December 18, 2013

Listing and Sinking

By Tammy Derouin

Our shores were once coveted as a place to pursue hopes and dreams, not to take advantage of the system.   Our flag was the symbol of freedom but also a sign of relief for those escaping oppression.  Our founding documents were once cherished.  At one time we even elected leaders, including a president, who believed in America and the American way of life.

Our vessel will not survive this continuous assault from every direction.  Not only are the pirates launching wave after wave of unanswered attacks but the captain is drilling holes in the hull below deck.  His crew runs around stuffing rags into the ruptures they’ve created.  They assure us that all is well.  We are told to go back to our sunbathing.   As an extra bonus, free drinks are available at the bar, compliments of the captain.

Little by little, the integrity of the vessel weakens.  While we were busy soaking up the sun and enjoying free drinks, everything we needed to survive was tossed overboard.  It was for our own good, our survival.  Out of fear we accepted the captain’s explanation.    

The ship leveled off.  There was some damage but the captain reported that due to his quick thinking, he saved everybody from a watery grave.  He will not be questioned nor does he feel he needs to justify the means to his end.  He makes limited appearances and gives arrogant speeches. 

Eventually, the water seeps through the rags. The life-threatening water that was hidden and minimalized with props and disguises can no longer be contained.  The show is over and the reality is pouring through the holes.  They were able to distract us from irreversible damage with free entertainment while we bathed in the sun and downed free drinks.

Somebody makes their way below deck, a restricted area.  When we boarded the ship we were free to roam and ask questions.  A meddling passenger who was just a little too curious as to why the ship was listing and sinking wanted answers.  The passenger is caught, held without charges and then subjected to a secret trial where, you guessed it, the captain acted as judge, jury and executioner.  The passenger walked the plank.

The disappearance of one passenger caused unrest among the others.  Questions were being asked and witnesses emerged.  Why was there so much secrecy?  Why did the captain lie?  Why did he feel he had the right to throw everything overboard?  What made him qualified to determine what each individual needed or didn’t need for their journey?

As more passengers pulled away from the sun and the bar, they began to notice the signs of a sinking ship.  Even some of the crew began to realize all was not well.  The captain got word that there was unrest and answers were being demanded.  It was at this moment that disaster hit. The ship, which had been staying ahead of the storm, had turned and was now headed straight towards it.  The pirates who had temporarily backed off began to circle.  They were within firing range once again.

The captain didn’t let an excellent opportunity go to waste.  First he eliminated the rules or code of conduct.  No one had noticed they weren’t being followed anyway.  By the time the passengers began to look through the rules, it was too late.   The captain had repealed the code due to the state of emergency, a power he inserted while his crew distracted the passengers.  The captain took it upon himself to go around the code and anyone who stood in his way.

The weapons were the next obstacle, the only items not tossed overboard.  With such concern for the safety of the passengers, he pleaded for their cooperation.  Weapons had the potential of causing unintended damage so it would be in everyone’s best interest to give them up, well, except for the ones in the possession of the captain and his crew.  With the promise and guarantee that he would protect the passengers all weapons were confiscated. 

It wasn’t long before the crew began to look like pirates.  The water was rising and there were no longer any life boats available.  The captain began to lower the flag.  How did this happen?

While the passengers were distracted with free entertainment and refreshments, only a few noticed that the captain was consorting with the enemy, making promises and concessions, handing over our valuables and bowing to their every demand. 

The captain promised to protect the passengers.  All it cost them was their freedom, possessions and beliefs.  It was an empty promise, the means to justify the end.  I guess you could say he misspoke or maybe it was a half-truth, dare I suggest it was a lie?

“Americans are so enamored of equality that they would rather be equal in slavery than unequal in freedom.”

Alexis de Tocqueville