My previous post alerted my readers to many essays pointing to the possible forthcoming political crises that may result in a one-party fascist rule. Here now are my own feelings about the destruction of the country.
My first reaction is one of trepidation. I worry about my children and grandchildren living in an increasingly fascist and violent state. No one is safe from unjustly wielded power, including all the sycophants who cozy up to it. Have the never heard of purges!
My next feeling is impotence. I’m relatively powerless against the forces that move the world, as is the rest of humanity. Yes, I know that’s how the powerful want you to feel, but demonstrations aren’t particularly effective against tanks.
Next, I feel overwhelming impotence. I live on a planet hurtling through the vastness of dark, cold, inhospitable space. How fragile it all is and how careless are so many with the ecosystem that sustains us. The earth will eventually be rendered uninhabitable if we proceed with reckless abandon. This is all so frightening that many find comfort in invisible and imaginary gods. I have no such comfort.
I also feel an acute sadness. I’m devastated by the gap between what the world is and what it could be. So I’m worried, feel relatively powerless, and know that only humanity can save itself—a prospect that seems increasingly unlikely.
In the end, I take comfort only in my ignorance—I can’t predict the future. I do what I can and hope for the best. After all, the universe is a mysterious place and perhaps, if this particular experience in consciousness extinguishes itself, we’ll find ourselves in a parallel and better universe. The universe is probably stranger than we can imagine.
Summing all this up, I’m reminded of what James Fitzjames Stephens taught me long ago:
We stand on a mountain pass in the midst of whirling snow and blinding mist, through which we get glimpses now and then of paths which may be deceptive. If we stand still we shall be frozen to death. If we take the wrong road we shall be dashed to pieces. We do not certainly know whether there is any right one. What must we do? ‘Be strong and of a good courage.’ Act for the best, hope for the best, and take what comes … If death ends all, we cannot meet death better.
That’s not much to hang your hat on, but it’s about all we have.
* For more see “Staying Sane in Anxious Times (without being useless)“
I will not despair. I will continue to look and support those following the light, evident in a thousand daily acts of random kindness, until those living in the dark side of human nature weary and follow. Hopefully. Keep the Faith!
Kevin, thanks for the hopeful words.
The covid outbreak in the executive branch offers hope; though we don’t want to gloat excessively.
Still, better that such a fate befell the current administration than any other, and something such as Covid was necessary to bring about the changes that will ensue.