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In reply to the discussion: Bill Moyers, eminence of public affairs broadcasting, dies at 91 [View all]lastlib
(26,330 posts)25. Everyone should read this essay/speech by Mr. Moyers!
From 2006. It is a SUPERB statement of the contemporary political environment!
https://www.freedomclubusa.org/a_time_for_heresy
"We need such courage today. This is a time for heresy. American democracy is threatened by perversions of money, power, and religion. Money has bought our elections right out from under us. Power has turned government "of, by, and for the people" into the patron of privilege. And Christianity and Islam have been hijacked by fundamentalists who have made religion the language of power, the excuse for violence, and the alibi for empire. We must answer the principalities and powers that would force on America a stifling conformity. Either we make the heretical choices that will inspire us to renew our commitment to America's deepest values and ideals, or the day will come when we will no longer recognize the country we love....
There are no victimless crimes in politics. The cost of corruption is passed on to the people. When the government of the United States falls under the thumb of the powerful and privileged, regular folks get squashed. We are dealing here with a vision sharply at odds with the majority of Americans. These are people who want to arrange the world for the convenience of themselves and the multinational corporations that pay for their elections....
This is the heresy of our time -- to wrestle with the gods who guard the boundaries of this great nation's promise, and to confront the medicine men in the woods, twirling their bullroarers to keep us in fear and trembling. For the greatest heretic of all is Jesus of Nazareth, who drove the money changers from the temple in Jerusalem as we must now drive the money changers from the temples of democracy.
There are no victimless crimes in politics. The cost of corruption is passed on to the people. When the government of the United States falls under the thumb of the powerful and privileged, regular folks get squashed. We are dealing here with a vision sharply at odds with the majority of Americans. These are people who want to arrange the world for the convenience of themselves and the multinational corporations that pay for their elections....
This is the heresy of our time -- to wrestle with the gods who guard the boundaries of this great nation's promise, and to confront the medicine men in the woods, twirling their bullroarers to keep us in fear and trembling. For the greatest heretic of all is Jesus of Nazareth, who drove the money changers from the temple in Jerusalem as we must now drive the money changers from the temples of democracy.
RIP, Bill Moyers


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Great journalist and always provided insight into the news. He will be missed.
Evolve Dammit
Jun 26
#4
Night before last, I caught this clip on the Tube: interview with Ursula K. Leguin
Fritz Walter
Jun 27
#56
Two people of character and knowledge having an informed conversation about matters of interest
Prairie Gates
Jun 27
#57
Yes but regardless of age, when you have thought like he did, behaved like he did and
Jarqui
Jun 26
#39
This is such sad news. I used to like watching his discussions with Joseph Campbell.
LoisB
Jun 26
#27
Safe Passage - Bill Moyer used compassion and intelligence, in equal measure, to make people better.
SalamanderSleeps
Jun 26
#44