Reply #7: I can't agree with a broad-brush

[Newest Reality]

perspective like that.

Are we in a progressive society? Are we in an open culture or one that is the process of closing?

I think it is vital that we continue to talk, discuss, learn, complain, etc. The action part is not easy in times like these. That could be because the nature of the beast requires monumental, concerted action, not just individualistic ideals and small groups pushing against the big toe of that Vampire Goliath, the MIC.

Self-hatred and apologetic screeds might be counter-productive, even if they are meant to challenge our resolve and ability to act on this extremely messed-up, corporately dominated scenario.

First, we might really want to step outside The Simulation of media and politics and, together, grasp just what kind of system we are trying to cope and deal with and what place progressives have in number, scope and political and financial influence lest we conflate ego and bravado with a realistic assessment of our situation.