In my youth _ the nostalgically recalled glorious 50s _ we were taught to respect democracy and rights. For what kept a democracy from becoming mob authoritarian rule was a strong belief in individual rights and the checks and balances to keep them active.
Over the years, it often seemed that what one was allowed to do became more and more restricted. A form of zoning closed in as life became more and more crowded and individual powers became (potentially) greater and greater. At the same time, it became clear the social pressures to do right were less and less powerful, and government (in the form of bureaucracy) was forced to take up the slack.
Unfortunate. But far less disturbing than the rise of the Christian church militant, which believes its heavily armed followers must enforce _ through “democracy” _ its religious rules on everyone. It firmly believes that nobody sane should question its own interpretation of what God wants.
In the ’50s, we hated anyone who would try that. Our parents had just fought Hitler. We dutifully went to church and believed in family – but we mostly laughed at those who did not and left them alone.
The political class gaining control now – either truly or cynically – want none of that. I and everyone else should hop when they shout – because their God says so.
HuntingtonHarborThoughts 