People are beaten down by hard work and fear

Hi Joe!

One of the main reasons I read Deer Hunting with Jesus was to find the answer to the question: Why do they vote Republican? Your book present several good answers.

Almost half the population is functionally illiterate. Doesn't know the difference between a patriotic song and politics. Only scans and barely understands the headlines. Listens to Rush everyday for news.

That is something liberals like me have trouble understanding. My parents made sure my brothers and I understood the value of a life of the mind. My parents bathed us in that belief. But a family that has none of that, well, you only know what you are presented with.

But everyone has the benefit of a good public education, right? That is another strong liberal belief that is far from the reality in the U.S. The reality is that children need so much more that our meagerly funded public education system is able to deliver.

Also, Republican by default. I worked that over in my mind after I read your book even though I got it as I read it.

What for me is a slam duck example of the point you are making is that I am a Democrat by default. What am I gonna' do, vote Republican? Just as we learn from birth the fairness and wisdom of our political system, we also learn our place in the two party system. Hillary or Obama? Flip a coin!

Both parties are a creation of the American Hologram -- one of the key functions of the American Hologram I might add.

Another thing that struck me is the effect of a life of hard work, drudgery and fear. People are just so beaten down that there is no possibility to see that "another world is possible".

Your analysis of fundamentalism also was insightful. Especially the respectful obedience to authority that is omnipresent (pun intended). That's a good way to keep the poor from getting any rebellious ideas!

Thanks for your great work!

Pete

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Pete,

I often wonder if I got across the fundamental and simple ideas I tried to make in the book by using plain language and living examples. Your letter gives me great hope that I may have accomplished my goal to at least some degree.

There are many fine books that detail the American situation far better than mine, in particular, Morris Berman’s The Twilight of American Culture. And of course just about anything by Howard Zinn.

I do not know how to express my gratitude for people such as you who did me the honor of buying the book, except to say thank you from the bottom of my heart.

In art and labor,

Joe