My fingers hover over the keys, feeling the concepts pulsating, but uncertain of the first words. I know the ideas will plait together into a strong, beautiful rope, but which strand do I cross over first? This piece may require me to write before I figure it out, to start braiding and let the pattern form itself. Here goes…
Strand 1 – According to W. Cleon Skousen’s book The 5,000 Year Leap, the terms “left
wing” and “right wing” are derived from our national emblem – the eagle with
outstretched wings. His body is covered with an escutcheon bearing the red and
white stripes and the field of blue from our flag. Each wing represents an
attitude about government – the left a dependence upon strong, central rule;
the right a belief in the sovereignty of each individual and a wariness of federal
power. The country, represented by the escutcheon, centers itself in perfect
balance over the heart of the majestic bird.
Strand 2 – However, that is not to imply that a middle
ground exists. It would be nice if it did; we could all just move into that
hazy median, smoke a joint and be friends. We wouldn’t have to think; we
wouldn’t have to know things; we wouldn’t have to form opinions. Nirvana.
