There has always been a certain level of corruption running through society, no matter what institution may be in consideration. In the past, it mostly operated behind the scenes, without our direct knowledge, thereby giving us a certain “plausible deniability” in terms of what we allow. Today, however, everything has become so visible to us that we can no longer say “I didn’t know”. This high level of exposure we see happening all around us has reached critical mass in terms of we, as a society, not being able to look the other way any longer. For too long now, we have given over our trust to governmental bodies, religious institutions, and the corporate world, somehow believing they were working on our behalf, with our best interest in mind. Up until now, my friends, we have mistakenly believed that it is ok for certain individuals and groups to be corrupt, greedy, and have an insatiable lust for power. We believe that’s how it is, that’s how it has always been, and there’s nothing we can do about it. The fact that so many shocking things are presented to us, on a daily basis, reminds us that we can do something. We must do something.
If we want to create the changes we need, we’re going to have to take a look at ourselves. The very idea that any person could have such extreme wealth and power, or that it is even possible, is caused by us wanting the very same. You might say to yourself, if I acquired a lot of wealth, I would do things differently. I would behave appropriately, I would do the right thing. Do you see this happening anywhere in the world? The truth is, there are individuals and groups who are doing the right thing, but they are so few and far between, it cannot be seen as a reliable outcome for the majority of us. In most cases, wealth leads to increased power, and excessive personal power leads to the suffering of the many. I want to stress again, there is nothing wrong with money and material things, but each of us needs to have a proper perspective about what it means and, more importantly, we must be realistic about what we believe we really need. We can release ourselves from the illusion that money will make us happy, and power will make us feel important. We are reminded of this simple fact every day. So, let’s take a quick look at what is currently going on in the United States, and see an insidious corruption running wild.
Republican State Legislatures
“The Good Old Boys”, or “Boys Will Be Boys”. Honestly, are we still ok with this? I don’t think so. It might be appropriate to refer to the Republican Party as “The Little Boys Club”. One has to be rich, white, and male to become a member. Apparently, one also has to lack the maturity and wisdom required to hold such a position. The reality is that the Republican Party today does not represent the majority of Americans in any way. They do understand this reality, which is why they are willing to lie, cheat and steal in order to maintain a level of power they do not deserve. What the Republicans do not seem to understand is they will not be able to gerrymander all of us into non-existence. For those of us who demand things to be fair and equal, we must continue to vote in record numbers with each successive election. Welcome to the “Tennessee Three”! We must fully acknowledge this small group of courageous individuals to be part of a much larger group. And yes, two of the three are young, black males, and they do indeed represent the majority. Not in skin color, for this is irrelevant, but in attitude and orientation toward action.
The Supreme Court
We have a couple of eye-awakening developments here. The fact that Clarence Thomas would accept the most extravagant gifts from a Republican mega-donor should give the United States Congress reason to take up appropriate and necessary legislation to keep our Supreme Court Justices from themselves. We no longer need to question if Clarence Thomas, or the other ultra, right-wing, religiously conservative justices, would rule in favor of the multi-billionaires and the philosophy of the Christian Church. Haven’t they already done so? Samuel Alito is strongly and directly influenced by the Catholic Church in his decision-making. He did not arrive at his position of “authority” alone, for the imposed patriarchy of an outdated and damaging religious belief system is fully behind him. The women of the United States finally recognize what this means. And to Clarence and Ginny Thomas, you could have participated in excessive materialism on your own, without taking all of us down that unfortunate path as well. To say that the power and authority of the highest court in America comes from a place of morality, justice, and equality can no longer be the status quo. This body is now being justly and appropriately scrutinized by the American people.
Donald Trump
There are many of us who would like to see some accountability in this area, myself included. We hope to see this happen within our Justice Department, as this way might deter the actions and behavior of Donald Trump, and similar actions and behaviors by others in the future. Something will come from the many indictments and subsequent trials he will have to endure. Because money is the highest objective for Donald, his family, and so many others just like them, accountability may be found in their inability to do business in the United States in the near future. Accountability can happen in many different ways, so let’s have whatever accountability that does happen be enough. As far as the courts and juries having enough evidence to ensure this accountability, look no further than Donald Trump’s own mouth. He has never shown the ability to be quiet about anything, so he may incriminate himself. He has actually already done that, so it’s just a matter of time. We must take the opportunity to see the example that Donald has shown us and choose wisely and accordingly for ourselves in the future. If a lot of money and power produces these kinds of results, are they something we should desire to the extent that we do? We can see as well that the complete submission of the Republican Party to these antics has immersed them in almost total darkness. With our due diligence and utmost patience, this will also be revealed to us for what it is. Bringing more children into this country, and into our world, is not the answer if we refuse to take care of the ones we already have. Nor is it the answer to provide an individual right to have weapons of war, while our fellow human beings, including our children, are being gunned down in the streets. The welfare of the group and the greater whole must supersede this insanity.
Fox News
To call yourself a news organization, but to lie to the American people to the extent of being totally deceptive, incurring violence along the way, and maintaining a level of hatred toward others you see as necessary, could hardly be called news. Rupert Murdoch and the Fox News corporation are directly responsible for creating the havoc we have seen over the last several years. Unfortunately, it continues today. Rupert, buddy, don’t you have enough money? My guess is that you require even a little more, and the destruction of the world would be worth it. The same holds true for your executives and hosts, for the continued collection of an obscene salary is to them the only way to achieve successful human living. I wonder how powerful a person, or group of persons, feels when they can get 25-50% of the population to believe an election was stolen, and that it’s acceptable to use violent means as a way to correct it. This is beyond irresponsibility. The majority of the American people believe that truth matters. If justice does in fact prevail in this case, you will be found accountable, as the rest of us realize that a working democracy is far more important than a few bucks, or temporary access to power.
Is the acquisition of wealth and power worth the suffering it inevitably creates?
Do we habitually defer to wealth and power because we believe these people know something we do not? Have they achieved real success?
The answers to these questions confront humanity today. If we could simply pay attention, we could see that we’re already choosing another direction! What we clearly see before us, is what needs to be taken care of. Is it too much for us to handle all at once? My friends, we cannot allow it to be. Do these words today seem a little harsh and personal? I’m afraid, there are those who have made it far too personal for all of us. The good news is that we can meet these challenges without engaging in hate and violence. All we have to do is vote.
All my love and support, be well