Timothy Messer-Kruse, an American historian who specializes in labor history, has written an article in Counterpunch. His purpose, he tells us, is to contradict what he calls "The Myth Of The Magic Bullet."
That myth, as outlined by Messer-Kruse, begins with the idea that there are certain "Great Persons," or "Heroes" who are the ones who "make history," and who thus define our world. If that were true, as Messer-Kruse points out, then assassinating a presidential candidate could be world-altering:
While much remains unknown about the motives of the would-be assassin in Butler, Pennsylvania, one thing is certain. The man who attempted to kill Donald Trump believed his bullet would change the course of history for the better.
In fact, says Messer-Kruse, it is "we," in the plural, who "make history." To the extent we lose sight of that, and lose faith in our ability to make history ourselves, we cease to act. We become "spectators," who watch what these "Great Persons" do, and one result is the growth of fever dreams about how assassinations can bring back our lost power. Much more typically, this erroneous idea that others have all the power is our own, self-created, disempowerment. Turning to assassination, as a way to restore a sense of the power we think we have lost, is a misbegotten reaction - and a misbegotten plan. But failing to organize with friends, and others, and to engage in politics ourselves, is just as mistaken.
As an antidote to any feelings of powerlessness, I am recommending a quick reading of a recent blog posting by Jessica Craven, whose "Chop Wood, Carry Water" blog - specializing in politics - has some very motivating words of wisdom. She links to another motivating, fact-based analysis of our politics, too.
Plus, Craven throws in a little motivating graphic. Feel free to pass it on. (And get to work).
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