Barack Obama's stunning victory is a transformative event in American politics and in the American image. Bringing it home, it might also be very good for Ethical Culture, and the Bergen Society should try to build on it. Here's why:
1. An Obama presidency will open space on the ground for the re-emgergence of progressive grass-roots activism to which Ethical Culture has been historically dedicated.
2. It has mobilized large new sectors of the American public, thus underscoring that the commitment to causes, issues and ideals larger than the self is necessary and fulfilling. This sense of commitment is a manistay of Ethical Culture's institution building.
3. It has restored an element of intelligence to public discourse. For a long time, American society starting in the Oval Office has nurtured a dangerous and foolish anti-intellectualism. No one said, "I'm for Obama because he is kind of guy I would like to have a beer with." Rather his campaign was thoughtful, high-minded, without being condescendingly high-brow or off-putting. Intelligent analysis and discourse was the name of the game. He appealed to Americans on this basis.
Ethical Culture is a thoughtful movement which values reflection on the self, society and the world. A new intellectual climate should be good for us.
Let's build on these possibilities forcefully and without defensiveness.
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