I've been sort of watching the Ken Burns special "The Civil War" on PBS tonight. Americans versus Americans. Thousands, no, tens of thousands killed on both sides. For what? 145 years later we are still inflamed in this country over the same issues. No, not slavery. State's rights. The disagreement over whether the individual or the city or the state shall determine one's destiny or whether that destiny shall be decided by a federal government. It is, apparently, a disagreement that shall never be settled. The sides are about evenly divided and therefore there shall mathematically never be agreement. Both sides are sure of their way, of their mind. How can a nation, a people be so divided? After decades of observing this indecision, I cannot understand it. And I mourn the separation of people and their minds. It is the same in every country, it seems.
No agreement.
No peace.
No hope.
Just war.
Your assessment of the situation, then and now, is spot on. IMHO we have never been more polarized. In one sense this isn't all bad, as diversity of views and opinions can be a good thing....as long as things are kept respectful. That's where we too often fall short.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great series, by the way.
S
S - The situation, though, makes me sad.
ReplyDeleteBruce, I believe that the majority of folks are raised with the same slant on life that their parents had, and they, their parents etc.. for generations. Not all, but surely a lot.
ReplyDeleteI understand that Burns is going to make on new one on the Vietnam war. That should be interesting.
The best programmes, books etc make you look deeper into the causes and at the universals like this, often with a degree of despair, but with a better understanding. A heartfelt and clear meditation on the way of things, Cat.
ReplyDeleteSteve - I would seem to be the exception to your rule, at least as far as politics is concerned.
ReplyDeleteLucy - Thanks for your comment.
Very well stated Cat. Wars seem so pointless, regardless of the reasons~ such as Religion, Politics. The only winner is the Grim Reaper.
ReplyDeleteMeggie, they say the only sure things in life are death and taxes. But I think you could add war to that list. And, of course, that accounts for the other two.
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