Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Sputnik Moment or Our Civil Rights Moment?

Early reports indicate President Obama will refer to the current crisis as our Sputnik moment,harkening back to the time where the nascent US space program was overwhelmed by the USSR.However, perhaps the current crisis resonates more with the civil rights movement, challenging the attack dogs and firehoses of the right wing media and politcal establishment. It offers a critical chance to join together to fight for social welfare as a civil right to all Americans, to offer jobs, health services, opportunity and education for the many over the capital gains for the few; peace and security over international military action; creativity, vision and technological and manufacturing development at home instead of an economy based on speculation and complex financial instruments. America needs to turn this urgent page.

Now, with commitment and alacrity, before it is too late.