We Luv Video
A Tragi-Comedy in the Making?
RECEIVED Tue., May 16, 2006
Dear Mr. Black,
Given the results and the resignation of your last editorials [“Page Two,” May 5 and 12], I believe you got “punked.” Remember it's bad form to publicly kick hell out of the politically handicapped (challenged?). As I have insisted for some time. SOSAnistas aren't representative of Austin, or most of the “enviro” community. Militant unicausal ideology as it relates to democratic politics and the sociology of running a functional government makes most unsuitable for positions of power in representative democracy. They tend to not recognize that advocacy can lead to authoritarian fixation. Often they lack appreciation for basic economic realties, and the administration of law and regulation in our humble real world. Perhaps, it's due to having to represent against developer attorneys and government administrators, who actually have anti-environmental agendas. Regardless, it is evident that they're tone deaf to what Austin voters are telling them.
Given this denial, it's no surprise that they align with similar groups whose ambitions minimize political reality. The ACLU wants to run APD, El Concilio/Poder/LULAC (local) wants to run E Austin, ANC wants to glacialize/control COA planning, EFF wants a “free” Internet – the ambitions are huge, the funds often narrow, and the groups “share” the same base of supporters. Group names change, but often the players stay the same. The latest misadventure won't cure their ailment. The council's ordinances won't be broad enough, fast enough, or good enough to please them. While their “values” campaign (à la W), should teach them a need for good relations and coherent proposal content, what is most likely to happen is redoubling of “vision” intensity. As the chasm grows wider, contempt will boil over and all local greens will take some lumps. A tragi-comedy is in the making.
Given the results and the resignation of your last editorials [“Page Two,” May 5 and 12], I believe you got “punked.” Remember it's bad form to publicly kick hell out of the politically handicapped (challenged?). As I have insisted for some time. SOSAnistas aren't representative of Austin, or most of the “enviro” community. Militant unicausal ideology as it relates to democratic politics and the sociology of running a functional government makes most unsuitable for positions of power in representative democracy. They tend to not recognize that advocacy can lead to authoritarian fixation. Often they lack appreciation for basic economic realties, and the administration of law and regulation in our humble real world. Perhaps, it's due to having to represent against developer attorneys and government administrators, who actually have anti-environmental agendas. Regardless, it is evident that they're tone deaf to what Austin voters are telling them.
Given this denial, it's no surprise that they align with similar groups whose ambitions minimize political reality. The ACLU wants to run APD, El Concilio/Poder/LULAC (local) wants to run E Austin, ANC wants to glacialize/control COA planning, EFF wants a “free” Internet – the ambitions are huge, the funds often narrow, and the groups “share” the same base of supporters. Group names change, but often the players stay the same. The latest misadventure won't cure their ailment. The council's ordinances won't be broad enough, fast enough, or good enough to please them. While their “values” campaign (à la W), should teach them a need for good relations and coherent proposal content, what is most likely to happen is redoubling of “vision” intensity. As the chasm grows wider, contempt will boil over and all local greens will take some lumps. A tragi-comedy is in the making.
Ricky Bird
Bastrop
Bastrop