August 1991
A modest proposal: Imagine a presidential campaign whose funds went not to media blitzes promoting issueless images, but directly to programs dealing with social and environmental problems. Imagine campaigns as patriotic crusades. Instead of spending and shouting to install candidates we hope will act on their promises, turn the campaigns into the actions. Let’s have politicians really walk the walk, not just talk the talk.
Continue readingSeptember 1989
Democrats are a somber lot these days, and with good reason. They have little chance of breaking the Republican grip on national politics.
The thriving economy of the 1980s and the apparent success of their policy of peace through strength has given Republicans good reason to cheer. Most important, the GOP has translated its success into enduring popularity by mastering the art of politics as celebration.
Abbie Hoffman’s recent death on April 12, 1989, is a reminder that much of the defiant energy of the 1960s has been channeled by American business advertisers to promote mass consumption. Hoffman was one of the leaders of the Yippies, ready to counter mainstream culture in politics and lifestyle. To defy the American military, he was ready to levitate the Pentagon, among other playful prankster plans. In his spirit, Joe Isuzu lives, selling cars by openly saying, “I’m lying.” Like Hoffman, he mocks hyped-up claims for the latest fancy car, but he’s got counterculture style without its bite. Joe Isuzu’s jokes are designed to encourage us to buy more goods.
Pub Classroom 