We've always had our share of fanatics. Of course we have to distinguish them, for they go by different names. We call the fanatically faithful Christians facing the lions: martyrs. The fanatically sweating vocalists: rockers. The fanatically Islamic guerrillas: terrorists. Closer to home, the fanatically angry neighbors at public hearings: concerned citizens.
Whatever the label, there is always the wisdom of philosopher George Santayana: "Fanaticism consists in redoubling your efforts when you have forgotten your aim."
The concern of our concerned citizens is almost always about one of three issue, sure to trigger fanaticism: Their taxes, their schools, or their officials. A perfectly fine manifestation of democracy-in-action. Except when, as Santayana warns, their anger loses sight of their aim.
If you've ever attended one of these hearings, you know the feeling. Because it IS a feeling! An emotional rage that takes over whenever you start to feel THEY aren't listening. THEY usually being tax collectors or school superintendents; especially politicians who've just voted Yes to what you damn well knew should have been No.
Now add to the crowd-rage the people the electronic-rage of the TV cameras present. Television crews are here to capture democracy-in-action for the 10 o'clock news, right? Not necessarily. Watch the crews watch the hearing. Their lights don't go when the local college professor presents his sterile stats on the matter -- no pizazz there! They do go on when one of the concerned citizens shouts or acts out their concern -- that's the shot you're looking for!
True, democracy is not something you rehearse. It's something that wells up from the authentic principles and passions of serious citizens free to speak their piece. On the other hand, today it's become show-business-democracy. Heat will always be more photogenic than light. For the 10 o'clock news to sell, it's gotta sizzle...!
This doesn't mean sizzle is wrong. It does mean, lets be sure there's real steak to go with the sizzle.
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Boy is this right!!!!
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