I used to work with someone I thought was my friend. Over the period of our association, our positions at work changed but I always considered him a friend. To my shame, I excused and turned a blind eye to many of his abuses of me and even others. I found myself confused by his actions more often than offended, and while I did occasionally confront those excesses I more often presumed his knowledge of the issue was greater than my own and gave him my trust. Then I found out that he not only betrayed me but betrayed the company. I believe he stole- or so poorly administered- millions of dollars and that cost 30 people their livelihood. I have no excuse. I failed to be a man, to call out falsehood, abuse, theft, and the consequences will forever stain my heart.
Recently, J.D.Vance and Donald Trump, who are running for the Presidency of our country, so defiant of truth, honor and responsibility purposely purported bald-faced lies that immigrants in Springfield, OH, were stealing and eating pets.
For the sane and reasonable person, such a claim is seen as a preposterous joke. Were this actually true that would be a horrifying failure on our parts to have those in our midst who are not able to adequately feed their family. But, we are in an era where rational thought takes a back seat to self-righteousness and cult adherence. Sure enough, fools take on these words as an order to march, action words, a call to arms. The resulting bomb threats and death threats soon followed.
When Trump and his flying monkeys uttered this asinine claim it was for the selfish idea that by instigating and furthering conflict between immigrants to our country and the citizens of our country, by inspiring fear and distrust of “the other”, by causing division and confusion, they could somehow gain power for J.D., and for Trump to stay out of prison.
At one time the idea of a Presidential Debate was for candidates to present their ideas and show they were stronger than a fierce opponent’s. I guess I’m partially to blame, for in this time of meme’s and two minute sound bites it’s become more important to sling memorable insults than intelligent ideas for the coming years. And we allow it. Because it’s fun. Because it makes us “right” in our fear and hate.
Now this mud slinging and divisiveness have resulted in bomb threats, parents terrified for the safety of their children, a city on near lockdown. And for what? For a lie, told by a serial liar, for the convoluted purpose of convincing these same people that they should give him more power.
There is a special pestilence infecting my soul for the things I know I should have done and failed to do. I do not have answers. I’m not wise enough. But, the experience that comes with age and humility, with acknowledging my failures and holding hope in my successes, has taught me the value of boundaries. It has taught me that there is a frighteningly REAL COST to allowing hate. A real cost to allowing abuse. A real cost to fear. It infects the soul, it becomes acceptable, natural, and perversely normal. It is for this reason I will never again stand by and watch abuses occur while I stand in the quiet shadows.
Randy
Scottie's Playtime 