On March 19, 2011, Askcherlock wrote on BrooWaha these perceptive and thought provoking words - "The guilt belongs to you and me, the society of people lavished with riches. And what was built can be torn asunder by our own silence. It’s comin’ to our door, Baby. I know that. ‘Cause we only cared about our own appetites and fed ourselves plenty. Now the world has gone mad and I just need you to sing to me, Baby, while I try to pray for lost souls and scattered angels." The insights are hers, but the emphasis is mine. Roughly, two weeks previously, she had cited Professor Andrew J. Bacevich from Boston University as follows: "Transformation is not something that outsiders can induce or impose or control. The process is organic, spontaneous and self-sustaining.” She then observed, "What a profound theory and one I have supported since our war on terror began."
These splendid appeals to reason and benevolence merit prolonged attention. Let us never forget it is perfectly possible and eminently patriotic to fervently oppose war and ardently support those whom ill-conceived orders have placed in harm’s way.
In this context, I respectfully offer the following thoughts and observations.
It is easy to be hostile. It is risky to trust. In a world gone mad and a nation divided, free-floating hostility is a predictable response.
Hostility nourishes and supports the ego. Trust requires lowering one’s guard, risking disappointment, and testing one’s character.
Hostility can be very dramatic, complicated and sophisticated. It can make one appear quite impressive to others. It can camouflage cowardice and make it pass for courage. It drapes cravenness in the cloak of valor. It drowns out the whimpers of a quaking soul with the roar of rage.
Trust, on the other hand, is an expression of sincerity, humanity and composure. Others could be suspicious of our intentions, resentful of our efforts or envious of our fortitude.
Those who choose hostility, expend a great deal of energy and effort to maintain their state of rage. By contrast, those choose trust actually, gain vigor and resilience from the additional options and positive perspectives this choice brings to light.
The choice between hostility and trust is one we all must make in each moment, repeatedly, day after day. Choosing the former rips and rends the social fabric; choosing the latter strengthens its warp and woof.
The far, far better course for our children, our nation, and ourselves is to run the risk deception and disappointment and endure the errors and betrayals, which are humanity’s lot, after all, than to promote and practice aggression and suspicion. The first course offers the hope of revival and deliverance. The second course far too commonly precedes cruelty and conflict. Whether we choose hostility or trust is completely up to us.
We, the people, are the true sovereigns in the Republic. Despite the relentless efforts of those who would divide us in order to rule us, we can strum the mystic chords of memory and summon to our aid the better angels of our nature. In years to come, will we look into the eyes of children we love about and tell them “We had the opportunity to make a difference, but lacked the courage to try?”
For the sake of the Republic and the land we love, let us rise and restore Power to the People.
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