Wonderful Whitman

In reading Walt Whitman's essay, also seen as a political sermon, "Democratic Vistas,"  I was struck by the beauty and optimism of his language.   Many of my classmates expressed frustration in reading Whitman, due to what Brook's described as a lack of logical organization.    However, it was Whitman's ideas, expressed in moments of clear articulation, which most stood out to me.  One quote which stood out to me was when Whitman explained the shortcomings of one "stage"  of democracy, aka the written laws and structures which physically allow for politics, such as the constitution and declaration of independence.  He explained that, "the people may all read and write, and may all possess the right to vote, and yet the main things may be entirely lacking" (760).  This quote expresses a frustration that I feel is at the heart of many of those who are discontented with Democracy, even to this day.  On the surface, the governmental system provides the rights for people to be free, equal, and educated.  However, this does not ensure that the quality of life in a democratic nation, such as America, will be equal, or even that the majority of people will feel as if their lives are being fufilled. This is where Whitman brings in what is both his essay's greatest strength and its greatest weakness:  idealism.   Whitman asserts that in order for American Democracy to be taken to a new level, Americans need to pursue a greater collective spirit, a higher education and level of literature, and ultimately a greater sense of the infinite.   Indeed, I agree wholeheartedly that his dream for America has the potential, if enacted, to dramatically improve American life and American Democracy.  However, in modern times, and in any time, the realism of such an idea can be called into question.  Across a diverse populous, it is almost impossible to generate a unity of spirit, and even more difficult, as seen in educational pursuits such as No Child Left Behind, to make education of all Americans equal.  In the end, Whitman's dreams for American life and American Democracy fall short if their intention was to be realistic.  However, I believe that his essay still stands as an important document to provide hope for the future even when American life appears grim.  For after all, if there is no high standard to which society must rise, then it is condemned to never reach its potential.