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What If? – Part 6

My last article highlighted a story about a North Korean defector. Unknown to me, the 100-Year-Anniversary of communism was about to occur. Happy Anniversary? Not! The quote by Santayana, which I will paraphrase, “For those who forget history are condemned to repeat it,” cannot be more timely for citizens of the United States who view this ideology as a “heaven on earth.” Sorry! Everything I have been told and read counters this belief. Hell on earth is a more appropriate proclamation. Sometimes when you think you have heard the worst, you cannot imagine it could be more grizzly. Well, that is a false conclusion. Sadly, even some Baby Boomers who know about the Iron Curtain see communism as a bright light compared to our imperfect but superior way of life.

What if there was a complete uncovering of the atrocities that occur within the totalitarian prison of communism?

Some people might close their eyes, block their ears, and change the subject rather than reconsider their adherence to a particular position. Sadly, when ostriches take their heads out of the ground, it is often too late. For communists, as history has displayed, they eat their own.

Many Boomers will say they are too old to care. As a Boomer, I am incredibly concerned about the issue of ignorance. What is most important is the impact it has had and continues to have on college and university students. When I was an undergraduate student, I do not recall any discussion about politics. I attended a state college in the late seventies. I have no memory of a peep or any demonstrations for that matter. Perhaps, I was the ostrich. I do not think so. Nevertheless, I was a loyalist to a particular party, as was everyone I knew, being told that any political leader who believed differently did not care one ounce for the “little person.” This view remained with me until my early forties. With the rise of the internet, I began reading more and examining perspectives that I secretly may not have held but felt terrible if I did not. Sound familiar?

Not only am I saddened about the atmosphere on college campuses, but I am deeply disturbed. For the last several years, these young people have received lessons from a biased perspective, one that tells them how to think. If any of these budding adults remotely challenge the dominant ideology on campus, watch out! Disagreeing can create great strife. Not only will the student possibly suffer consequences in the grading by an often one-sided professor, but a more nefarious punishment might be receiving the label of racist, phobic, denier, etc., simply for verbalizing dissent.

This past week, I saw Georgetown University students interviewed by a young person from a specific organization. All of the students agreed that they were ashamed of the United States of America as they walked around with smartphones and their casual way of life. Little do they know what they are saying, but of course, based on the teachings promoted on most campuses, why would they consider something different. More than the situation with the mainstream media, this is a most dangerous precedent because they are the future and will determine the direction of the American experiment.

As a consequence of the persuasive teachings of college professors, there is an increasing disenchantment of the American way of life beyond college.

I just read a poll that only thirty-six percent of young American adults are proud to be American. Many adults my age agree. I do not and think the opposite.

What if these students were taught both sides of the argument about the United States and debated based on “accurate facts” provided to them? What if they were required to watch Stephen Spielberg’s “Saving Private Ryan,” Mel Gibson’s “Hacksaw Ridge,” or Spike Lee’s “Miracle at St. Anna?” What if they were to imagine being a young soldier who might be their age or younger having to give the ultimate sacrifice so other Americans could live freely and prosper in a way that many envies? How about being reminded about the hundreds of thousands who fought in the Civil War to end slavery?

How about asking the question, as I did to a friend, where is there a better place to reside? I am sure many would not have an answer. They might say they want to make our country a better place. I believe that most Americans would agree, but not through the use of the violence of the French, Russian or Chinese revolutions.

My husband and I watched the magnificent fireworks displayed in Washington D.C. Much of the audience of all colors were decked out in their red, white, and blue digs, celebrating the 245th anniversary of our nation’s founding. Even watching it on television was a sight to behold.

There is nothing more to say except “weakness is indeed a provocation,” borrowing the famous quote. Our enemies are laughing at the divisive and corrosive journey the United States has been undertaking. Are they patiently waiting as they circle the wagons? I do not know.

I strongly encourage those who doubt me, please read about the CCP. No description can aptly convey the long and horrible suffering of much of the Chinese populace, which includes many minorities. Freedom is a gift, and so many from other countries celebrate ours. Look at what is happening to Hong Kong as they wave the American flag during peaceful protests. Will Taiwan be the next target of the CCP? Ask some of the defectors from communist countries about how we measure up compared to these “hells on earth.”

Human beings are flawed. Thus, any country created by humans will be imperfect. I pray for America and hope those who see it through a darkened lens will remove the distorting shades to recognize there is no alternative.

Darlene Corbett
Darlene Corbetthttps://darlenecorbett.com/
Darlene Corbett views herself as a life-long learner, a pursuer of excellence, a work-in-progress, and a seeker-of-the-truth. For over thirty years, she has been assisting people to get unstuck. Darlene's primary professional role has been as a Therapist, but now she includes Author and Writer. In 2011, Darlene began putting her thoughts on paper and hasn’t stopped. Many of her blogs can also be found on Sixty and Me, Medium, and DarleneCorbett.com. Penning these articles set the stage for her first book, Stop Depriving The World of You, traditionally published by Sound Wisdom. Throughout her career, Darlene has been described as animated or effervescent which contradicts the perception of a psychotherapist. She firmly believes in the importance of being authentic and discusses platinum-style authenticity in her book. As a believer in pushing oneself as long as one has life, Darlene’s first novel, Visible Forever, will be published in the spring of 2024 by WordCrafts Press.

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