Pogo,almost 40 years ago, uttered the admonishment "We have met the enemy and he is us". These words were expressed at time of spectacular economic growth and consumption. It also was a time of deep political and emotional divisions in the American populace which ranged over issues from the Vietnam war to the imagery of youth lifestyles as portrayed by Woodstock .
The imagery of these times seems to have reappeared with the election of Barack Obama. His proposal to assure that all Americans have access to health care have created a level of animosity not seen for many years. Feed by the demagoguery of self styled media pundits, many people express vocal outrage in any attempt at civil discussion. Ironically, many of the most vocal in opposition to the proposed health care programs are the elderly who are served by Medicare. Many of these elderly assert a vigorous rejection of any control of the government over their health care because they believe it may mean a limitation on their medical care. This perspective obviously reflects a voting population that doesn't even know that Medicare is a government administered health care program for the elderly. Recent attempts at town hall discussions of the subject by various members of congress dissipated into chaotic screaming sessions by these opponents. Given the intense emotional outbursts by these opponents one must wonder whether the opposition is based on a true question of the merits of the proposed program or simply an emotional distaste to the election of a black President that demagogues stir by characterizing his beliefs as Marxist and un-American.
Perhaps, civil discourse can be found. Until it can be found, Pogo's wisdom remains true to this day.
