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We are fast approaching the stage of the ultimate inversion: the stage where the government is free to do anything it pleases, while the citizens may act only by permission; which is the stage of the darkest periods of human history, the stage of rule by brute force. Ayn Rand
More than at any other time, the government is trying to force cultural changes, autocratic policies, redefinitions of the rule of law, and restricted privacy issues down our throats. The changes are continuous, so that it’s difficult to keep track of them. Covid-19 was the most blatant attack on our freedom: lockdowns, masks, restrictions on groups meeting, schools closed—and until some people (including governors) started to push back hard, most of us complained while we complied.
But we didn’t comply for long, and we have that memory as a guideline for new restrictions that have come our way: shutting out parents from decisions about their children; using propaganda in place of school curriculum; ridiculous focus on pronouns and requirements to comply; sexually oriented books in school libraries; training on diversity, equity and inclusion that still continues in one form or another; and that we are on the verge of a climate catastrophe. The government actions are so ubiquitous that some escape our awareness because of the battles that we must fight daily.
And then there are the denials and malfunction of the state: that the economy is doing just fine; that the borders are secure; and that we can continue to have good relationships with China and Iran.
We might also wonder about the inspiration for the violent protests that we’ve experienced, particularly in recent weeks, at college campuses. Are they strictly the actions of students and administrators, or do they reflect the disdain the government has for our citizens. How do we explain the vehemence and hatred for Jews and Israel and support for the Palestinians and even Hamas?
Are we approaching dystopia?
Discussion (33)
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The short answer is “yes”. It is becoming more difficult to see a classic “Hallmark” ending. It seems it must be closer to rugged and “fortunate” survivors of a (un)natural disaster. We have only one weapon: truth. And we must be willing to risk it all for free expression.
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Said beautifully. And we need to become clearer and just what free expression means. Calling for genocide of the Jews doesn't qualify.
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The whole mess we're in came about because we tolerated lies. The one thing every one of us must do is to never give our assent to any lie. Be silent if the liar is powerful, but never acquiesce.
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A lot of people dismiss Ayn Rand, but the gal had a lot of insights into many things. I've read almost all of her essays, and several of her fictional works.
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I agree, except I'm not sure it makes a difference to the world around us. For example, when Mayorkas says the border is secure, Congress calls him out. But have done nothing else.
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