On teachers and students

I recently received a letter from an old student of mine. She was in one of my philosophy classes some 16 years ago. Over that time, she has advanced far in her university studies, and is now herself a professor of legal philosophy in Brazil. Heartening news to receive.

Some of her words are well worth repeating here in terms of the degradation of the U.S. as an example for the world. I quote:

“The political situation in Brazil is in fact very interesting but also full of tensions and contradictions. At the same time that democratic forces are taking root and causing many changes, we still have a very strong authoritarian tradition that emerges even among these such called democrats. Fortunately, this is not as frightening as what is
happening in the US today, something that is very bad in many ways for Latin America. Here in Brazil, for example, constitutional law has for a long time looked up to constitutional law in the US, at the US Supreme Court. But now we are like orphans, because all constitutional parameters, even in the Supreme Court, have been shaken. In a different way, though, this is very good because at least some people will understand that we must not look up to any "fathers" but rather try to construct something of our own.”

I am particularly impressed with her last words. Indeed, this is happening all over the world. Those seeking to improve upon democratic structures no longer look to the United States as models…and that’s just fine.

Perhaps, at some point, in a near or far future when decent, thinking North Americans once again assume political power, they will be able to look upon all of this work in order to improve upon their own model. In the end, that’s the way it should be. No country as the “political leader”. No “political heroes.” Just humanity looking to create an ever more just, open, tolerant, mature and thriving world.