Where Are the Gandhi's of America?

by Lydia Daffenberg

I recently watched the movie, Gandhi. I've wanted to see it for years, but finally got around to viewing it.

Perplexed and dismayed of our bleak, authoritarian position in the world, especially after the election, I now wonder: where is our Gandhi? Sure, we've had our Thoreau, ourAbbie Hoffman--but where is the leader for this era? The leader whom the two different parties can both follow--nodding their heads in agreement with his/her moral judgment? Where is peace, love and caring in America? And how can it be that, in a democracy--the most popular form of government in the modern world--there is such a great lack of morals?

Furthermore, how can there be an almost non-existent popular vote for a third party? A true democracy? Is that not what we, as Americans, tout? Have we all been hoodwinked? Are we too engrossed in reality TV that we do not see the reality of our own state of being in this world? Can we so easily ignore the hatred of the rest of the world, and its just cause? Who are we that we can wear such big boots? Can we fill them? Are our boots even made here, in America?

Civil Disobedience, take a number and sit and wait, please; amongst hypocritical philosophies halfway thought out. No need to dwell. We are all powerful Americans! Bow.

Is humility a dirty word? Is humanitarianism a long-forgotten ideal? What will it take for us as a nation to see our faults, admit to them, and attempt a change? Are we too embarrassed to admit to our follies? How can we start a grass-roots movement against our own government when half the country has been brainwashed by power and greed--fed by the Almighty Dollar?

When will we be disgraced? When will our dignity speak up saying, "Remember me?" Will it take a civil war to care again? A revolt against our government--a corrupt government?

What is murder if it brings wealth to the nation? Is it then considered necessary or fighting for FREEDOM? Has time changed our view of totalitarianism? Why do people not see the truth in our nation's actions?

We must all be androids who are programmed against humanitarian actions. We must not care about our fellow man. We must all want to have more and more for CHRISTmas every year. Above all, we must keep our dignity and be CORRECT. We must save face. Screw the rest of the world, for we ARE Americans. Our truth is THE truth. Did you even doubt it?