By Ashley Herndon
OCEANSIDE, Calif. | Things, ideas, governments, and people die, some naturally and some violently. Are we as a nation facing the untimely death of our democracy? Could be.
Nations die. Imperial Persia died, Rome died, Democracy in Greece died, various Indian empires died, Ottoman empire died, Imperial Spain died, Imperial England died, Napoleon’s Empire died, Austro-Hungarian empire died, Aztec empire died, Incan empire died, Siamese empire died, Fascist Germany/Italy/ Japan died, Holy Roman Empire died, Russian Empire died, Soviet Empire died, many Chinese empires-as well as Maoism died.
Could it be? It could be that the Republican-Democratic form of government we in America created and fought so hard for is next?
If so, kiss Western culture goodbye worldwide if the USA’s Neo-Fascist-Maga-GOP (GoneOldParty) is in power. The seeds have been planted for over 40 years, the aforementioned parade of non-democratic forms of governing people is long and the list is only a few. Note of course: Putin, Kim Jong Un, and their Acolyte Donald J. Trump would love to resurrect their own “one man rule” now as we live and breathe!
I recently heard the phrase, “death stops the record.” Death is inescapable, we can only hope it comes in its prescribed time and not by force or violence. Psychologist Dr. John G. Geier wrote and taught, “When you touch someone you motivate them.” He left the degree of motivation to the quality and message of the touch, leaving the level of willingness to act up to the touch. Some people are, as my Grandaddy used to say, “Touched.” The definition of touched is open for discussion.
We are faced with a coming “Rupture not a Rapture.”
Face it, facts are facts. Some folks are waiting for the “Beam Me Up Jesus” alert. I must say, that is up to Captain Kirk, not Maga Mike nor Jim Jordan nor the hero they worship. In their scenario of governance, every day is doomsday. Problem is that the citizenry will be left to follow orders.
For those who have read about Paul of Tarsus’ travels in the olden days of the Bible, he was giving it his all to prepare people for a way to handle hardships. I was taught that this meant to lead a positive life, not a violent and disrespectful one. Turn Dark into Light. I vote for that.
Whether we choose to be a subject of the parade, or a part of it, either way we are a participant. Do we want to be “Raptured or Ruptured” out as a nation?
Regard the question of the glass half full. The answer is a choice of positive or negative. I like another idiom. The glass is full of possibility. Just reach in and take one.
Every sunset is the end of the world. That’s a good thing, because every sunrise is an opening to the future. We do not have to wait for a holiday to celebrate. Kiss today goodnight like a spouse, and welcome the morrow like a favorite relative.
Makes you want to sing along with MLK: ”We shall overcome……” adding “Today!”
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