Are you wondering what has happened to morality and justice in America? Me too. Tendencies toward valuing wealth, its privileges, pleasures and presumed ability to ward off life’s worst developments are common to all of us, regardless of economic status. What’s worth noting is that biblical history shows God setting up stipulations for living designed, among other things, to prevent the development of large gaps between rich and poor. American history has revealed a much different outlook.

It could be argued that slavery established the notion that it’s OK to mistreat and abuse people to amass wealth and power. Trumpism has embraced that legacy, showing us how wealth and power have a way of dulling moral sensitivity. Some, who are without a pathway into the “benefits” of wealth and technological advancement, are emotionally driven to identify with the assault on democratic values he represents. By embracing a charlatan, they seem to be saying, “If I can’t have what others have, then, like Trump, I’m going to say ‘to hell with American values, let’s destroy everything and start over.’ ”

When emotions like these are stoked they overwhelm the possibility of self-criticism or thoughtful dialogue and debate. Unchecked, this carries a spirit not unlike the one that led angry workers to kill people and destroy property during the French Revolution and what historians call the “Reign of Terror.”

All this is a stark reminder for thoughtful people to set voter turnout records in the next presidential election.

Alan Toth
Rockland