Overcoming Helplessness: The Power of Individual Action
"There is nothing you can do."
This statement surfaced during a discussion about the war in Ukraine, but it resonates well beyond that context. It reflects a larger feeling of helplessness regarding various global issues that seem beyond my control. Given my limited influence, that statement feels true. However, the more pressing question is why it feels true and whether it must always hold.
How helpless am I? How helpless are the masses? Although I have strong opinions on many subjects, I’ve often remained silent.
One significant reason for my reluctance to speak out is my fear of not having enough factual knowledge to contribute constructively. I hesitate to add to the noise when so many people share opinions without sufficient insight. My fear includes not only being wrong but also facing backlash for my views.
So, how do I shift from "There’s nothing I can do" to "Here’s what I can do" to impact the world positively? It’s challenging to think on a small scale when large-scale issues demand attention. Yet, a fundamental problem is the prevailing attitude of ignorance and the pride that shields it. Our society faces confrontations over book bans, raids on schools and churches, and ideological divisions that threaten our institutions. Persecuting minority factions in pursuit of uniformity poses a grave danger to society.
The phrase “E pluribus Unum” — out of many, one — highlights that our differences unite us. Embracing diversity strengthens our society, rather than erasing it. If anything, the Constitution allows people to be who they are, and who they want to be.
The law is the religion of government. In a democracy, people decide what the law is. We bring our influence from our religious backgrounds to the table when creating laws to organize the common rules for people to live by. But, religion may not be included in the law itself if we are to uphold the Freedom of Religion statement in the constitution. You can follow whatever rules a religion offers if you so choose, but it isn't the government's job to enforce them. In addition, the question isn't necessarily that there should be blanket laws over every area of life. Some things should be left up to the privacy of the individual and the government doesn't have a right to infringe upon those areas of personal concern. Just because you believe something doesn't mean the government needs to have an opinion on it. Freedom has an element of ambiguity to it. We should leave those topics alone that are too personal for a government to decide upon.
Protecting Our Mental Health
One of the urgent issues today is safeguarding our mental health. When governmental and societal turmoil feels overwhelming, many choose to ignore it, believing that worrying is futile since they can’t change it. I’ve found myself thinking, “Why engage if I can’t make a difference?” The tendency to disconnect from political discourse often stems from a desire to focus on what we can control. Consuming negative news can feel paralyzing and lead to despair, which is why many choose to tune out.
The Challenge of Reliable Information
Compounding this issue is the quality of news we receive. Media outlets often present their narratives without providing the necessary context or factual clarity. This can lead to apathy, as individuals tend to prioritize issues that seem personally relevant, sidelining important matters that deserve attention.
Focusing on My Responsibilities
In the midst of everything, I have my own responsibilities — running my business, achieving sales goals, and managing my life. The distractions of politics can feel overwhelming, with a sense that politicians will pursue their agendas regardless. Balancing the demands of life with the complexities of government feels like an insurmountable challenge.
Understanding the Temptation to “Go Along”
One of the greatest dangers is the mentality of “Mitlaufen,” or “to go along.” This concept refers to uncritically following the rules set by those in power, a mindset that can resemble complacency. Historically, during the Nazi regime in Germany, many individuals adopted this approach to maintain a semblance of happiness. However, allowing injustices to persist because they do not directly affect us can lead to dire consequences. Eventually, the injustices may arrive at our doorstep, making it impossible to remain indifferent. "Going along" means to ignore what is going on. It means to close our eyes to injustice. It means to close our ears to hear the cries of those in trouble. It means to passively allow the powerful take over control with little or no resistance and to also go along with what they are doing because it is already too late.
Right now, the United States is headed for a Dictatorship with an Oligarchy of Powerful and Wealthy interests pulling power onto themselves. There is no more denying that this is the course. They are no longer even trying to hide it.
As I write those words I have a very hard time believing this is true. I can't believe anyone would destroy the Constitution that made their success possible. But, their thirst for money and power appears to have no limit.
So, while I sit here and try to form a lucid statement about the current situation I am really concerned that we will soon find ourselves living in a Dictatorship and that our own personal freedom will be decided on whether we agree or disagree with the policy of that Dictator. When a Dictatorship is put into to power then it is all about keeping that power. This is when all opposition will be eliminated. When you see the President placing loyalists and not qualified experts into positions of power you should realize that we are no longer living in a democracy.
So, the question is: Do I, we, somehow try to stop this? Little ole me/us?
I don't know what happened to cause this shift to the far right. I can't believe it is happening. Have people forgotten all about World War II? Do people not see the similarities?
I never thought it was possible. It is possible. It is happening. Whether you want to see it or not and this should worry you.