45,000 deaths per year.

Our attempt at health care reform has just been sad. Pathetic. We certainly don’t get any good marks for our “democratic process.” For whatever reason, we have nothing to show for the effort. Except knowing that premiums will rise and people will continue to die because they can’t get the health care they need because they can’t afford it. How’s that for a “death panel?”

via GOOD

poster on ETSY 

A People's History of the United States by Howard Zinn.

Why we like to share.

Howard Zinn, a truly remarkable figure in our society, passed away last week. I have always thought of him as a sense maker and a truth teller. Both those things can certainly get you into trouble in America, especially when those in power are directly in your line of fire. His most well-known work, A People’s History of the United States (history from the view of its unknown participants) has been a trusty companion for my outlook on the world. As has Passionate Declarations: Essays on War and Justice. And now The People Speak brings these ideas to life through wonderfully inspiring performances you can view on the History Channel: “Democracy is not a spectator sport.”

Democracy NOW!, one fine independent media network, has quite a tribute to this historian/teacher/activist. It’s a look at how he challenged the status quo and the standard myths most Americans are taught in school. But more importantly, it shows his willingness to be a participant in the great movements for change that have shaped our modern world. He was there. On the front lines. In the shit. Raising hell and speaking truth right in the face of power. He was active. And because of his example, his understanding of the world, his ability to move people with his conviction and his humor, he was able to change people’s perspectives and raise their consciousness.

He will certainly be missed. But his view of the world, “the countless small actions of unknown people” that lead to those great moments that enter the historical record, a record that you simply can’t begin to understand unless you look at those countless small actions, will certainly live on in the millions of people who were inspired by his life. You can’t be neutral on a moving train, and because of him, you know the history of those people who stood up on the side of equality, justice and peace, and you know it’s possible to do the same.

What's next in 2010? All of the above please.

This morning I received an email from my good friend Dan Schreiber. It was his response to the folks at barackobama.com as to why he was unsubscribing from their email list. I loved it. Such a small form of protest, but so significant. I’d say it captures a particular mood a lot of us are feeling: “Well yeah we’re still with you, but damn man, I’m not so sure you’re with us.” It’s hard to rally around compromise, and it’s even harder to enthusiastically back things that make the corporate interests smile. So. Now that 2010 is really rolling, we’re of course in for throwin’ down. And for all-of-the-above. (Getting at the structural problems that if not addressed will make the next 50 years non-too-pleasant.) Just remember, those of us with punk rock sensibilities aren’t too keen on sellouts. It’s time to lead with a little less COM-PRO-MISE and a little more YES WE CAN. 

For the time being, I’ll be unsubscribing as well. And here is Dan’s response, with the following disclaimer: Those of you who know me best will know where I’ve bridled the appropriate profanities. 

‘Handing MA voters that awful woman was an insult. You are reaping what you sowed. I support President Obama, but we need to follow through. PUSH. RECONCILIATION. Let blue dogs know that they fall in line or fall out. We – President Obama, Congressional Democrats and I – are most certainly not too far left. We are too centrist. Let’s show the world that we have the [golly darn gumption] to give our people what they deserve – real health care reform. We must offer all we have to our neighbors, brothers and sisters in Haiti right now. If we are to continue fighting at home during this period, it must be worth the effort. Unless we move to make real change happen, I won’t blame the American voters for electing another Scott Brown in 2012. For crying out loud – MASSACHUSETTS elected the male Sarah Palin. Please make me believe again that you know what the hell you’re doing in our name. Thanks.’ Dan Schreiber