The title, “This is Just the Beginning,” appears above a photo of a burning limousine. The opening paragraph reads: “Do you think that being asked to leave a restaurant, or having your meal interrupted, or being called by the public is bad? My fascism-enabling friends, this is only the beginning.”
So begins an op-ed piece by Hamilton Nolan at Splinter News. I couldn’t not read what followed. Every. Compelling. Word. If ever there was a description of what’s wrong with our country, this is it.
It’s worth reading. I can’t quote it all, of course, but here’s a sample:
The people who start the wars do not have bombs dropped on their houses. The people who pass the laws that incarcerate others never have to face the full force of the prison system themselves. The people who design the economic system that inflicts poverty on millions are themselves rich. This sort of insulation from the real world consequences of political and economic decisions makes it very easy for powerful people to approve of things happening to the rest of us that they would never, ever tolerate themselves.
Nolan is warning — or threatening — that things in our increasingly partisan system are going to get much, much worse if we, the American people, don’t do something to change it. He’s angry. Understandably so. And that’s the point. Anger and frustration are simmering across the country, and if the pot is allowed to boil over, the results won’t be pretty.
My ex-husband, as much as an a-hole that he is, did say something very smart — he said that one day there’d be a big war between the “haves” and “have nots.” That war has been in the making for a while now. But it’s hard to do anything about it when all the politicians are bought and paid. There are a few still with morals, but they’re a majority, so just cannot make any headway there. Once Trump came into office, I have felt so defeated and have had the attitude, “why bother?” But I am very vocal about voting in November. We so need to take the majority away from the GOP.
On my bad days, I agree with your ex. “We’re going to end up in another civil war” is a thought that pops up, defying my best efforts to keep it buried in the darkest corner of my mind. That money alone is enough to put and keep tyrants in office is scary as hell.
Did you read his post today? The backlash, and threats, he received from publishing this article?
Oops… meant to include the link: https://splinternews.com/wanna-bet-1827165729
OMG. Not that I’m surprised. I’m just … sickened that this is happening to my country.
I came across this cartoon just a few minutes ago. Was thinking I’d love to have a hat like this, but immediately realized I’d be afraid to wear it:
https://piedtype.files.wordpress.com/2018/06/my-hat-e1530128142291.jpg
And your concern is what’s even more frightening.
Who doesn’t guard their words and actions more cautiously now – even when there is no evil intent – just worry about being misunderstood – or being noticed by some ignorant, narrow-minded bullying, lead by-the-nose sheep with no sense of humor and who has never heard of “live and let live” or diversity means diversity of thought too.
It’s not all Trump. Started years and years ago. By now it’s all about elites thinking they are better and know how the rest would live (although their lives are/will be differently wonderful and safe).
Serfdom returns.
Generally people are angry – angry about so much. Road rage is one of the symptoms.
Hyperbole and extreme emotional reactions based on rumors – all of that needs to step back…not much hope of it right now. Angry people do not logically think.
So many want – think it’s their right to have someone else to solve their problems: mom/dad, government….
Might help if there was a shift away from the brutal work force concepts right now. Companies cut jobs and slam responsibilities on remaining employees, bosses and companies feel they have the right to insist employees respond to phone calls and emails at night and on weekends. Many too afraid of losing position at work if they take a vacation.
There is no down time for anyone any more.
Maybe if there was one day a week – or at least a month – where everything shut down – including the mall. People need sleep.
The country has been here before – and it was ugly – sure looks more extreme and uglier – and more dangerous now.
Remember when everything was closed on Sunday except milk stores? At least there was that one day when most people could kick back and relax. And weekends and evenings when nobody from work would even dream of calling you.
Yeah, I’d be afraid to wear that hat. And I don’t put anything remotely political in my yard or on my car. It’s not paranoia, it’s just prudent. The only thing remotely political that I wear is a t-shirt saying, “Nevertheless, she persisted.” And I bought that more because of my bout with cancer than because of Liz Warren.
Scary
It certainly is. Anyone who isn’t scared isn’t paying attention.
johnthecook…There is a famous person by the name of William Penn who is credited with these words of wisdom…..”If men will not be governed by God,we must be ruled by tyrants”….and Right is right,even if everyone is against it,and wrong is wrong,even if everyone is for it.
I see America declining in its moral values as they move ahead to do what ever feels right according to humanistic moral values and the agenda it espouses.
John, you’re entitled to your religious beliefs, but once again you are mistaken in thinking those who do not believe in a god cannot be moral, decent, ethical people. Humanism espouses rational behavior, common decency, good in every man, etc. Check out “What Humanists Espouse.”
And remember that when you point a finger at nonbelievers, there are three fingers pointing back at you.
johnthecook…you are absolutely correct Pied Type,I must be aware of the three fingers pointing right back at me. I am no better than anyone else. I do believe however that moral,decent and ethical people will not save man kind from self destruction. There has been a solid 2000 years of evidence that we as a people, can not get along to the point of being one big happy family.We all want it our way. One day, it is going to bite us in the butt! As it was so nicely and adequately pointed out “Ye are a stiffed-neck people”…and that we are!
We don’t have to be one big happy family. We just have to live and let live, agree to disagree, not resort to violence against others.
…..and if the pot is allowed to boil over, the results won’t be pretty…….
and so many people have guns……………………
That’s very much a part of my concern.
Pity is that there is nobody, now capable, of getting rid of those things, there are just too damned many.
Much as I hate to admit it, I’m afraid you’re right.