Ignorance Is Not Bliss

We know that this moment in history is one of great wonder . . . what will the future hold? We know that only we can determine that based on our actions. I can’t say how often I have said  in the last 5-years that ‘ignorance is not bliss.’ With so much at stake, we cannot afford to not think. We owe it to ourselves, to our future, and to our future generations to prepare and always be prepared for whatever fate we choose based on our actions.  The worse thing we can do is ignore the signs as the signs reveal themselves daily. You must look to see.

The Chicago mayoral race has exposed and introduced so much about how people think, and what they do and don’t think about;  specifically-- how easily people are manipulated and susceptible to the intended outcome by those who wish to deceive.  Politicians do deceive.  A politician defined means, “a person who is professionally involved in politics, especially as a holder of or a candidate for an elected office.” On the positive side is the statesman, “a skilled, experienced, and respected political leader or figure.”

We have often confused the two. Be clear that statesmen have become politicians and that’s not good. Unfortunately, too many politicians are drunk with power. Too many were statesmen who wanted to heal the ills of their cities, states, country, and the world. Then re-election came and it was all about getting the votes, counting the ‘Benjamins,’ and washing one politician’s hand as he greased theirs.  It continues to grow like a big grease ball gathering impetus for the candidate’s personal sense of power. The power-driven candidate moves forward losing sight of promises made because it no longer is about the people, the ideals, or principles that the statesman once believed in and embraced. Instead, the thrust becomes about staying in office feeling powerful.  The wheel turns towards seeking to raise money for their seat, selling their original interest which is reduced to one’s personal stability and gain. The seduction of power is a dangerous enticement. It happens to the best of them.

We look around and we recognize the ‘Trump Virus.’ This 'infectious agent' that reeks of foul mistruths and blatant lies, name-calling, insults, thievery, the attempt to convince us that there are alternative truths,  and total disrespect for others.  These attempts are often shrouded in what sounds good, and yet the truth screams out at you, yet under the spell, you accept the lie because it’s easier to do the wrong thing than to do what is right.  Most people never face the bully. In the movie, “The Accused, “ the Jodie Foster character was brutally raped by men publicly, as men and women stood by and watched, cheering the rapists on and then chose not to say anything. They were complicit. Many thought it was cool having dismissed her, the victim, as deserving because ‘she asked for it.’ Others could not bear to face the perceived wrath that would follow if they told the authorities what really happened if they dared tell the truth. It was just easier to remain silent.  We see this daily in the Republican party, affected by the ‘Trump Virus. Sadly, we witness the Democratic party affected as well. We have too many people wanting to be puppet masters. Too many politicians who want to play God. What is the antidote?

Listen, you should always question why a wealthy man wants to pursue a political office. ASK, ASK, ASK!  He has two choices. To seek to be a statesman or join the bottom of the barrel of politicians who seek personal gain.  I think that the last statesmen were the Kennedys who were of privilege and led by their philosophy and commitment to mankind. Their father had sacrificed sovereignty to mankind and sought power at great cost. His sons didn’t make the deal with the devil, their father did, and when the time came to pay, the sons held fast to their philosophical commitment. They were in a politician’s game--no place for high-minded thinkers, so they paid with their lives. Malcolm X, Medgar Evers, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Muhammad Ali were visionaries and did the right thing. This choice is always in front of us.

Choosing wisely demands us to prepare, study, research, observe, listen, and question those who come in sheep’s clothing.  Dr. King fought for our opportunity to be ‘thinking citizens’ who discern what is good and best for ourselves, our families, and our communities to be self-determined.

Do not succumb to emotional manipulation that politicians have mastered to appeal to your sensibilities. Ask the questions and seek answers that offer hope and advancement. It’s dangerous to be ignorant. Ignorance is not bliss.

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