I feel bewildered and uncertain when my small and bigger worlds seem out of control. These are crazy-making times for me. On the small-world level, an auto accident in January left me a bit discombobulated. I was not hurt in this crash and it was clearly not my fault. However, it took more than a month for a myriad of things to resolve, including the fact that my car was totaled and I had to buy a new(ish) one. Although this episode was unsettling, I knew that, at some point, it would be over and I could get back to regular living. That is exactly what has happened. I have returned to stable days-to-days, with a slightly younger car. My adjustments now are that I have to figure out how to use unfamiliar automobile bells and whistles.
Fortunately, in unfortunate circumstances like my car crash, there were legal, law-enforcement, insurance, medical, and transportation resources in place that were quite reliable. With a relatively few phone calls it was possible to connect with and be reassured by people who work within these systems. Although these may not have worked as quickly or efficiently as hoped, they did ultimately function quite well.
In the bigger-world picture, unfortunately and chillingly the opposite is unfolding. Nonsensical, threatening actions from our federal government are being hurled at us engendering confusion about things that impact our daily lives. For my grandkids – is their education subject to destabilizing shifts? For my kids, are their jobs and income threatened? For me, as an older person, is my essential social security check at risk? Unlike having an insurance agent to call about a car crash, I really don’t know who to contact and how to alleviate the fears I have about my family and me (not to mention people I don’t know who are unnecessarily threatened and made vulnerable.) These situations are all the more worrisome because this crazy-making feels intentional. The modus operandi is to create disorienting chaos so that people have no idea how to react or where to go to for help or protection.
Just a few months ago, governing bodies, like congress (elected officials), had to be consulted before major national decisions were made. Unelected, ego-driven human beings were not in charge of crushing people’s lives (or at least I don’t think this was the case.) This swing happened in what seems like seconds resulting in a baffling, toxic muddle.
I try to engender some hope by reflecting on past political times. In the 1950s, Republican Senator Joseph McCarthy, as Chair of the Senate Government Operations Committee, incited fear by alleging that communists had infiltrated government agencies, universities, and Hollywood. McCarthy was ‘censured’ by the senate in 1954. Many people suffered because of his allegations. Today, the term ‘McCarthyism’ is used to mean demagoguery, false accusations, and personal attacks on someone’s character. (Sound familiar?)
In 1974, President, Richard Nixon, had the good sense to resign after being found complicit in a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters in the Watergate office building. There were several charges pending against him at the time of his resignation, including abuse of power. (Sound familiar?)
What gives me a little bit of optimism is that In both of these instances, the mechanisms of democracy seemed to hold up. Committees deliberated somewhat sensibly and individuals (in this case Nixon) acted somewhat honorably. So, we know that prudent judgment can happen and order can prevail. Is this enough to allay dread? I don’t know, but it is what I can latch on to and comfort me right now.
Thanks for the historical perspective and for so eloquently putting into words what we all are feeling!!!
Yes, courage and the knowledge that there’s a giant pendulum that swings throughout history. Thanks for the historical perspective, Marian, and glad you were not hurt in the accident.
I don’t know how many times we, as a country, have come close to becoming a dictatorship with uncontrolled, fear-inducing decision-makers, but what is going on now feels frighteningly real.
Great “on target” essay Marion!
You are right about McCarthy’s reign of terror, but at that time the Senate had the power to censure him and did.
Nixon’s crime was kindergarten next to Trump’s and as you said he was somewhat honorable.
A term, unfortunately I cannot associate with Trump!
So, at this moment I am scared and appalled by what is going on, without a sense that this nightmare may yet have a reasonable conclusion.
Whatever power Congress had in the past is gone, since the three branches of government are in Republican hands.
I see no way out, unless in the 2026 elections the Democrats can win back the House or the Senate.
And since the voters proved Marx correct when he said “the masses are asses”, my faith they will wake up, is low.
There is one ray of hope that gives me pause.
I am excited to see a growing groundswell of protests all over the country rebelling against this administration.
In the past, this has been an effective offense.
Yep, scary times. Record numbers of Americans trying to leave; children losing vaccines, education, rights, going hungry, going without health care, drinking polluted water again…
Our parks, our air, Our retirement. Women’s rights, human rights-all jeopardized a n d further threatened.
Our international position, Our vengeful illiterate rapist, racist felon only caring about revenge. His threats, his portrait in Colorado, golf, adulation and making money
He and his incompetent sycophants are destroying the country in less than 2 months!
I worry every waking minute
We will get rid of him but not the level of damage.
Be active, fight, resist. Take care of yourself and those important to you.
Thanks to Marian for starting this conversation and more thanks to her and commenters that reminded me that hope never dies. After a gloomy dark cold night, always come a bright day.
Javad, hanks for your kind comment. I have to continue to have hope that reason will ultimately prevail. The stakes are too high for us to give in to this insanity.
I’m glad you were not hurt in your accident, Marian. Your comments re the current administration are on target; we are all worried. Be well, and thanks for sharing.
Sorry to hear about your accident, glad youre ok now.
Feeling the same on the present political scene, never have feltanything but pride as an American. In my 95 yrs. as a first generation American I always was grateful to be here. I have never felt as frightened for my children, grandchildren and great grandchilden that they will not have the advantages my generation had, but we must be hopeful and not give in.
I know exactly what you mean about small world and bigger world being out of control these days! The small world one for me is coping with old age and the bigger one is coping with the rapid destruction of our democracy. As a long time political news junkie, I very much appreciated your references to Joe McCarthy and Nixon. Our country and democracy survived them, but I’m not sure about this time. It seems much more “crazy “, scary and dangerous now!