I use an all-encompassing term for this: Americanitis.
It deliberately implies the infectious nature of the trends and issues you describe, as only 3% of humanity (mostly unwittingly) transmits its politics, culture and economics throughout the world, especially into countries which share a common language. The effects are now increasingly globally deleterious, but the biggest impacts will be felt in the originating nation. I fear the worst for its uncertain future.
Thanks for reading Johnathan. I love that term. Is there a vaccine? 😉
Yes. So much promise and so many benefits to those of us that hold a US passport. Few others in the World can travel and as freely. We carry our wallets and our garbage with us. 🤷🏻♂️
Could not read through the whole piece...I am consumed by the news already...not all points I would see the same way though. But it is a very good initiative to dissect what's going on...in my opinion there is suffering whereever you look 👀 and why? because we are all the more or the less overwhelmed with live and what it demands from us. inflation is a point I could not find on this list. 💰 now comes christmas. may be the time to look who is in your area of influence and connect and show some love & support (or ask for it) we need to help each other out and be open for critical thinking, but in a supportive and empathetic way... optimism is a result of hope. if you are hopeless you won't survive this pressure. LOVE is the only way AND please do not forget - even if there are some freaky creatures out there in the streets (I have seen them) - we are all humans after all ❤️🩹 this came to my mind reading your valuable essay, dear Dee Rambeau
The dog I needed the one I HAD to SAVE from death row!!! He made it 2 3/4 days. BUT while it had ups & DOWNS - it ended well.
I was thrilled when the dog & hubby became best buds! Then not so happy that when hubs went to work dog was PISSED OFF!! Not only did he show his emotions by tearing up an old phone book, and I mine there is nothing left but tiny pieces, but a hard cover NOVEL lost it guts AND it’s outer core. That was day 2!!
Day 3??? He blamed ME for hubby leaving for work. I was on the patio he was in the house with the door locked. Thank Goodness it was locked!! I thought his body was going to come through it! I was there for 2 hours because my phone had 2% charge which quickly went to zero. He calmed down nicely but I did not! But I did get a quick nap because of course! We knew this would not work as his anger was getting worse if we were left alone. I was heartbroken 💔 I could not send the dog back to death row!! Luckily we had info on some other adopter that was very interested in our gorgeous boy. Even finding out how I had been the object of his jealousy a Single Male wanted this boy so much. When he came to see how the boy would on a walk & reintroduce session- the boys tail wagged even more than when hubby came home! We did the transfer (geez like a car. ) and he now has the title to a brand shiny new fur boy!!! So in essence I am trying to see it in the positive as we saved him from death row, Fostered him for 2 days plus 180 minutes and 12 seconds (but who is counting right!) and All had a somewhat happy ending?!?!
Hmm I ADORE dogs and have NEVER had one be so upset with me! Maybe I’m losing my dog mojo?????
You did nothing wrong. You never know what you’re inheriting when you rescue a dog. You have no idea what in their past. It sounds like you delivered him to the proper person who has the chemistry and the time to devote to his training. Bless you Pam for saving him 🙏
Great Article Dee! Lots to ponder. Please don't be offended by my differences of opinion. I am very appreciative you would take the impetus to take on so many issues giving those of us lazy wimps who will, a laundry list to consider.
OFF-THE-CUFF REPLIES TO GREAT QUESTIONS
Smart phones and Social Media. Too many words, too much speech, and a lack of knowledge on how to conduct logical examination of ideas drives uncontrollable confusion, apathy, and ultimately—ignorance. No solution in sight.
“The system is broken!” An unbroken system has never existed. They may work for awhile and even serve the majority for a time, but eventually the uglier sides of humanity win out, conflict resumes and systems change—for better or worse—but always temporary.
#metoo and LGBTQ Humans have always ordered their societies in one of two ways-- Patriarchal and Matriarchal. Male, female, and in-between are understood differently within those two paradigms. We're beyond comprehension regarding these issues and with little history to help we'll just have to pick the side that fits us best.
Covid Though our Relatives and Families have been getting vaccinated regularly for the last 50 years without issue, neither will I stand for Science in this issue. Science is always wrong—as are people. Just comes down to who you trust, and how much trust you have, to decide how to deal with a common problem that affects all species. Pandemics are the way of life. We either live or die. Ho Hum.
George Floyd, BLM, and Defund the Police (Really disconnected issues.) If your skin is White this will invariably strike you in a different emotional way than if you're not. Way too much politics in all of this. But it wasn't one event—it was hundreds over generations. 25 dead and 2 billion frogskins seems a pretty low price to pay for the American System Of Racism, Bigotry and Abuse to put in a paltry payment on it's abuse of non-Whites. Obviously it was manipulated and corrupted by everybody who could—that's the American Way too. Defund the Police was originally Re-organize the Police until it too was corrupted. Hatred is what its all about, and no one has a lock on controlling it. It pervades our world, way beyond, but often because of, race, ethnicity, and religion.
Global Warming and Climate Change Once again we're all shooting in the dark. The simple large majority of scientists believe humans have a part to play. To infer that there's a 50/50 disagreement on this among people who study climate and science is disingenuous at best. However, as I said before, Science can be wrong. My question is what the hell does it matter? The Modern Conspiracy called Civilization has been guilty of destroying the environment since we first accumulated in numbers that could effect it! One thing is certain-- climate will change-- whether Humans will survive it is still to be decided. Just remember, the answers the experts have for you today are about 50 years behind available technology. The roadblock is how much some will lose and some will gain monetarily to make it available. The Tech may be there to save us, but the willingness to use it may not.
Gender The only way gender will come back into play is if we are forced into a survival or extinction situation. And it still might not be the same as it was. The young people of the time will decide these issues organically. Whether others will seek to impose their values and moralities into the mix will just further complicate matters. The answers to what will happen are unknowable and even less predictable.
Weaponization and Politicization of Law Enforcement (ie., Government—since most authority is only achieved and maintained through violence or threat of violence.) This is the absolute and inviable nature of human relations and societal order. If one group can achieve unchallengeable authority over another, they win! No matter what issue, what ideal, what event takes place--that's the game. So all these issues you mention can, and are, viewed as equally questionable from the other side. When the numbers are close to equal on each side-- eventually only violent domination will prevail-- and then, as with everything—only temporarily and subject to unexpected consequences.
Immigration Time changes everything. In my time we were educated to believe that America was the relief valve for the world. We believed in the words on the Statue of Liberty. Then we got older, and greedier, and more selfish, and more racist, and more bigoted, and more judgemental, and passed that on to our kids and their kids. Now the skin colors of those arriving don't fit the color scheme some had in mind and (as many White people have long believed), indicate those immigrants as diseased or unworthy when compared to the pure European races. But don't worry, this will work its way out soon. We can't govern and provide for those we have now so adding millions more will only serve to hasten the eventual unknowable resolution and unexpected consequences to any attempt at resolution.
All the Rest-- Many well-made points that I simply have run out of steam to comment on.
My points of over-view.
Humans have been dealing with all of these same issues for eons, constantly exhorting each other to believe in this or that, take personal responsibility and make changes for the better. None have succeeded or lasted. To understand the world and our role in it you must examine the visible nature of our Universe. Just like the Universe, we make a spectacle of ourselves—trying to convince our youth we're special simply because our inherent nature is arrogant and prideful. So we invent religions to give us “meaning”, “purpose”, “a place”, “a valuation beyond pure existance”. The Universe is, at once, peaceful and violent, ugly and beautiful, yet no good or evil can be ascribed to any of those characteristics because the Universe does not suffer the inconsistencies of vanity, ego, greed, jealousy and hatred. These are our infirmities. We have never had them under control, and we never will-- no matter how technologically inundated with ingenious contrivances we become. So, ask yourself-- What will all these arguments, wars, hatreds, and disagreements between humans matter in 20,000 years? And life vs death—an insignificance. We tell our kids-- don't get attached to anyplace. Be willing to pick up and go, on foot if necessay, as far and as fast as neceessary to find a place of peace or substanence-- and if it isn't to be found—so what? Fight who you have to, love who you have to, and don't worry about living or dying—it's all the same molecules in an uncontrollable Universe, none more valuable or necessary than a grain of sand.
Boom. Wow. Thank you my friend for the conscientious and spirited response. You said so much that I agree with and some I don’t. That’s the point of the exercise--to have the dialogue. Your key line among many:
“whether Humans will survive it is still to be decided.”
We ARE the problem. And then we’re gone. It’s hard not to agree with your view of our own insignificance. We have always overblown our own importance. That’s why I believe so much in the right now--the present.
That’s all we have. I do a lot of work to try to stay here. Past is history. Future is mystery.
Thanks so much for your thoughtful and thorough comments.
Man: You NAILED it. Hardcore. So. Many. Damn. Salient. Points.
The 80/20 point is important. Why are we letting a tiny fringe (the 8% of progressives who are overwhelmingly young, white and rich) control the narrative in this country? The vast majority of Americans are in the rational center, including Black, Hispanic and Asian Americans. The data is clear: Fringe extremism on BOTH sides is not popular or the way forward. But people stay silent out of fear.
We can’t stay silent anymore. People have got to stand up and have courage and integrity. It’s time. Whether it’s pushing back against Trumpism or Wokeism, which seem to have more and more in common, including gross bigotry.
Thank you! Great idea. It would certainly be more effective than a bunch of A-listers singing “we are the World”
This was such a Great Write, a pleasure to read, if you ever want to discuss health care in Canada, contact me, we can speak.
Thank you Mark!
Well my reply was OBVIOUSLY not proofed, but so much more important to the world view .... 🤦♀️
Dee, love your writing! Saving this one to read later.
I use an all-encompassing term for this: Americanitis.
It deliberately implies the infectious nature of the trends and issues you describe, as only 3% of humanity (mostly unwittingly) transmits its politics, culture and economics throughout the world, especially into countries which share a common language. The effects are now increasingly globally deleterious, but the biggest impacts will be felt in the originating nation. I fear the worst for its uncertain future.
Thanks for reading Johnathan. I love that term. Is there a vaccine? 😉
Yes. So much promise and so many benefits to those of us that hold a US passport. Few others in the World can travel and as freely. We carry our wallets and our garbage with us. 🤷🏻♂️
Damn Dee! You went all the way with this one. I may have to lay down now...
An appropriate Sunday activity. ☺️
Could not read through the whole piece...I am consumed by the news already...not all points I would see the same way though. But it is a very good initiative to dissect what's going on...in my opinion there is suffering whereever you look 👀 and why? because we are all the more or the less overwhelmed with live and what it demands from us. inflation is a point I could not find on this list. 💰 now comes christmas. may be the time to look who is in your area of influence and connect and show some love & support (or ask for it) we need to help each other out and be open for critical thinking, but in a supportive and empathetic way... optimism is a result of hope. if you are hopeless you won't survive this pressure. LOVE is the only way AND please do not forget - even if there are some freaky creatures out there in the streets (I have seen them) - we are all humans after all ❤️🩹 this came to my mind reading your valuable essay, dear Dee Rambeau
🥄
*The allegory of the long spoons*
https://youtu.be/e4lI8e33U2A
Thank you Christoph! Truth. All we can do is look within and try to be better humans.
Thanks as always Dee-
I am unsure of the category for THIS situation:
The dog I needed the one I HAD to SAVE from death row!!! He made it 2 3/4 days. BUT while it had ups & DOWNS - it ended well.
I was thrilled when the dog & hubby became best buds! Then not so happy that when hubs went to work dog was PISSED OFF!! Not only did he show his emotions by tearing up an old phone book, and I mine there is nothing left but tiny pieces, but a hard cover NOVEL lost it guts AND it’s outer core. That was day 2!!
Day 3??? He blamed ME for hubby leaving for work. I was on the patio he was in the house with the door locked. Thank Goodness it was locked!! I thought his body was going to come through it! I was there for 2 hours because my phone had 2% charge which quickly went to zero. He calmed down nicely but I did not! But I did get a quick nap because of course! We knew this would not work as his anger was getting worse if we were left alone. I was heartbroken 💔 I could not send the dog back to death row!! Luckily we had info on some other adopter that was very interested in our gorgeous boy. Even finding out how I had been the object of his jealousy a Single Male wanted this boy so much. When he came to see how the boy would on a walk & reintroduce session- the boys tail wagged even more than when hubby came home! We did the transfer (geez like a car. ) and he now has the title to a brand shiny new fur boy!!! So in essence I am trying to see it in the positive as we saved him from death row, Fostered him for 2 days plus 180 minutes and 12 seconds (but who is counting right!) and All had a somewhat happy ending?!?!
Hmm I ADORE dogs and have NEVER had one be so upset with me! Maybe I’m losing my dog mojo?????
🥲🫣
You did nothing wrong. You never know what you’re inheriting when you rescue a dog. You have no idea what in their past. It sounds like you delivered him to the proper person who has the chemistry and the time to devote to his training. Bless you Pam for saving him 🙏
Thank you 🙏🏼!
Great Article Dee! Lots to ponder. Please don't be offended by my differences of opinion. I am very appreciative you would take the impetus to take on so many issues giving those of us lazy wimps who will, a laundry list to consider.
OFF-THE-CUFF REPLIES TO GREAT QUESTIONS
Smart phones and Social Media. Too many words, too much speech, and a lack of knowledge on how to conduct logical examination of ideas drives uncontrollable confusion, apathy, and ultimately—ignorance. No solution in sight.
“The system is broken!” An unbroken system has never existed. They may work for awhile and even serve the majority for a time, but eventually the uglier sides of humanity win out, conflict resumes and systems change—for better or worse—but always temporary.
#metoo and LGBTQ Humans have always ordered their societies in one of two ways-- Patriarchal and Matriarchal. Male, female, and in-between are understood differently within those two paradigms. We're beyond comprehension regarding these issues and with little history to help we'll just have to pick the side that fits us best.
Covid Though our Relatives and Families have been getting vaccinated regularly for the last 50 years without issue, neither will I stand for Science in this issue. Science is always wrong—as are people. Just comes down to who you trust, and how much trust you have, to decide how to deal with a common problem that affects all species. Pandemics are the way of life. We either live or die. Ho Hum.
George Floyd, BLM, and Defund the Police (Really disconnected issues.) If your skin is White this will invariably strike you in a different emotional way than if you're not. Way too much politics in all of this. But it wasn't one event—it was hundreds over generations. 25 dead and 2 billion frogskins seems a pretty low price to pay for the American System Of Racism, Bigotry and Abuse to put in a paltry payment on it's abuse of non-Whites. Obviously it was manipulated and corrupted by everybody who could—that's the American Way too. Defund the Police was originally Re-organize the Police until it too was corrupted. Hatred is what its all about, and no one has a lock on controlling it. It pervades our world, way beyond, but often because of, race, ethnicity, and religion.
Global Warming and Climate Change Once again we're all shooting in the dark. The simple large majority of scientists believe humans have a part to play. To infer that there's a 50/50 disagreement on this among people who study climate and science is disingenuous at best. However, as I said before, Science can be wrong. My question is what the hell does it matter? The Modern Conspiracy called Civilization has been guilty of destroying the environment since we first accumulated in numbers that could effect it! One thing is certain-- climate will change-- whether Humans will survive it is still to be decided. Just remember, the answers the experts have for you today are about 50 years behind available technology. The roadblock is how much some will lose and some will gain monetarily to make it available. The Tech may be there to save us, but the willingness to use it may not.
Gender The only way gender will come back into play is if we are forced into a survival or extinction situation. And it still might not be the same as it was. The young people of the time will decide these issues organically. Whether others will seek to impose their values and moralities into the mix will just further complicate matters. The answers to what will happen are unknowable and even less predictable.
Weaponization and Politicization of Law Enforcement (ie., Government—since most authority is only achieved and maintained through violence or threat of violence.) This is the absolute and inviable nature of human relations and societal order. If one group can achieve unchallengeable authority over another, they win! No matter what issue, what ideal, what event takes place--that's the game. So all these issues you mention can, and are, viewed as equally questionable from the other side. When the numbers are close to equal on each side-- eventually only violent domination will prevail-- and then, as with everything—only temporarily and subject to unexpected consequences.
Immigration Time changes everything. In my time we were educated to believe that America was the relief valve for the world. We believed in the words on the Statue of Liberty. Then we got older, and greedier, and more selfish, and more racist, and more bigoted, and more judgemental, and passed that on to our kids and their kids. Now the skin colors of those arriving don't fit the color scheme some had in mind and (as many White people have long believed), indicate those immigrants as diseased or unworthy when compared to the pure European races. But don't worry, this will work its way out soon. We can't govern and provide for those we have now so adding millions more will only serve to hasten the eventual unknowable resolution and unexpected consequences to any attempt at resolution.
All the Rest-- Many well-made points that I simply have run out of steam to comment on.
My points of over-view.
Humans have been dealing with all of these same issues for eons, constantly exhorting each other to believe in this or that, take personal responsibility and make changes for the better. None have succeeded or lasted. To understand the world and our role in it you must examine the visible nature of our Universe. Just like the Universe, we make a spectacle of ourselves—trying to convince our youth we're special simply because our inherent nature is arrogant and prideful. So we invent religions to give us “meaning”, “purpose”, “a place”, “a valuation beyond pure existance”. The Universe is, at once, peaceful and violent, ugly and beautiful, yet no good or evil can be ascribed to any of those characteristics because the Universe does not suffer the inconsistencies of vanity, ego, greed, jealousy and hatred. These are our infirmities. We have never had them under control, and we never will-- no matter how technologically inundated with ingenious contrivances we become. So, ask yourself-- What will all these arguments, wars, hatreds, and disagreements between humans matter in 20,000 years? And life vs death—an insignificance. We tell our kids-- don't get attached to anyplace. Be willing to pick up and go, on foot if necessay, as far and as fast as neceessary to find a place of peace or substanence-- and if it isn't to be found—so what? Fight who you have to, love who you have to, and don't worry about living or dying—it's all the same molecules in an uncontrollable Universe, none more valuable or necessary than a grain of sand.
Boom. Wow. Thank you my friend for the conscientious and spirited response. You said so much that I agree with and some I don’t. That’s the point of the exercise--to have the dialogue. Your key line among many:
“whether Humans will survive it is still to be decided.”
We ARE the problem. And then we’re gone. It’s hard not to agree with your view of our own insignificance. We have always overblown our own importance. That’s why I believe so much in the right now--the present.
That’s all we have. I do a lot of work to try to stay here. Past is history. Future is mystery.
Thanks so much for your thoughtful and thorough comments.
Man: You NAILED it. Hardcore. So. Many. Damn. Salient. Points.
The 80/20 point is important. Why are we letting a tiny fringe (the 8% of progressives who are overwhelmingly young, white and rich) control the narrative in this country? The vast majority of Americans are in the rational center, including Black, Hispanic and Asian Americans. The data is clear: Fringe extremism on BOTH sides is not popular or the way forward. But people stay silent out of fear.
We can’t stay silent anymore. People have got to stand up and have courage and integrity. It’s time. Whether it’s pushing back against Trumpism or Wokeism, which seem to have more and more in common, including gross bigotry.
Michael Mohr
Sincere American Writing
https://michaelmohr.substack.com/
Thank you brother Michael!
Thanks Shawn 🙏