Quote:
Originally Posted by MGH4007
My friends and I were talking about this the other day. We came to the conclusion that it might have not been the effect of the drugs used in the sixties that lead to the peace (as far as drugs go), but just the fact that it connected everyone who used them. It was just the median, it could have been anything.
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Well said. I identify with fellow smokers, and it has become a core part of my identity, not to the point that it defines me, but to the point that it determines much of my politics, beliefs, and ideals - of course, I held these even at a younger age, with more influence from my parents, obviously. I am not as liberal as many, not to the point of socialism. I'm more of a libertarian, so I don't necessarily identify with neo-hippies (Greens, etc.). I guess I would be conservative by their standards.
I believe the counter culture is an overused term - it's becoming the culture. When I see "the man" i.e police, elected officials, etc., sharing many of the ideals that I do, it says alot. The law is one thing. Choosing to follow it is another thing entirely. Who says what the culture is? Is it not allowing same sex marriage? Is it fostering the preservation of the environment? Who's place is it to say this?
I think we are seeing a resurgence of progressive politics, along the lines of the early 20th century and the Bull Moose/Teddy Roosevelt/Populist party. The previous election is indicative of this as many ultraconservative politicians were ousted. While there are more dominent factors that determined the outcome of the election, such as probably Bush's perceived ineptitude, we've seen that people want to live their lives the way they do - free of government interference. Bush scared the shit out of me with some of the programs that he wanted to pass before the switch, including allowing interrment camps for Islamic Americans, expanding the death penalty to cover other offenses than murder or treason, etc.
In closing, if I were ever a diplomat, I'd always take some kind bud and a little bit of fine alcohol to the session with me.