One of the Merriam-Webster dictionary definitions of ‘irony’ is: “the use of words to express something other than and especially the opposite of the literal meaning.” This word seems particularly relevant today given the constant talk from the Republicans and conservatives about ‘freedom.’ The same dictionary defines freedom as: “the quality or state of being free: such as; a: the absence of necessity, coercion, or constraint in choice or action.”
We saw the Republicans beating the drums of freedom and personal responsibility loudly during the pandemic with respect to wearing masks and vaccine mandates. How many times did we all see signs carried by protesters with slogans like, “My body, my choice?” The science clearly showed that wearing masks and getting vaccinated were effective at slowing the spread of the COVID virus and helping to protect people. However, in spite of the science, the Republicans screamed about freedom and wanted people to be able to make decisions (to not wear a mask or get a vaccination) that could adversely affect the people around them and the community at large. I guess that kind of ‘freedom’ is OK.
In the paper this morning I read an article describing how some states are enacting laws to provide refuge for transgender students and their parents who have been displaced or are under threat due to laws being passed in Republican-controlled states. In Texas, Governor Gregg Abbott has directed state agencies to consider placing transgender children in foster care. A judge has temporarily blocked these investigations but just think about that. The government that cries ‘freedom’ from the rooftops is actually considering ripping children away from their parents based upon some warped sense of what is the right and wrong way to raise a child. That is not freedom – that is tyranny.
That is but one example of what is going on. Yesterday I talked about the disaster looming on the horizon if Roe v. Wade is overturned per the leaked document from the Supreme Court. I guess all of the people who were carrying the signs “My body, my choice” with respect to masks and vaccines must believe that ‘freedom’ is a different kind of ‘freedom’ than allowing a woman to make a decision about her own reproductive health. It’s crazy. The decisions about masks and vaccines can affect many other people. A woman’s decision to get an abortion affects no one else in the community. What the hell?
One can only conclude that the Republicans and conservatives are not really interested in creating an environment and a country where people are truly free to make their own decisions regarding their personal lives, i.e. Who they marry, whether or not an abortion is appropriate in their given situation, how to raise their children, whether or not to use birth control, or whether or not to marry someone of a different race or religion. They are really interested in controlling the citizenry.
No one should forget that when this country was founded and the pilgrims first landed here, they did so because they broke from the Church of England. And why did they break from the Church of England? After the Church of England broke away from the Catholic church, “every British citizen was expected to attend the Church of England, and those who didn’t were punished by the state. [Bolding is mine] One group of farmers in Northern England, known disparagingly as the Separatists, began to worship in secret, knowing full well that it was treasonous”.1
This country was founded on the concept of religious freedom and individual liberty. What is going on now is taking us back 400 years! That’s not hyperbole, that’s fact. We are now faced with the prospect of the government, who screams ‘freedom’ out of one side of their mouth, enacting laws to interfere with each individual’s freedom to live their live as they see fit.
What’s next, will the Supreme Court put an end to ‘separation of church and state’ and we’ll all be once again obligated to attend church because the government says we have to. If you think that is too far-fetched, just look at what is going on in Hungary where Viktor Orban is creating an illiberal democracy and has hijacked the term Christian democracy in what is now authoritarian government. Many of the Republicans are following his lead. Just look at what is going on with Governor Ron DeSantis in Florida.2
The bottom line is that the Republicans are more interested in controlling citizens than in creating an environment to allow everyone to live in freedom. It is apparently a lot easier to stoke culture wars, than to try to solve real problems such as the adverse impacts of climate change (drought, heat waves, wild fires), growing income inequality, a poor excuse for a healthcare system when compared to other wealthy countries and a declining education system. “Republicans fiddle while America burns.”
When earlier in life I was a Republican, largely because of growing up in a Republican conservative family – like parents -> like son…. it was seen as fiscal conservative issues mostly – not really a social issue in our family…
As you know – I went / came back from Germany. I one time made a comment in front of my father, who grew up in Oklahoma, that we would likely never have the same Nazi issue they had. He stopped on sudden notice when I said that, turned around, and said – “Don’t think that for a moment. I could happen here just as well.” I never forgot that.
And look what’s happening now. That was years ago, and he’s been gone since 2009 – before this insanity from Trump and his band of half wits were given permission to express their hatred towards others they’ve been suppressing in secret apparently for so many years.
Trump, and others, in my opinion, has transformed the party I left about 8 to 10 years ago into American’s neo-Nazi party.
I never really voted on party lines anyway – so…
Our requirements for office are grossly out of date – age and citizenship only – WTF. There is merit to some of that making it available to many – but there should education, and experience in helping others too – like time spent in a military hospital nursing ward for 6 months for the President’s office – to see the impact of sending soldiers to war. And walking with some of the soldiers to deliver the news to a parent their son or daughter has died – to see first hand the impact of one’s actions later when potentially in office. The same for congress and senate members.
Jimmy Carter is about the only one I have any respect for.
I think I’d be ok dying for him.
Cheers Mike.
Hope the knee is good enough soon to kick some ass.
Bob
Forgot to mention why Jimmy Carter…
Despite being beaten up by age and life – body wise – I think he’s still swinging a hammer and trying to build houses for those in need – trying to help others – rather than himself. Something honorable. He has his priorities in life in order.
My friend Dan has helped the Los Angeles Chapter of Habitat and has suggested to me they need IT help and if I stay in the area that I contact them for volunteer help.
My Hughes Aircraft friend Steve Ogg (EDSG) from my earliest undergrad fellowship days 1977-1980 years was also his west coast press advance representative and organized his west coast visits while he was in office and got to ride in the motorcade once or twice – to tell me about how heavily armed that car he rode in was – impressive !!
Steve Ogg also dumped his Facebook account when it was learned that Facebook sold off personal info to the political folks willing to pay for info – and has yet to return. I always admired him for that – and with Musk acquiring Twitter – that pushed me over the edge on social media as a whole myself.
Cheers !
Bob