There is a kindness in defeat which isn’t often seen in
victory. There is a humanity in failure,
charity in the sense of connection when great things are attempted. And also when things are stolen from us, or
people lost.
Putting aside my politics or who I’ll vote for, two images that remain with me from last weeks
Democratic National Convention are the image of Bernie Sanders, and the image
of Mr. Khan, the Muslim father whose son was killed stopping a suicide bomber.
During Hillary Clinton’s acceptance speech there were brief
shots of Bernie Sanders sitting silently, red faced, emotions churning under
the surface; an old man whose moment in the sun was stolen from him, watching
his life and destiny come to a close. Instead of protesting, his allows these things
to slip by in service to a greater purpose.
That is sometimes the measure of a man. If he were a character in a story, he would be
a memorable character. The image of Mr
Khan, the Muslim father whose soldier son was killed protecting his platoon
from a suicide bomber, a good death, expressing his ferocious grief and pride,
touching our admiration and compassion.
They’re not asking for our charity or sympathy, but their images of strength
inspire in some of us a desire to be that generous and strong ourselves. There is that in the image of strength in the
midst of tragedy that has the power to bring out generosity and strength in us.
Hey Garce,
ReplyDeleteDon't you hate the way the media focuses on Bernie's reactions? As if they *wanted* to wallow in his defeat?
Anyway, I don't agree that his "life and destiny have come to a close". And to be honest, I doubt he thinks that way, either.
I've "felt the Bern" for years, listening to him on public radio, his "lunchtime with Bernie" segments, and following his blog. I've often wished he was my representative, since the words he speaks frequently come out of my mouth also, but I'm powerless to do anything about them, whereas he isn't. But the country isn't ready for an avowed socialist, I guess, even though our best government programs, like Social Security and Medicare, are socialist. And I've been saying for years that we need to expand Medicare to everyone, and to hell with the obscene profits the insurance executives make from our illnesses.
ReplyDeleteBut I sure wish it was any other woman other than Hillary. I know she's done great things, but the right wing radio bloviators have spent years excoriating her for every little thing, most of which is not true, or would be laughed off if she was a man. So the "knuckle-dragging mouth-breathers" only think of her as a liar, corporate tool, and "femi-Nazi", because reading anything truthful would never occur to them. To be charitable (theme!)in their defense, they probably work multiple jobs (as I do) to support their families, and they respond in force to anyone promising to "bring jobs back to the US." But they will be disappointed when they discover that their candidate has no intention of following through on any of his campaign promises. He'll get bored with running the show almost instantly, then the career politicians he's surrounded himself with, will have their way with all of us. A very depressing future indeed.
"Idiocracy" is a funny movie. But I never wanted to live in that society for real.
Agreed. Most of Hillary's so-called scandals were only fabrications trumped-up up by the right wing and cleared long ago by special prosecutors, met of them right wing themselves. Hillary Clinton has occupied more top-slate positions than any previous candidate. Trump has held none. His specialty is coming out ahead. Ahead of his contractors, employees and investors. He's not interested in governing. He'll leave that to his appointed lackeys.
DeleteI don't really see that anything was stolen from the man. On the contrary. Bernie stood up and garnered more support than a Socialist could possibly hope for in this country. In my mind, he was successful beyond his and my wildest dreams. Hopefully, his input will influence the Democratic platform for years to come. It was heartening to see how many people responded to an avowed Socialist agenda.
ReplyDeleteIt was a good counter to how many assholes have come out from under a rock to vote for Trump.
I agree. I hope Bernie's presence has had some influence, and if he wants a continued career in politics, maybe he could move north to Canada. :)
ReplyDeleteHowever, Garce, you have made a good point. It's easy to be gracious in victory, but graciousness in defeat is more impressive because it is harder to pull off.
It's really interesting for you to bring out the association of charity and strength. I haven't thought about it that way before.
ReplyDeleteAlso, way to bring together all our recent themes: politics, success, and charity!