Salon's New Declaration of Independence, or, Why Darwin Was Wrong
The staff at Salon have conducted a "brainstorming" session that resulted in nothing less than a New Declaration of Independence! It's just like that musty 1776 relic, but updated for the 99 percent! I mention this nonsense for two reasons:
First, anyone comparing Salon's document with its 235-year-old predecessor -- whether for style or substance -- would have to conclude that Darwin was wrong.
Second, the document says all you need to know about the grievance culture that fuels so much of OWS (with whom Salon purports to be in sympathy). Unlike the original Declaration, which opens with a statement of first principles, the Salon version has no first principles; it only has complaints. Its central complaint is that the richest 1% are really rich, and the other 99% are, like, less rich. To address this statistical outrage, Salon has proposed, not "independence," but a system of cradle-to-grave government dependence, including: immediate debt relief, a "substantial jobs program," and socialized healthcare (that's right, Obamacare is way too one-percenty for them). Whereas Jefferson & Co. complained of a "swarm" of government officials harassing the people, the New Declaration complains that our swarms aren't big enough.
Moreover, the document reflects not merely a grievance culture, but an elite grievance culture. Because half of Salon's demands have absolutely nothing to do with the income inequality that so vexes them. In addition to the points I mentioned in the previous paragraph, the New Declaration gives equal weight to: ending the global war on terror, repealing the patriot act, "tackling" climate change, and "full equality for the queer community." Because everyone knows that climate change is the only thing keeping unemployment rates stubbornly high. Even Salon's economic demands have a whiff of snobbery -- debt relief is "particularly" important for "students and college graduates." Why?
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Dec '10
Re: Salon's New Declaration of Independence, or, Why Darwin Was Wrong
First, Darwin didn't address the workings of culture.
Second, he never said that evolution was a process toward some objectively "good" or "better" forms of life, only ones better adapted to survival and reproduction in a given ecological niche. The Salon editors no doubt believe that this document is a step toward increasing their odds of survival in their tiny niche.
Third, Darwin's primary focus was on sexual selection and how various adaptations helped individuals attract mates preferentially over fellow members of their respective species. I am sure that the authors of this piece will be able to swing by Occupy Seattle (or wherever), casually mention that they wrote it, and obtain many more mating opportunities than the other encampment occupants.
Jul '10
Re: Salon's New Declaration of Independence, or, Why Darwin Was Wrong
The chattering classes have completely lost the plot.
Dec '10
Re: Salon's New Declaration of Independence, or, Why Darwin Was Wrong
When did they write this thing? In their free period between gym class and remedial U.S. History?
Well foolish aims aside, I think we should give them exactly what they asked for. Not the whole country mind you, but let them run Illinois or California (sorry Peter, Rob, Diane, Mickey, Dr. Savage, et. al.) for a few election cycles. From what I read, half their requests are already in place. It seems like Greece has yet to sink in as a cogent example of this type of economic illiteracy. We might quiet the calls for revolution if they have a clear example hear at home.
I could dream...right?