My friends, this is a long piece and represents my beliefs, not necessarily yours. I make no apologies for that. However, please think about what I say and why I say it and, at the very least, accept that my intentions are good:
I’m working on a song that begins with the words:
‘We’ve got a desperate situation, something bad is going on…’
Most would agree this is true. By any measure the world appears to be in a state of madness at present. And, it appears to me, the worse it gets, the worse we get.
We divide and refuse to concur.
My play on words is deliberate, a distortion of the Roman strategy of ‘Divide and Conquer.’ The Romans knew that to divide opinion was the best way to overcome opposition. Encouraging rivalries and discord between people disempowers them, emasculates alternative points of view, and allows rulers to rule unopposed and even to lead us astray as is happening now.
We are being divided and conquered by mindless rhetoric and too many of us follow like lemmings.
We are given things to hate and fear: Islam, Immigrants, Russia, China, Socialists, welfare recipients, Mexican rapists, Greenies — then divided and manipulated accordingly. The media has a huge role to play in this.
Consequently, we gather around our ‘isms’ forming camps according to our politics or religion. Certainly, we defend our positions with religious fervour and shallow generalisations of those we’re at odds with.
Shallowest of these is the time-honoured inanity of dividing opinion into left wing or right wing, socialism or capitalism or any other convenient ‘one-size-fits-all’ categorisation of philosophical opposites.
We take opposing positions on every important thing, which results in bloody-minded intransigence: I’m right so you must be wrong.
The epitome of this has to be America at present. Superficially, in the USA it appears that there is no longer any ‘We’, there is only ‘Us’ and ‘Them’. The dividing point being Trump and all that he represents.
If it weren’t for that fact that US politics affects us all I wouldn’t care. But I do. America maddens and saddens me.
From what I’ve read I consider the American Constitution to be a blueprint for a fair and healthy society, but I find myself wondering if anyone in America has read or understood what their forefathers had in mind, or even cares. Certainly there is little evidence of it today.
US democracy has been pretty much a plutocracy for decades now. And on the rare occasion that an elected President isn’t a billionaire, those who stand to gain the most if they’re elected invariably fund them. And later on it shows:
I loved Obama, I really did. He was the most compelling speaker of modern times. He was a man whose intentions were good. Fair minded and erudite. Credible. He seemed like the right man at the right time.
But did any Wall Street criminals go to jail after his election? Nope, not one — if you exclude Bernie Madoff who made the mistake of robbing from the rich. The harsh reality is that Wall Street pretty much funded Obama in much the same way the Oil, Arms and other industries with overt (or covert) agendas have funded Presidential campaigns in the past.
(Until recently it was not necessary to reveal who funded political campaigns in the USA. Seems incredible, but it’s true. I believe that has now changed but don’t hold me to that).
More to the point, as the eight years deadlock in Washington during Obama’s presidency clearly showed, divisive politics rule. We had had two presidential terms of bloody-minded intransigence fuelled by shortsighted, self-serving people who had the hide to call themselves representatives of the people.
Even the most politically naïve can see that those elected are often more concerned with toeing the party line than running the country for the benefit of all.
Unsurprisingly, people became disenchanted with the farce called Congress. Washington lost all credibility. And I’d argue Trump was elected mainly because he wasn’t one of them. He promised something different and, let’s face it, he delivered— the fact that he appears to do so without dignity or any regard for the truth or consequence, notwithstanding.
I’m bound to ask where is common sense in all of this? Where is humanity and compassion? What do we really want for our selves and each other? What kind of world do we want to live in?
Will we ever agree on any of this? Or will we continue to butt heads over our isms and refuse to accept that we are all in this together and only together can we put an end to the madness.
We need to ask ourselves a few basic questions and answer them truthfully. Not from the jaundiced perspective of our prejudices but from a humane perspective for the good of all.
Let me give you a few things to ponder.
According to Wikipedia the current global military expenditure is around USD1750 billion dollars per annum. Let’s assume that’s around USD8000 billion dollars in the last five years. Can you imagine what this money would do if it were spent on actual problems rather than perceived ones parlayed by spooks and politicians?
By the way, even a cursory investigation of the covert organisations of the world proves their deceit crosses all moral and ethical bounds. While the deceit may be connected to government directives or other manipulative concerns, it does not in any way reflect the will of most people. Most ‘Official Secrets Acts’ are not so much to protect the security of a nation, as they are to hide the heinous, illegal, inhuman, dishonest actions of people claiming to work in our best interests.
Without getting into what constitutes treason, I’d say the outcry over Wikileaks and the like, is not because what was leaked was untrue, but that it was treason to let citizens know what our leaders (and military forces) don’t want us to know. Not for our good, but theirs. The outtake being that they believe we don’t know what’s right for us and they do.
(Yes, I know that, given some of the words I’ve used in this little rant, there is a chance some online Big Brother division will be alerted. But I don’t care. Anyone can see I’m no threat to national security. Besides I’ve never kowtowed to anyone and am not about to start now).
Why do we spend so much on war — while calling it defence — when what the world really needs is peace? (Or do you really believe peace can only be maintained by the threat of war?)
Are political isms and religions worth going to war over: Capitalism versus Communism, Islam versus Christianity and so on — or is that simply insanity with about the same level of justification soccer hooligans might use to attack each other?
I know wars are far more complicated than that, but those who have hidden agendas (oil for instance) often massage prejudices to serve their purposes. At the root of war and tyranny there are often long-held prejudices. The Middle East and most of Africa are testament to this.
Can you imagine what would happen if the major powers in the world took 20% of their defence budgets and spent it doing good work in the very nations that are the breeding grounds for terrorists? Yes, I know this is not a new thought, but even as you read this some of you will be thinking it is a naïve idea — a ditzy ideal.
Why?
Is a healthy arms industry so vital for the economy or good for mankind? A lot of problems could be solved for the price of just one missile. Yet, sadly, there are those who believe the problems would best be solved by firing the missile. And so long as we remain divided about such things we are pretty much doomed.
Getting back to the hackneyed categories of left wing and right wing the reality is that if either wing is in the ascendancy we just fly around in ever decreasing circles going nowhere. And that’s what’s happening now.
Trump is not the cause he’s the symptom. The illness is among us. If we remain divided over every bloody thing on the basis of myopic isms, and continue to react like puppets to the rhetoric of those who cultivate fear and loathing to their own ends, the insanity will continue forever.
We are all in this together folks. The sooner we accept and embrace this reality the better it will be for all of us.
Let me leave you with a song that I wrote (but never released) after 9/11 but before the invasion of Iraq. It seems just as relevant today.
The old adage , ‘history repeats’ humans don’t seem to evolve, emotionally or spiritually. From birth they have to learn to crawl , walk every physical activity, a blank sheet, and the same with emotions and values, unfortunately as we get older various influences can take effect, greed, selfishness anger and so on, The ‘ME” effect so toxic so negative, usually learned from parents or someone influential, fortunately some are able to break this cycle and embrace life for what it’s meant to be … for living and wellbeing. Every individual has choices , sadly many choose to follow the populist path of being materially better off than their fellows.
I didn’t read it all, but I watch what’s happening in the US very closely on CNS,CNBC, and Fox and I don’t believe that Trump is dividing the US, I believe as does anyone who knows, that the Democrats ie, Maxine Waters, Chuck Schumer, Nancy Pelosi and many others including the Clinton family are corrupt enough to manufacture a hoax about Trump and Russia which has now been proven to be totally untrue, then illegally obtain a warrant allowing them to spy on the Trump pre election campaign. I could quote many other instances, but it’s the Democrats being unable to accept that Trump won and their dirty deals are being exposed. Check it out, you’re obviously interested. The deeper you dig the worse it gets.
Alan, Clearly, you didn’t read all that I wrote, or didn’t understand. You seem determined to take sides — rushing to Trump’s defence when he was not what I was discussing. I’m on the side of the human race. Sadly, in the face of endemic myopia, that seems a lost cause.
I think it’s called “tribalism” John. It exists everywhere; from the sports field, to business, to politics and beyond. As someone who considers himself basically non-competitive and lacking any particular ideology, I don’t really get it. Nicely written piece.
We are, in my view, living in dangerous times. Turkey has become offside with NATO, Trump supports NATO less, Russia supports Assad, the West doesn’t. Russia and Assad are commencing bombing of populated Syrian towns in rebel hands, Turkey is arming the rebels and the USA supports the rebels too. Russia and China have cemented closer military ties and Turkey also moves closer to that alliance, though not in Syria. Israel has never ever before been in such a dangerous position with Iran backed forces reported to have over 100,000 rockets at their disposal. Not to mention Iraq and Afghanistan nor Pakistan’s duplicitous dealings with The Taliban. Now we have a USA President who at best is unpredictable. This situation could blow up at any time.
Well said John McCready , the world is on the Eve of destruction & it’s ‘Strong Leaders’ are megalomaniacs & the USA has a madman running the Asylum ! God Defend New Zealand — & every other country!
Having lived long periods in the states I could not agree more . Part of me wants to ignore there bizzare world theatre act , but alas as you have stated it effects us all . Say it loud I wish more would . I cetainly do .
Good to hear your voice again. Love the song! Funny how the old terms have lost their meaning and many of the narratives are threadbare at best, downright lies at worst. The obsession with dominance, you’d think a civilised world would have gotten over it.
This song is beautiful. You should release this as its so moving, like all your music.
Brilliant, erudite, captured the chaotic times and disruption in which we live. Love the song
Well said John.
Well written and I love the song.
Hello John. You have echoed many of my own recent thoughts on the inanity of dividing all political debate between the illusory “left wing vs right wing” concept. And it is interesting that you say the American forefathers would not have liked what their country has become.
In fact, George Washington himself warned of the dangers of partisan politics in the United States. His words, delivered in his farewell address to Congress, are truly prophetic:
“I have already intimated to you the danger of parties in the State, with particular reference to the founding of them on geographical discriminations. Let me now take a more comprehensive view, and warn you in the most solemn manner against the baneful effects of the spirit of party generally.
This spirit, unfortunately, is inseparable from our nature, having its root in the strongest passions of the human mind. It exists under different shapes in all governments, more or less stifled, controlled, or repressed; but, in those of the popular form, it is seen in its greatest rankness, and is truly their worst enemy.
“The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge, natural to party dissension, which in different ages and countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism. But this leads at length to a more formal and permanent despotism. The disorders and miseries which result gradually incline the minds of men to seek security and repose in the absolute power of an individual; and sooner or later the chief of some prevailing faction, more able or more fortunate than his competitors, turns this disposition to the purposes of his own elevation, on the ruins of public liberty.”
They clearly didn’t listen.
Kind regards,
Keith Sharp.
Thank you Keith. Wise words indeed. I feel enlightened and affirmed. As I’m sure you are well aware, Eisenhower, whilst a military man of some significance, warned his country about the unhealthy influence of the arms industry over government. In this instance, too, it seems no one listened.
I get more angry each day by the mistruths of our media, politicians hide behind the door of parliamentary priviledge. I have at nearly 70 become so imbittered about many things especially them vs us. My wife has to remind me often when I watch something political on TV, we do seem to be on a downward slide as humanity, I hate the arms race, so much money spent on what when we cannot care for the poor of the world. Often in music I hear the words of a song, such as Jesus Christ Superstar or for that matter Evita, I see stupid stuff on TV the values of society are being eroded day after day. What are we leaving our grandchildren in this world, yes one day i will no more than but a memory to some, are we doomed as a species well yes which is sad, I a don,t want to be that way, but honestly is mankind good for this planet? Greed and power has yet to be tamed and as yet it has not and has gone on for centuries maybe it is that we are flawed in so many ways but hey there are some wonderful people out there who make our journey of life a little bit worth while.
Thank you so much for your article and song John Hanlon. It hits home the very thoughts I’ve been carrying for a very long time. I’ve actually been spied upon by our own National Government under the Key administation, through writing a letter to Queen Elizabeth II, and requesting her intervention in how badly Key was running things. Queen Elizabeth II advised me to run it through our then Governor General, to which the Secretary to the GG withheld all information from the GG, so I took all that as a cover-up through the Secretary refusing to abide to the instructions of QEII. So yes John, politicians are not in the running of state affairs and representing their people, but rather receiving financial backhanders to supplement their wealth, no matter which country they be from, America or New Zealand. It’s a shame the world has gone barking mad. Where can we go if we lose this one and only home of a life support system for all living breathing things that reside here?
Tanyan omanipi. (Walk in balance).
Woablakela. (Peace).
Toksa akhe. (Until next time).
I was a teen in the 70’s…. your music helped get me through the day back then…. I find myself agreeing with everything that you said….apart from the Obama question……He did good…and he did extremely bad ..things in his tenure. We are all slaves to something in this modern world…it’s already 1984… just with a different slant. I mourn the loss too. 🙂
Well written John…..we are in both dangerous and interesting times…..currently in Europe and when you go way back to The Romans, then the Moors, then The Christians in many countries, the way they ruled, conquered, aspired to wealth and power, mankind has not come far…
What a shame that the most powerful amongst us cannot trust peace!
John Hanlon…this should be the theme song for all of us trying to expose the insanity of 1080 in NZ…..It has come to a matter of life and death for the people and all creatures in NZ….the media blackout is deafening…..what are you waiting for?…Release this to honor the Hikoi of a poisoned nation…..Emille Leaf and Alan Gurden, who just walked the length of NZ to bring awareness to the destruction of NZ with 1080 poison…..they could no longer wait……what are you waiting for?
‘What are you waining for?’ was my musing on the world after 9/11 when half truths were distorted into perceived realities. At the same time I said that I did not believe there were any huge caches of Weapons of Mass Destruction in Iraq. As a result I received angry and threatening emails from people in the US and UK. Although, unsurprisingly, I got no letters of apology when I was proven right. My ‘Divide and Conquer’ blog is about the divisiveness of humankind and the lunacy and ultimate futility of taking opposite positions on everything. However, I’m well aware that I am seen as naive in this respect and most people believe that opposing parties in politics is the only way that works.
As for the 1080 question, I’ve been looking into that and opinions are fierce and divided. My own view is that in a scientific sense I don’t really know. However, I can’t believe that raining down chemicals onto pristine bushland can be without risks. I’m working on a song about ‘Green Rain’ but it asks questions without providing answers. There are always more questions than answers.
As for my releasing ‘What are you Waiting for?’ I learned the hard way a couple of times in recent years that radio stations are not at all interested in the music of a 69 year old man. I don’t fit the profile, so I’m destined to have only material recorded 40 years ago played on stations that still play such material. Better than nothing I guess. My only hope is that someone will bootleg “What are you Waiting For?’ and post a strong video of it on YouTube. It would make great video I reckon. Lord knows there is enough appropriate news footage that could be sourced and edited. One can only hope 🙂
Well written, nice song. Perhaps music is the spirituality shared by all races and religions! I, myself have seen it calm upset people and I have seen high spirited people becalmed by immersing themselves in it.