Discussion about this post

User's avatar
Kasumii's avatar

Thank you for this article. Beautifully written and absolutely necessary.

Five years ago I began filling binders with articles that represented the destruction of our government and societal norms - to note history in case we continued into 1984 territory. I had to develop a discerning eye for what should be saved or my house would have been taken over if I had printed every article that prompted anger, sadness, grief, disgust & outrage.

About two years ago I began a different set of binders for articles on how some were fighting & occasionally winning against all the awful. In the last six months more than a few of Steady’s articles have joined this collection. Today’s is a definite addition. Thank you.

Expand full comment
Star Bustamonte's avatar

I cannot disagree with these sentiments. Those with great wealth have the ability to isolate themselves from the daily trials and tribulations that the average person experiences. And that social divide is reflected all around us, whether the subject is the climate crisis, the impact of the pandemic, homelessness and fair housing issues, hunger, etc.

The news is there for anyone to read, for sure. But reading about the rising price of beef is rather different from the experience of actually walking into a store and suffering sticker shock. Especially when it is accompanied with the knowledge that what you have in your pocket will not allow you to purchase everything you need.

The billionaires of the world, and increasingly those who are suppose to represent us in government are far removed from what the majority of Americans experience on a daily basis. Journalism and reporting can only go so far in enlightening those who by choice or necessity hold themselves apart from the general public.

Bezo's flight to space was made on the backs of everyone who had no choice to rely on Amazon during the pandemic and beyond. Space travel is a wonder, and every person who has spoken or written about the experience of viewing the earth from the space station or other vessel has expressed how it changed their perspective. (Some of the astronaut accounts are truly extraordinary when it comes to personal revelations.)

In my opinion, the only way forward that offers any real promise of hope is one that involves common purpose and unites us. The prevalent ideology of "I got mine, you get yours" does not work for the whole of society and is a path paved with failure and loss.

As always I am deeply appreciative of the work and the thoughtfulness that Dan Rather and the Steady team brings. Thank you.

Expand full comment
137 more comments...

No posts