Freedom is fragile. It can be destroyed with simple words. This is why those who charge themselves with protecting it choose their words carefully. It is also why those who vie to replace freedom with their own self-serving will seem to lack nuance, but it is a certainty that their words are chosen just as carefully. They will be novel in their boldness, and commonality. They will offer the only salvation from the shame of our weakest depravities in return for devotion and loyalty beyond rationality, they will profit beyond imagination, and they will wield their power without the respect they demand with it.
Those who are desperate to justify their tortured egos and flawed reasoning will bow at the feet of a savior whose words tell them just how right they’ve always been. They will revel in the strength of unity through shared sickness. Even the virtuous, in opposition and in favor, will succumb to the siren calls of amorality, and liberty will decompose along with the bodies of those who sought to defend it.
Joseph D. Newcomer 
We are seeing this in action, played out on the TV screen in front of us. Many see through the smoke and mirrors, but a lot do not and are mesmerized by the siren song of their most inner depravities or pseudo-religious rantings. It will be interesting to see which side will win. If we are lucky the evil will slink back into the dark cavities of the minds only to burst out again when the climate weakens.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m not sure that evil is only on one side in this. I just see a lot of people allowing the worst parts of them to be the defining parts. Even many who I once shared a great deal of common ground. I see people allowing their actions to be dictated by those they oppose. I think of one of my favorite lyrics from one of my all time favorite bands, Harvey Danger, at the beginning of the song, The Same As Being In Love: “When you base your wholeidentity on reaction against somebody, It’s the same as being in.”
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Joseph D. Newcomer and commented:
Now. Now, more than ever. Now, when people are destroying what they believe they are protecting, as so often is the case. Now, when people feel righteous in their destruction. Now, when people trust the false as though it is divine. We’re all being used.
LikeLike