The Mad House

I confess that over time I have become obsessed with the media pursuit of Trump. A narcissist, sociopathic, liar is the best way I can find to describe him. PBS news at midday, YouTube coverage when in bed at night, and the occasional newspaper article, were my steady diet in this pursuit to determine how he was to be defeated. From convinced he had no hope of winning in the 2024 election but with a recent fear that the inevitable could very possibly happen has raised my anxiety to disturbing levels because of what it could mean for world peace.

The world is precariously balanced between authoritarian leadership – some dictatorships – and Democracy is increasing. The disturbing trend toward the far-right leadership of Oban in Hungary and the rightwing fascist, of Meloni in Italy, plus the recent hardline leadership of Bolsinaro in Brazil and Durterte of the Philippians, leaves a disturbing legacy. With the actual wars in Ukraine and Gaza – which is brewing trouble in neighbouring countries, and then the conflict in Sudan of Africa,  and growing tension in various other hot spots worldwide, the loose cannon behaviour of Iran and North Korea is unsettling. And then there is the pending tension in the Chinese Sea and the invasion of Taiwan with the Chinese biding their time. With Trump showing blatant admiration for all dictators the thought of his win just may be the time that the Chinese act. The worldwide balance of power will be truly lost and Trump's reluctance to prevent such a happening will be a sign that dictatorships will now hold sway in world politics. The unforeseen but real alliances being forged by the many dictatorial countries are growing beyond the independent collection of such countries. The question lingers, what will be the outcome?

While one abhors the thought of war, the independence of dictatorial countries can be tolerated, short of subtly reminding them of their human rights record. The balance maintained by the democratic countries is vital. That is at stake like never before with the Trump threat. I have been drawn deeply into this concern with my pursuit of the many media outlets. I read everything that I could seeking reassurance for his defeat to the point it was pulling me into a pit of deep despair.

I was pulled up with a serious jolt when I realised I couldn’t do anything about it. What was my option? Expand one’s vision. There are many levels of the state of the world. The media picture is a shallow vision. It tries to create a picture that poses as comprehensive but it is partial. It draws us into a false reality, that reality is usually extremely negative. It fails to see the broad body of decent well-meaning individuals who go about their daily business in a positive way. It fails to see the exceptionally gifted individuals who  stand out for their service to the community. This is the substantive reality. We are caught between the two pictures, or if the truth is known, the many pictures that make up the broad picture of life upon the planet.

The world is far more than the Trump phenomenon. He may last for a time, one more term or if  exceptionally bad, longer, and the world will adjust. The world is always adjusting as the years go by. It is beholden upon all Christians, those spiritually inclined, or of other faith traditions, to pray for the peace of the world. Not for our allegiance to dominate, but for the good of all and that the balance of power is at least restored.