{ I wrote this. months ago, BC, but it applies even more today. }
Every time I hear Barry McGuire’s song, The Eve of Destruction, it feels like we’re there right this minute. As I’m sure he felt in 1965 when he wrote it. The song addresses racism, injustice, hypocrisy–all things we’re still dealing with some 55 years later. We’re a nation badly in need of healing. More now than ever.
Maybe it’s just the way of the world, to be always teetering on the edge of doing ourselves in.
Here’s what I know: I can’t remember a time in my life when there was more anxiety. Real anxiety. Clinical anxiety.
So let’s break down McGuire’s message and weigh it against the world today:
Don’t you understand, what I’m trying to say?
And can’t you feel the fear that I’m feeling today?
Take a look around you, boy, it’s bound to scare you, boy,
But you tell me over and over and over again my friend,
Ah, you don’t believe we’re on the eve of destruction.
Fear. Anxiety is rooted in fear. A lot of people look around and are fearful these days. People of all stripes. And for all reasons. Corona virus. Undocumented immigrants. Loss of privilege. These are very real fears. Real to the people who feel them.
Clever politicians use these fears to get (or remain) in power. Is there anything scarier than the idea of an “illegal immigrant” raping and murdering? No matter that the actual facts show that illegal immigrants do not commit more crimes than U.S. citizens. And unscrupulous politicians use that fear to get in office and use it continually to bolster their support. Fake facts. “Alternate” facts. It’s mind-boggling how they depend on keeping us in fear.
Yeah, my blood’s so mad, feels like coagulatin’,
I’m sittin’ here, just contemplatin’,
I can’t twist the truth, it knows no regulation,
Handful of Senators don’t pass legislation,
Well, it’s true. The Senate’s holding up bills passed by the House. Power. It’s about power. Nothing more. Nothing less.
And marches alone can’t bring integration,
When human respect is disintegratin’,
This is another part of today’s world that makes me shake my head. All the integration efforts and civil rights legislation during my lifetime haven’t paid off in a fairer world. We are just as bigoted as we ever were. It’s mind-boggling.
This whole crazy world is just too frustratin’,
And you tell me over and over and over again my friend,
Ah, you don’t believe we’re on the eve of destruction.
I’ve cried in frustration. Have you?
Think of all the hate there is in Red China!
Then take a look around to Selma, Alabama!
Ah, you may leave here, for eight days in space,
But when you return, it’s the same old place,
That upsets me the most: It’s the same old place. Nothing significant has changed. In some ways, it might even be worse. Will corona be the catalyst for real change? I hope it is and I’m afraid it won’t.
The poundin’ of the drums, the pride and disgrace,
You can bury your dead, but don’t leave a trace,
Hate your next door neighbor, but don’t forget to say grace,
Ah, the hypocrisy of fundamental Christians. Ecumenical Christians. Whose behavior bears not the slightest resemblance to what Christ taught. Oh, it’s not just mind-boggling. It’s shocking. Because it shows us how ignorant these folks are. Just plain ignorant. Gullible. So gullible. And easy to control.
And you tell me over and over and over and over again my friend,
Ah, you don’t believe we’re on the eve of destruction.
I’m not so sure how our country will get the healing it so badly needs. I just don’t know.
Here’s the song.
And please don’t forget my free audios, mantras and affirmations to help manage anxiety. 100% free for all:
Managing Anxiety Audio bit.ly/2wKWfZA
Powerful Positive Health Mantras bit.ly/2wyaCAI
Online Healing Affirmations bit.ly/2WO9TWt
I do not. But I think we could be terribly close to the precipice.
I posted about this a while back. I think I even called it The Eve of Destruction! Now I have to go look! Good post.
Now I have to go look at yours, too!!!
Sadly, throughout history, there have always been those people who say one thing and do another. Many of whom end up in leadership roles. Have we learned from them? Mostly, I’m afraid, how to do what they did.
What is my take-away from this? I’m determined to do better. To be better. To be my best self. And encourage others to do the same. And this takes effort every. Single. Day. I have such a long, long way to go to be my best self, but if I just keep putting one foot in front of the other…
Together, we can make a difference, Carol! We’re on the EVE of great things!
I get it. I am such a work in progress. Every day.