At What Cost Our Apathy?

Hi. And good, whatever it might be, wherever you are. Welcome to Practicing Truth.

Today's Topic: At What Cost Our Apathy?

But first, let me credit today's featured music: Everybody Wants to Rule The World by Tears For Fears.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you take what I say as food for thought.

Have a fabulous day!

I wonder if it has occurred to Donald Trump's supporters that if the former president cared about the principles, values, and ideals emphasized in America's founding documents, he would not have lied about the election results and, instead, ensured a peaceful transfer of power. And if he cared about uniting the country, and its laws, he would not be calling for protests to prevent his arrest; he would fight the Manhattan district attorney's charges in court.

However, based on Trump's actions, one can reasonably conclude that what Donald Trump cares about is Donald Trump. And that he is more than willing to prod the more gullible of his supporters to violence to protect him rather than the country they claim to love.

So, what is the attraction? Why are so many willing to protect and defend a proven liar instead of America's best interest? More importantly, why are so many apathetic about it?

Well… as absurd as it may seem to many, some believe that a secret society called the New World Order controls the world. That.no matter what we do, vote, not vote, write or call our representatives, take part in protests, nothing will change. That the people who run the world will get their way no matter what. So, why bother?

Like, the adage about paranoia, "Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean there's not someone out to get you," has truth. Likewise, the belief that high-ranking people, in and out of government, are trying to control our lives also holds truth. In America, some have organized groups that lobby their representatives to get more than their share. Force their religious or secular beliefs on the rest of us. And limit the rights of others while enhancing their own.

So, yes, it's true! People are trying to control our lives. And some have become very effective at pressuring politicians to enact laws, based on their beliefs, that affect us all. Like, less gun control and more restrictions on abortion. But are they part of a New World Order plotting a totalitarian world government? Most likely not! They're your neighbors, friends, and coworkers. Religious leaders, political representatives, and random people you encounter every day. They are some of you who are listening right now.

The people who support Donald Trump are not just stereotypical uninformed white racists. They are a portrait of the American people.

And it is the same for those who don't support Donald Trump. They, too, are a portrait of America. They are the people who say America belongs to all its citizens. Who assert they're willing to share it. And claim to want justice and equality for all. Unfortunately, however, most take no action toward that end. And instead, sit idle as a vociferous and politically active minority attacks their constitutional rights.

How much more right-wing ideological destruction are we willing to endure before we demand that our representatives act on our behalf and enact responsible gun control legislation? When will we address and fix the weaknesses in our illusionary system of checks and balances? Weaknesses, by the way, that Donald Trump's presidency exposed. Such as, what is the role of the U.S. Attorney General? Is it to act as the president's attorney? Can presidents pardon themselves? Should there be a term limit for Supreme Court Justices? And many others. These are serious issues. We have serious social issues. But we continue to allow ourselves to be distracted by lifestyle issues. What sexual preference a person might have? Those type things.

Although we have yet to do so, if we ever will, we cannot continue as we have and expect that our republic will ever realize the principles, values, and ideals it aspires to in its founding documents.

So, I ask. At what cost our apathy?

Thanks for listening.

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