at odds with their own. These might consists of religious beliefs, ethnic social groups, and reverence to long standing traditions. I contend that these and other micro "cultures" are in a constant ebb and flow. But, when micro cultures attempt to challenge or dissolve the supreme law (or dare I say culture) of the land, for example, free speech--a righteous eruption occurs to either litigate or shame the behavior into submission.
Mr. Brooks is not hitting the target because of his hatred towards Trump. True, Trump is sometimes crass; but, all Trump has ever done is challenge micro cultures that are either at odds with his very own or seek to undermine the U.S. Constitution. Mr. Brooks' article is nothing more than a depiction of inherent peaks and valleys within our system of governance to debate and confront opposing views lawfully, and yes, unfortunately, sometimes violently. These micro cultures are not what unites us; the parent culture, which is the Constitution, is and should be the glue that binds us as one. Although we must tolerate each others (law abiding) micro cultures, one should not be imposed upon another.
Mr. Brooks can't see the forest for the trees:
Because of him, a new culture will have to be built, new values promulgated and a new social fabric will have to be woven, one that brings the different planets back into relation with one another.
That’s the work of the next 20 years.
The only culture that matters is the supreme law of the land. This is what unites our free and open society comprised of all peoples of the world. So, what part of the Constitution needs rebuilding? What's wrong with our current constitutional values? We don't need a new culture, there is nothing wrong with the time honored culture that should unite all Americans (The Constitution). Mr. Brooks is advocating yet another imposed pet micro culture on the masses. This is exactly the problem. People are tired of having this multi-cultural nonsense shoved down their throat. I think Mr. Brooks is suffering from Trump Derangement Syndrome.
Blessings.