Today's MOZEN: Failure Is Not An Option

F LoBuono

I believe that I am every bit as frustrated with the current situation in America as most of my readers are.

And, for the people who actually do take the time to read my screeds, hopefully, I'm preaching to the proverbial choir.

The real issue is who is willing to listen and what can we really change if we do? People made up their minds a long time ago and, now, we are left with the consequences.

It sure as shit seems that, despite what the working-class voters for Donald Trump may have thought would happen, the rich and powerful now rule in ways we haven't seen since the days of the Czars. Greed, avarice, cruelty, ignorance, sexism, and bigotry are considered virtues while compassion, honesty, and integrity are seen as weaknesses. To be labeled an intellectual is now to be synonymous with arrogance. And, if you think that they (i.e. the Republicans) have your best interests at heart, I just may have a few more fantasies to sell ya'! So, we find ourselves often feeling deflated and asking things like, "what's left to say that hasn't already been said"? And, "what can we possibly do to change things"?

So, with the risk of sending too elitist, what's a thinking person of conscience to do?

Do we simply throw our hands in the air and give up?

That would certainly be the easy thing to do. Perhaps, it may even be prudent. But, would it be right?

I think not.

In fact, I believe the opposite tact must be taken.

Allow me to use a quote from the film "Apollo 13". When confronted with the possible loss of the mission and the crew, Mission Control Commander, Gene Kranz (as portrayed by Ed Harris), utters the legendary command, "Failure is NOT an option". It's implication is obvious: the situation is just too damned serious not to find a solution.

Those words have never been more appropriate than they are right now.

Failure is not an option.

In the face of a Donald Trump administration that continually and rapidly grows in idiocy and demagoguery, we must NOT pull back. In fact, we must remain continually vigilant and be even more proactive in our pursuit of our TRUE American ideals: justice for ALL, opportunity for ALL, equality for ALL. There are those who claim that these principals were always more theoretical than practical. And, they may be correct in saying so. But, they were goals to aspire to and strive towards until we actually achieved them. Now, they seem further away than ever.

Day after day, we are confronted by a leader who does not speak well, does not think clearly, and believes in communicating complex political issues in 140 characters or less!! He has even taken the time to "Tweet" a comment regarding a vapid, "reality" show, denigrating its host because the ratings lacked the vigor of those when he hosted the same program!

Really.

He has discounted the overwhelming amount of evidence gathered by our best intelligence professionals that the Russians hacked into our political Internet grid and influenced our election. Is Mr. Trump concerned that this Russian interference may have dangerous implications for the safety of our Country? Hell, no! He is more concerned that it might tarnish his victory, sully his reputation, and damage his ENORMOUS EGO. And, the hypocrisy doesn't end there. I can give many more examples of a man tripping all over his pride instead of putting it aside for the good of others. There is simply not enough time to list them all!

And, this is a LEADER? YOUR leader?

Unfortunately, the time to change that has passed. We MUST deal with him. We have to. And, remember, Failure is not an option.

So, what can we do?

We can be HEARD, especially on the local level. Express you concerns and displeasure to your local leaders - write them, email them, even TWEET them when you encounter something that betrays our ideals. Be present. Be loud and be proud. SCREAM if you have to. But, don't accept what should never be tolerated. And, vote! Use the power of the vote to elect those who support your ideals and counter the acrimony of the Orange Man. He was elected on a grassroots level. He can be challenged in the same way.

Failure is not an option.

Fight on!!!!!!!