I also find it sad that an act of political violence, instead of uniting all of us in mutual resolve, only deepens our fractures.
As the Charlie Kirk tragedy unfolded, I faced a number of personal challenges. My rent went up $100. I continued to ponder how I could partially retire and enjoy my remaining years in a cold, unforgiving economy. Not to make this about myself, but I know I speak for many others like me.
Maybe I'm just getting cynical with age or maybe I'm finally seeing the light (or some of both?), but I no longer have the passion to invest in political figures and influencers who, at the end of the day, have no idea that I exist, let alone what I'm going through.
Politics is entertainment, and social media has exacerbated our descent into Kardashian-level inanity. In the daily drama, each side wants to play the long-suffering protagonist and constantly maneuvers to cast the other side as the scar-faced villain out to shred the Constitution and indoctrinate our children. I'm a right-wing guy, but I blame my side just as much, if not more, because they're in power and relentlessly vent their outrage at political and cultural figures.
Politics used to be (or so I thought) about furthering positive legislation and ideas. How do we build and maintain a strong, prosperous nation for everyone? Today it's theater by and for thirteen-year-old class clowns. "Boy, he sure knows how to p*ss of the other side. I voted for this!" So much Internet space is wasted inciting division instead of sparking debate. The guiltiest are the celebrated, self-important opinion makers. No one cares about the cost of your groceries. They care about throwing spitballs and laughing at your reaction. Those of us toiling away, we're just the audience. We're expected to laugh or gasp in disbelief at the appointed moments.
None of this is to say that we should surrender to dispassion and defeat. Political engagement matters. Let your voice be heard. Not all politicians and influencers, however flawed, harbor cruel intentions. But no politician or public figure is worth your humanity. Don't immediately suspect your neighbor because someone famous told you to. Free citizens can still offer the benefit of the doubt, even at the cost of social media likes. Kirk's heartbreaking murder should have awakened the better natures of our souls. Instead, it stirred the beasts.
No, it's not just age that has fostered my cynicism. The actual rot passing for mature conversation took care of that. And, yes, I have contributed to it, but the paid leaders and influencers shoulder the brunt of the blame. I'm just a worker bee, and I'm here to say that we deserve better.
---- In memory of Charlie Kirk. May his family find comfort in his memory---
Thank you for reading. Comments welcome.
davidbozeman63@gmail.com
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