George Carlin told us decades ago that religion is the biggest bullshit story ever told. He also reminded us that the rich and powerful only wanted us to be smart enough to work the machines. Of course he was correct!
This is one of the best statements I have heard to date of "The way it is," as Walter Cronkite used to say. I'm old enough to remember journalism as a public service. RIP Walter, if that's possible considering what's going on on the ground above. Fred
Well, this is sure a long, hard look at the truth. Beautifully presented, as always, Walter. I expect to live the next year with hope ... and isolation. I expect to make my voice heard, but I'm battening down for the big ... monster ... changes that seem to be careening toward us. I see little in the MAGA credo that really is aimed at making America great; more like making a sub-culture (call it for what it is) richer and more powerful. (PS - I'm 88 as of yesterday. I can handle what is thrown at us for whatever time I have left; it is for my children and grandchildren that I fear what is coming.)
The good news is that the cracks are already appearing and they're fighting each other. They're such awful people that they can't help but hate each other. Still, we'd have been so much better off if we'd embraced empathy. Oh well...
It's really distressing. I know a lot of folks who find deep comfort and empowerment in (the Black) church, and also I know how deeply intertwined Christianity is with oppression. This line really resonated: "We fabricate reasons in the United States for people to put aside their own autonomy. We create things like debt so that people are pressured to surrender their time, their expertise, their joy, their lives all for the profit of others." It is an absolute gaslight.
I agree that the Black church is much different than the white church. The white church is the origin of white supremacy. I think we have to speak openly about history and the crimes of the past. As it stands, people are compelled to invent enemies, and they end up listening (and electing) the very people who mean to exploit them. It's a hard conversation, but we have to have it. Thanks Elizabeth!
An outstanding article that perfectly captures how I feel about America today.
The wool over my eyes has been removed for a while now. America is a failed state. Christianity is a failed faith. Both are founded on cis, white, wealthy males acting fascistically as gods over all the rest.
I don't have the time or energy to push back or resist. However, I can take my money away from the uber-capitalists by making my own food from ingredients that cost a fraction of what I would pay for processed foods and price-jacked restaurants. I can't remove myself completely, but even cutting back by 50% will save money and hurt those who would exploit us.
Then, sharing what I make with others spreads the effect outwards.
Regarding religion and television, I don't participate in either, and I encourage others to do the same.
Walter, this post could have been at least a half dozen separate posts! So many truth-bombs! I recognize every point you make and feel like, even though I'm an old, white woman, I have live these experiences and still do today.
I'm really tired of people shutting me down, telling me to shut up, to make myself smaller by "leaning in."
I will continue to annoy people. And, to those people who say "can't we still be friends even though we disagree?"...if you don't change your position, then no, not only can we not still be friends, I don't want you as a friend!
Yeah, it's amazing how quickly that phrase is rejected when you turn it back on them. But we have to be defiant in our defense of truth. We have to reject their dishonest complaints of persecution... they're the ones doing the oppressing not us. We've got to tear down all the lies that have been woven into the fabric of our society. There are no more compromises any longer. The whole thing needs to be replaced.
At that time, things were a little different. And I also didn’t know they were republicans. Just seemed like decent people. The kind you could call at three a.m. if you need to. My kids are grown, and not republicans, so yay! No damage done!! I appreciate the feedback and I do think, people who support them after all that has come to light in recent years, really changes my opinions. All things have a beginning, middle, and end. Maybe it’s time.
I’m trying hard to separate my political opinions from my feelings about my friends. They do still have qualities that drew us together and it feels wrong to discount that, but it also feels wrong to remain friends.
But do I recognize that they have some good qualities too? That they are brainwashed? That’s where I struggle. Some of these friends have babysat for me. I trusted them to care for my children. Maybe now I’m seeing where their hearts really lie? I don’t want to be centrist. I don’t want to give in. Maybe the answer to just let them fade from my life??? Just asking for thoughts on the topic.
Your struggle is more about you than those people you trusted. You don’t want to believe you were so deceived, that your trust was so betrayed. It’s as if you’re asking yourself, ”how could I have not seen this earlier?” It makes you question your judgement and makes it harder to trust anyone. These are existential deaths that require going through the stages of grief until we finally come to the acceptance of the reality about these people.
You want to still find redeeming qualities in them. Maybe they will do neighborly acts. But what has made them align with MAGA was always there and likely will never go away. In Nazi Germany these were the bystanders and the collaborators.
So, don’t feel guilty that you are struggling to reconcile their behaviors. Grieve your loss. Then, move on with life.
Excellent, Walter. Credit goes to you for overcoming the difficult upbringing you had and becoming a fair, tolerant person and a loving father and husband.
Yes, there is an inherent allure in organized religion which makes many adherents into judgmental, even militant aggressors against anyone who is not of their ilk. The dogma of "our way is the right way, everyone else is wrong" highlights differences and creates division. As if Humanity needs more ways to divide us, what with tribalism, a puzzling obsession with skin tone, and cultural variations. Geez.
Yeah, one of my friends once said "racism is stupid, get to know somebody and you'll find a perfectly legitimate reason not to like them" :) That made me laugh.
A profound reading of the status quo here in the UK. We now have a Labour government with a huge majority who behave as if they are carrying on from where the Tories left off. Cutting the winter fuel allowance for pensioners, freezing benefits for those who rely on them, and I suspect more to come. We too are the victims of an overbearing ideology that demeans, ridicules and punishes those who are not in the club...the ruling class. The tragedy being that we are all taught to aspire to its membership through hard work and mass conformity and who are punished if they choose to reject its empty promises. Oooooh I do feel better having got that off my chest!
Thank you, Walter, for such an engaging and powerful article. I'm sorry you had to endure the abuse but believe me, I understand you completely. It's shameful that we now have to witness obstruction from higher up. Keep writing, Walter. Your children have a great father to look up to.
Although many of your points are well taken this presents a pretty grim picture of what is and what will be in the next four years. But what of your title? What advice do you have on how to survive the next four years ? Keep our heads down and accept being treated as “ the problem”? Not in my nature anyhow.
By maintaining truth and pushing back against all the lies. We have to identify what they're going to do to us, and have a realistic response. Not by keeping our heads down, but by being truthful about their transgressions against us and demanding that they stop. But it's going to be ugly. Thanks for the comment.
It's so sad because Christianity built on inherent sin and dehumanization of others is not the one Christ preached about or lived or taught... They don't even have Christ in their Christianity... Christ preached many times about how it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God, but they pick and choose their stories and beliefs and shove Christ and his ideals out of this conservative religion they call Christianity
George Carlin told us decades ago that religion is the biggest bullshit story ever told. He also reminded us that the rich and powerful only wanted us to be smart enough to work the machines. Of course he was correct!
Yup! His words resonate more and more in time.
This is one of the best statements I have heard to date of "The way it is," as Walter Cronkite used to say. I'm old enough to remember journalism as a public service. RIP Walter, if that's possible considering what's going on on the ground above. Fred
Thank you Fred. If only we had reasonable voices in the mainstream media. I guess we have to content with the ones we find on fringe media.
You old duffer, I too am old enough to remember Walter Cronkite. Times have most assuredly changed.
I intend to be "the problem" for the next four years. I'm looking forward to it.
“The Problem” to some “THE SOLUTION” to others (including me)! Go get ‘em Arturo!
¡Feliz año nuevo, Arturo!
Well, this is sure a long, hard look at the truth. Beautifully presented, as always, Walter. I expect to live the next year with hope ... and isolation. I expect to make my voice heard, but I'm battening down for the big ... monster ... changes that seem to be careening toward us. I see little in the MAGA credo that really is aimed at making America great; more like making a sub-culture (call it for what it is) richer and more powerful. (PS - I'm 88 as of yesterday. I can handle what is thrown at us for whatever time I have left; it is for my children and grandchildren that I fear what is coming.)
The good news is that the cracks are already appearing and they're fighting each other. They're such awful people that they can't help but hate each other. Still, we'd have been so much better off if we'd embraced empathy. Oh well...
It's really distressing. I know a lot of folks who find deep comfort and empowerment in (the Black) church, and also I know how deeply intertwined Christianity is with oppression. This line really resonated: "We fabricate reasons in the United States for people to put aside their own autonomy. We create things like debt so that people are pressured to surrender their time, their expertise, their joy, their lives all for the profit of others." It is an absolute gaslight.
I agree that the Black church is much different than the white church. The white church is the origin of white supremacy. I think we have to speak openly about history and the crimes of the past. As it stands, people are compelled to invent enemies, and they end up listening (and electing) the very people who mean to exploit them. It's a hard conversation, but we have to have it. Thanks Elizabeth!
Absolutely agree!!
An outstanding article that perfectly captures how I feel about America today.
The wool over my eyes has been removed for a while now. America is a failed state. Christianity is a failed faith. Both are founded on cis, white, wealthy males acting fascistically as gods over all the rest.
Thank you Lauren!
I don't have the time or energy to push back or resist. However, I can take my money away from the uber-capitalists by making my own food from ingredients that cost a fraction of what I would pay for processed foods and price-jacked restaurants. I can't remove myself completely, but even cutting back by 50% will save money and hurt those who would exploit us.
Then, sharing what I make with others spreads the effect outwards.
Regarding religion and television, I don't participate in either, and I encourage others to do the same.
As I often say, ignore-ance is bliss.
Well, I'd say that constitutes resisting. I think yours is a valid and worthwhile approach!
Walter, this post could have been at least a half dozen separate posts! So many truth-bombs! I recognize every point you make and feel like, even though I'm an old, white woman, I have live these experiences and still do today.
I'm really tired of people shutting me down, telling me to shut up, to make myself smaller by "leaning in."
I will continue to annoy people. And, to those people who say "can't we still be friends even though we disagree?"...if you don't change your position, then no, not only can we not still be friends, I don't want you as a friend!
Yeah, it's amazing how quickly that phrase is rejected when you turn it back on them. But we have to be defiant in our defense of truth. We have to reject their dishonest complaints of persecution... they're the ones doing the oppressing not us. We've got to tear down all the lies that have been woven into the fabric of our society. There are no more compromises any longer. The whole thing needs to be replaced.
Bottom line, being republican might not be evil (Liz Cheney), but being an orange supporter or a sycophant is. Decision made.
Thanks for your input!
What’s crazy is that so many if them don’t think he’s guilty! Don’t believe he committed any crimes? What the heck?
Yeah, even after his confessions
At that time, things were a little different. And I also didn’t know they were republicans. Just seemed like decent people. The kind you could call at three a.m. if you need to. My kids are grown, and not republicans, so yay! No damage done!! I appreciate the feedback and I do think, people who support them after all that has come to light in recent years, really changes my opinions. All things have a beginning, middle, and end. Maybe it’s time.
Sometimes you don't fully realize how toxic they are until you get some distance
I’m trying hard to separate my political opinions from my feelings about my friends. They do still have qualities that drew us together and it feels wrong to discount that, but it also feels wrong to remain friends.
People who vote against your interests aren't your friends.
But do I recognize that they have some good qualities too? That they are brainwashed? That’s where I struggle. Some of these friends have babysat for me. I trusted them to care for my children. Maybe now I’m seeing where their hearts really lie? I don’t want to be centrist. I don’t want to give in. Maybe the answer to just let them fade from my life??? Just asking for thoughts on the topic.
I wouldn't trust my kids with Rrpublicans. They vote for sex offenders. Be careful.
Your struggle is more about you than those people you trusted. You don’t want to believe you were so deceived, that your trust was so betrayed. It’s as if you’re asking yourself, ”how could I have not seen this earlier?” It makes you question your judgement and makes it harder to trust anyone. These are existential deaths that require going through the stages of grief until we finally come to the acceptance of the reality about these people.
You want to still find redeeming qualities in them. Maybe they will do neighborly acts. But what has made them align with MAGA was always there and likely will never go away. In Nazi Germany these were the bystanders and the collaborators.
So, don’t feel guilty that you are struggling to reconcile their behaviors. Grieve your loss. Then, move on with life.
I’m with Arturo … I also intend to be the problem for the next four years ..
I love it!
Excellent, Walter. Credit goes to you for overcoming the difficult upbringing you had and becoming a fair, tolerant person and a loving father and husband.
Yes, there is an inherent allure in organized religion which makes many adherents into judgmental, even militant aggressors against anyone who is not of their ilk. The dogma of "our way is the right way, everyone else is wrong" highlights differences and creates division. As if Humanity needs more ways to divide us, what with tribalism, a puzzling obsession with skin tone, and cultural variations. Geez.
Yeah, one of my friends once said "racism is stupid, get to know somebody and you'll find a perfectly legitimate reason not to like them" :) That made me laugh.
Exactly! For example, I don’t hate tRump because he’s orange. There are innumerable other reasons to hate him
A profound reading of the status quo here in the UK. We now have a Labour government with a huge majority who behave as if they are carrying on from where the Tories left off. Cutting the winter fuel allowance for pensioners, freezing benefits for those who rely on them, and I suspect more to come. We too are the victims of an overbearing ideology that demeans, ridicules and punishes those who are not in the club...the ruling class. The tragedy being that we are all taught to aspire to its membership through hard work and mass conformity and who are punished if they choose to reject its empty promises. Oooooh I do feel better having got that off my chest!
Thank you, Walter, for such an engaging and powerful article. I'm sorry you had to endure the abuse but believe me, I understand you completely. It's shameful that we now have to witness obstruction from higher up. Keep writing, Walter. Your children have a great father to look up to.
Thank you so much Yolanda, you're very kind!
Wow. Thank you.
Thanks for reading!
Truth!
Although many of your points are well taken this presents a pretty grim picture of what is and what will be in the next four years. But what of your title? What advice do you have on how to survive the next four years ? Keep our heads down and accept being treated as “ the problem”? Not in my nature anyhow.
By maintaining truth and pushing back against all the lies. We have to identify what they're going to do to us, and have a realistic response. Not by keeping our heads down, but by being truthful about their transgressions against us and demanding that they stop. But it's going to be ugly. Thanks for the comment.
Thanks… your column is certainly thought provoking!
Thank you Laurel! I appreciate you saying that!
It's so sad because Christianity built on inherent sin and dehumanization of others is not the one Christ preached about or lived or taught... They don't even have Christ in their Christianity... Christ preached many times about how it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God, but they pick and choose their stories and beliefs and shove Christ and his ideals out of this conservative religion they call Christianity