Embattled
Americans these days are seeking desperately for a rationale repairing
the rhetorical rift between Republicans and Democrats. A needed
commonality is indeed available in the distinctively American character
identified last century by master sociologist David Riesman. He traced
its roots
back to the frontier in THE LONELY CROWD (around mid-century).
Our loneliness apparently stems from neglect of these shared roots--prevailing beyond conflicting usages of language. The ensuing Report reflects accordingly a distinctively American style of thought which has emerged from the common heritage. The conclusion is that peace is only a whisper away.
A principal influence has been the mighty vision of Americana expressed by two masters of our shared language. Consult a recent book by Daniel Epstein, LINCOLN & WHITMAN: PARALLEL LIVES IN CIVIL WAR WASHINGTON. Consider these lines from LEAVES OF GRASS (1856):
Our loneliness apparently stems from neglect of these shared roots--prevailing beyond conflicting usages of language. The ensuing Report reflects accordingly a distinctively American style of thought which has emerged from the common heritage. The conclusion is that peace is only a whisper away.
A principal influence has been the mighty vision of Americana expressed by two masters of our shared language. Consult a recent book by Daniel Epstein, LINCOLN & WHITMAN: PARALLEL LIVES IN CIVIL WAR WASHINGTON. Consider these lines from LEAVES OF GRASS (1856):
I
celebrate myself.
Walt Whitman-one of the roughs--
An American.
Walt Whitman-one of the roughs--
An American.
Lincoln
was pretty rough too, in his indomitable way.
He died trying to bind up the nation's wounds.
He died trying to bind up the nation's wounds.
Copyright
2005
JimMcCord.com
All Rights Reserved
JimMcCord.com
All Rights Reserved
