The Ethos

 

Today, the ethos, or the environment, of the United States is energetic, though worried, slightly morose, sometimes irritated, and yet darkly hopeful.  Individual citizens may be in better shape, but this is the overall tendency in our country now — uncertainty and dissatisfaction.  

The matter of what to do tirs people together in a similar attitude. There is cynicism about the ability of the average person to do anything about the sorry state of the economy. And yet, there is discomfort with the cynicism, too.

Cynicism is the lowest form of apathy. A step above cynicism is pessimism. A step above pessimism is being noncommittal – not caring one way or the other. Beyond that, as we travel up, we get to the happier states. But most people are Lower than the happier states, and with reason.

And yet there is in the American spirit a drive toward excellence, a desire for what is right and just. At this point in history, it is firmly embedded in our DNA. As we begin the week of the 250th anniversary of the declaration of independence, America is in process– increasingly, in process.

Like a wheel on a Conestoga wagon, things go, and the country eventually comes around. We will see this again, surely. But before arriving at our destination, there must be many turns of the wheel.  For as the road turns, the wheel turns with it. Happy journeying, America.

Moment for humor

 Who is Al? Is it Al Bundy? Is it Al from Al’s hardware store?Allen Funt?  Funt and Fontaine?

Whoever “Al is, my e-mail tells me his “voice scams are spreading.”  I’m not surprised;  his voice always sounded like he had some sort of a contagious disease. 

Conspiracy

 Rough post

Last evening, I watched 2/3 of the movie “conspiracy,“ starring Kenneth Branaugh.  This movie Chronicles, a meeting by the highest officials of the Nazi regime, purpose the meeting shared by the head of the SS, wound around to the chairman‘s main purpose – how to exterminate the Jewish people. Even now as I write this, I am almost shuttering and several times during the movie. I dipped my head in shame and horror.

As the movie depicts it, there was far from a unanimity in the room during the first half of the meeting. But after a lunch break, Branaugh’s characterThrough cunning and verbal knocks on the head, around to his point of view. 

Sadly, I had to leave the movie because of schedule. I am anxious to get back to it tonight. But what I have seen so far is a film about a meeting. When would think this would be as dry as corn biscuits in the desert. That is certainly not the case! This is due to the sublime performances by the actors. This is Shirley the best movie of its type since “12 angry men“

I will post here about the subject matter, in the last part of the movie, without spoiling it I hope.

Message to all who are reading this

Let it hereby be known that your Musical Patriot decries the attack by the United States executive on the sovereign nation of Iran. Certainly there are complex issues involved, and serious concerns. But when innocent children, and others, are bombed, I must draw a line. This attack has violated not just human rights, but international law, and common decency. 

This is not to point fingers. It is, however, a warning that any injustice will be addressed, according to my understanding the Bible. Nevertheless, this is not my concern, duty, or responsibility. I leave any such action, if there is to be any action at all, to the Higher Authority. Meanwhile, may all those suffering be comforted.  

🕊🕊🕊🕊

U.S. Department of Justice Crashing

 Your Musical Patriot does not approve of what is known as click-bait. Thus, the kind of title which you see above doesn’t arise on my blog often.   However, the headline today does not seem to be radical, or particularly over-stated.

For news coming out of the court system in the last days, is showing extreme frustration with the tactics of Justice Department lawyers in Social-issue suits they have been bringing in front of judges.  In fact, one judge has referred department lawyers to the oversight board which handles such things. The reason is essentially lying to the judge about the circumstances of on-going negotiations with perspective defendants.

With developments such as these, it is going to take a long time to restore confidence in the US justice system. The longer this goes on, the longer it is going to take to bring back a suitable level of trust. This is most unfortunate for the country. 

It is, however, not unprecedented in world history.  This is what happens in the lead-up to massive changes. I will say no more for now. But we can expect even more turmoil as the country turns away from systems of exploitation and injustice.

Link coming soon