The West is so self-assured, so proud.

How is it then that the question on so many people’s lips is, “How the hell will I get through the day?”

Feminist shit stirrers Pussy Riot explain the consequences of benign acceptance, especially of our rulers. Obviously they speak from experience of their very own countryman: “You cannot play nice with Putin. He is insane. He might open fire on his own people.” The same may be said of politicians in the US, UK and Europe. Practically everywhere in actual fact.

Popular musicians, artists, thinkers, journalists, and academics expose political evils. It’s what they do and their Truths are in plain sight. They speak for the majority of us who live in the real world and just about get by. Yet time and again we are thrown into calamity and deprivation by the ideologically motivated and corrupt actions of a few homegrown nut cases who happen to be elevated into positions of power. By us!

Why don’t we hit the streets and vent our rage?

Do we allow this because we are made helpless by the daily struggle for survival? Exhausted by the seemingly endless round of – work – eat – sleep – work – eat – sleep – with no time or brain space to cause a fuss. Is it because we are brainwashed into chasing impossible dreams? Have we become drone citizens of a mythical kingdom, brainwashed into subservience to our leaders’ pet obsessions? Even as we vote them into power, we know they will only cause us yet more pain. We stand by and watch as the lies become more blatant and divisive. When we vote, do we vote for the lesser evil?

That’s no way to live. Well, is it? So, why do we do nothing to change it?

Do we put up with the status quo because their control methods convince us to trust that the intentions of politicians, industrialists, financiers and press barons are benevolent? Hang on a minute! We have seen with our own eyes that these purveyors of ruthless authority are driven by self-interest and greed and care not one jot for the nation’s best interests.

Do we ever question why they punish rather than encourage us? Why they would rather line the pockets of the already wealthy with our money than lift a single child out of poverty? It’s sickening and yet we follow their orders without question. They tell us it’s our duty.

Some of us try to process the madness but end up driven insane. Where do we start to help our world heal and thrive? Is it our inadequacy that renders us unable, or unwilling, to revolt in any meaningful way when that is exactly what we should be doing.

No, we just laugh it off.

What the fuck is wrong with us?

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Pictures: Pussy Riot
Music by: Pussy Riot, Verite and Latasha

© Rod McRiven 2024