I keep flashing on the many childhood occasions on which a caliber of commotion which might connote pain or injury to a mature mind, or a sheer decibel of noise, brought the nearest Authority Figure into the fray. Not INTO the fray, actually. More to the point, a particular measure of mayhem brought the nearest Authority Figure DOWN on the fray.
The players or combatants, as the case may have been, would pipe up like a big-band orchestra in assignation of blame or explanation of behavior, but the Adult was havin’ none of it. Though I first and many times heard it at home, I feel confident that the following quote is not actually attributable to my parents, rather, that the inordinate majority of my Baby Boom peers is likewise familiar with it:
I DON’T CARE WHO STARTED IT, I’M FINISHING IT.
It presupposes Moral Authority.
I will argue that the federal and state governments of the United States of America, and the enforcement agencies thereby employed, have none.
It happened on our watch.
Do we mean to do something about it, or not?
Will we look out for the least among us, will we do the Right thing irrespective of cost, will we stand up like free and proud Americans . . . or is it every self-involved, self-indulgent, ego-ridden, fear-based Baby Boomer for himself?
“We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately.” That’s not attributable to my parents, either. That was Benjamin Franklin, at the signing of our Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776.
We have an anniversary coming up. We were always a generation to celebrate every occasion in a big way.
Massive Demonstration, thy other name is General Strike. Naaah, who can afford lost wages?
General Boycott, THY other name is Economic Sanctions.
When America means business — I mean, before “we” attack — we impose Economic Sanctions. Thats how ya play hardball.
I STRONGLY encourage those of my countrymen who are not participating in reclaim-our-country-type Independence Day events to participate in NOTHING. No barbeque, no fireworks, no pool parties, no nuthin.’ SPEND NOTHING.
It’ll shock the shit out of ‘em.
It’s called flexin’ yer muscles.