A threat to the status quo? I think not....

[Mythsaje]

Though I suppose it's possible I may somehow end up on a no-fly list, or find myself under survelliance, I think it's unlikely. I write some scathing critiques of this administration, the Republican Party, the corporate media, and a host of other barn-sized targets.

But I'm rather easily dismissed as any kind of a serious threat. I'm too easy discredited. I write fantasy, for crissakes. Who in their right mind takes a fantasy author seriously with regards to serious political topics?

Okay, I'll admit it. This is a bit tongue-in-cheek. The fact that I write fantasy really has little to do with the credibility of my political commentary. Or so I hope. I know that I've gained something of a following here, as well as out there in the world of sci-fi and fantasy fans.

But am I anything more than a gadfly buzzing around the heads of those I criticize? Unlikely. There are some here on DU who don't even take me seriously, so what are the chances that any of the PTBs would?

Do my criticisms of those Dems who bow to corporate interests, who refuse to treat the corporate media with the contempt it deserves, who have enabled this corrupt and, let's face it, EVIL administration to bulldoze them into submission really matter in the end?

The ones who voted for the bankruptcy bill, and didn't ask enough questions before the IWR vote, and let the Patriot Act be shoved down our collective throats. Those who try to triangulate their positions for political gain, with little concern how it will affect the future of our democracy.

I doubt my criticisms, along with those of many of the people here, matter much to those in whom we have placed our trust. I can rage against the idea of forced public service, the continuation of the drug war, and a host of other policies with which I disagree from now until the end of time.

Why is that? Because my opinions are just that--my opinions...they don't reflect any cohesive opposition to these policies, nor do they affect the way anyone else sees these things. Those who agree with me will continue to agree with me on those issues that matter to them, and those who don't...will quite likely not change their minds because of what I have to say about it.

As much as I love DU, I realize that the debates here are about as useless in the end as debates anywhere. No one is likely to change his or her mind based on someone else's arguments in opposition to their beliefs or political stances.

So do I affect anything in the long run? Oh, maybe a little. I can sometimes write something that boosts the morale of someone whose strength is lagging. I might be able to come up with a phrase that someone takes to heart, and uses in debates with others.

But do I in any way actually threaten the status quo?

Not really.

On the other hand, this realization isn't likely to prompt me to stop doing what I do. Because if I can lend a little of my passion to one person whose own passion is waning slightly, I'll be doing a good thing even if it doesn't change the world.

And I'm okay with that.

[timtom]

1. Don't ever doubt

the impact you may have on the total picture. Even if no one responded to this post, for example, many may read it and -- who know?-- the next great Democratic leader may find this to be just the right impetus to spur him or her to that leadership role.

We often have no idea whatever of our influence on others.

[madokie]

2. so true