Open Writing

In the past decade it was rare to open a newspaper and not see men in combat garb, in battle; or pictures of pulverized cities, or dead bodies. In the past several months, those horrific images have blessedly tapered off.

But just as it seemed the daily diet of bloodshed, violence and mayhem might be replaced by less troubling images, the reader now is treated to uprisings, protests, police and military reprisals, brought to them by the media and a host of amateurs with cell phone cameras.

The scenes feature city parks and squares across the world, full of people acting violently; marching or passively sitting in silent protest. Pictures of people with raised, clenched fists and open, grimacing mouths are now the images de jour in magazines and newspapers. Burning cars and buildings are often the backdrop, as are military vehicles.

Even populations that have been historically non-demonstrative now take to the streets to express their frustration and anger. Such behavior on such a widespread scale raises questions about the effectiveness of governance and representation. The increase in public demonstrations seems to coincide with the decrease in voting numbers, though of course there are countries where voting is not an option.
But in those countries where democratic principles are well established, marches, riots and demonstrations appear to be the preferred instrument for change. Though it’s not clear how much change is actually brought about in the end by these actions, the electoral system is viewed as an ineffectual way to assert the will of the people.

Some of the demonstrations are a response to the pervasive feeling of increasing fiscal inequality, though the reality of that is obscure. More likely, in my opinion, it is the exposure of the lifestyles of the rich and famous, and the publicity given these days to the incomes of the robber barons, that is exacerbating the idea of haves and have nots. Socially, we are being conditioned by the media to think ordinary folk deserve a bigger piece of the pie.

But aside from purely material considerations, the feeling of uncertainty about the future of America’s is palpable. For the first time in generations there is an uneasy sense that the Country’s best days are over, and that this is the start of decline that cannot be reversed by any political agenda.

Anarchy sometimes seems incipient, and this is sometimes translated into action that can best be described as “Bunker mentality.” This community of likeminded people is called “The prepareds.” They have a web page, Theprepareds.com, on which are posted items such as weapon choices, how to forage for food, and bunker ventilation, among many others. Their motto is “Ready for Today. Prepared for Tomorrow.”

Another web page refers to its self as “A blog aimed at helping Christians prepare for uncertain times ahead''. Focusing on Bible study, Homesteading and Preparedness issues. Including but not limited to organic gardening, organic farming, homesteading, hunting, fishing, trapping, survival and bible teaching. Not necessarily in that order.”

It would be easy to categorize such people as cranks, but having seen some of them interviewed on TV, they appeared to be intelligent and well educated. Of course that can be said about many people who are far from normal under the skin. One thing that can be said without argument is that they are serious and sincere.

As I have written in several columns, I am pro-gun control, and opposed to the National Rifle Association’s assertion that all Americans have the Constitutional right to bear arms. So I’m shamefaced to admit that lately I have been considering the purchase of a hand gun for self-protection.

I have visited three gun stores, and each time came away empty handed; not able to commit to something so abhorrent. But sadly, deep down I have a feeling that sometime in the future I might need one.

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