An enlightened citizenry

Near the end of AMERICAN GADFLY, my one-man play about Sen. Wayne Morse of Oregon, the senator says this:

 MORSE

            So if you asked me, Wayne Morse, name

            the one thing in our country that you

            think will do more to strengthen

            American foreign policy in the next

            half century, you might be surprised

            at my reply. I would say, Do something

            to protect the educational standard of

            American boys and girls.  Do something

            to protect American brain power. 

            Because the only sure and lasting

            defense of peace is a highly educated

            and enlightened citizenry.

Words to make one cry today, given the rise of the opposite into positions of great power.

Consider the controversial Republican memo released today. More than one commentator has noted that it may backfire since a close reading gives credence to the opposite meaning given to it by Trump and cohorts. This may be true among the intelligentsia and close relatives. But such nuances will fly over the understanding of many Americans, including the voters who believe Trump is a gift from heaven. The new status quo depends on an uneducated and unenlightened citizenry. And a comment like this would be dismissed as "elitist" by them! Education has become elitist.

Another quotation that comes to mind:

 On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart's desire at last, and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron. H. L. Mencken

Ain't it the truth.