TREASURE HUNTS

     Ever go on a treasure hunt, in camp, on field days? The tension rose as the hunt progressed and all this for a treasure that was not much, other than the satisfaction of finding it, but the hunters were all in, eager and competitive. The atmosphere became almost, if not, feverish, as enthusiasm ran high, as the end neared.
     We, too, are on a treasure hunt. No, we will not find jewels or gold bars or missing treasure accumulations from secret tombs of the pharaohs. What we will find is ourselves. Yes, we are the treasure we seek, the treasure that comes along with another great and wonderful treasure, the character of the United States of America. Say that name over and over. Hear and feel its majesty. Hear and feel its history. Hear and feel its meaning and importance to the world. Hear and feel what we are in the process of losing, endangering its existence beyond a point of no return.
     Once that name was spoken of proudly, aware of its contributions, its responsibilities. At times they were shirked, but we always came around, sooner or later. We tried, made errors, had some grievious faults, but always managed to progress, albeit at times at a snail's pace. But that scenario is in existential danger right now. No longer do our leaders take glory and joy in representing the nation and its people, for now, the only joy most take, particularly those of the GOP, is in the gaining and maintaining of power. Power to do what? I have no clue, for it seems that they use their might to sustain wrong, to accept misdeeds, openly, acknowledging wrong yet ignoring it. 
     Now they are on a revived tack, trying to bring back times in history when we had restrictions on personal liberties, when women were treated as inanimate chattel, owned by husbands and fathers, unable to make their own decisions regarding their bodies, their lives, their very souls. Annoying, persistent women were even caged in mental asylums, filthy, neglected, for the rest of their lives. In the Senate, that creep, McConnell, is pushing for more laws against abortions, even going so far as to push criminal charges and penalties on doctors who perform them, no matter the reason. Women are to be punished too, a lovely, oh so lovely, throwback to worse times.
And I wonder, I surely do, about the treasure route, the hunt that we are on as a nation. So many of us have already lost our souls to greed, to power and its machinations, to hidden, ugly prejudiced thoughts and feelings, let alone the ugly actions taken in the name of prejudice, and now we are in severe danger of losing our soul as a nation.
     Our nation is on a twisted treasure hunt, the end result, at the x marks the spot point, that will take us away from we should be, instead rolling downhill ever faster until we lose our nation, the hunt closed, history perverted. A prime example can be found in the shameless behavior of Oregon legislators from the GOP who refuse to take a stand and vote on climate bills and other "liberal" issues, so instead, they run away, passports in hand to nearby Iowa. The second time they have done this and are they so willing to leave this country? If so, let them get the hell out. They can disagree, our right - at least for now - but not to shirk their duties. No. Most emphatically no.
     Trump and coterie make lists of unfavorables. They twist and turn, break laws and traditions as they get rid of them for opposing Trump and his evil plans. Yes, evil. I use that word with full intent and meaning. Our media's integrity and independence is being hedged about, threatened on a daily basis. Our supposed president uses schoolyard bully techniques and language, so proud of himself. He appeals to the most basest of all traits among ourselves and we should be ashamed of ourselves for allowing him to do all this, to get away with his sins of society, of his crude and cruel approaches to immigration, to the economy, to reactions to dangers to our country, even inviting those dangers in. There is no end to the list of the evil he has done, of the damage his perverted, twisted treasure hunt has done and will continue to do, to us, as people and as Americans.
     He has taken the kindness out of America. He has removed societal care and concern for its weakest and neediest members. He sentences so many to a life replete with danger, hunger, cold, fright, no security, no hope, caring only for his fatcats and his personal wallet. He is one of the coldest people I have ever seen, even sociopathic, for I believe his human feelings, other than rage at those who oppose him and glee for his own victories, are the only emotions he has. Even his family is there only to serve him. Period.
     We need to search for our country again, the United States of America. Soon, for time is running out, the sands quickly slipping through the hourglass of history and it is not on our side. Let us demand and force even, a new map, a better x marks the spot. That is the only thing we must do and then, the regulations for our safety, for our future, for our people,will return again and we will send  those uncaring, moral cowards back to the dump where they belong, roll up our sleeves and get on once more with the business of being the proud citizens of a proud country, the United States of America.