Intellects and U.S. Politics
Gary Hart’s column (“Do Not Await a Messiah,” Editorial Page, Feb. 17) is of significance for its emphasis on the nonpolitical and non-ideological aspects of the Central European revolution. These events foretell what American politics will be like in the coming decades as people learn more about and become impatient with the deception and corruption that permeate our political system.
As Hart points out, “Can anyone imagine a political figure in either party who writes, or indeed could write, political essays--let alone ones that are rich, poetic, philosophical meditations, searching the deeper meaning of experience.” Is it conceivable that U.S. voters would ever elect a playwright like Vaclav Havel as president?
And yet, this is exactly what we need in America: an honest confrontation with politicians to change their ways. No more phony political issues like Willie Horton or the American flag to deceive the people and obscure the issues.
It is time that we in America learn a lesson from the Central European revolution and reject the rigid and stultifying ideologies that have no relevancy in the political and economic life of the American people.
ARNOLD MADDALONI
San Diego
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