View From a Distance
We are caught up in the moment. Today’s headline. Today’s tweet. Today’s action. Today’s crisis. Today’s victory. Today’s provocation. Today’s inspiration. Yesterday is past. Today is tomorrow’s yesterday, already forgotten.
“View from a Distance” steps back and tries to connect the transitory surface agitation to the deeper currents of human nature and political, economic and cultural changes. The title is a double metaphor. The author also lives in rural Wisconsin far from the center of political activity. The distance in time and space hopefully contributes to the variety of thoughts for consideration.
At one level, politics is not rocket science. If you have the votes, you win, you govern, you can change the world for better or worse. At another, it’s complicated; filled with uncertainty, conflict, irreconcilable demands, unintended consequences, competing values and impossible choices. Although absolutely necessary for democracy and building community, the role of politician is often scorned and shunned.
“View from a Distance” explores the contradictions and tries to make sense of what we do in our politics in a way that makes participating more intentional. – even while recognizing the complexities
Douglas Kane is the author of "Our Politics: Reflections on Political Life" published in 2019 by Southern Illinois University Press
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