Throughout history there have been uprisings, revolutions and large scale riots, usually precipitated by social pressures such as economic or social  inequality or just a plain grab for power. What we are seeing now, however, is the destruction of a government based almost entirely upon greed and bigotry fostered by widespread fear and ignorance.

Our institutions of government have fallen unchecked to  a level of corruption unseen in modern history.  It does not take a genius level of intelligence to see what is happening all across the nation and, while most may not really understand the what and wherefore, let alone the why, it should be evident that matters of state have gone terribly wrong over the recent decades and particularly over the past six years. It has, over that time, gotten so demonstrably perilous that one writer warned pointedly that the republic was headed for its requiem. Then it was a stern warning. Now,  as the nation descends into the throes of total and complete chaos,  it is evident that we are there and it may be only a matter of time before the entire “ experiment” collapses 

 The reality of today is that nearly forty per cent of the body politic strongly believes a most fantastic lie, perpetrated by a madman, obsessed with his own sense of self and his need for power. That we came to the point of seeing a mob attack the Capitol with the purpose of overturning a legitimate election is beyond comprehension. That so many are engulfed in conspiracy theories and are mired in what is actually a cult mentality should make everyone stand up and scream. What it has done is forced so many into retreat, thus allowing the loud and preposterous to reign headlines and airwaves.

The most preposterous of them all are those who continue to push the “ Big Lie “ that the most recent presidential election was “ stolen “ by a whole list of evildoers when the actual evil doers are those pushing these theories – theories which have paved the way for true fascism to make its way to the forefront with seemingly no bulwark to stand against it.

The promulgating of lie after lie by the extreme far right wing media  joined by the active participation of not only members of  extreme right wing white supremacy groups but also sitting members of congress make for a flood of disinformation fomenting a dystopia of gargantuan proportions. We are seeing the active suppression of the right to vote, the denigrating of the  press as being the enemy of the people,  book censuring and calls for actual book burning  and the the rise of vigilante law throughout the states. In short, we are engaged in a civil war of cult and culture with the fear that it will soon possibly erupt in to actual armed conflict – an end that many are proposing as the only solution to an imagined socialist takeover of the nation.

The question then remains, what can or better, what should be done about all this. While it is highly doubtful that matters will completely turn around even in the distant  future, there might be a way to stall the progression of this madness and perhaps at least bring government back to the point where it is actually governing. Until and unless that is realized, the risk of a complete collapse of this democracy is quite possible and he American Experiment could come to a fiery end, being replaced by an authoritarian regime much like the previous swamp dwellers. As many sources as are able and willing must address the ignorance that is so pervasive. The education of the masses must be a priority and while there will always be that percentage of the mindless who will continue to follow the former occupant of the white house and his cult, at the very least, minimizing their impact should be a primary objective.

A totally redirected legislative agenda  must be formulated and enacted, especially one which addresses the two most pressing concerns – the right of full access to voting and the severe curbing of disinformation.

It all comes down to having the will and courage to regain this nation’s status as a representative republic. Remember what Benjamin Franklin replied when asked what sort of government the new nation would have.. A republic, if you can keep it…

That challenge is now being seriously tested and the nation  and its people must now choose… democracy or authoritarianism, a requiem or a celebration……