There are SO many lines being etched in the sterile circumstances, constructed scenes, and rehearsed rhetoric anymore that one may feel as though he is being morally drawn and quartered by merely maintaining beliefs he's held his entire adult life. And the immigration debate is thoroughly upholding its end of the divisive bargain.
As the tides wash over society's bigotry and self-indulgence, individuals are being increasingly pressured to adopt an all or nothing attitude that is continually working hard to narrow allegiances.
Just as israel demands, you must be completely supportive (from worship, to partnership/accomplice) or completely against their actions/existence/rhetoric. Immigration is slowly dividing americans into those who are (as the 'ol Beckster likes to say) capitalistic, law abiding, "racist" and those who are socialistic/Marxist/communistic/dirt-worshipping-tree-huggers. Inflammatory language isn't necessarily a bad thing, when used properly ... just like civil liberties ... religious tradition ... a waffle iron ... fireworks. BUT when it is being used for the purposes of stoking fires, fueling division, and, ultimately, societal destruction ... then it is not so great ... the words PURE EVIL come to mind.
Rumors spreading that RACISTS are behind the penning of 1070 ... numerous states jumping onto the bandwagon with complete disregard for the implications their half-cocked statements (made during the height of the orgasmic ecstasy experienced while smothered in the midst of those of like-mind .... the feeling is much different when you are standing ALONE and completely WRONG ... but that is another issue) incite. There isn't anyone thinking RATIONALLY. Or, if there are, they are hidden ... or in hiding ... or are being painted as a terrorist ... or discredited in some other creative fashion.
Stevens teased the MSM by announcing that he was contemplating retiring ... essentially, he was considering leaving the bench. Enter the President's second opportunity to shape the SC ... (I'm STILL waiting for any suggestion of a more rounded representation) ... the entire Right went nuts with speculation, the Left completely consumed with anticipation. Then, Silence. Soon as the waves faded the announcement is made. Did anyone catch that the initial statement was merely a test of the waters??? Then the debut of Kagan. Aw, hell, here we go.
The most any organization and late-nite comedy was able to supply was a light-hearted account of height discrepancy, a second-hand account of her propensity to smoke, gamble, and drink beer. Oh, and she's a firecracker. Nothing of substance. Nothing for an intellectual public to sink their teeth into, unless they exhibited a hint of ambition and proceeded to dig on their own. Other than that, it was very similar to Campaign season ... only without the slinging of mud and insults .... more like the calm, glazed complacency exhibited by a majority of voters who do what their televisions (and Crispies) tell them to. So ... to perk things up ... let's address a "problem" that has plagued the southwestern portion of this nation for generations ... and let's make it a helluva show. Something that could pale the beloved Cowboys vs Indians approach ... OOOH, I know!!! ... Let's pass legislation that will ignite complete divisive chaos. Hell yeah. Meet Immigration Bill 1070 ... let the political games, hate-filled speech, and general discontent begin.
As a whole people DO NOT care about politics, the environment, OR their fellow man .... UNLESS it affects them directly ... meaning NEGATIVELY impacts their MONEY, ASSETS, POSSESSIONS, CHILDREN, FAMILY, OR JOB. Or if there is something to gain ... and it is a SURE Thing. If none of the above is apt to alter their life in ANY way, people can do as they will. And if someone doesn't like it ... hell, this nation is big enough ... MOVE!!!
And that is what they have done for what seems like forever. Course there are anomalies ... instances of individuals banding together in legitimate protest for the common good. But those instances are few and far between ... at least the MSM would lead you to believe as such. Only publicized or discussed when it suits the needs of those in greater number, or power.
Those who are running this show KNOW all of this. And it is being used to their advantage. There is money to be made in the discomfort, disbelief, and dishonesty that thrives in a time of crisis. And immigration is no different.
Coverage plays on human emotion. Issues of human smuggling, abuse, neglect, and any other abominable form of indecency one could think of are thrust before our disbelieving eyes each and every day the subject makes its appearance on the 24/7 MSM news cycle. And the Swine who come up with such filthy means of profiting continue to do so with the least bit of interference from those who claim to care. Again, those behind the curtain KNOW THIS.
The threat to individual security and national identity also serve to further stoke the fires of discontent and fear. AGAIN, PEOPLE FEAR THAT (AND THOSE WHOM) WHICH THEY DO NOT UNDERSTAND. Much of the american population has lived in a bubble of sorts. Exposure to other cultures, their way of life, their loves, hates, fears, and joy are completely alien to small-town-tom who has run the feed store down at the corner for the past thirty years. And you know what? He doesn't give a crap b/c it HAS NO IMPACT on his immediate happiness or routine. What does he care what goes on half a world away when he firmly believes there is nothing he can personally do about it ... besides, its not affecting him ... yet. But it will. AGAIN, they know this.
If the individual is unable to be threatened by small-town hypocrisy, then maybe the judgment of the immediate masses is enough to change their mind. Start small ... in the small towns, districts ... then fuel with larger cities, then states, etc ... People are in their comfort zones ... those whom they surround themselves with pose no threat ... they all grew up together ... or they're related. There is no necessity to learn of those who are different ... "Yeah, we may share this great country, but they are six states away. We won't ever see one another. Besides, it doesn't affect me." But it will. People are migratory creatures who seek out those areas that best suit their needs and ensure survival. We are all going to mix eventually. And, AGAIN, they know this.
How do they play on YOUR emotion? What does it take to get YOUR attention ... and KEEP it??
The orchestration of this immense production is one that has taken YEARS to mature. And it is still finding its voice. Unfortunately, the irrational, knee-jerk reactions of the common man are serving to sufficiently fuel the anticipated success of numerous sub-plots that are forming in the background. The complicated nature of the staging and scenery is enough to make Shakespeare roll over ... and not b/c of the costumes or lack of superficial organization.
[Momentary intermission: Act 1: Scene 2-3 to begin 06.16.10]
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