Barry Gander wrote an article describing the dramatic shift in the tone of being American from one of mercy to rageful vengeance. Even in the post WWII era of my youth, I remember my nation as being benevolent even to former enemies. Both Germany and Japan, fierce enemies during the war, are stable, prosperous, and considered our allies.
“Both President Biden and president-elect Trump are in a ‘pardoning mode’ these days - but there the similarity ends.
One – Biden – is acting out of compassion, the other – Trump – is on a quest to twist the knife into those who judged that he had stolen the 2020 election.”
A Shift of Values
Vengeance - how did this become the operative word in American politics?
"Vengeance is mine..." sayeth the Lord.
The foundation of tyranny and fascism is a belief in doing "God's work" - ridding the world of evil and those who represent it. Notice how the MAGA crowd only sees "murders and rapists" crossing our borders, not simply the destitute and needy victims of circumstances not of their doing.
"Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
Emma Lazarus who wrote these words on the Statue of Liberty was the daughter of a Portuguese Sephardic Jew who had immigrated to New York City. Then, being a "legal immigrant" meant simply passing a health examination. America needed manpower and immigrants were viewed as strong backs and skilled hands. Yes, times have changed. Ms. Lazarus's words are humane, Trump's are wrathful and punishing.
A Wound to the Psyche
I remember seeing the planes crashing into the World Trade Center on 9-11 and feeling the shock of recognition that others do not see our nation acting in God's will, but as a target for their own righteous vengeance. I watched in horror of the profound shift from benevolent invincibility to a "victim" America lashing out in wrathful vengeance in Afghanistan and Iraq. "Americans’ sense of virtue: the victim-nation would make the world safe, secure justice for its dead." https://www.thenation.com/article/society/abortion-afghanistan-revenge/
A Nation of Grief
"Make America Great Again" is an anthem of victimhood demanding vengeance not the voice of confidence and power that is inscribed on Lady Liberty. How far we have fallen…
Can we again regain our confidence and sense of security? Can we come together to find a common ground from the lights symbolizing the towers once marking our place in the brotherhood of mankind? Will we return to a nation of mercy or remain in a death spiral of vengeance and fear?
I remember a nation that had answers to these questions.
We can work to make it happen...we are not helpless.
I remember too. Heartbreaking.