Are you an agitator?
The Fourth of July Is a Celebration of Agitation
By Jim Hightower
July 01, 2009 “CS” – Are you an agitator? You know, one of those people who won’t leave well enough alone, who’s always questioning authority and trying to stir things up.
If so, the Powers That Be detest you – you … you … “agitator!” They spit the term out as a pejorative to brand anyone who dares to challenge the established order. “Oh,” they scoff, “our people didn’t mind living next to that toxic waste dump until those environmental agitators got them upset.” Corporate chieftains routinely wail that “our workers were perfectly happy until those union agitators started messing with their minds.”
In each case, the message is that America would be a fine country if only we could get rid of those pesky troublemakers who get the hoi polloi agitated about one thing or another.
July Fourth is a time to enjoy fireworks, flags, hotdogs, ballgames and such – but it’s also a time to remember who we are: agitators!
It’s not easy to stand against powerful interests. Sometimes it’s lonely, and you get to feeling like the guy B.B. King sings about: “No one likes you but your momma, and she might be jiving you, too.” It’s not easy, but having those who dare to stand up is essential if our country is ever to achieve our ideals of fairness, justice and opportunity for all.
And when the establishment derisively assails you as an agitator, remember this: The agitator is the center post in the washing machine that gets the dirt out.</em>
Count me in.
