Redundancy. Apathy. Survival.
This morning, for reasons we won’t go into, the Oregon Trail came up at our brunch table (I know, right?). Still, it came up: the hope: danger; perseverance; carnage; obstacles; disease; starvation; the hardships; the impact upon the indigenous people and the pioneers both, and so much more.
What’s changed? Those in search of opportunity to do better are still struggling, routinely impeded from the path to success by regulations manipulated by the empowered and connected few, and many of the people who deserve consideration and homage are still struggling for simple equality.
Most Chattereaders know my feelings about America and my large family’s commitment to it. That’s all the more reason why my feelings, like those of so many committed Americans, rage in the face of the disassembling of this country’s struggling democracy and unfulfilled potential. We used to talk about the danger of its erosion into a corporately controlled government. Now we wonder how to undo that completed act.
The powers that be will have us believe that this is misinformation, distraction, propaganda, or a reach for the low-hanging fruit on the part of those who choose not to assert themselves, work hard and achieve. Not so. The evidence is everywhere, if we look, but how can we stimulate people to see past the fog machine?
Our governing body has many issues, and we’ve become entangled in a see-saw of the majority versus the minority. Instead of settling on what progress can be made to the benefit of the nation as a whole, we wrestle with what impediments can be used to delay progress if they jeopardize the power of those now in control or, even, those who wish to get control.
It has become commonplace for the majority guy with the microphone or the power, to shut down opposing voices. This is unacceptable. The act of demoralizing people or minimizing their actions has also become a huge part of attempting to create hesitancy or inhibition in others who are being pro-active.
While he was U.S. Senate majority leader, Mitch McConnell made obvious obstinance acceptable, and little has improved since. Last week, in desperate attempts to have long shelved and ignored gun violence issues addressed, state Reps. Justin Jones and Justin Pearson of Tennessee were removed from their positions for what was considered to be disruptive behavior while pleading for gun control laws. Details abound, but the bottom line remains that runaway gun violence needed to be remedied fast and hard decades ago. Even the delay in modification to gun acquisition laws and the types of weapons readily available thus far can’t be defended by any legitimate, self-respecting representative of the people. Yet, many elected officials do just that. They continue to stand firm in defense of continued gun sales even as it keeps our people – our children – in harm’s way with no protection.
We’ve been watching the dominoes fall on this kind of corruption for years. It’s created disproportionate wealth, sure, but more importantly, it has put our government and all its related power in the hands of private industry. Such corruption has also led to disproportionate legislative representation – the very antithesis of what this nation was “sold as.”
That can only mean that those who died or served in its defense have been betrayed, as well as all her hard working and dedicated inhabitants, and all who paid for our success as a nation. Most importantly– it’s treason – and it should be treated and prosecuted as such immediately and fully.
How do we jerk the power from these paid assassins of democracy who, for personal goal, are willing to target the sanctity of the America and the American hope which so many gave so much for throughout our checkered history? The trail of corruption is deep and long, but if we watch and listen, those who have sold their votes and power to the polluters, the arms dealers, and the other members of the new Big Ten in America are easier to sight than ever. Ironically, such is the impunity with which they operate.
Yes, it sounds like the same old stuff over and over. That is what this nation’s corrupt leadership wants us to hear. The only solution in our favor is to shop with eyes wide open and stop buying what they’re selling.
Redundancy goes both ways. Apathy can be overcome with diligence. Survival is essential. The Oregon Trail is all of America, now. It’s a journey ... not a destination.
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