Lounger’s Lurgy

Sep 19, 2008

Posted by: Oxymoronic

Uncategorized

I remember when I first joined TLC as a member of the Forums, the rules pertaining to political discussions were that they had to relate to the books directly. And, while this is quite a treat in and of itself, I recall wondering why they wouldn’t allow us fans of the series to discuss politics in our world. And, no offense, but I remember thinking, hmm, that sucks, they know politics is a major theme in Rowling’s work, why aren’t we allowed to discuss it as it relates to Muggles?

So, imagine my (pleasant) surprise when I noticed that our beloved Leaky Lounge had added a brand new Political Forum to the playground. Clearly, I couldn’t be happier. Because while the discussion of politics is often difficult at best, it’s very, very important — as Jo has repeatedly taught us in various and wondrous ways.

What, with the seventh and final book having been read more than once at this point, and with the excitement surrounding The Trial having died down, we certainly welcomed a breath of fresh insight around here! We were seriously in jeopardy of suffering from a bout of lethargy. So, thanks to the Mods who made this all possible, because it’s absolutely essential to any true democracy to be able to speak your mind.

Now, I’m sure it hasn’t been a surprise to anyone that so many of us have completely (utterly, impossibly) differing viewpoints surrounding politics. Any member of any community, online or otherwise, should know better than to expect everyone to agree with his or her thoughts. But, since this is a blog where I get to vent, I feel quite comfortable stating that I was slightly taken aback by the realization that so many Potter fans don’t seem to have a full understanding of the issues surrounding this current (and epic) political battle between Obama and McCain.

Including this Potter fan. I don’t pretend to myself that I know it all. I learn a bit more each day. So again, the reminder (disclaimer): These are merely my own impressions.

Having said that, I fear that too many of us have been hoodwinked by the Skeeters, Umbridges and Fudges of the world. And, to be fair, perhaps some of us have been hoodwinked by the Dumbledores as well. But frankly, I’m Dumbledore’s girl, through and through, and I think now more than ever, people have to make the choice between what is right, and what is easy.

And speaking of easy, it’s all too easy to find passages from the books or films to use as parallels to life. But I’m sure all of you know that. Fixing a problem as big as the one(million) the whole world is facing is not supposed to be easy. I’ve learned in my life thus far that anything really worth having ’ you have to fight for.

The beautiful (and terrible) part of that struggle is that it works both ways. Because the world, after all, is not split into good people and Death Eaters. So, those whose opinions differ so greatly from our own are fighting for something they believe in just as much as we do.

And you’re convinced they’re wrong anyway, aren’t you. So I’m pretty sure they feel the same about you. Which is why these new political topics of discussion in the Muggle Underground are so important. How else are we supposed to learn if not from each other?

I don’t know what to expect from Obama. And sure, that concerns me. But I feel like I do know what to expect from McCain & Co., and that concerns me more. I definitely don’t want an exacerbated repeat of the last near-decade. It’s time for a true change. Even if that change comes in its rawest, crudest form. It’s still something new. The old is getting so stale, its stink is bound to attract attention from the portly ghost at Sir Nick’s next deathday party.

Change, however, is so refreshingly aromatic. It shakes things up a bit. It provides more opportunity for learning, and growing. So the new discussions taking place in the Lounge are quite, quite welcome, I imagine.

And I, for one, am excited to be a part of it.





The Leaky Cauldron is not associated with J.K. Rowling, Warner Bros., or any of the individuals or companies associated with producing and publishing Harry Potter books and films.