Monday, September 26, 2011

This Too Shall Pass?


I was staring at this cloud formation and marveled at how it looked like the USA to me. Florida had shrunk a bit and the East Coast was fatter and it seemed Texas might be taking over California but close enough. Plus all those flaws made me laugh. I found the dark and light contrast prophetic and the rays at top hopeful.

I couldn't help but feel that the cloud said so much about the state of our country. Dark appears to be gaining over light and the landscape is shifting.

Soldiers are booed because they're gay.

Crowds cheer when an execution is mentioned.

Presidential candidates rip into one another over the few things that actually make them human. Perry gets crucified for thinking immigrant children should be educated and Romney is punished for creating a healthcare system in his state that the entire country should be following. Sad.

We can blame politics and economics but in the end WE are all responsible for the country we live in. I remember a quote that basically said the true test of a person is how they behave when things aren't going well.

We're failing that test.

20 comments:

jabblog said...

You speak truth, sadly.

DJan said...

Now that image in the cloud shows you have an amazing imagination! But you're so perceptive and unfortunately right about the state of our country. I am managing to avoid much news coverage because it only depresses me, but stuff still leaks in.

CrystalChick said...

We are going through dark times.
But just like there are beautiful rays at the top of your cloud, I think there is hope for us too.

Have a good week, Dianne!

Daryl said...

Add to that a 'news' commentator NOT Fox this time .. amazingly ... who commented on how the gay soldier was booed but seemed not to recall the applause/cheering for those who'd been executed. Sad sad sad. Scarier still Tubby Christie is now reconsidering his run, he really should think more about walking given his girth, for the Oval Office ...

I'm With Stupid said...

We are definitely experiencing some dark days. And it doesn't look like it's gonna get better anytime soon.

Jay

Akelamalu said...

I't the same here Dianne. :(

Kay L. Davies said...

I looked at the cloud and I can see how you thought it looked a bit like a map, but I like the rays of light at the top.
People forget it took years to get into the present mess, and it will take time to get out of it. Why should anyone have expected the economy to rebound immediately? That kind of thinking makes no sense. Expectations like that can only lead to disappointment.
Very sad.

Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie’s Guide to Adventurous Travel

ellen abbott said...

I couldn't agree more.

Sylvia K said...

So sad and unfortunately, so true! And, I do so agree with you. I've gotten to the point where I don't even want to turn the TV on because I know there will just be more bad and discouraging news. I keep wondering just what people are thinking??? It took more than a handful of crappy politicians to get us where we are -- we're all responsible in many ways and until that is recognized and dealt with it will be even longer and harder to dig our way out. Great post, Dianne!

Sylvia

Ron said...

Okay, first of all, I LOVE this photograph, Dianne!

WOW! It's stunning! And you're right...it truly does resemble the USA!

And a big AMEN to the rest of your post!

I agree...."We can blame politics and economics but in the end WE are all responsible for the country we live in."

Thank you for posting this, dear lady.

X ya bunches!

OldLady Of The Hills said...

What you say is Soooo true, my dear Dianne....We Are All Responsible, and We Are In Deep Doo Doo!!! It is so very depressing to see what is happening here....My problem is, I honestly don't know what to do about it, except live my life in the most Humane way possible---treating others with respect and understanding, if possible....
When an Execution is Cheered---I don't know what to do about that---I find it appalling and deeply deeply depressing.

That photograph is Beautiful, by the way....!

Mike said...

'Presidential candidates rip into one another'

But nobody will remember what the republican candidates said about each other when they finally pick someone.

Linda Reeder said...

I can only take hope in thinking that those who cheer execution and boo gay soldiers are in the vast minority, and that the shock and disgust we feel is widespread.
We are not a patient people, but it took a long time to gt us into this mess, and it will take time to correct it. In the meantime, we are dooming a generation of young people to never having the security I have had.

HermanTurnip said...

That cloud looks like a skydiver, or a pirate ship, or my daddy beating me then locking me in a dark closet because I wouldn't eat my peas during supper...

...err...it looks like an airplane. Yeah, an airplane.

Jeni said...

There are so many ways this country is in such a dilemma that it does truly boggle the mind. The issue over gays in the military is absolutely ridiculous; and executions -another totally mind-boggling thing too. Economically, we are really in a hell of a mess and those who are supposed to be the ones who are knowledgeable about ways to "fix" things have no viable answers to anything it seems. I hope this does pass someday but, no way is this going to go away in a fast and orderly fashion, that much is for sure! Now, with all the budgetary cuts to social programs, it scares the living daylights out of me as to how on earth my family and I are going to afford to buy oil for the furnace this coming winter! Last year we barely survived WITH that fuel assistance and this year, with a lot less, possibly none, well, just another really big worry there!

Jen said...

Fantastic post! I so agree with all of it. I'm so tired of everyone not taking responsibility for their actions. Love the photo as well.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

We went to see a performance of Avenue Q this weekend. There's a song in it about everything being only for a while (temporary and not lasting) -- and when they extemporized "the Tea Party is only for a while" they nearly got a standing O. (Of course this is Eugene)...now if we ALL would/COULD all only do something to make it go away NOW.

LL Cool Joe said...

You know I feel the same thing about the UK. The riots, the miners dying etc. Sad times ahead.

I agree with that quote. Nice blog.

Granny Annie said...

I see a flying teddy bear:)

The "times" have always been as bad as the media is able to make them. As news reaches further and further the times seem worse and worse. Ya gotta have hope:)

nitebyrd said...

It is a sad state of affairs, that's for sure. It makes me weary. Very, very, bone-deep weary. However, I never give up hope and being able to enjoy sights like the picture you posted boost hope even more.