NidifugousYap, Federated States of Micronesia1,430 posts
Kattte: Excellent choice!! Fantastic writer. Met him many years ago while working free lance in Wash. DC Met with him at his home in Ravello, on the Amalfy coast, near Naples. What an inspiration he was, especially in international politics. Naturally, I have all his books; still love to re read Myra though, that was just so insanely hilarious as was the film. He thought they botched it …ah well. His last few books on the US turning into a imperial terrorist state in his essays on perpetual war as the final policy was so dead on target, it scared many people, even those who hated him like that so called imperial ballerina William F. Buckley. Yes I watched the live broadcast when Buckley tried assaulting him at that political convention in 1968….he just calmly enraged Buckley …one of the best things that I have ever seen. Nice choice!!!
He was a very smart guy and his background and connections gave him enough clout to get away with what he said. I think men like him are dying out. They are "undereducated" out or frightened out.. whatever method.. they will not exist in the near future.
I remember screaming bloody murder when the 9/11 happened and ALL the academics remained silent. I am sure some knew what was going on and either they were intimidated to keep their mouths shut or they sensed what was about to happen on a large scale. The first one who came out and opened his mouth was Gore. I wish I could have met him. When Chomsky dies.. who have we got left?
My favorite analogy of GV is that of Caligula appointing his horse to the Senate. That is SO on point
NidifugousYap, Federated States of Micronesia1,430 posts
In response to: Who do you think was one of the most inspirational person of the 2oth centruary that contributed in their efforts to make a difference.
Nidifugous: For me, it's Gore Vidal. I had to think long and hard because there are few or no people left in the west who are inspiring on any level. Sadly this great man died 2 years ago. He was one of the last people who stood for the truth and had the guts to speak his mind publicly.
If you ask me, this is a major problem in the world today. Who's truth? What truth? This is not a knock against your choice (a good one), but at a time when whoever shouts the loudest wins, the same could be said about anyone from Fox News.
Most of the world's population is in the east, so I'd have to go with Gandhi for potential to inspire over time, geographic area, and number of people.
I haven't read any Vidal. Time for a trip to the library.
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Nice choice!!!
He was a very smart guy and his background and connections gave him enough clout to get away with what he said. I think men like him are dying out. They are "undereducated" out or frightened out.. whatever method.. they will not exist in the near future.
I remember screaming bloody murder when the 9/11 happened and ALL the academics remained silent. I am sure some knew what was going on and either they were intimidated to keep their mouths shut or they sensed what was about to happen on a large scale. The first one who came out and opened his mouth was Gore. I wish I could have met him. When Chomsky dies.. who have we got left?
My favorite analogy of GV is that of Caligula appointing his horse to the Senate. That is SO on point