political, racial, or whatnot leaders have a very subtle and effective
way of keeping us in line. They do it by emphasizing group differences
all the while playing down individual similarities.
And for good reason, too. Good reason for them, that is. Because their
power depends on it.
Let me illustrate.
For example, in your judgment, which is more important in people — loyalty
or being a Democrat or Republican? Compassion or being black or white or
brown or whatever? Sense of humor or being a teenager, a young adult, or
a so-called senior citizen? Love of God or being Jewish or Catholic or
Protestant? Reliability in a crisis or being male or female?
In 1816, Stephen Decatur offered the following toast:
Our country! In her intercourse with foreign nations may she always
be in the right; but our country right or wrong.
In other words, no matter what our political leaders do internationally,
we must always back them! We must always validate what they do. Now isn't
that what Adolph Hitler told his people in so many words?
OK. Now, if you buy that, how about:
Me and everyone else of my race! In our relations with the members
of other races may we always be in the right; but our race right or wrong.
Or:
Me and everyone else of my religion! In our relations with the members
of other religions may we always be in the right; but our religion right
or wrong.
Appalling, you say? I agree. But that's exactly what our so-called leaders
are preaching.
And what do you expect such a sermon to produce?
Exactly what we have in the US today in the way of relations — racial,
religious, ethnic, gender, and so on.
You know, with “leaders” like these, who needs enemies?
Think about it. |
