Gary Brumback is obviously an older American who, like myself, has watched the American nation slowly deteriorate into something that looks like a fascist government: extreme inequality and authoritarian imperial government built on the foundation of corporations to serve the megalomania of a tiny segment of our society.
I once believed in the old saying that things would have to get worse before they can get better. I've been waiting for forty years for this to happen, and I am wondering if it ever will, and especially before I reach my expiry date.
This article is not pleasant reading. It shares with younger people the profound dismay that older activists such as myself have who have watched the US sink ever deeper into the swamp of fascism. In the second half of the essay Brumback tries to be more affirmative by sharing with us what he thought was necessary to turn things in a positive direction (his "Alter America campaign"). Having failed at this campaign, at his advanced age Brumback sees the necessity of passing the mantle of activism to younger generations to come up with their solutions.
If there is any merit to the proposed Alter America campaign the most compelling question becomes how to jump-start it. I am at a loss for an answer. My previous answers and attempts have all failed. I may have some cache within a relatively small professional niche but none outside it. I am easily ignored. I have never been able to coax luminaries into helping me implement my proposals. Now, at my age, I am going to leave the matter entirely up to others if any are interested.
