Lyrical Laments - 21. Chapter 21 Frightened

You're definitely not alone in the way you feel, buddy. Everyone has been having a taste of chaos lately. It's not a flavor we're used to at all, even though we've thought things were difficult at times before. This one involves everyone on the planet.

I know some of the idiots among us have been getting the air time. But most people are doing their best to work together. There are a lot of people out there putting their health in jeopardy to protect others. There are a lot of people out there working hard to solve these problems. It's going to get done, because human beings don't give up. We hate to lose.

There is no reason to waste any energy worrying about those that think this is just one more political game. Their days are numbered. They are not the ones that are going to solve this problem.

We are.

Um...sorry about the soap box. I thought you could use a good, heartfelt rah rah.

Yes, I can always use a heartfelt rah rah. Thanks, Geron! I know we will get through this... at least... most of us will. But no one should be standing in the way. You can tell who the real heroes are in a crisis... and who are lower than slugs.   I try to keep as positive as I can, but I worry for my four kids and kids in law who are still working amidst the real dangers. All I can do is hope for them, their partners, and my grandchildren to come through this. Stay safe, my friend.  

If only people could work together at all levels of society, but as we see even in our time of world crisis, there are those who cannot put partisanship aside.  Even in proposing legislation to help workers and small business, some continue trying to insert things entirely unrelated which they couldn't get passed on their own, hoping the greater good of the measure will mask the rot underneath.  
Surely this was not how our Founding Fathers intended the system to work?  They were idealists and men of reason for the most part, but they failed to give guidelines for later generations on the most basic principles such as 'one bill, one subject'.  If we truly want transparency in government, then the system has to be changed to just that purpose.  What appeared to be a simple piece of work takes over 1500 pages so dense in legal terms that even lawyers find it difficult to understand.
Ever try reading the proposed laws on the ballot when you go to vote?  Forget it.  The subject sounds clear, but when you actually read it, often it works entirely differently than the title says it will, and adds special provisions to profit one group over another that you might miss at a casual glance.

Then again, some twenty five years ago I laughed to see a proposal on Ohio's ballot to outlaw duelling--I thought that had been done long ago, so just for fun, I voted against it....

My fear is that controls may be lifted too soon since humanity has a short tolerance for sane measures.... 

9 minutes ago, ColumbusGuy said:

If only people could work together at all levels of society, but as we see even in our time of world crisis, there are those who cannot put partisanship aside.  Even in proposing legislation to help workers and small business, some continue trying to insert things entirely unrelated which they couldn't get passed on their own, hoping the greater good of the measure will mask the rot underneath.  
Surely this was not how our Founding Fathers intended the system to work?  They were idealists and men of reason for the most part, but they failed to give guidelines for later generations on the most basic principles such as 'one bill, one subject'.  If we truly want transparency in government, then the system has to be changed to just that purpose.  What appeared to be a simple piece of work takes over 1500 pages so dense in legal terms that even lawyers find it difficult to understand.
Ever try reading the proposed laws on the ballot when you go to vote?  Forget it.  The subject sounds clear, but when you actually read it, often it works entirely differently than the title says it will, and adds special provisions to profit one group over another that you might miss at a casual glance.

Then again, some twenty five years ago I laughed to see a proposal on Ohio's ballot to outlaw duelling--I thought that had been done long ago, so just for fun, I voted against it....

My fear is that controls may be lifted too soon since humanity has a short tolerance for sane measures.... 

I have the same fear, buddy... short tolerance for sane measures... that's it in a nutshell. Be safe, dear friend.   xoxoxo

Like other commenters I liked the message of your poem. Even more so I liked your use of the warrior metaphor to give your message. Well done! Thanks.

49 minutes ago, JeffreyL said:

Like other commenters I liked the message of your poem. Even more so I liked your use of the warrior metaphor to give your message. Well done! Thanks.

Thanks, Jeff! The front line workers truly are warriors doing battle every day. Such courage... they should be rewarded, and never let down. But they have been... and they still are... we've all been let down. Even today, the headlines are unbelievably frightening.   Cheers, my friend, and be safe.  

I felt many different emotions as I read this lament.  Frustration with mess created corrupt leaders, sadness for the loss of warrior heroes who die in battle, and fear of where this might all lead.  The hardest part to accept is the threat to the future of our children, families and friends.  Right now, my biggest fear is the saber rattling suggesting and armageddon. 

You created a vivid image in these words.   

Quote

As mass drownings occur on dry land

Their final days arid and alone

Despite valiant crusaders risking all

Fighting battles without their best armor

5 hours ago, raven1 said:

I felt many different emotions as I read this lament.  Frustration with mess created corrupt leaders, sadness for the loss of warrior heroes who die in battle, and fear of where this might all lead.  The hardest part to accept is the threat to the future of our children, families and friends.  Right now, my biggest fear is the saber rattling suggesting and armageddon. 

You created a vivid image in these words.   

 

Thanks, Terry. The pandemic was truly frightening, and it was a real lesson in how can politics overrule common sense and science. It was rather shocking, and very, very sad. There was a blatant cruelty in attitudes and decisions made by some of those in power, and that made me think we might be doomed if another pandemic comes along. We seem to learn nothing, with some sides still at odds with truth, trying to push the narrative that the lies were not lies. Appreciate your thoughts, buddy.