Remember "Stop the world, I want to get off"? It has become an iconic line by now yet how ironically true it has become. From sarcasm to humor to tragedy, where the hell are we and where the hell are we going - if not to that very Hell itself? Unable to sleep a night through, I often have time to say, "navel watch", during which I contemplate the world and the events and believe me, that iconic statement often comes to mind, hanging right there on the tip of my tongue.
At times I wonder if it is the water or the air, but there must be something so powerful, so common, that enables these unbelievable thoughts, traits and actions among people round the world. We sigh in resignation re our governing people; we shake our heads knowingly as they are marched off to jail for some crime or another. However, never ever before have we, in America, faced conditions such as we are right now. The heights to which this unease, unrest, the splintering of the nation is almost - almost - beyond belief. Is it also beyond repair, beyond correction? Wiser heads than mine are asking these same questions. Hope their answers are better than mine. I truly do.
Vignettes in pictures and words:
A train of baby carriages being cleared away in Highland Park. Bikes trailing behind.
An 8-year-old boy breathing on a respirator, doctors unsure whether he will ever walk again. Eight!
Vesper - a movie that is too frighteningly realistic in its predictive ecological post-apocalyptic world and the standard class differences remaining. Guess we never learn. (sigh)
And what awaits us when Cipollone talks - " he may know things we don't even know about yet that he could reveal to them tomorrow during this interview." and this statement proves prophetic? Will we finally rise up to our responsibilities and place the whole shootin' shebang of them on trial and imprison the entire devious treasonous pack?
Now get this double talk. First this: "members of a state Senate committee advanced a constitutional amendment that would declare Pennsylvania residents do not have ‘any rights relating’ to abortion,"
and then this: "The bill's sponsor, Sen. Judy Ward, R-Blair, said that this would not ban abortions in the state" Huh! Say what?
Now go totally political, deep into the sick, unhealthy, hypocritical very troubling world it has become, beyond repair being the main question and concern. But how, when a person asked if kids should be taught that slavery is bad, hems and haws, and points out there are two sides to the issue -riiiight.... and goes on to say, yes, we need to teach our kids our history, but slavery, Indians, that stuff, - not necessary. Uh-huh!
The choice is crystal clear. Either we shape up, get these thickheaded unthinkers to realize they have placed our country in existential peril, by words, with actions, with continuing insistence on choosing the most manifestly dangerous people for whom they will carry standards-right into full blown authoritarianism, right here in the good old USA, or.... "The test for ‘NeverTrump’ intellecuals [sic] is where they stand on DeSantis. He should be their guy: elite education, military background, leadership experience, impeccable character.... "DeSantis is a deeply authoritarian figure who is consolidating the fringe right-wing groups Trump brought into the party."
And this man is their new champion? I know how bad he is for people - I live in Florida.
Finally, while initially referring to the hideous gun violence in this country, certainly, these statements can apply to the entire issue, the whole gestalt. Either we do what we must, gear up for action, or we reap the 'benefits' of our own inadequacy.
“If you’re angry today, I’m here to tell you: Be angry. I’m furious,”
“I know it can be exhausting and unsettling,” he said, adding that “we’re going to get through all of this.”
“They may think they can change our lives with the stroke of a pen, but we have pens too,”
The final question. As it relates to the entire problematic ugly new reality we now face. For ourselves and for our children. For the sake of history and honor to those who have worked, fought, died, for us, for freedom, for a chance to improve ourselves and the world -
“How much more carnage are we willing to accept?”
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