MEMO FROM THE EDITOR
MEMO from the Editor Loyal, True, Real As a reader of The Progressive, you're probably familiar with the "New World Orders" poster we produced during the Persian Gulf war. It shows, superimposed...
...a little self-respect can go a long way toward fostering respect for others...
...You have done this in the face of every kind of adversity and financial disaster...
...Never have you compromised your ideals and integrity...
...lots of people do...
...Roll over...
...Because if you're a real American, the rest of us are in a lot of trouble...
...You see, I've been to Taos several times, and I hope to go there again...
...But it saddens me that you're incapable of disagreeing without hurling charges of treason...
...It shows, superimposed on a bloody U.S...
...This fall, we sent out a mailing offering the poster as a premium for new subscribers, and the response was gratifying...
...Sincerely, Aletter of a different sort comes from a long-time subscriber in Massachusetts: "You wrote in your Memo in the October issue that 'hostile letters [to the Editor of The Progressive] outnumber freindly ones by a ratio of at least four to one.' That is not a happy circumstance either for you or for this steadfast supporter and faithful reader...
...Thank you...
...Kill...
...Friend, I don't know how old you are, but you have so much to learn about being an American—about being human, for that matter—that I'd suggest you get started right away...
...It has given me enormous pleasure to write this letter of admiration and unfaltering support, and to assure you that I will be with you until the end...
...It's a powerful message, and there has been much demand for the poster (and for a T-shirt bearing the same image...
...From a resident of Taos, New Mexico, who signs himself "A Loyal, True, and Real American," comes the following: "I doubt if you bastards even know the colors in our American flag, and I am also sorry that you even sent me your insulting letter asking for a subscription to your treasonous magazine...
...Fetch...
...But I know now that I'll never be able to visit Taos again without thinking about you, your letter, and your twisted, spiteful version of patriotism...
...We rednecks don't need them, either, but we do know what Red, White, and Blue looks like in our Great American Flag and it flies night and day over the Plaza in Taos, New Mexico, because a few loyal and brave citizens stood up and defended it against some who wished to tear it down...
...I earnestly hope that you're wrong about being a loyal, true, and real American— especially the "real" part...
...You have every right, of course, to disagree with The Progressive, its politics, and its poster...
...It's a beautiful place, not only because of its spectacular natural setting in the shadow of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, but also because its architecture and arts constitute a haunting evocation of Native American and Hispanic cultures...
...In your own way, you've spoiled the place for me...
...And you might begin by not calling yourself a redneck...
...Dear American: We have something in common, you and I. You say you would have felt better without The Progressive's letter, and I certainly would have felt better without yours...
...Play dead...
...flag, the words Sit...
...And it infuriates me that you're incapable of disagreeing without resorting to vile anti-Semitism...
...No political periodical anywhere has fought more nobly and consistently on behalf of peace, justice, freedom, and humanity...
...And it irritates me that you're incapable of disagreeing without taking a cheap shot at Ted Kennedy...
...I'm sure that there will be far-out idiots who will subscribe to your Jewish crap, sheet...
...With George Bush in the White House, Dan Quayle standing in the wings, the timeservers in Congress, and the servile mainstream news media, what a blessing it is to know that every month we shall hear once again the sane and compassionate voice of The Progressive...
...Heel...
...Throughout most of the battles for civil and human rights that have been fought in this century, you have been there to defend the oppressed, support the fallen, befriend the abandoned and the outcast, and to champion nearly every noble cause or forlorn hope...
...Send your New World Orders flag poster to Kennedy...
...Stay...
...I have been reading The Progressive for three decades...
...I would have felt better without it...
...But you can't please everyone...
Vol. 55 • December 1991 • No. 12
