ImageGuy

I heard that phrase in the dialog of a movie with Natalie Portman called Planetarium. She and her sister were clairvoyants in Paris. But at some point early in the movie, her sister spoke that phrase, and it rang in my ears. It was like a light went on. You never know you were living before a war. 

I realized that could be perceived in two different ways and both profound. When war comes unexpectedly, your life is suddenly changed. You didn’t expect to be under attack, without work, shelter, food, power. You didn’t know that was coming.  You didn’t know you were living before this! Then, it could also mean, you don’t realize how good you have it, until you are confronted by something like war. You never know you are really living before you are thrown into a conflict you never wanted or asked for. Suddenly what is really important is your only concern.

I feel like this phrase is so applicable to what America is going through right now. We all heard the predictions. We all said, this can’t happen. We believe in the strength of our systems and the belief in The Constitution. We trusted the courts and believed in the checks and balances of our system of laws. Now America is in deep trouble. Too many ignored the signs, thought their vote wouldn’t change much. Too many turn a blind eye when another red line is crossed. There is deception happening in every department of our government that is not aimed at helping the American people, but in covering up for a system of corruption, greed, and abuse of power. The Supreme Court has been compromised, military leaders with great knowledge and understanding have been unceremoniously sent packing because they support the Constitution over a tyrant and an incompetent TV celebrity.

We, as a country, are weaker, more vulnerable, and are disrespected across the globe now. We have betrayed friendships built by presidents of both parties. We have abandoned allies and made heroes out of dictators and strongmen. The White House has been tuned into a casino styled brothel to appease the opulent tastes of a baby while he sells all manner of disgusting trashy cheap merchandise to bilk the sycophants who come to pay their tribute. He has soiled the integrity and respect of our nation with his crude behavior and hateful rhetoric.

I am afraid for our country and the cancer that grows from making people fearful of their neighbors and their police. From the lies and disinformation that are spread by hateful people bent on creating hostility. By the selfishness of those who have come to believe that everyone is out to take what is theirs. By the greed of corporations and the lack of respect for those who work to produce what America actually needs. I am afraid for America because of the growing desire among middle-aged men to create war in this country, who take pleasure in power and intimidation over others and are frothing at the bit to unleash their AR-15s and play American patriot. I am afraid for America with every small loss of some part of our freedom and personal rights as human beings. They can be lost one at a time, small things, seemingly not affecting you personally, until one does, then you realize you and people you know and love, have already lost more than you ever realized, and you can’t fix it. How quick we are to ignore the lessons of our past histories.

I applaud those who stand up to confront corruption, who stand up for the rule of law, of fairness, of due process. I applaud those who speak freely against tyranny and fascism. Who still believe in integrity and truth and responsibility. I applaud any person serving the public who refuses to bow to unlawful acts or unconstitutional demands. I thank you for your courage. I thank you for your voice. And I thank you for your belief in America and the Constitution.

I hope we all survive this war. I never expected we would be in one here on our own soil in my lifetime.

Peace.

Imageguy