Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Being Delusional

Without direct and forthright challenging of systems the world can be quite a delusional place. We delude ourselves into thinking that massive debt is OK. We delude ourselves into thinking that we can outsource everything and still have jobs and income to buy goods. We delude ourselves into thinking that we can break down every moral and ethical standard and call it freedom and expect that our kids will have strength and fortitude to build a better world.

We delude ourselves into thinking that we can cheat one another and it be OK. We delude ourselves into thinking that we can undermine the Constitution for certain necessary purposes and call it a righteous fight. If this is the kind of world that we would prefer to live in where delusions abound because of the lack of "We the People" to challenge them outright and even forcefully, well, that's an increasingly unhealthy world.

Instead, we need to have direct challenges any day of the week rather than soft words that maintain the status quo, a delusion of peace--then comes sudden destruction.

12 comments:

Marion said...

Oh, how true, Judith! You are so good at tellin' it like it is. Does any politician EVER think of the future or the consequences to their own grandchildren? And here we are half way through 2009 still with no viable healthcare program in sight. Sigh. It's so frustrating! Blessings

Judith Ellis said...

"Does any politician EVER think of the future or the consequences to their own grandchildren?"

I am afraid that many of those in power, in Washington and Wall Street, are concerned about their self-interest than the interest of "We the People."

Opaque said...

I can sense the frustration here. Honest has always been compromised. You're reminding me of my lyrics titled - "Illusion". Have a read while you are free.

rebecca said...

"We delude ourselves into thinking that we can break down every moral and ethical standard and call it freedom and expect that our kids will have the strength and fortitude to build a better world."

These words just stood out for me. How true, how true. My constant argument, that this generation is cursed (not blessed) with too much negative 'freedom' that is doing nothing but 'deluding' them into thinking that they not need become prepared because they are entitled; that they not need to be polite because they must speak their minds; that they not need to educate themselves on current events because they are too busy watching reality shows (and can we talk about morality here?) because substantive programming that can actually educate and expand the mind is too boring and goodness gracious, they must be entertained; that they not need to talk to people anymore because texting and emailing has become the new form of communication; that they not need to have table manners or social manners because simply, they haven't been properly taught and they believe these to be inconsequential; that they not need to learn how to read classics or books of substance because, gee, all of those authors are already dead and are so complicated to read, so what's the use? *sigh*

Delusion is nothing more than craziness veiled to hide what is the undisputed truth - that you need certain things in your life to progress as a people and as a a human being.

I so enjoyed these words and to you sister, I say, "Amen."

Judith Ellis said...

Ajey - As Fannie Lou Hammer said, "I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired." We need to act and act now! I'll check out the suggested piece. Thanks.

Judith Ellis said...

"Delusion is nothing more than craziness veiled to hide what is the undisputed truth - that you need certain things in your life to progress as a people and as a human being."

Hear hear! Thank you so very much for your entire comment but the ending spoke volumes, Rebecca. Thank you! Thank you!

Bob Foster said...

Judith,

Your ability to put the actions of our society into such a great perspective is magnificent—thank you.

I also think one of the most devastating aspects of delusion is tolerance. We tolerate the breakdown of morals in our society. We tolerate bad government. We tolerate racism. We tolerate poor education. We tolerate police brutality. By deluding ourselves, we tolerate all forms of negative actions and bad things. At least too many of our delusional society do. Too many of us do not want to interfere…do not want to become involved.

By tolerating the actions of society—including the government—we legitimize those actions. As long as We the People tolerate what is happening to American society, we will all continue to be delusional, until we reach some point in the future where we can no longer tolerate it—by then it may be too late.

Thanks again for this great post, and I apologize for my rant on your blog.

Judith Ellis said...

Bob - Thank you so very much for that most wonderful word that is without doubt inextricably bound to delusion. Without tolerance delusion could not exist. Thank you for the whole of your comment which I so appreciate. By the way, you may rant here any day or time of the week.

dave wheeler said...

Judith,

"We the People"...are the problem and the solution. We can lead and drive change, we are in fact the only ones who can.

I am reminded of one of those motivational posters you see plastered on the walls of offices anywhere. This one had a picture of an F-14 landing on an aircraft carrier and said "Strength: The process of directing one's scattered forces into one powerful channel"...isn't that what advocacy is all about,

Uniting folks behind a common goal or purpose can overcome a lot of differences...and get a great deal accomplished. I've seen this proven true in thousands of hours I've spent volunteering in public schools and community organizations.

Terrific topic...think I'll put some action into these words. Another topic for the blog tomorrow...thanks Auntie Judith!

Judith Ellis said...

"'Strength: The process of directing one's scattered forces into one powerful channel'...isn't that what advocacy is all about."

Oh, Dave, this is so very great. Love it! Thanks so much for that.

I also love your opening:

" 'We the People'...are the problem and the solution. We can lead and drive change, we are in fact the only ones who can.

This is so very true. Thank you.

DB said...

"Crazines" and "tolerance" are cited in the comments. I would also like to add "laziness." It is too easy to let someone else take care of it, or to say it's beyond my means, or even to say that's the way the world is going, it's progress.

One day a young fellow kicked an empty beer can into my parked car. When I complained to him about it he faulted me on my bad manners. That's craziness.

Tolerance is a hard one because there are some things we should accept but have to begin by tolerating them, such as a Muslim family moving into a Christian neghborhood.

I think it all boils down to an understanding of tight and wrong, morality, ethics. And that's a subject that has become unimportant on all levels of society, unfortunately. Why should we be ethical when our politicians, teachers and pastors are not?

DB

Judith Ellis said...

DB - Thank you for your words, sir. I always so appreciate your thoughtful wise words when you pass through.

"Why should we be ethical when our politicians, teachers and pastors are not?"

I have just posted about the corruption of government officials and elderly rabbis in New Jersey for laundering money and trafficking kidneys. I hope you will come through again and leave a comment.

Thanks again, DB. I value you.