Word: moynihans
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...challenge to dissect such a theory rationally; I can hardly find grounds for discourse. Moynihan's words strike me as the thoughts of a man unable to understand a radically different philosophy who is scurrying about, cooking up an outwardly sophisticated theory that resolves any self-doubts the criticism generated. Think back to the causes of the critical "young elite" (itself a phrase intended to put the left into the heirarchical world Moynihan feels comfortable in): Did they fear the "overwhelming power" of the Vietcong (who, Moynihan incorrectly says, were a "totalitarian regime...not many years back."). Or did they...
...Indeed, Moynihan's cure for American society confirms this suspicion. He longingly quoted Harvard's 1876 class day orator, who spoke with "self assurance and resolve." Moynihan quoted the orator calling on the members of the educated class "to set themselves against the prevailing vulgarity that has become characteristic of American life: It is for them to endeavor to elevate the standard of public taste...to promote and foster...that true inward refinement which alone makes possible the higher social enjoyments that distinguish civilization from barbarism dressed...
...revealed that the solution to the West's problems is a more confident ruling class that can remake a world whose students have resolved "to do less for King and Country," words that reveal the extent of Moynihan's devotion to democracy. There is no point to looking for leadership from anyone besides the educated class, "for it would not work and it will not happen." Imagine what would have happened if the United States had not "failed in South East Asia, disgraced at its very center, shriveling at every perimeter...
...mood of the Commencement Week was alienating; it seemed like freshman week all over again, the best-forgotten days when we were all impressed with Harvard and took it seriously, when we felt like human beings of a higher order because here we were, mere freshmen, listening to Pat Moynihan in Sanders Theater speaking about Joseph Schumpeter and Lionel Trilling...
...learned in the intervening years had evaporated, leaving no perspective on Harvard. My classmates were instant alumni, believing that Harvard does indeed stand for good manners and truth and the threatened freedoms of liberal democracy. Those with a higher vision had become the freaks; the inside belonged to Pat Moynihan and defenders of liberal democracy like the elderly woman who angrily mounted the steps of Widener after the AHA ceremony to try to knock down the protesters' bedsheet banner that read, "Moynihan Preaches Democracy But Supports Dictatorships...