It is my job to bring sanity back into people's lives.
When I read this article on immigration by Jennifer Rubin, it struck me that since January 2017, this country has seemed to be in need of its own psychiatrist--to heal from its insanity. Another article written by Andrew M. Cuomo expressed the moral outrage created by our country's immigration policies. Paul Krugman expressed his reaction to the "barbarism" in our country in his op-ed column, "Return of the Blood Libel."
The moral compass has been missing in the White House. The horrors of history have reawakened from their fitful sleep. Truth and democracy have been battling a rising despot surrounded by sycophants (or is it spelled psycho-phants?).
I read, "The Sane Society" by Erich Fromm and am surprised by its relevance today, and I wonder, "What can I do to help move the needle back towards sanity in our country?"
The first is to follow/support those in politics and the news who do what is right: bringing into the light the darkness of hypocrisy, racism, discrimination, abuse, and corruption. We need to be alert to opportunities when we can show greater compassion, tolerance, equality, support, and honesty in our daily walk and then do it, no matter what. Let those who see clearly and speak the truth lead us and let our daily actions remain sane.
The second is to stand up for, to contribute to, and to communicate that which serves the light. Don't hide or hesitate. Add your voice to the rising chorus and say, "It is insane to separate children from their families and put them in metal cages. It is insane to justify such cruelty with lies about nonexistent laws. It is insane to allow any politician associated with this to remain in office. They have no moral compass." Then, vote. Vote them out of office, before our votes no longer matter. Let our voices and votes embrace sanity's return.
The third is to care for those who had been marginalized and unsupported by this country, whose desperation and anger led to this shift in our country. They were wooed by those who took advantage of their anger--a repeat of history. Help them regain their dignity and status, not through a us-versus-them mentality but through cooperation and support. Let an increase in compassion and connection throughout our communities restore our country's sanity.
And the fourth is to remember, during our meditations and prayers, the needs of our country. Tune your faith to a divine Source/Creator who can heal our country from its insanity.
May we find ways to bring greater sanity back to our country.