Chris to Thom

Reviews Written by Christopher Degetmon "Coyoteteacher"
An anecdotal story. I once attended a gathering in Germany with Hartmann and his mentor Herr Muller. Those who attended that event came from all over the world based on another one of Hartmann's books, The Prophets Way. The events conveyed in The Prophets Way still hold memories of a sacred nature in my mind and life. And the people I met in Germany so many years ago, still occupy my heart and my hope for their work and life where ever they are now.

In many respects, the books Hartmann has written since the publication of his spiritual autobiography have seemed to adhere to a broad praxis of engagement based on fundamental principles of democracy and fairness. At least that is the scope of engagement one finds in his books, not the least of which include this one.

While Hartmann casts himself under a certain image as one might observe on his Radio Show and by reading his books, actions by those who represent him cannot go ignored or sweeped under the rug. The problem with standing 'for something' at the same time as he endorses actions in his name that lead to oppressive conditions and unjust actions only obscure the scope and nature of his books.

This man does not live his life according to the standards one finds in this book or the others he has written. Whether you buy this book or not matters little to me. My voice has no more consequence than any other person working day in and day out attempting to change the political system that drains our life blood daily. The only significant difference between me and someone like the author is that like me (as I suspect most of us) toil everyday to make things better without national recognition.

The obvious problem with success is that those who achieve it end up thinking themselves better than the rest of us, and holding their work as the standard for those without a voice. Thom Hartmann has long since forgotten where he came from and now takes refuge under the same standards he argues against in his books.

I for one am profoundly sorry I ever read anything this man has ever written. The Ameri(k)a he speaks for does not represent my values nor my heart. As such, I see no significant difference between what Hartmann does in his personal life as different from those who are engaged in a practice known as Loco Parentis.

Hartmann and his surrogates know what is best for us, just as Cheney and Bush know what is best for us. They both deliever the death blow without concern for Justice or honesty.
You have to at least admire his devotion, to what I have no idea.