General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsAs a clinician, I find the levels of lying, of hatred, of bigotry, of extremism, and especially the
rationalization of all of these horrific behaviors and more by the entrenched right-wing establishment to be most disturbing on many levels. My concern extends not simply to the havoc which they wreak of the political system, but also of the ripple effect which has extended into every corner of the country and the dialogs which we have with our relatives, our students, our customers, our patients, our vendors, our shopkeepers, our domestic help, our municipal and Federal workers, our friends, and our enemies. There is no point in reiterating the nature of these discussions, we all know too well how we measure our language usage and our descriptive terminology, but suffice it to say that we are in a death spiral from which we need to be rescued.
I for one have no idea who or what group could possibly perform this action: even the catastrophe which took place on our soil in 2001 only temporarily unified us, until the usual ridiculousness ensued which caused even more polarization than we had before the incident, not to mention the initiation of two wars which were basically non sequiturs and caused the deaths, dismemberment, and horrific turmoil of the lives of millions upon millions of people. Other than the invasion of aliens, I cannot imagine a scenario which would not be played to the detriment of the common man and woman, further leading to our dimunition as a Nation and as a force for higher-order Justice and Morality.
It is both tragic and ironic that living in a time of unparalleled comprehension and understanding of the sciences: of biology, of astronomy, of physics, of engineering of all types, of chemistry, and all the other disciplines, that the Republican Party has chosen to emigrate to the most benighted positions imaginable. The devaluation of logic, of the scientific method, of understanding of others' viewpoints, of others bases for existence is immense. I don't believe, at age 59, that I will live to see the curve reverse: I can only hope my offspring shall.
To return to my original point, I firmly believe that these attitudes have permanently damaged the fiber and being of individuals, families, and community. I also believe that the self-centeredness, the lack of empathy, the strange functionality of people is increasing exponentially and endure these 'attributes' from my patient population daily. I do not hate or resent them for it: I have been involved for much too long to do that. I am simply sad for them and for us.
opihimoimoi
(52,426 posts)mercuryblues
(14,530 posts)I see glimmers of hope. I also see the racid hate that shuts it down. I hope this is the last stand of the right wingers, but I fear they will not shut up without a fight. They are looking for martyrdom and they have a way of self fulfilling their wishes.
opihimoimoi
(52,426 posts)around the corner....trust me...
pscot
(21,024 posts)I blame B.F.Skinner, myself. And Bruce Barton; the man who said, "Christ would be a national advertiser today, I am sure, as He was a great advertiser in His own day. He thought of His life as business."
PCIntern
(25,518 posts)zeemike
(18,998 posts)Have these people's houses and drinking watter checked for lead.
It is thought that lead caused the madness that characterized Rome was do to the lead pipes they used for their watter.
But it could also be a cynical attempt to take over by the old divide and conquer strategy by sociopaths who control the sheeple on the right.
But what ever the cause it will take something drastic to change it quick enough to prevent a major decline in America.
KT2000
(20,572 posts)those things you mentioned are true values for many now and it has infected every walk of life.
Turbineguy
(37,313 posts)best ever, Doctor!
ailsagirl
(22,893 posts)seems grotesquely distorted and completely alien to me. Their beliefs, as far as I can tell, are insane. This could be an episode of 'The Twilight Zone,' the ending too horrendous to contemplate.
PCIntern
(25,518 posts)and all the joy within you dies..."
Almost an apocalyptic implosion would be at hand if the Public were ever bright enough to really comprehend what's gone on here.
Doctor_J
(36,392 posts)and start working up a little more hate and resentment. One thing that continues to surprise me is that the worse they get, the more that Dems, liberals, and real patriots cut them slack. One of the main reasons they have been able to wreak so much havoc on the country is that no one ever fights back. Every outrage is met with another chorus of, "This time they've overplayed their hand", and, "maybe we should organize a boycott". They look at OWS and laugh.
Not much is going to change as long as one side is doing all of the fighting.
PCIntern
(25,518 posts)I'm gonna leave it to others to hate - I've been hating since the early 60's and I'm tired. Barbara Bush is better at it than I am...