I haven't posted here in a while, and for good reasons. A lot has been going on that I find quite disturbing. It was never my intent to frighten anyone, but we need to be aware.
This country was founded by a small group of people who were fleeing tyranny and religious persecution. Although the framers of our Constitution were wealthy, white slave-owners, the words they chose were careful and designed to stand the test of time.
"All men are created equal" did not only apply to the wealthy elite, but implied that every human has basic rights that were the very first amendments, and specifically addressed in our Bill of Rights.
Over many decades of struggle, we realized that we talked the talk but did not walk the walk. Amendments were passed and became law that spelled out those rights and that they applied to women, people of all colors, immigrants, and natural-born citizens alike.
And now we have come to a time where those rights are ignored and attacked. Religion, by definition, is an ideology. Yet, some religions are being attacked. Freedom of expression for the individual and the media is being attacked as "ideology" as if it were somehow a threat to our national security.
Even our allies, friends, and neighbors are being threatened because of ego.
This reminds me of something that happened while I was in the service.
There was a group of us who were close friends. We looked out for each other. The group was truly a "Band of Brothers". It was based on friendship alone. The group consisted of the lowest-ranking Private, as well as sergeants, some with combat experience. None of that mattered.
A newer member of the group has recently transferred in. He was a big man and liked to throw his weight around. He bragged often and belittled some of our youngest members. The group stepped in and put him in his place. It was made clear to him that we do not attack each other; we stand up for each other against anyone who threatens a member of our group.
One night, we were all hanging out at a bar and shooting pool. This guy got drunk and started running his mouth. He was told to cool it. He didn't. He picked a fight with a guy who was not part of our group. They went outside, where members of another group gave him a beating. We stood by and watched.
Later, he asked us why we didn't jump in to help him. The answer was simple: he was wrong. He deserved what he got.
Not long after, he was no longer included in our group. We were happy to see him go.
What reminded me of this story was a recent event. Members of our group, our friends and allies, are being threatened. So far, the group has not taken any action: strong words and little more. And I have to wonder what the outcome might be.
I am deeply disturbed that a member of our group is threatening other members and threatening those who have been our friends, neighbors, and allies for hundreds of years. This does not sit well with me.
