The fireworks are over, at least they are for those cities that could still afford to put on a grand patriotic display. Many cancelled the festivities due to lack of funds. Sometimes, for those of us who have jobs and money, it is difficult to grasp the magnitude of the economic depression that has settled over the nation.
We read that the employment rate hovers around 10 percent, that California is bankrupt and sending out IOUs instead of checks, and even that our own state will have to cut back on education and public welfare, but we can't really feel the pain. After all, it's July and that means vacation time. At least it does for those of us with money and jobs.
The fireworks are over, and all the beer is drunk, but now in the aftermath of our hangover we keep seeing evidence of the shredding of our national fabric. We elected the party of change, but what is clearly obvious is the change is cosmetic. The Democrats rolled over to the bankers and screwed over the believers who put their trust in them through their vote. The Democrats have increased the military budget, and have opened up a new front in what is now Obama's perpetual war. Obama himself, although with far greater eloquence, nevertheless speaks with forked tongue. His rhetoric is always sweet, but his behind-the-scenes implementation is dirty and foul, compromised and corrupted by his capitulation to those who own our government: the military-corporate state. Our nation continues to torture, continues to operate a government of secrets, continues to turn a blind eye to Israel's belligerence, and continues to wink and nod over yet another financially friendly Central American coup.
And what can we really do about it? Vote for the Greens? Vote Socialist? Republican? Or, shall we vote with our pocketbooks for fundamental change? Does my Prius signify a new world is possible? Will my organic consumption really alter Monsanto's corporate rape of the earth? Seriously, folks, I see no political hope on any horizon. I see nothing but utter, absolute catastrophe coming our way. Our nation is economically, spiritually and politically bereft. The fireworks are over because our passion for revolution, for a true turning toward justice, faded from our bellies long ago. The fireworks are over because our inner voice was silenced by our own hedonist materialism, and now there's nothing left inside. We are hollow and empty. Like sheep, we are being led to slaughter by wolves disguised as shepherds.
Someday, but only after more military disaster and a severe surge of double-digit unemployment for the professional class, someone will rise up with a new word. And that word will kindle a flame and the fireworks will start up again. Reform has failed. It is time for revolutionary words and courage. Is it in us?