A weakened democracy
Dear editor:
Our democracy is weakening, I fear. The signs of the destruction of the democracy and the republics of Greece and then Rome are becoming more evident with each “news” headline. (Has Attila the Hun been reincarnated, this time to render our nation powerless?) Can a weakened democracy survive a national disaster? Our once-upon-a-time democratic system in this country now exhibits greed, gluttony, scandals, sexual assaults (verbal and physical), prevarication, hatred, unsubstantiated accusations and the grab for power and riches. One has claimed that his button is bigger than North Korea’s despot. So what? That brag was intentionally provocative! He may have succeeded.
Not to sound disparaging, but “news” is not news these days but opinions. “News” has become hashing and rehashing opinions of prognosticators. Gee whiz! Some of us can still think! Give us the facts! Just the facts! The difficulty is that we don’t know whom to believe. Recently, a commentary appeared in The Guardian, in which the author pointed out that not watching or listening to the news makes for an immense benefit in protecting one’s health.
Some heretofore friends turn on each other. Family members, in some cases, have not spoken to each other in years because of opposing political views or perceived insults. Worrisome, isn’t it? If you think about it, rancor is unlikely to change each other’s opinions. If there are deep binding connections between friends or family, it’s more peaceful to avoid sore subjects and preserve the relationship.
Profanity is now a standard expression thrown into conversation, exposing quite a limited vocabulary. False rumors about chosen and perceived enemies abound. This has become prevalent in the realm of politics. Even churches repeat these allegations in the pulpit. Judgmental accusations against those of diverse religious beliefs from those who are casting stones are, perhaps, attempts to eradicate the freedom of religion. Or perhaps it’s another means of harassment. Religion is an inward reflection of personal beliefs, protected from those who choose to pay no heed to Amendment I to the Constitution of this established democracy.
Regrettably, our hometown paper is printing some extremely vicious diatribes. (Please reconsider a higher standard of civility in what you print.) What do we not understand about using our freedom of speech responsibly? Cherry picking and interpreting quotes from the Bible, for example, is not likely to influence many of us. One’s point of view can be written civilly and with accuracy and still be a valid argument. Readers are more likely to consider a respectful argument than to take seriously a rant.
Where has all the friendliness gone? What has happened to our society of democracy? Where have all the journalists gone? Pete Seeger wrote, “Where have all the flowers gone?” In my youth, when my parents lamented about missing “the good old days,” I bristled.
I miss the good old days.
Where have all the flowers gone?