Rome is Sinking

Today's fact: A mere 400 of America's wealthy now have more money than the
other 50% of America in total.

I'm not a political person. I'm really not. I don't even claim any party, and dislike the idea of 'parties' altogether. But some things that happen in politics are worth standing up and voicing one's anger about.

Two hundred and fifty years ago, Americans decided they'd had enough of the politics of Britain, and a revolution occurred. Two years ago, I'd have said that would be impossible for America today. But in the last few months, I've seen some things that make me question how this nation functions.

Teachers in this state have among the nations lowest wages, and I see why so many want to live elsewhere. The ignorance and belligerence that comes from parents, students, and co-workers makes it impossible to live. When a student has an issue with a teacher, even a violent or abusive confrontation, they are often ignored, and the teacher defended. Any other teacher who stands up for the student is pushed aside. If that teacher mentions they want their union rep with them, they are looked upon with disdain and loathing.

And now, across the nation, even that right is being taken away.

For over a decade, I've tried to finish school and do the right thing, become a teacher. I've found myself blocked at every turn. Now, twelve years after making that decision, as I start to see the light at the end of the tunnel, It doesn't look so bright. Maybe it's the local sun, but I see everything I once thought as what I wanted to do with my life coming under attack. It's feels like seeing everything I've ever known as good and lush and green deforested to a desert wasteland.

I stop to tell myself, it's not so bad. I've got a job I love, family nearby, and a wife who loves me. But every day she comes home I see how unhappy she is. And I am powerless to stop the heartache.

When a ship is taking on water, you have two choices. You can try to fix the problem if you think it's possible, else try to jump ship. Lately, I've been watching the decisions of this nation as if I were a lowly rat on that ship and wincing. And as a student of History, I recognize that the America is following the patterns of past nations before they begin their decline into either oblivion or revolution; before "their ships sank", so to speak. And if you're a Roman citizen when Rome is sinking, you'd better hope there is a plan to respond, or else flee the city, and maybe pray to find a man with an ark.

...I wonder if Rome tried that last part when the Gauls invaded?