Arrogance of power [is] a psychological need that nations seem to have in order to prove that they are bigger, better, or stronger than other nations.
J. William Fulbright (1905-1995), former chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee
on Foreign Relations.
I remember Mr. Fulbright. His quote is interesting to me, inasmuch as it refers to nations/governments, de-personalizing the thirst for power exhibited by individuals who occupy those seats. This is not unusual. But, It is 1950s speak. The 50s were a turbulent time. Very different to the 60s, and, I think, more like where we are now. The crew wielding power now in US government are a bunch of pedestrians, determined to legislate, from the executive branch. This behavior is as unseemly and unlawful as that of high court justices who presume to do the same thing. American democracy is in disarray. Very scary.
ReplyDeleteI had read this book already more than 50years ago. I bought it uon 3 April 1970, to be exactly, and I still remembered it. I thought it would be relevant in the present situation so I took it from my book cases and browsed it with the help of the notes I had written there then. Indeed, we tend to become again in a kind of 1950s situation. Here, too, there are politicians who want to govern in a Trumpian way, also in government (the PVV, Wilders's party). Happily as for this, here in NL there are many parties and the government is always a coalition, and the PVV could not push through these ideas. But what Trump does and wants to do is unlawful but also dangerous for the US, Europe and Ukraine and for the whole world (think also of Taiwan).
DeleteHello, Henk. Your response reminds me of something else, relatively old. Bob Dylan wrote a song, titled My Back Pages. The Byrds recorded it on their *Younger Than Yesterday* album. The line I recall best is: I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now. Look it up, if you are curious. Don't bother if you already know.
ReplyDeleteWarmest Regards.
PDV.
Thank you, Paul, but I already know. It seems as if old times come back. Best wishes, HbdW.
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