Jagger was right in 1968 and he’s still right. It’s all very epic and gloriously intoxicating to smite one’s opponents by doing righteous battle. However, in the end that too often just means more chaos. Plus you or your family or friends might get mangled in the process. Oh that.
It feels like this country is fracturing. Despite our many and real differences, this is probably not what anyone actually wants. But it could be what we get if we don’t stop shrieking at and demonizing each other. I came of age in the 1960’s, was a hippie and a Vietnam War protester in a time when cities burned in anger and leaders were murdered. It was crazy then yet politics and the country are even more polarized now than they were then. Seriously. The abyss awaits patiently.
Rancor and viciousness is too commonplace. Both political parties are having internal wars. This echoes the culture at large. Do we still have common goals? Do we even care about common goals?
In politics you never want to completely smite your current opponent. You might need them on your side in the future. Just saying. Yes, let’s all fight hard for what we believe in, but not with such poison and contempt that communication becomes impossible.
Everywhere I hear the sound of marching, charging feet, boy
‘Cause summer’s here and the time is right for fighting in the street, boy
…
Hey! Dig the time is right for palace revolution
But where I live the game to play is compromise solution