I recently posted my broodings about the American “Ruling Class”, in response to the much-discussed article by Angelo Codevilla on this theme. This post struck a nerve. It generated a huge number of comments, of exceptionally high quality.
I was very pleased to find out that Mark Levin discussed this post on his radio show. He begins that discussion at about 39:45. Mark says, “Lexington Green, though he may not know it, is writing about this show, and me.” He focuses on the idea that our would-be rulers should be mocked, that they should be disrespected, and that is precisely what he does. This is a strategy that he, and I, and many others, all agree about. I recall one sterling example: the roars of laughter when Gov. Palin mocked candidate Obama at the Republican convention, simply by telling the truth about him in a confident and humorous way. It was pure relief to have someone speak honestly about the man, it was like oxygen coming into a room full of toxic gas. The more of this the better, and the more it is done with humor and a sense of confidence in ourselves, the better for us personally (too much anger begins to degrade you, as I know myself) and the more effective we will be in convincing others.
I will have more on Codevilla’s theme, and the response to it, in one venue or another, going forward.
I rarely listen to talk radio, just because of the nature of my work and other commitments, so I am not a regular listener to Mark’s show. As a result, I only found out about this recently. I have his book sitting around here somewhere, but haven’t read it.
Many thanks to Mark Levin.
(too much anger begins to degrade you, as I know myself)
Yes.
When I first started blog commenting – way back in the early 2000s – snarking seemed exciting and fun. I think the chance to voice opinion contrary to perceived wisdom, and the the mealy-mouthed platitudes of bureaucrats and the PC-crowd, was intoxicating.
But too much anger is not a good thing. At least, not for me. It does degrade.
I want to concentrate on just what you stated: making points in a humorous and confident way. This is good advice.
– Madhu
Excellent. Much deserved recognition for you as well, Lex.