LINES OF THE DAY

". . . But the past does not exist independently from the present. Indeed, the past is only past because there is a present, just as I can point to something over there only because I am here. But nothing is inherently over there or here. In that sense, the past has no content. The past -- or more accurately, pastness -- is a position. Thus, in no way can we identify the past as past." p. 15

". . . But we may want to keep in mind that deeds and words are not as distinguishable as often we presume. History does not belong only to its narrators, professional or amateur. While some of us debate what history is or was, others take it into their own hands." p. 153

Silencing the Past: Power and the Production of History (1995) by Michel-Rolph Trouillot

Saturday, November 22, 2008

change.gov mailings from John Podesta

I'm getting them regularly, now that they've revamped the change.gov site.

I think I got on the list because I responded at length and detail on the first version of the site on the Submit Your Ideas and Issues button from the Agenda menu. Then they took all of that away.

Now things are back, though in a different format.

Podesta sends me these things and then I go and tell them what I think, as they request.
Doubtless, this is a placebo and provides illusion of input only.

Though with all the disappointments including queeny hillary as sec of state, Obama's video speech today about his determination to implement as soon as possible a public works and infrastructure program is something I'm really in favor of.

As long as they don't muck it up as with Lyndon Johnson's public works - superhighways programs which essentially destroyed the inner cities, and entire communites as in New Orleans. That's what I told 'em. I'm sure they'll listen!

3 comments:

K. said...

I requested that a stimulus package include funds for rebuilding New Orleans in a way that solicits community input and protects the environment. It was an exceptionally and thoughtful submission, and I'm certain that it will turn the tide.

Frank Partisan said...

I'm for a crash program of building affordable housing, roads, schools and hospitals.

Foxessa said...

Ren -- Absolutely affordable housing! Which is also environmentally sound. It seems to me that infrastructure and public works cannot be divorced from cushioning the environment to some degree from all the terrible stresses on it from this enormous global population. Public transportation put in place as part of the distribution grid for alternative energies, for instance.

K -- You bet you turned the tide! Ha!

Love, C.