An “enemies list” is circulating in our nation’s capital targeting speakers of truth and patriots demanding justice. Those assailed include courageous public servants, the free press, Democratic mayors and governors, and an imaginary “Deep State.”
I am overwhelmed and angry by all the attacks on good and decent people who are smeared with lies and innuendo. I am also disturbed at the colossal lying by our leaders and their mistreatment of the most vulnerable among us.
I suffer many restless nights thinking about the gross neglect of those who are unemployed and at risk of being thrown out onto the street. And how racial and religious minorities are being left adrift, exposed to hatred and brutality.
So, I decided to create my own enemies list, targetting seven harsh realities facing our nation:
- Lies. The death of truth has enormous consequences. Take the pandemic, for instance. If all truth is the province of reckless, power-hungry leaders, then we would blindly trust that the deadly coronavirus is in check. Only a nation of sheep would denounce masks and social distancing as fiction. Liars confuse, deceive, divide, and diminish us – and far too many are dying betrayed.
- Hunger. Hunger is the poor child’s worst enemy. The child on the free lunch program at school. The child whose family relies upon food stamps. Just one hungry child is a tragedy beyond words, a nation’s shame. And long lines at food banks is a disturbing image we simply cannot dismiss.
- Cruelty. Cruelty is the immigrant family’s worst enemy. Families turned away from seeking asylum and deported to live in fear, desperation and deprivation. Families torn apart and separated, with children thrown into cages no more fit than for animals. Families kept in lock-up while the virus spreads rampantly in those close quarters. Families kept out of our country by barriers built to false gods.
- Brutality. Brutality is the menacing threat facing Black Americans at the hands of white police officers. This brutality has led to a nationwide movement to change policies and hearts and minds to ensure that no more victims die needlessly. The memories of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd must be enshrined in our hearts and motivate us. Systemic change is desperately needed to create a more just society.
- Neglect. Neglect is the ultimate insult suffered by the millions out of work and abandoned when Congress went on recess in August. The insult leaves these hardworking citizens without a financial safety net. Unemployed Americans must beg to put food on the table and to fend off bill collectors, while the stock-market rich dawdle at their country clubs.
- Hatred. Hatred is the worst enemy facing religious and racial minorities. White supremacists arm themselves with assault rifles while chanting vile insults and murderous threats against their enemies: Muslims, Blacks, and Jews. Hatred fuels attacks on mosques and synagogues and those hatching plots for a war between the races.
- Political violence. Tragically, deadly gunfire is breaking out in our cities between people bitterly divided over social and political issues. These heinous acts have shocked the nation and must not be tolerated. Portland and Kenosha should serve as sober reminders that violence is never the solution. It must stop now.
The real “enemies of the people” are lies, hunger, cruelty, brutality, neglect, hatred, and political violence. They are an assault on our sense of decency and justice, and undercut our quest for peace, equality, and truth.
I pray for the day when America emerges from our darkest days to days of love and light, of diversity and tolerance, and of unity and compassion.
I pray for the day when we can restore good government that serves the people with honesty and honor.
And I pray for the day when I can tear up my enemies list.
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Written by Ron Cooper, a retired newspaper reporter, who blogs at RonCooperAuthor.com. Ron’s latest book is A Grateful Survivor, an account of his cancer journey with advice and tributes to caregivers (Amazon books).