>We need a post-identity liberalism, and it should draw from the past successes of pre-identity liberalism. Such a liberalism would concentrate on widening its base by appealing to Americans as Americans and emphasizing the issues that affect a vast majority of them. It would speak to the nation as a nation of citizens who are in this together and must help one another. As for narrower issues that are highly charged symbolically and can drive potential allies away, especially those touching on sexuality and religion, such a liberalism would work quietly, sensitively and with a proper sense of scale. (To paraphrase Bernie Sanders, America is sick and tired of hearing about liberals’ damn bathrooms.)
>
This piece has caused a minor firestorm at the NYT, which I commend for publishing it.
There has been a lot of pushback, but I think people are waking up.
Recently I saw a clip where Obama presented Ellen DeGeneres with the Medal of Freedom.
Her achievement, he said- in all seriousness- was saying publicly that she was a lesbian and marrying another woman.
Doesn't anyone wonder how a mother who stays married to the same man all her life, bears and raises children, and probably works to help make ends meet (as most women do) sees this?
Or one of the thousands of Vietnam vets I see waiting on long lines in VA hospitals?
The medal of freedom for saying that you're a lesbian??????
Who needs Fox News?
Anyone who does not go overboard- deserves to.
Malcolm Forbes, Sr.