rinbaum on Nostr: My journey started in college, like the journeys of a lot of people. My girlfriend ...

My journey started in college, like the journeys of a lot of people. My girlfriend (my first! thanks all-male high school) worked on the John Anderson campaign and I was intrigued by the idea of the "outlaw" candidate (ok, stop laughing. I was just starting out).

I never did vote "red" or "blue", up until the time I realized that it wasn't about "getting the best person" to "lead" us, but that the entire system is in direct opposition to the ideas promulgated in the "revered" Declaration of Indepedence (remember when we had to memorize that first paragraph? Boy, did that ever backfire on the establishment, at least as far as I'm concerned).

Anyway, this isn't about that. This is about when I stopped believing in all these farcical "honoring the country" exercises. Most notably, the "national sing along". No, I don't kneel when I hear it - that is probably the most hilarious reaction to it that I can possibly imagine.

What made me stop was simply listening to the lyrics. No, I'm not some weird peacenik that hates that it glorifies violence. I didn't even know about the other verses so I didn't care about that either.

It was about, ironically, respect. I don't respect the military, but I admit that, especially in years past, soldiers were so propagandized that they believed killing civilans turned cannon fodder of other nationalities wasn't really about simply exoendig the power of the ruling class.

Those poor fools. I think about them every time I hear the national sing along. Isn't that what we're supposed to do? "Cherish their memory"? "Honor them"?

Then I think about now. "Home of the Brave"? Really? Where's my nearest safe space in case I'm triggered by someone's differing opinion?
"Land of the Free"? I can't even leave, or fish, or cut someone's hair, without getting government permission. Worst of all, our "leaders" have devolved to the point that one of those talking mounted fish (remember them?) has more respect worldwide than our "leader".

No, I don't respect this government or any government. "All men are created equal" - remember that, Sister Mary Ruler? Don't you hate that I remembered that? I don't respect this country or any country. Land has no ruler.

Sadly, though, I do have respect for humanity. I listen to that stupid sing along and all I feel is shame. Those poor idiots died in piles, thinking that somehow their progeny would benefit. And now we have an inanimate carbon rod for a leader - not that the others have been much better, but at least they carried on appearances.

People will say "I have no respect for:
a) this country
b) the flag
c) all those that sacrificed

Sorry, but it's the "voting public" that has no respect for those who died in vain, stupidly or not, believing in "freedom". Their ancestors would be sorely disappointed in them.