Rebellions are Built on Hope

Jyn Erso, Rebel: “What chance do we have? The question is, what choice? Run. Hide. Plead for mercy. Scatter your forces. You give way to an enemy this evil with this much power, and you condemn the galaxy to an eternity of submission. The time to fight is now.”

The MAGA segment of the Republican base are energized. The regime is now feeding them the red meat they have been craving. You see, they are angry. They have spent what little hard-earned money they had contributing to a billionaire. They attended his rallies. They sat, ears pricked, listening with rapt attention to every word said. Like Pavlov’s dogs, they salivated at the thought of getting their redemption. They drooled. They licked their chops. They listened for every dog whistle. They were primed to follow every command. They have not been disappointed.

This small, inept minority, crave violence and control over others. The level of guilt and shame they have experienced – for not being better than, more than, smarter than, richer than – has developed into a craving to hurt others in an attempt to replace their shame with self-esteem. A palpable ache to prove they are, in fact, better than, more than, smarter than, richer then.

Except they aren’t. And no level of fear, hatred, or violence will erase the guilt and shame that weighs so heavily upon them.

They, like everyone else supporting this regime, are hoping their lot in life will be improved, and are practicing a sort of malicious compliance. They know that following the marching orders of the regime will end poorly for many. It will be ugly. Heck, it already is. Many will suffer. Some will die. But they revel in that. And then they offer to do their part to “help.” To be part of the solution. Threatening their neighbors. Or coworkers. Or someone on the street. People who don’t look or act like them. People who don’t Christian like them. They are not forgiving, and they act with malice toward all – all who are not like them.

The MAGA insurrectionists, who tried to dismantle our democracy by beating police officers and desecrating the very symbol of our democracy, the United States Capitol, have been released and are now free to roam our streets. They are accumulating an arsenal worthy of a small army. They have shouted “Whose streets? Our streets!” and “Your body. My choice!” These are not good people, but the regime has rewarded them for their loyalty. And they are happy to go out and continue what they perceive to be God’s work – and Trump’s, their savior – in an attempt to erase their shame and guilt at being impotent and inconsequential in the grand scheme of things. They are simply being cruel for cruelty’s sake.

Lest we forget, there are, of course, those who are fighting the good fight. Our heroes. The independent reporters. The volunteers in community service. Our military – you know, the one that took an oath to the Constitution. Law enforcement. Lawyers. Judges. Those in all levels of government who believe in this democracy of ours and who have also sworn an oath to the Constitution. Those who understand the true meaning “of the people, by the people, for the people.” Those who choose not to obey in advance. Perhaps they are not as loud or chaotic as the MAGA packs, but they continue the struggle for democracy, every single day.

These dark and difficult times are not headed toward an inevitable end. Nothing is foretold. We write the ending to this story. Every one of us.  We choose the type of country we want. The chaos we are seeing is just that. Chaos. It is meant to distract. Like well-trained dogs, the MAGA pack is focused squarely on the leader of the pack. They do not get distracted. Therefore, we have to stay focused as well. We cannot react to every “Squirrel!” placed in our path. Too many squirrels are running around in circles in front of us. We must focus on what we can do. What we have control over. The rule of law still applies – at least until it doesn’t. The lawyers and courts will perform their assigned tasks, challenging the clearly illegal orders coming out of the regime. Government workers will stay the course and do their jobs. And there are plenty of groups advocating for us and fighting hard to keep this democracy in place, to protect citizens and non-citizens alike. To aid the marginalized and disenfranchised. To fight for our environment and all the critters and humans that depend on clean air and water. They are out there, doing their best in support of all the inhabitants of this country. Seek them out. Join them. Help them if you can. Contribute to them if you’re able. They are fighting for you.

The MAGA pack is small and vocal, busy nipping at our heels, but the billionaires will soon anger them as well. And, like a dog that’s been beaten and kicked one too many times, they will turn and attack. Give them time.

Meanwhile, fight the good fight. Spread joy and love and mercy. The dark can’t live in the brightness of light. Hatred can’t live in the shadow of love. And anger dissipates when joy appears. And hope, oh yes, hope keeps the light, the love, and the joy alive. “Rebellions are built on hope.” (Jyn Erso, Star Wars).

And always, always, always, remember this: you’re not alone.

 ~ jwb ~