Divided we fall

 In the wake of the inauguration of President Donald Trump, I have witnessed the true colors of the American people. The ones who spent the day celebrating, the ones who spent the day in mourning. Instead of coming together to celebrate and respect our differences, the division between the people is more prominent than ever before. I see the sides of both political parties and my heart goes out to them.  The left claims that the right is racist and doesn’t value basic human rights, while the right claims that the left is radical and has strayed far from the values and morals of the original Democratic party.

Both political parties have forgotten the words of our forefathers: “United we stand, divided we fall.” Instead of uniting for the common cause of bringing the American people together and defeating the issues and problems this country has faced for generations, they always find ways of why they won’t work together. The media has further caused the rift between them, as both sides continue to attack each other daily. Misinformation and misunderstandings have become the new world order instead of allowing the people to do their own research and have civil discussions with their peers. 

One would think after the outcome of the Civil War that we would do everything in our power to prevent that from happening again. The bloodshed from the battles between the North and South states are instead replaced with new articles and misleading headlines riddled with lies and twisting of words. 

Regardless of personal feelings towards Donald Trump, we as the American people need to take into account the good that he and his administration are doing for the country. That should be our main concern as citizens of America. 

I am using this simple article as a desperate plea. I know that my voice is one of many. It is my hope that this will reach the masses. I want to be a voice for those who feel that they are silenced. Speaking out is the only way to put an end to this madness. Let us put our differences aside and come together on the issue that matters: uniting America. No matter the race, color, creed, or occupation. 

Contradiction

 Contradiction: A noun that is described as “a person, thing, or situation in which inconsistent elements are present.” 

Instead of the typical definition, I propose that we use the values of the once-great Democratic party. This is the party of “love, tolerance, and acceptance”. This is the party who wants to protect “everyone”. 

That is, unless your values don’t align with theirs. 

For example, the Illinois Governor is not backing down on keeping the city of Chicago a sanctuary city for thousands of illegal immigrants. He is not concerned with the law-abiding citizens who have to work multiple jobs just to keep from going hungry or filing for bankruptcy.  He has turned a blind eye to the rise in crime courtesy of these people who have come to this country illegally.. He claims to be for the people of Illinois, but only for the people willing to keep him in office.

Another example I have seen are the women who have had, let us say, a dramatic reaction to Donald Trump getting re-elected. This generation of young women have not kept their opinions to themselves or chosen to express it in a mature manner. Instead, they have resorted to filming their emotional outbursts and posting it on social media, swearing off intimacy with men and shaving their heads in “solidarity” on the false claim that the Trump administration will take away their rights. Meanwhile in other parts of the world, women are required to cover their bodies from head to toe, are not allowed any freedoms, and are subject to abuse without any justice. 

There are many flaws in this party. Contrary to what they preach about, there is no equality, there are no safe spaces, there is no such thing as a judgment-free zone. If I, as a young woman with conservative values and a strong Christian faith, were to simply say something in front of anyone of these “loving and open” liberals, I would be made fun of to the point where I am scared into silence. They are only safe and loving to people who have the same values as them. 

"Land of Confusion" modern day comparison

 In 1986, the band Genesis released the song “Land of Confusion” For many fans, this song ranks on the top of the list of favorite songs by the band.  Its lyrics tell a story of the downfall of a nation and the harsh realization of what happens to a nation if its leaders are incompetent. The accompanying music video portrays President Ronald Reagan as inept and incapable. Now, 38 years later, I can’t help but revisit the song and come to the awakening of what is going on in our world now. I have copied the lyrics down and wrote my own interpretation of the lyrics to correlate to the current events.  

“I must've dreamed a thousand dreams

Been haunted by a million screams

But I can hear the marching feet

They're moving into the street

Now did you read the news today?

They say the danger's gone away

But I can see the fire's still alight

They're burning into the night”

In this verse, I can’t  help but think about the riots and senseless acts of violence that happened during COVID. Many lives were lost. Law enforcement officers were wounded.  Businesses were destroyed and innocent bystanders were caught in the midst of it.  One officer's bad decision shouldn't mean that all cops are bad. The media didn’t exactly help. Instead, it fueled the fire of hatred that caused Americans to turn on the figures of authority, and even each other. 

“There's too many men, too many people

Making too many problems

And not much love to go 'round

Can't you see this is a land of confusion?”

In the pre-chorus, it brings to light the truth of the political climate today. Authority figures in government have taken it upon themselves to make the decisions of the American people, seldom taking our feelings or situations into account. Their decisions hint strongly of a Communist regime and the fear of a Socialist empire. 

"Oh, Superman, where are you now

When everything's gone wrong somehow?

The men of steel, the men of power

Are losing control by the hour

This is the time, this is the place

So we look for the future

But there's not much love to go 'round

Tell me why this is a land of confusion"

Certain leaders of a certain political party have lost control. They want to act tough, they want to act like they are the party of acceptance and tolerance, but the minute you bring up the unfair treatment that is going on in the world today, you are shunned and scared into silence. 

"I remember long ago

Oh, when the sun was shining

Yes, and the stars were bright all through the night

And the sound of your laughter as I held you tight

So long ago

I won't be coming home tonight

My generation will put it right

We're not just making promises

That we know we'll never keep"

Personally, I empathize with the people who don’t want to vote or use their voices to speak out. I can feel their hopelessness, their anger, their agitation. It will take a generation of young adults who have grown up among this madness to make a change. People need to open their eyes to the truth. 

"This is the world we live in (oh, oh, oh)

And these are the hands we're given (oh, oh, oh)

Use them and let's start trying (oh, oh, oh)

To make it a place worth living in

Now this is the world we live in 

And these are the hands we're given 

Use them and let's start trying 

To make it a place worth fighting for

This is the world we live in 

And these are the names we're given 

Stand up and let's start showing 

Just where our lives are going to"

The words of the chorus bring everything to a close so perfectly. Whether we like it or not, this is indeed, the world we live in. The damage has been done. We are given one life. We are given a voice. We are given our ability to use those things to take back America. No matter what anyone tells you, you matter. No matter your skin color, gender, financial status or  job position. Get up and fight. Use your talents and your abilities to speak out. Do not be scared into silence. There is always hope.