Donald B.
Ardell – January 30, 2011
Did you see the
images of the mobs in the streets of Pakistan calling for death to
those who favor changing the blasphemy law of that country that outlaws speech
deemed critical of Islam? These fascist lunatics make Glenn Beck, Rush
Limbaugh, Sarah Palin and the hate-mongers on the Far Right seem moderate. Yet,
the two groups, one there - the other here, are separated only by cultural
norms - if the named Americans were in Pakistan, I have little doubt but that
they would be in the streets calling for the heads of Democrats and any
freethinkers who dared offend their passionate medieval worldviews.
But, it is futile and otherwise unhelpful to expect or hope
for reason to ensue from the Right as a consequence of the killings in Tucson.
One reason is that these fanatics won't change. Already statements from Beck,
Limbaugh, Palin and that crowd of shrill demonizers have made that clear. They
are not about to cease and desist in their crazed, inflammatory talk. Be real -
this is what they do, who they are. They won't change - this is their bread and
butter. But the larger reason is that there are simply too many out there just
like them - the depravity in this country and amongst the Islamic extremists
elsewhere differs only in degrees - for now. As to the idea that their venom
might set off those who are mentally unstable, well, I think the connections there
are a little tenuous. Surely it does the disturbed no good to hear hate talk in
any form,. However, people afflicted with mental problems, estimated at 45
million in the U.S., are so numerous any actions are likely to be insufficient. Many are predisposed to go off for many
different reasons. It’s surprisingly, really, that it happens as seldom as it
does, given the incendiary rhetoric of Beck, Limbaugh and Palin et. al.
The healthier strategy on a personal level is to ignore the Right Wing
hate-mongers in order not to get stressed and made ill from the poisons that
spew into the atmosphere. Being exposed to their hot airs is to suffer
unbreathable stressors. Just stay out of their range. Seek a bit of peace and
happiness (or a lot of such) elsewhere, out of range of the madness.
Fortunately, there are plenty of people of good sense pushing back with some
influence and effectiveness. They deserve our support.
But, on a personal basis, there is little to be gained and much serenity to be
lost focusing on or attending to unsettling news stories or watching the toxic
bloviators on programs like Fox TV and other media outlets.
Exercise your right to free speech, as I do here, but spend the bulk of your
time pursuing a good and decent life of learning, love, exuberance, kindness
and happiness, looking after yourself as best you can. This trumps fretting
over the deplorable state of human affairs in this country and elsewhere.
Good luck.
Donald B.
Ardell is the Well Infidel. He
favors evidence over faith, reason over revelation and meaning and purpose over
spirituality. His enthusiasm for
reason, exuberance and liberty are reflected in his books (14), newsletter (560
editions of a weekly report) and lectures across North America and a dozen
other countries. Write Don at awr.realwellness@gmail.com