Numbers and words. Data and opinion. Confusion reigns and fires burn. Where are we at, and where are we going? Will we recognize the 'end of the line' stop when we get there? Who will be the last remaining passengers and what will they do? Confusion continues to intensify, aided by the intensifying pontificating voices of know-it-all egos. In the interim, figuratively and literally, much to our shame, blindness to the perils ahead reigns supreme.
Within the next week, Americans will proclaim themselves to the world - and to themselves. Will we remain true to the core of America, or will we cede all responsibility, rights and all loyalty to those whose ultimate goal is to "de-America" America. It is quite alarming to actually see how close we are to in fact to the unthinkable and vote the extinction of democracy in America and in turn stand helplessly by as the nations of the world, emulating the proverbial dominoes fall into the same pit.
How did we get here? Even as many claim to have been sideswiped, taken by surprise, my opinion is that the truth, the deterioration of America, of the American character, was clearly visible to those who would see and approved of the chosen path forward - or backwards, actually. Sadly, too many in position for clear views chose to obscure that view. It was a refusal to acknowledge a once unthinkable thought. America could deride and refuse Democracy. That America would be consigned to the trash heaps of the past, fade away into the obscurity of passe failed thoughts.
This past Sunday Madison Square Garden was packed with 20,000 believers. They believed in every negative ism and shouted and cheered for authoritarian government. They exuded loyalty to a man in the throes of severe malignant dementia. The rise of fascism in America was clear, yet there were deniers. Some denied that America had reached the point of valid comparison of Trump and Hitler. One said, "Don't tell me". He could not, would not, hear it. Thoughts are free to think, but it cannot be denied that the eyes and memories of survivors reflected a rising horror. Hitler and his evil cohorts rode again, only this time in America. The streets of America were growing closer to the streets of Berlin, Warsaw, Vienna, Paris, Amsterdam Budapest, Belgrade, Kaunas, Riga -anywhere in Hitler's realm where violent hatred was encouraged and rewarded.
43 million Americans have already voted - myself included. What is the import. and impact of this number? No one can be sure, but it does highlight the importance of the election and the necessity to think, to follow threads and vote wisely. It is also incumbent upon us to pay attention to that which roils around us. In Portland, WA and other areas there has been a spate of fires via planted explosive devices planted on drop ballot boxes. Hundreds of ballots have been destroyed. Could they have changed the race? Certainly, if the race was that close. That thread can be followed.
Understand that the hate now permeating America has gone violently toxic. Only with a true and honest realization that the ugliness and toxicity have gone viral can we address the issues. It is not enough to pay attention to the symptoms. Far more urgent and productive is to attack the roots, seeds and blossoms of hate, forestalling any symptoms. And the urgency is beyond words.
Now is the time. I can only hope that we immediately realize the immense perils inherent in a second Trump presidency. Look at the issues - not only one. The results are inclusive of all. Trust must be there, at least for a majority, but certainly there must be a clear sense and confidence that the president and cohorts will not destroy this nation. That the president places the needs of this nation over his own desires. Without that trust and faith in the ultimate righteousness and loyalty to America of the candidate -well, follow the thread.
Think.
Vote.
America's future is at stake.
Your future is at stake.
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