“We’re all in this together!”
You’ve heard it. It’s such an inspiring and feel-good phrase. The purpose is to remind us we can get through the tough times we’re facing… currently a combination of covid-19/coronavirus and the Black Lives Matter (BLM) protests and other activities. Now, the phrase is technically correct, we’re all on the same planet, we’re not going anywhere, so in that sense we are all in this together. Problem is, we don’t act like it, so we’re really not. Even within a society we work together, pursuer common goals, yada yada yada. It’s a big, albeit popular, lie.
So, let’s note a few examples where we most certainly do NOT treat each other as if we’re unified…
Coronavirus: One of two current examples. The divide is staggering. On one side you have people refusing to wear masks, making claims of rights… which isn’t wholly irrational, but is a small aspect here, and is another topic for another thread… down to where people are doing things like filing lawsuits against mandatory mask wearing saying they are not responsible for other people’s health. People have been prosecuted for spreading HIV, so I don’t think they thought this through very well, but my point here is the mentality. The plaintiff is prattling about responsibility, yet responsibility is a two-way street. The plaintiff probably waves the flag and spouts empty patriotic slogans, yet in reality they care so little about their fellow American they won’t do something as simple and harmless as wear a mask.
Interstate traffic enforcement: Such a small thing, right? It’s no secret every state police force in every state will target out-of-state drivers for simple traffic enforcement such as speeding, anything questionable, etc., and leave in-state drivers alone. Relatively, of course. Why? Because local people are more likely to fight it in court, out-of-staters are more likely to just pay the fines and fees because doing that is less costly than traveling to the state just for a court date. Traveling from North Carolina to Montana, for example, is expensive. Police know this and take advantage of it. So much for the notion we’re all Americans and are a cohesive group due to pride and patriotism. Nope. If you’re vulnerable in any way, you’re a target to be exploited.
Civil Asset Forfeiture (CAF): Upfront disclaimer, it’s also no secret CAF is my #1 pet issue and I strongly oppose it in all forms, so my phrasing here should not surprise or offend anybody. Basically, the so-called justice system conspires to outright steal property from average citizens, then sets up processes for challenge and recovery for the citizen so difficult to ensure the citizen will lose pretty much every time. Spare me American pride and patriotism, you don’t treat your fellow countrymen like that.
That’s only three examples, there are many more. Real patriotic Americans don’t act like this, fake Americans do. Bottom line is, Americans are no more or no less selfish and opportunistic as anyone else. Stop pushing this touchy-feely crap on me. That’s not how we really are.
I’m just a blazing ray of sunshine, aren’t I?
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