As I watch (a little at a time) the campaign process unfolding around the country, I am more shocked than I thought I would be by the continued stream of outright, blatant, easily disputed lies constantly spouted by (primarily) Republican candidates. I have watched this grow over the decades. I have watched the right pander to a base that believes only what they feel, doesn’t care for evidence if it comes from someone they don’t trust, and wants to blame someone else for their hardships. Now, in this primary season, I am seeing a little of that from Dems, but it’s still almost exclusively the domain of the right.
For some time I have been hoping against hope that this will not culminate in civil war. But I’m not sure where else it will end.
Is there a way back from such huge levels of dishonesty? From corporate media that foster lies, that censor what real journalists write or speak, that wants an ignorant electorate? Well, I don’t see one—unless we were to follow in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela, who, when he gained power, did not seek vengeance. Instead he sought truth and justice. He asked people to come forward and admit to wrongdoing. And then the community moved on.
Now, I recognize that South Africa is not a magically wonderful place, especially for Africans who are not imported from Europe (in previous generations). There are many troubles there, not least of which is the economic apartheid that exists. But Mandela was able to avoid the sure threat of violence and likely civil war by asking for justice and truth, rather than vengeance.
Can you just imagine it? Fox (I can’t bring myself to say “news”) hosting a parade of politicians who admit the lies they have told? Of course, I think some of them actually believe their lies, in which case I am a mental health professional and I would be happy to help them get an evaluation.
I am too old to move to Canada. I checked it out when Bush 43 was elected, and discovered that Canada won’t have me. I’m old, I don’t speak French, I’ve never lived or worked in Canada, and I have no family there. They won’t take me. I don’t really have any good options to exercise should a Republican gain the White House in November, and/or civil war break out. Instead of deciding where I can flee if the worst happens to my beloved country, I have to consider how we come back from the brink—and I do believe we are on, or very near, the brink.
What do you think? Take the poll, but also share your ideas. And please, no pie fights over candidates.