My vote
As important as art and drawing are to me, I have also always been deeply interested and involved with the politics of this country, ever since I was at Princeton, majoring in political science, working for my congressman, and as a White House intern.
I have been thoroughly absorbed in the current Presidential election, the most important of my lifetime. The twists and turns of the primaries were history in the making and the general election has engaged Americans and the world like never before.
However, despite the strategies and theatrics of the campaigns, which have been as entertaining as any sporting event, I have the increasing concern that I could lose sight of the true nature of the issues at stake. All too often the media, the pundits, and the political operatives tempt me to lose perspective on what all of this drama means … to us and to me.
When I was studying political history, my thesis advisor, Robert Tucker, gave me a concise definition of successful leadership. A leader does three things. First they provide a definition of the situation facing the community. Secondly, the leader charts a course to deal with the situation. And, thirdly, they mobilize the people to move in that direction. In other words 1.”Here’s what’s going on” 2. “Here’s what we need to do about it” and 3. “Here’s what we can all do to solve the problem.”
While reading political theorists like Locke, Hume, Mill,and Hobbes, I also came to understand the proper purpose and function of a successful government. It’s to organize the people, to share their resources, and to guide them in collectively solving their problems. You can’t build your own roads, educate your children, defend your borders, and improve your community alone. So we set up governments to help us figure out how to do it together, preserving our own self-interests but also encouraging us to make some sacrifices for the greater good. Those people who have the ability and inclination to help us coordinate in this way become the community leaders while the rest of us agree to support their decisions made on our behalf. If we come to feel that they are not doing the job well, we replace them.
On September 12th, 2001, I suggested to the group of people I worked with, that in response to the events we’d witnessed through our office windows the day before, we all go and donate blood and our time and effort to help our fellow New Yorkers. We walked over to the Javits Center on the Hudson River and joined thousands of our neighbors who also wanted to help. After hours of standing around, we realized that nobody had anything for us to do. We, white collar workers, were useless in this situation. The firefighters and ambulance drivers who showed up from around the country soon discovered that their skills in dealing with emergencies wouldn’t be needed either. The next day, President Bush told us that there was nothing we could do but go shopping. We all felt scared and impotent.
Months later, the war on Afghanistan began but we weren’t asked to make any sacrifices or offer any help. All we could do was to pay taxes and stand by whatever the government thought was best. That extended to the following year when the President told us we needed to support his decision to invade Iraq. Most Americans agreed to do so. But some of us marched through town, waving banners that expressed our concern. We were a small and ignored group but we did feel we’d done something, finally. (Now, I know that war is an inevitable part of history, that all societies must define themselves and protect their interests through calls to arms. But I also know that this is an incredibly high price to pay and that we should all question ourselves deeply before we make any sort of commitment to violence and destruction; in the last few years, we have utterly failed to have the sort of open national discussion that such a commitment requires.)
We had a sense of purpose when we participated in the 2004 Presidential election, but were frustrated and disappointed when the discussion veered off the real topic at hand, the issues facing the country, and into a destructive and hostile creed against the personalities of the candidates. Again, citizens were infantilized and distracted by pundits rather than engaged in a productive forum on the true matters at hand.
Three years ago, when Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, we tried to help again. But no one was there to coordinate us, to lead us, to harness our desire to make a difference. I felt even more worried that not only could we do nothing to deal with the situation but that the government was failing to protect us too. They did nothing and we couldn’t help.
Communities are defined by who’s in them and who isn’t, us vs. them. It could be Americans vs. Foreigners, Citizens vs. Immigrants, Men vs. Women, Gays vs. Straights, Believers vs. Non-Believers, Democrats vs. Republicans… people are galvanized by being presented with an opponent. (As a sidebar, when Al Gore established his leadership by defining a situation that impacts us all, by asserting that for once there was no Them, just Us, all of Us, and that we could all make a contribution to fix the problem, I was very inspired. I was also flabbergasted by how many people, those in power and those with no apparent axe to grind, were skeptical and even openly hostile against the effort to reduce global warming. I just don’t get it but can only assume that the agendas are hidden but there, and that the power of denial is incredibly strong. )
This election is hard fought and as always has a lot of Us and Them in it. And, as has been the case so often before, people are diverted into a certain group or another, even though they may well end up working against their own better interests. Religion is often used to distract people from larger agendas or self interest. Whether Al Quaeda convinces young people to kill themselves for the cause, or the Religious Right convinces working class people to support corporate interests on the off chance that Roe v. Wade will be overturned, people with a range of interests are edged into one suffocatingly narrow view of the world, one slim issue that overshadows all others.
I have feelings about a lot of the emotional issues being discussed but if I look at them really hard, I can see that many or most issues have nothing really to do with me.
For instance, I don’t understand why people feel so strongly about owning guns; they seem dangerous things to have around the house. But I really don’t care if people insist on bearing arms. Just keep them locked up and don’t let your kids bring them to my kid’s school.
I also don’t care much about whether or not people want to pray in school. On an academic level, I think the Constitution is pretty clear about the separation of Church and State but if you want to say a prayer or even carve it into the wall, and it really means a huge amount to you, then go ahead. As a boy, I went to a Protestant school in Australia that had mandatory chapel and I found it boring and irrelevant but I lived through it, reason intact. I think my son would be more annoyed by such a mandate than I was but I don’t think it would stunt him horribly to be exposed to it. I also lived in Israel for three years of my boyhood, an ostensibly single religion country and Judaism was taken for granted and part of most things we did but it didn’t have much impact on me either way except to leave with a distaste for the tedium of religious ritual. So believe what you will, pray where you want, but don’t deny my boy the chance to learn about evolution and have a proper education. If you choose not to do the same in your community that is a shame and will diminish the intellectual power of our country but it’s not a life or death matter for me.
(It’s odd how hard religions work to foist their notions on others. Maybe I should go around lobbying for mandatory contour drawing or stop people in the airport and make them do watercolors.)
As for abortion, I am pretty clear that it should be a choice left up to the people involved rather than imposed by the government, I think that we all agree together how to behave towards each other and that behind closed doors we should be left to do what we want as long as it doesn’t hurt others. I realize some people think that abortion does hurt people, namely fetuses, but this still strikes me as something that should be decided by families or maybe by communities but not by the federal government. It doesn’t seem to be a clear absolute as far as everyone is concerned and the idea that a 14-year-old girl who is raped should be forced to bring her baby to term feels like something that should not be decided by strangers hundreds of miles away. I think this country and the women who live in it are better off since it was agreed that they were capable of making their own decisions about such things. I also can’t understand why people don’t want their teenagers to get proper, coherent, fact-based sex education, to protect them from disease and unwanted pregnancies, regardless of what their religion decided thousand of years before AIDS and condoms were around. Any belief system that promotes ignorance and denial over health and long lives warrants a question or two and probably won’t prevail in the long run.
It also goes without saying, in my mind, that the people who deny any rights and privileges to people based on sexual orientation or race are either biased, ignorant with regard to 'the melting pot' of diversity, or acting out of some selfish economic interest.
In any case, whether you agree with me or not on these topics, I am fairly certain that this is not the most important issue that government can help me with right now.
I also don’t have the huge problems some people seem to have with paying taxes. I’ve given a lot of money to the government over the past twenty-five years, and despite the fact that there are potholes on my street and idiots in Washington and often on T.V.and the media, I consider the money reasonably well spent. I figure it’s just the cost of living in a big society, and that because I have a good job and a lot of opportunities, I should do my bit to help those who are worse off. I hope my money is going to help the poor and the elderly and the disabled, to make schools better and water cleaner, parks greener and food safer but I also know that bureaucracies and corruption siphon off a fair amount and I wish it was less. I don’t resent paying that money any more than I resent paying for a carton of milk or a movie ticket and there’s a limit to how agitated I am willing to get over the efficiency of the system (I really can’t understand people who devote their lives to working for the government in order to dismantle the government).
So does that make me a ‘tax and spend liberal’? I guess so but I’m not sure what’s quite so awful about that. Maybe the benefits of community are less obvious to people who don’t live in a huge diverse city like I do but I sure wouldn’t want to have to sweep my own street or drive my own bus.
So, instead of worrying about a lot of the topics that are brought up in presidential elections, I am much more concerned about the state of our economy and whether it drives my clients to cut back their budgets to the point that it forces me to lay people off or even get fired myself, about the amount of freedom from regulation that banks should have to not screw up my mortgage, about whether the stock market goes down so far that all my investment banker neighbors get such small bonuses that New York’s tax revenues sink too far and cut back on Jack’s school budget. There’s a limit to what the government can do to guide the economy but it should be as honest as humanly possible and impose some discipline to keep special interests that are contrary to the greater good at bay. Maybe government officials should be better paid so they aren’t tempted by corrupting influence quite so much. I’d probably help pay for that.
I would love it if our community supported artists more than it does but I can't stand the idea that books are pulled from libraries or exhibits are canceled in museums or shows are censored on TV because a small and vocal minority can’t deal with their content. That seems like sheer idiocy and actually does inhibit my life. It seems a simple matter to avoid stuff you find offensive and to adequately educate your own children so they aren’t led astray by stuff you think is unwholesome.
As the husband of a disabled person, I am very sensitive to how inaccessible large parts of this country remain. There are many street corners without curbcuts, places without ramps, taxis that are too high for a wheelchair, and so on. This may not be an issue that touches your life (I hope not) but with a small effort, you and your community can make an enormous difference to people who have trouble getting around.
Thanks to Patti’s disability, I am also very aware of how Byzantine and Kafakesque our health care and insurance systems are and do not understand why this isn’t a major priority of everyone in this country. We may not all be disabled but we're all getting older and inevitably will have to rely on our healthcare system to help us out. And before we need wheelchairs and bypasses, our parents will and we’ll be saddled with the bill and the stress. This is hardly a partisan issue but exactly the sort of thing that we formed into communities to help each other with.
I wish we could be nicer and calmer too. It’s sad that in the current political debate so many people seem more interested in diminishing the ideas of others than in providing solutions of their own. The politics of division are an enormous drag on our progress and eat up resources and energy that could be so much better used.
And finally, I wish, more than ever, that I could do more to help. I yearn for a call to action, to join with my neighbor in solving our current woes, to give of myself. I am so put off by the derision leveled at ‘community organizers’ that I heard on TV a couple of nights ago. How low to put down people who work in soup kitchens or churches or libraries or schools, who volunteer to help their neighbors, people who are filling in the gaps left by reduced government programs unfunded because of the trillions spent on defense. It just seems like mean spirited knavery looking to grasp at any straw to pull down the opposition. I hope we end up with a leader who will truly lead, lead like Lincoln, like Churchill, like Jesus, like FDR, like Gandhi, like JFK, like Buddha, like the Dalai Lama, who will say, “Look here’s what’s going on (don’t you agree?), and here’s how you can join us to help fix it, not just with donations or prayers or mute acquiescence, but by rolling up your sleeves, grabbing an oar and getting to work to right the ship and get us back on course. I know there’s a will out there, all we need is someone who will lead the way. I'm pretty sure Barack Obama has the answer, have been since the beginning of last year.
If you agree with me, I hope you'll spread the thought. If you passionately disagree and have something constructive to say, I'd love to know where I might be going wrong.
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Addendum:
A few readers seem to think that I shouldn't talk about how I feel about politics and my view of American society here. I rarely do, in spite of the importance such issues have for me. I believe, however, that my art is an extension of my life, and a record of how I see the world, warts and all. If you don't like everything about me and how I think, I'm cool with that. And if my views as stated above are utterly repugnant you, either skip such posts or ignore me all together. That's cool (though a little sad) too.
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Added addendum:
And, finally, there's this.
A record of my exploration into all aspects of drawing, illustrated journaling, creativity, and the inspiring aspects of art. By the author of "Everyday Matters," "The Creative License", and "An Illustrated Life" and other books.
Comments
Here, here, my drawing friend. I violently agree - to all you say.
(I feel tears coming on yet again!)
Posted by: Carol | September 5, 2008 04:10 PM
Hey, Danny...I agree whole-heartedly with you. I'm so appalled by the statement made at the RNC about "community organizing" that as a result, for my birthday, which is next Tuesday...I have asked friends and loved ones to find something they can do, big or small to help make this country better. I helped an 18 year old register to vote, explaining just how important it is. After all, the very first time I voted, at 18, it was because I thought that this young man running for senate, for the first time, might make a difference one day. His name was Joe Biden, and it was 1972.
Posted by: Kris Lynn | September 5, 2008 04:15 PM
Well said Danny.
Posted by: Lindsay | September 5, 2008 04:17 PM
Danny - Just simply thank you. This is how I feel.
Posted by: Deborah | September 5, 2008 04:17 PM
Danny,
I applaud your views fervently. I, too, believe that Barak has the potential to be the person to lead us to this change and to help America return to the country we can be proud of.
Fran
Posted by: Fran | September 5, 2008 04:26 PM
Oh Danny Boy, you hit a home run here. I agree with you 100%. (I also love our country and your flag drawing!) The Republican convention this week was so discouraging, because I don't think I want a pit bull as president, with or without lipstick. The rhetoric is ramping up to be NOT about the important issues. I think we need a less reactionary dialogue. Obama and Biden seem to have stature and will bring respect back to our country from overseqas. Just my humble opinion. I actually thought McCain would be okay until he nominated that woman with all the red herrings attached to her. Just the fact that she sees global warming as a myth is enough for me.
Posted by: Virginia Wieringa | September 5, 2008 04:32 PM
Thoughtful. Articulate. Maybe even helpful in organizing a community.
I'd like to use your multi-colored flag to mark a link to this post. May I have permission? :-D
Posted by: PainterWoman | September 5, 2008 04:57 PM
YES YES YES!
Posted by: jacqueline | September 5, 2008 04:59 PM
Danny: I'm happy that you inspire on so many levels. Your point about wanting to invest, wanting to help and that energy being negated is important. Keep talking. The more we connect and energize, the better chance we have for change. Best, your pal in oregon, deb
Posted by: deb morrison | September 5, 2008 05:17 PM
Barack Obama=Jesus. I don't think so.
Posted by: churchmouse | September 5, 2008 05:21 PM
YES! I am in violent agreement! I, too, was put out by the dissing of community workers and volunteers as I was actually in the very act of VOLUNTEERING by interpreting the tv for a local deaf man. We do not need more of the same, and no matter how they paint it, drop balloons on it, or massage it, "it" is still the same old same old. Viva Danny! You said it well.
Posted by: li | September 5, 2008 05:26 PM
It's high time individuals spoke up. Bless you for making your voice heard.
Posted by: Just Plain Jane | September 5, 2008 05:33 PM
Thank you for voicing thoughts I feel. I'll be forwarding this blog to family and friends.
Posted by: Kathy | September 5, 2008 06:05 PM
I read a book recently that opened my mind and disturbed it in equal proportion. I think is relevant to this article. It has changed the way I think. In the spirit of passing it on for general enlightenment/information to anyone who may want to know more it is called "Why Do People Hate America". Can't remember the author so if you are interested you can google it.
Posted by: Adrienne Knight | September 5, 2008 06:07 PM
I'm a non US citizen that feels very concerned with all this issue. US politics influence so hardly the whole word that we (non US citizens) must see with some impotence how you US citizens take some decision on a crossroads that will involve all of us for the next 4 years. And some times (dramatically this and the last two elections) we'd like so much to be allowed to vote. Maybe this doesn't help so much, but I VIOLENTLY AGREE with you.
Posted by: free[k]hand | September 5, 2008 06:27 PM
Yes, yes, from me, too! The Republican tone of scorn and derision on all levels, vs the Democratic tone of hope and unity -- it's such a clear choice for me.
Posted by: Nita | September 5, 2008 06:34 PM
Thank you for such a well-thought out, insightful post. I agree with everything you said, and I appreciate you taking the time to get it all down on pixels and spreading it around to the world. Thank you so much!
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September 5, 2008 06:40 PM
Danny Gregory - I love your book and I read all your posts, but here I have to say that I violently DISAGREE with what you have posted. Mainly, to assume that everyone in this blessed United States think the same way you do is insane.
There are some of us still living that value the life of a human being, whether they are 80 years old or just three months in the womb. Don't be so smug about what the people of this country want. It's true we don't want the government telling us what to do, but that doesn't give everyone the right to do as they please.
Now that I got that off my chest, I can go to lunch and maybe not be so seething.
Posted by: Carol Salm | September 5, 2008 07:29 PM
Brilliant! I stand and applaud you, Danny. As a Canadian, I (we) are much less passionate about politics and our government and I can't say I've ever viewed our leaders with either disdain or pride to any degree, EXCEPT once. As I watched with sadness from the sidelines as your country has been lead down a path of greed, destruction and corruption in these past 8 years in particular, our previous government actually took a stand of their own and made a morally wise (albeit controversial) choice to NOT support the war. Pretty courageous too given we risked pissing off our very powerful neighbor. However, this one decision roused in me for the first and only time, PRIDE in my country's leaders. (Sadly with new leadership this position has changed.) So, similarly I encourage you to individually take a stand, do what you can to make the supportive, compassionate and caring choice to do what you can. Organize, organize, organize in your communities! Take the welfare of each other back into your own hands. Never let political opinion stop you from doing what you know you can do and what you know to be right in your heart....this way you keep from being further manipulated by the powers that be. I think Margaret Mead said it best..."Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." I will again be watching from the sidelines hoping and praying that you will all see through the rhetoric and vote to take your country back....as Danny so eloquently put it.
Posted by: Cheryl Bakke Martin | September 5, 2008 07:39 PM
Danny, your writing is wonderful and thoughtful but I must say that I DISAGREE with you. You present most of the issues well. I don't mind paying taxes either and I usually don't understand why people get so upset about most things they can't change. But I can't vote for Obama because I can't vote for the Democratic ideals. I think we need to fund our national security, help people earn self-respect by giving fewer handouts, and stop allowing abortion to be used as birth control. Oh, how I wish that everything was simpler. I respect your right to vote your conscience and I will vote mine. But let's still be friends, OK?
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September 5, 2008 07:49 PM
Danny, while I respect your right to your opinion, I read this blog because it is one of the best art blogs around. Your ability to inspire others to draw is tremendous.
I buy your books because they are creative and inspiring. So please don't ruin such a good thing, by bringing in politics where, IMHO, they don't belong.
Posted by: Donna McMenamin | September 5, 2008 08:08 PM
I also agree with what you are expressing...but violently(?), I don't think so.
The thing that strikes me the most about the difference between the two parties is on the level of 'corporation vs. individual'. The same rules applied to an individual don't seem to apply to corporations. The republicans continually denigrate welfare recipients, 'the poor', 'community organizers', etc. as moochers, leeches, non-producers, a drag on society; but, when it comes to corporate welfare (which represents billions and billions of dollars beyond what the poor could ever 'steal') the general republican electorate seem to have total blinders on...and cold stares result.
The me-first attitude of 'keep government out of my pocketbook' mysteriously works fine for gathering support from the legions of voters they've double-faked with black and white moral red herrings. But then the republican elite have no qualms with government bail-outs after their minions have irresponsibly pulled all the short-term gain they can grab out of numerous sectors: mortgage, auto industry, banking/credit, etc. etc. leaving John Q. Citizen (US: the working stiff) holding the debt and exposed to the inevitable squeeze on the Q. Citizen family from those same sectors. Bottom line: this crisis we're in was caused by corporate and business malfeasance. (Yeah right: they really care about the little people...but only as consuming or fighting units.) ENOUGH!
Like you, I'll go with the guys with the long view, who have the kind of deep-felt experience and obvious understanding I can't quantify...but I admire greatly. Barak/Joe for Executive Branch.
Apologies for the long post, but...you got me fired up!
Posted by: Rock Kyndl | September 5, 2008 08:54 PM
Thank you for this very thoughtful post. The disdain and mockery leveled at community organizers on Wednesday night saddened me and struck me as one of the lowest points of this political season. It's beyond me to imagine why Rudy G and Sarah Palin would denigrate something that has produced so much change for the good in this country and that is the very way many "average" people are able to participate in their communities and be part of the political process. If it weren't for community organizers, women probably wouldn't even be able to vote much less be part of a major party's ticket. I just can't imagine why the new vp candidate would scoff at something so fundamentally and gloriously American.
Posted by: Melinda Bilecki | September 5, 2008 10:07 PM
I knew there was a reason I liked this blog so much:)
Posted by: Katmosphere | September 5, 2008 10:14 PM
Well, Danny, your concerns are mine too and, I believe, many of us, citizens from the whole world are concerned with US elections, as US citizens choice affects all of us. Also, Id like to say that I have the same wish for my country ( Brazil), that someday wed have a real leader, and than we could do even more.
Posted by: Glaucia Brgi | September 5, 2008 10:22 PM
I really enjoyed your post Danny. Very thoughtful. Most Americans' aversion to all things political baffles me sometimes. I happen to agree with what you say, but what I really want people to do is vote, vote, VOTE, no matter for whom. It's been proven again and again that politicians pay most attention to those who vote. US voter turnout is appallingly low given the impact we have on the world. If we could get a huge jump in turnout this election, to say, 80% of eligible voters, imagine how the eyes would be popping in DC. I also applaud your call to kind, rational, solutions-oriented dialogue rather than the negative, ranting, attack-oriented BS that passes for political debate these days.
Posted by: Kathryn DeBra | September 5, 2008 11:20 PM
Danny - as much as I respect a person's right to their opinion, I must strongly disagree with the person that said your political views do not belong on your drawing blog. The thing I love about reading this blog is the fact that you not only share your art, you share yourself, your family and your life.
I agree 100% with everything you said about our current state of affairs. I'm so excited to BE EXCITED about the change and hard work that's ahead of us. Thank you for the thought-provoking post.
Posted by: Susan Clinkscales | September 6, 2008 01:25 AM
After the last 8 years, there is no other choice. Not if we believe in choices 'for the people' of this country and those we have invaded elsewhere. We have been living with dictators preaching democracy. The Constitution has been ignored on too many levels. The media has been kept out. This is worse than the Nixon years. This election 'could' save the country as it was intended to be, and hopefully, it is not too late. I see Obama and Biden as our only hope! We have been diminished as thinking individuals and as Americans. The world is sick of us and our arrogance. The worst part? We the People have had nothing to say about it. Nothing except for those responding to the fear mongers ruling this country now. They have their war for their own reasons. It had nothing to do with 9/11. They live on their ranches while the children of others are dying. They have tricked us.
Posted by: Western NY | September 6, 2008 01:55 AM
Hi. If Europe could vote, it would go with Barack (per the BBC radio show I heard the other day!). I am an American ex-pat living permanently over here in England and am voting for Obama via absentee ballot. The whole campaigning thing in the States just goes on for way too long and at way too much of a price (spend the money on alternative energy!). I'm sad to see how poorly America is doing in the world's eyes but to be honest, it's a Republican administration that helped it go down so quickly, not a Democratic one......
Posted by: Patty | September 6, 2008 05:30 AM
Great post.
And remember its your blog, Danny and you are free to write (and draw) on any subject you desire.
I can go to lunch content.
Posted by: Detlef | September 6, 2008 08:49 AM
When the president told everyone to go shopping after 9/11, that's when I wanted to rewind time, go back, and vote for Gore instead of him. (Not that one more vote would have mattered, apparently...)
I mean, I get it. But no matter who, how, or why such an event happened, that was so uninspiring and not what a great leader would say. Though, it set the bar, for that man, and he has yet to raise it, in my opinion.
So, while I DID vote based on my PERSONAL preference for life (v. abortion) I no longer let that argument come to the table. Also, I COMPLETELY believe in the right to bear arms (though I do not own guns, personally.) But there are responsibilities that come with this right, and this is where owners need to step up and take accountability.
So, while I share these and many other 'values-based' issues with many republicans, I will not vote republican because I believe in the separation of church and state. I believe in USA as the great melting pot, and I believe in the idea of freedom and that everyone has a part in rolling up their sleeves to get things done. For the cream, that means paying more of share in taxes, for the fat, that means getting off their asses.
And, Republican = Jesus? I don't think so.
Posted by: Steph | September 6, 2008 09:21 AM
Danny says "A few readers seem to think that I shouldn't talk about how I feel about politics and my view of American society here."
umm...isn't that called Freedom of Speech! There in lies a problem, many aren't talking about the everyperson's real life experiences and daily issues. Thanks for your articulate presentation of your views and opinions. Keep the First Amendment rolling!
Posted by: BJ | September 6, 2008 10:06 AM
Danny, I admire you and your thoughtfulness in making this post. I agree, it is your post and you, like the rest of the citizens of our great land, should be able to say/post what you/we wish. This is America!
I disagree though that community service folks were derided by the repubs. Their remarks were driven in response to the dems crying out that Sarah Barracuda has no experience.
She is the governor of the largest land based state in the United States! She has dealt successfully with the "good old boys" by running some of them out of her state's government! She has dealt with large, and corrupt, oil corporations! She has reduced government over-spending by setting personal example of such while in office; and she has dealt with foreign governments regarding trade agreements and other issues common to those countries and the state of Alaska.
There was no derision of community service folks intended other than to say, no community service worker has that kind of EXPERIENCE. How much experience did Bill Clinton have? And where were those voices then?
Love your blog and love what you do with your art; but also respect you and your opinions.
Isn't it great that we are AMERICANS!!
Posted by: Jim Bumgarner | September 6, 2008 10:20 AM
I really prefer you stick to drawing...why you felt the need to alienate fans with a post on something we already hear way to much about is beyond me.
Posted by: Kyle | September 6, 2008 10:50 AM
You are amazing--thank you!
I am disabled and use a wheelchair to get around. Don't even get me started on "handicap accessible" and what a joke that is.But enough of that.
I agree with you on everything---why can't they all see it our way???????????
Posted by: Patricia Zalewski | September 6, 2008 11:48 AM
It's hard for me to stop and read such a long post but I was interested in knowing your perspective so I made the time.
Thank you for taking the time to express yourself and show another aspect of your dimensionality as a person. I hope you will continue to share all of yourself with the world.
I can't say I agree with you 100% on the specifics but I do agree 100% on the heart of your message.
Here's hoping for a brighter future for all!
Posted by: Robbie | September 6, 2008 01:44 PM
Awesome post. Thank you for sharing your thoughts so eloquently.
Posted by: Jennifer | September 6, 2008 02:30 PM
I don't particularly understand how some readers, as one comment stated, would feel alienated by this. Don't artists tend to be passionate people? I don't necessarily agree with everything you said, but I appreciate you taking the time to share your views on the world. +1 Subscriber.
Posted by: Marc | September 6, 2008 05:25 PM
This was an interesting and inspiring read.I agree with so much you've said, and feel fortunate to have someone around since seventh grade I could talk to about these things.
I'd also like to see many people read this, but the ones who should wouldn't, the ones who will would mostly be shaking their heads in agreement. Still, you DO have every right to put your opinions here, of all places. I find it disgusting that someone would reprimand you.
Love your writing and art, you've given me so much to think about!
Posted by: Ashleigh Willing | September 6, 2008 07:44 PM
Danny Gregory, you are a gentleman and a scholar! I for one am certainly not alienated by this and can seriously relate to your views here.
I think many folks need to check their heads this election and get past the faddish celebrity worship and look at what's going on. I see all this infantile bickering and name calling and finger pointing (I admit, for a very brief time, I was guilty of this) and think, these people have lost their minds. Like you said, if we only spent this much time and energy on things that matter and the greater good. Anyhow, I just want to thank you for your thoughts in this post Danny. This means a great deal to me.
All the best, Steve
Posted by: steve | September 6, 2008 08:06 PM
Bravo, Danny -- that was a wonderful post. I can't disagree more with those who don't think politics has any place on a blog about art -- art IS politics, in one way or another, even "apolitical" art. If you've reached down inside yourself to make something that you believe in, that's your politics. And I personally agree with yours completely, and I hope, hope, that you're right about Obama and that we'll have the chance to find out.
>Maybe I should go around lobbying for mandatory contour drawing or stop people in the airport and make them do watercolors.
Jeez, I wish you would.
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September 6, 2008 08:36 PM
I think it is extraordinary that someone would criticize an artist for speaking their mind about politics.
THAT is the problem with the way this country has developed: we have allowed "professional" politicians to be our leaders instead of artists, community activists, and even, gasp, actors!
Why shouldn't every citizen have a point of view and the ability and right to speak thoughtfully and personally? Why wouldn't this be a relevant topic for Danny and for the rest of us? Don't we all live in this country and depend upon it?
Thank you, Danny, for such a thoughtful post.
Posted by: loretta | September 6, 2008 09:46 PM
I believe that an artist's primary responsibility is to their artl The thoughts and concerns of the artist's brain definately affect the work especially when the artist includes words into his art on a regular basis. I think it is awesome that you feel free to speak your mind, especially since it is such a good one to express. Thank you for adding a fresh and lively dialogue to the snowballing political situation. I agree with your words; be kind, be considerate, be respectful of people living in different philosophies than yours, and be a loving american. United we stand, divided we fall. I wish to unite with those who believe differently and those who believe the same so we can step together for the better good of our country. Go Danny, you ROCK!!!
Posted by: picasso2680 | September 6, 2008 11:20 PM
Danny, as a British person, this blog gives me some hope that there are Americans who share similar values and are prepared to speak passionately and eloquently about life, art AND politics ( it's all linked, see, and we are ALL connected....)
Thanks
Posted by: Janeo | September 7, 2008 03:56 AM
Am really enjoying The Creative License. Today I decided to take a peek at your website and was knocked out with your post. I live in the UK and have been following events in the US for some time now. My grandparents were naturalised Americans and I have American relatives. Until recently I viewed American politics as "right" although I did wonder why the US government was always finding scary leaders in other countries that were apparently unnoticed by the rest of the world. Lately, I have begun to feel that the US has acted as aggressor on many occassions. Why is such a large country so paranoid? Believe me this is no criticism of American citizens - simply your government. Not that the British government is much better. And above all how about WOMD? There weren't any for heaven's sake! Yet so many innocent people have died as a result of misinformation. I believe that globalisation is a threat to us all and that many countries have a two party system where there is little difference between either. Could say a lot more but I wonder if either of your presidential candidates would pull out of Iraq and also make a statement of no intention of invasion of Iran. I just wish they would stop trying to police the rest of the world, which America can't really afford to do anyway.
Good on you Danny for bringing up politics and you've got me journaling (non-political) which is great. Love the book and have pre-ordered your next on Amazon today.
Posted by: Ros | September 7, 2008 07:39 AM
Wow. "Barack Obama has the Answer." WHICH ONE?
As an Illinois state legislator he voted "PRESENT" 126 times. He apparently did not have the answer for any of those questions. Too difficult? Above his pay grade, perhaps?
His EXPERIENCE is too thin to lead our country now. His is the newest face with the oldest ANSWERS, many of which are tired and failed solutions left over from the Jimmy Carter era.
Even if he had good answers (I believe he does not) he has zero record of executive accomplishment and leadership achievement. Zero record of working with his opposites in the U.S. Senate or Illinois State legislature,but says he will unite us. When? How? I want more than words. I want a person with a proven record of accomplishment.
I believe that so many, like you, Danny, are taken up with the magic of his oratory. OFF teleprompter (away from his speeches written by David Axelrod) he stammers, pauses uncomfortably, searching for the ANSWER-OF-THE-MOMENT. He has changed his answer on many issues just in the last 19 months.
If you read the facts of his adult life, written out on a page, no photo, no name, you would find him vastly under qualified to run a small company, let alone the largest economy in the world.
No record, and no ACHIEVEMENT to back up his empty ANSWERS. No thank you.
Posted by: McNair | September 7, 2008 12:07 PM
wow. This is truly one of the most profoundly moving and motivating political expressions I have ever read anywhere. You've succeeded in breaking down a controversial and much muddled political circumstance into simple, human-sized, real people, everyday terms and whether people agree with you or not (and I do, whole-heartedly and enthusiastically) I think (hope) the vast majority of your readers will recognize that, will recognize themselves in your words.
But I must disagree with the commenters who have expressed disappointment and vitriol at the fact you have dared express your political views openly and suggest that you should confine yourself to art. To me, and I should hope to any artist who truly values artistic expression, the artist can and should be no more divided from their values and beliefs (political and otherwise) than a child should be divided from a parent. Your beliefs and values inform you and your art every bit as much as your eyesight or your ability to grasp a pen. Whether one agrees with your expression or not, I truly believe one ought to accept that you have every right as a free and independent individual, as an author, as an artist, as a thinking human being to give voice to your interior ideals, particularly here in this forum... a forum created entirely by you, as an extension of yourself.
So bravo! I hope you continue speaking your truth, regardless what it may cost you in blog readers for I believe that is the true goal of art. And you do it so, so well.
Posted by: Melanie | September 7, 2008 12:14 PM
Here, here, Danny. I wholeheartedly agree.
Posted by: Martha | September 7, 2008 01:40 PM
Thanks for posting your inner thoughts. Artists too, have an opinion. Your ideas have given a tickle to my thinking.
Posted by: Dusty P. | September 7, 2008 06:10 PM
As a long-time reader, I've missed the posts you used to do about political matters. You taught us that everyday matters, and political/cultural/economic/ etc. matters are part of everyday. Also, I find your writings to be thought-provoking and articulate, so I for one hope that you contribute more in this vein rather than less. In my opinion, there's room for both pure art commentary and musings about the intersection of the creative life and our larger lives on your blog.
Oh, and I'd like to clarify this issue about Obama and his voting "present" 126 times. My understanding is that it is a custom in the Illinois legislature that when a legislator has sponsored or otherwise supported a bill, but that bill has been changed into something that he or she no longer supports because of amendments, a legislator votes "present" to show his or her support for the initial intent of the bill, but not for the bill as it then stands. AND it is important to understand that those 126 "present" votes stand with roughly 4,000 other votes that he cast over 8 years of serving in the Illinois legislature. Now that doesn't sound very wishy-washy or evasive, does it?
Posted by: Susan Becker | September 7, 2008 06:58 PM
Danny,
I agree with you about the importance of this election. Taking advantage of any opportunity one has to discuss the issues and get information out about the candidates is a good thing. So thank you for your comments and thoughts!
Republicans have had almost total control of our government for the past eight years. This is what they�ve wrought: a tanked economy, trillion dollar debt, rampant cronyism and incompetency in federal agencies, more people in poverty and without health insurance, serious problems with infrastructure and public schools, stonewalling about global warming, a war based on deceit and lies which has killed thousands, huge tax cuts for the richest 1% of Americans and corporations, armed forces stretched and in need of repair, a Justice Department which has become a partisan tool of the White House. McCain has consistently supported Bush administrations policies (90% of the time). He�s hardly a �maverick.� It�s not unreasonable for voters to assume a McCain administration will be very similar to the current one.
The Republican record of the past 8 years is indefensible. Why would anyone want four more years of Bush? Convince me!
I watched almost all of the Democratic convention and as much of the Republican convention as I could stand. I was appalled by the angry, sarcastic, hatefully mocking tone and personal attacks by Republican keynote speakers and the blatant lying. Do the Republicans not know that a public record exists?
I�m tired of hearing the right demonize those who do not agree with their extremist views.
For me, it�s a choice between hope or hate. I�m voting for hope and that means Obama.
Posted by: Sharon | September 7, 2008 08:46 PM
Danny,
I agree with you about the importance of this election. Taking advantage of any opportunity one has to discuss the issues and get information out about the candidates is a good thing. So thank you for your comments and thoughts!
Republicans have had almost total control of our government for the past eight years. This is what theyve wrought: a tanked economy, trillion dollar debt, rampant cronyism and incompetency in federal agencies, more people in poverty and without health insurance, serious problems with infrastructure and public schools, stonewalling about global warming, a war based on deceit and lies which has killed thousands, huge tax cuts for the richest 1% of Americans and corporations, armed forces stretched and in need of repair, a Justice Department which has become a partisan tool of the White House. McCain has consistently supported Bush administrations policies (90% of the time). Hes hardly a maverick. Its not unreasonable for voters to assume a McCain administration will be very similar to the current one. But the Republican record of the past 8 years is indefensible. Why would anyone want four more years of Bush? Convince me
I watched almost all of the Democratic convention and as much of the Republican convention as I could stand. I was appalled by the angry, sarcastic, hatefully mocking tone and personal attacks by Republican keynote speakers and the blatant lying. Do the Republicans not know that a public record exists?
Im tired of hearing the right demonize those who do not agree with their extremist views.
For me, its a choice between hope or hate. Im voting for hope and that means Obama.
Posted by: Sharon | September 7, 2008 08:51 PM
I'd rather be 10% unsure about Obama than 90% sure of more of the same for the next 4 years.
I, too, withheld my political comments on my art blog but had to address it in some way because we've got too much riding on this election. I decided to play around with photoshop and visually express my opinion of McCain & Palin.
http://e14studio.blogspot.com/2008/09/little-photoshop-fun.html
Keep on doin what you're doing, Danny!!
~Sharon
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September 7, 2008 11:03 PM
Dear Danny, I'm not so fond of giving feedback. When I discovered your books and blog about a year and a half ago I was greatly inspired and it made me draw a lot more. When my dad fell off the stairs and had spinal shock and had to learn to walk again, I understood my mom better after reading your book, and I've really enjoyed listening to your podcasts. I feel I've really gotten to know you, and you have a place at my desk. But I've never taken the chance to tell you. You get a lot of positive feed back, what's one more fan? But now you've posted your vote and you've blown me away. I'm Dutch, living in amsterdam, but I've lived in tha States a few times and consider it my second homeland. I do however have a 'Dutch' perspective on things and have had some very hard times with American politics lately. I know the things that reach our newspapers and tv are coloured and do not always reflect all Americans' opinions, like I'm sure the American image of Holland doesn't fit us all either. Meeting Americans here in Europe or elsewhere in the world has always filled me with hope, and so has your posting. I agree with it wholeheartedly. I even have to admit that though I'm proud of a lot of what we (Dutch) have come to stand for, lately we have a lot to think about too. The way we want to move forward in our multicultural society is up for debate and it's getting ugly. Your words really made me think about how we should move forward , and why our leaders are failing too (lack of leadership).
Thanks for the courage to post it, (I'm sure you wouldn't consider it brave, but I think it is) and for confirming once again your thoughtfulness and wisdom.
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September 8, 2008 11:08 AM
I am passionately in agreement with the leadership that Obama demonstrates and will do all I can to bring about his presidency.
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September 8, 2008 12:26 PM
Danny, I'm glad you posted your political thoughts. Given your background and educational pursuits politics is perhaps more important to you than many others (though it should be important to everyone in the U.S. right now), but it is always part of everyone's life when they live in a society. It's nonsense to believe otherwise.
Our views on everything from politics to fashion to religion to humor to anything all have an impact on our art. Those views influence our perspective and play a subtle and sometimes not so subtle role in what, how, when, and where, we make observations that we render into visual output.
Your views are already there in your art for people who bother to look. Perhaps not explicitly enough for some, but there is enough of a sense of the type of person you are that they should be able to fill in the blanks.
As an artist and writer please continue to express yourself fully. It saddens me when a thoughtful and articulate person presents his views, and is met with hateful and negative comments.
Happily I see, in skimming through the posted comments, that there are some who, while they disagree with you, are still interested in civil discourse about the disagreement.
What we need is more people talking out about what matters to them and why. People from all walks of life who are intelligent enough to realize that politics has a huge impact on our lives whether we choose to actively participate or not.
Being creative, as expressed in your blog and in your books has a physical manifestation in images and words but it comes from an intellect that weighs all sorts of issues and is fed in part by the fact that you are a political animal, by training and by concern.
If more people shared these types of thoughts our society might get used to talking civilly (without vilifying or demonizing the opposing group) about the difficult problems that face our country and actually get down to solving some of them.
So I'm glad you posted your political thoughts. Your blog offers a view on integrating creativity into everyday life. This is certainly part of it. Be your whole, thoughtful self.
Roz
Posted by: Roz | September 8, 2008 04:56 PM
Politics is very important. I appreciate you offering your insight and world-view. I happen to believe that LOCAL governments are more apt to solve over-reaching problems and allocate funds in a proper way because they cater to specific needs and local demand. Therefore, a bloated, and bureaucratic government that does too much can be a hindrance to progress and prosperity and worst of all, liberty. Moderate conservatism is way better than ultra-liberalism, in my opinion. One more thing, you want to know why there are so many foreclosures and bad mortgages... because there have been 17 million new mortgages in the past eight years, and I can assure you that a lot of those deals were shady. Does 17 million new mortgages and a million cars on every highway mean our economy is bad. I love Obama, but he is so negative and glass half-empty. I am positive. And I believe our country is much safer from terrorists now than it has been in a long time. By the way, for everyone that hates war (which I totally do), you have to understand that with evil people who lust for violence, there is only one way to communicate with them. They don't know any other way. Sorry to say that language is violence. So war ends up being inevitable. What are you to do? Fight with an eight year-old kid who wants an ice cream? Same thing with negotiating with terrorists. They have no comprehension for reason and logic. Hope you understand that I want my liberties protected. So I am moderately conservative and mildly libertarian. And, McCain is a strong man, with character and integrity. He will not sway with public opinion, okay all you NAPPY-HEADED HOS. Now how stupid was that, giving those words POWER and repeating them five hundred million times? That's what you get for supporting politically correct, elitist, self-ingratiating liberal media-types. Have a great day. Health and happiness. And please, just recycle your paper, plastic, glass, and cardboard, and don't be lazy. This country is great, don't let Obama tell you it's in the tank. Thank you. :)
Posted by: Nick | September 8, 2008 05:57 PM
I wonder if leaders really have the freedom to accomplish their objectives? I feel we need to constantly observe, question and ensure democracy is maintained. The European Union is slowly but successfully taking control of every facet of our lives and the power of the people is steadily diminishing. It appears that they are presently planning to dismiss the result of the Irish referendum on The Lisbon Treaty and pursue their aims. I only hope that US citizens ensure that both their future freedom and democracy are upheld. I doubt that this is possible within the proposed North American Union. What is Obama's stance on this?
Posted by: Ros | September 8, 2008 06:57 PM
I'm quite disturbed that anyone would imply that you should not state your opinion on your own blog, no matter what it may be. Art and politics are not separate. Anyone who has ever cracked an art history book would know that the two are intimately entwined, even if not obvious at first glance. I happen to agree with you, but even if I didn't, your piece is a perfect example of what this country should be about - freedom of speech and community action. I applaud you!
Posted by: Casey | September 9, 2008 01:18 AM
It's funny how Obama has been called negative and is under so much scrutiny when you've got his opponents basically running their campaign on pointing the finger and calling names. Let's be honest, Mccain is quite old to be elected president, and not in the best of health. The war he has supported along with Bush has accomplished nothing in relation to the time and money spent in Iraq. His running mate is a right wing EXTREMIST who believes it's God's will to follow her course of action, takes any opposition as a personal threat and wants to eliminate the freedom of all American women, while simultaneously supporting the killing of thousands of innocent civilians, many of whom are babies, in someone else's backyard . She also is big on banning books. How so very American and benevolent. Hmmmm, what's wrong with this picture? "Nick", please do not ever confuse the efforts to make valid improvements in our society and culture as being politically correct or elitist. If it was up to some of the folks who share many of your views, we would go straight back to the dark ages again. To folks caught up in this cerlebrity worship that is Palin, please try and stop and think about the hypocrisy surrounding your decision, and not about how cool her rimless glasses are. There's far too much at stake now.
Posted by: steve | September 9, 2008 08:05 AM
Steve, you refer to celebrity worship and this is just my point. Americans are electing a party not just a leader. Accountability is what it is really about. Inspiring speeches can be written for anyone - and often are - but what do these people really stand for and can they be made accountable for actions? There is so much more at stake here than celebrity figureheads.
Posted by: Ros | September 9, 2008 08:45 AM
What a great post, Danny. I agree with a lot of the things you said. And many people outside the US have the same impression.
The comment about sex-education reminded me of a neighborhood family from the States. They had 3 little kids (4,5,7). Once they were all watching a Cinderella Story and in the end when the princess kisses the prince, the parents closed their kids eyes.
But they didnt mind their little kids watching Terminator, etc.
Here in Germany it is usually the other way. Movies with kissing are open to kids, but movies with a lot of violence are not. Terminator was released for 16 years and older.
Anyway, this is your blog and what I really like about it, is that it shows your art and a personal side too. That is what makes it so enjoyable and interesting. Keep up with it.
Posted by: ksklein | September 10, 2008 05:04 AM
I can relate to your comments KS. We lived in Germany for over 25 years and it's true that anything associated as violence is not approved of. As you so rightly state, Germans are much more relaxed about sexual matters. This seems to work out pretty well. It's reflected in the teenage pregnancy statistics which are much lower than in the UK and probably the US.
Posted by: Ros | September 10, 2008 11:49 AM
Danny, You are perfectly entitled to say anything you want to on your blog. I agree with a lot, and have many similar values, but I totally DISAGREE with your solution. I am not sure McCain-Palin will be able to make much progress in solving many of our problems, as they have a very entrenched Washington culture to fight against. However, they both have a history of trying, with some success, whereas Obama has a history of joining them when he was unsuccessful in fighting them.
Congress, both sides of the aisle, have a very low approval rating (9%) for good reasons, mostly related to graft, self-interest and partisan infighting. That's why a lot of state and local people are taking charge and getting things done.
I want to take issue with your equating "community organizers", who are actually political activists (e.g.ACORN), with the thousands of volunteers (Kiwanis, Rotary, churches,FoodBank helpers etc) who carry our communities on their backs. There is an important difference.
Posted by: Ann | September 10, 2008 02:06 PM
Art, drawing, and civil political discourse from a passionate, intelligent, creative and caring person. You are an inspiration to me. Please continue to fully express all that you are and share your wonderful self!
Posted by: Wildhart | September 10, 2008 02:30 PM
Thank you for speaking out!
Posted by: nikki hardin | September 11, 2008 10:57 PM
Cheers to you Danny. Thank you for speaking up.
Posted by: suzanne | September 13, 2008 11:31 PM
A very important and thoughtful post.
PS I agree.
Posted by: Mary Stebbins Taitt | September 14, 2008 03:26 PM
You hit the nail on the head, Danny. I agree with all you've said, and loved how eloquently you said it.
Posted by: Rachel Murphree | September 15, 2008 11:38 PM
I read this out loud to my husband. We both agree with almost all that you said. Trouble is, it's difficult to really know who's going to be the best for the country; sometimes it seems that the only resource we have is the media and we often find ourselves caught up in minitua and insignificance. By that time, we're tired and apathy begins to set in. Blogs such as yours offer the country-man's opinion, as it should. It is refreshing in its honesty and it pushes me to work harder at understanding my community and my country. Thank you, Danny.
Posted by: Nancy Edwards | September 18, 2008 12:36 PM
Thank you for such an incredibly eloquent and thoughtful post, your words ring true to my ears and heart.
Posted by: Donavan Freberg | October 11, 2008 04:22 PM