Putting Limbaugh in His Place

Deepak Chopra, writing on Huffington Post, set the record straight on Rush Limbaugh:

By any sane account, Rush Limbaugh is dead weight when it comes to finding a solution to anything. Like Sarah Palin, his spiritual bride, he lurks in the shadow of the human psyche, expressing the dark anger, resentment, jealousy, and vindictiveness that society can never escape. And yet, the next time you tune into Limbaugh's censorious circus of insensitive scurrility, give him a kind thought. As far back as Mark Twain, the American character has been ornery. We secretly love rascals, bank robbers, tricksters, swindlers, hell raisers, and outlaws. And when we feel so inclined, we laugh at them. Rush Limbaugh may represent a toxic form of entertainment -- and the bile he spews bears no resemblance to true morality -- but the fact that America makes room for him is something to be proud of. I don't pray that he goes away. I pray that we can keep laughing, even if our grin is crooked, at the pranks of the eternal shadow who is our companion for life, whether we want him or not.

Lesser Instincts and Better Instincts

Former Secretary of State, Colin Powell, in an interview yet to be aired, is reported by CNN to have said the following concerning the Republican Party:

"Can we continue to listen to Rush Limbaugh? Is this really the kind of party that we want to be when these kinds of spokespersons seem to appeal to our lesser instincts rather than our better instincts?"

Every nation in history has always had its demagogues who appeal to the the fears and prejudices of their fellow citizens. The power and magic of leadership cuts both ways, though. Every nation in history has also always been blessed with truly inspired individuals who see the truth for truth and the lies for lies. Such men and women have an opportunity and duty to appeal to the better instincts of their fellow citizens. Where a nation goes as a whole depends on which type of leaders take over the reins of that nation - but it's a collective fate, the good and the bad end up in the same place.

For all the mistakes Colin Powell made as GWB's "Yes Man" Secretary of State, America is blessed that he is now speaking his mind. It is my hope and prayer that clear-thinking, educated and experienced men and women in Muslim societies will start to speak out and act against the way our faith has been hijacked. It's never too late to turn the tide against those who appeal to our lesser instincts. It's time to take back.