From Thomas Paine’s Corner
By Joe Bageant

[The following is a revealing exchange between Joe Bageant, widely-read author and Senior Contributing Editor with Cyrano’s Journal Online, and a reader commenting on Joe’s book, Deer Hunting with Jesus. The reader’s letter to Joe encapsulates the deeply malignant American ethos of hyper-individualism and “personal responsibility.” Oprah Winfrey manifests “our living proof” that anyone can become “successful” in America if they “get off their lazy asses.” –Editors]

Mr. Bageant,

I was born in a single-wide trailer surrounded by hundreds of acres of corn and a lot of cows, the product of generations of farmers and ranchers in rural America. After my parents divorced I ended up in rural Alabama, an area devastated by the collapse of cotton farming, and then, the deportation of jobs from Russell Mills to Mexico . Last May I earned my B.S. from Auburn University and am now pursuing a graduate degree in agricultural economics. I tell you this history so you know where I’m coming from and don’t think that I come from the middle or upper class, ignorant to the type of people you speak about in your book.

First, I love the comment about people being as confused about the title of the book as if it were titled ‘NUKE THE WHALES’. There are numerous other one-liners that caused me to laugh out loud while reading the book. Also, while I often times don’t agree with the things you say, you write in a manner that is interesting enough I could keep reading and finish the book. While I realize that you come from a background that culturally, is very similar to my own, we share few of the same political beliefs.

I believe that while it is a setback to be brought up in such an area, if you want, and if you try, you can still make whatever you want out of life. It’s pretty simple. Make decent grades in high school, don’t do drugs, and don’t get pregnant. I worked 30 hours a week while I was in high school, 60 or more in the summers; bailing hay, working horses, packing groceries, and any other kind of work I could find. Once in college I worked two jobs while taking classes, until I started my own landscaping business. I now have a degree and do research for the University while pursuing my graduate studies. I’ll graduate next Christmas. I might go to law school, I’ve got a few business ideas to pursue, and I also plan to run for office. While I don’t pledge loyalty to a party, I lean heavily Republican. Its not because I’m ignorant, or because I’m a Christian, or because I grew up with “white trash”. It’s because anyone in this country who works hard, sacrifices, and makes good decisions can succeed in this country, without the need of a bunch of handouts.

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