Warren Ellis, author of graphic novels, venting on 2009:
I’m starting to get the sense that 2009 wants to finish me off before it dies of old age. A calendrical unit yelling “I’m taking you with me, you bastard!” from its vanishing final paper bunker marked December, every spent day a room deleted from the structure until 2009 is finally huddled in one small box marked 31 and screaming obscenities in stark terror.
Warren: just stuff a sock in 2009 and get on with 2010.
I am optimistic.
I am not a rosy-eyed optimist. I am not Pollyanna.
But I am optimistic.
Further, I am short-tempered.
Quit telling me that can’t be done and start suggesting ways to get it done.
Further still, I am clear-eyed and determined.
And I’m not alone.
For months, I have been watching for symptoms that the majority of Americans might cower at the next jihadi attack, or forge stronger debt shackles, or sag into government dependence.
Instead, through 2009, I have seen huge numbers of ordinary Americans do extraordinary things.
They have howled in outrage at fumbling and feckless government actions allowing jihadis to shoot up a Ft. Hood medical facility and almost blow up a Detroit-bound airplance.
They have stood up to body blows to household budgets, tightened belts, and bought Christmas presents cash-and-carry while reducing household debt.
They have handed Senator Ben Nelson (D-NE) his head after he sold his vote on cloture for a misbegotten health care reform bill.
Watch Taxpayer March on Washington DC, 9-12-2009 in Activism & Non-Profit | View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com
They have peacefully marched in the tens of thousands, and spoken up at townhall meetings, and read lies about themselves in the mainstream media — and pushed on with their self-organizing.
Political leadership of both the Democratic and Republican parties must understand: lead, follow or gangway.
(Hat tip: Barry Ritholtz at The Big Picture.)
Tags: Add new tag, health care, health policy, Mass media, Warren Ellis, Washington DC
