All I want is for our America to once again become the nation that strives for honorable, effective government rooted in individual liberties and support for all its law-abiding citizens. Sounds simple enough.
But sadly that's not what we have today.
So please indulge me the following paragraphs devoted once again to venting disillusionment over much of what I'm reading and hearing in this conflicted America we've created for ourselves and our offspring.
Admittedly, some of these peeves are probably because I've become crankier, perhaps even a bit cynical, after months of relative seclusion underscored by a constant, deafening drumbeat of untrustworthy media negativity.
First, I decry the manufactured hatred that preoccupies so many of our spirits today based on nothing more than the bane of demonizing partisan politics rooted in selfishness.
I'm fed up to my nostrils with sustained falsehoods, even outright lies, from so many of those elected to be our nation's public servants. It feels as if these men and women have decided it's acceptable to say and do whatever is necessary to benefit themselves and their parties' ruthless ambitions to control the nation's population.
That plan would include becoming beyond wealthy from holding public office at the expense of taxpayers.
The arrogance and immature behavior on display in Washington and elsewhere today is rampant on a level I've never seen or could have imagined a few years ago.
The public servant back-scratching (aka quid pro quo) also seems beyond epidemic nationally and internationally. That's where a corporation or person makes a political contribution that winds up being kicked back with our taxes through favorable legislation that further enriches both interests. It also occurs through exchanges of favors.
This kind of purported "leadership" is what Americans choose to fight over today? Really?
I've also come to detest the Machiavellian (any means to a desired result) tactics in politics that have become commonplace. The crumbling of once-cherished values such as honor, character and integrity is nothing short of astonishing. The endless hypocrisy is palpable. I find it difficult nowadays to name many elected "leaders" I consider worthy of respect and trust. How about you, valued readers? Surely I'm not alone.
This toxic political environment has placed party loyalties and power-grabbing far above the overall welfare and best interests of our nation's citizens.
As long as those who wade into the notorious swamp of office-holders and bureaucrats can snatch, coerce or manipulate whatever's necessary to enhance personal power and wealth, everything else can fall by the wayside, including truth and responsibility.
George Washington warned against the risk of this sort of selfishness and greed to the peril of our national welfare. What a soothsayer was ol' George.
I'm troubled by the recent attacks on our Capitol as well as free speech and expression. The fences still encircling our nation's capital may remain there for months, as well as hundreds of uniformed National Guardsmen.
It still defies logic that our federal government would possibly allow biological males to unfairly compete in (and dominate) female sports. Many also are concerned over controversial curriculums being implemented across much of America's public school systems.
It's difficult to fathom we are again killing thousands of jobs while opening our southern border to citizens of other countries, particularly at a time when covid-19 continues to ravage the United States.
It's beyond my limited comprehension that elected mayors and governors of several major cities allowed anarchy, destruction, assaults, arson and even murders to continue for weeks last summer--even months--in metropolitan communities whose citizens elected these men and women to lead impartially and with competence.
I remain in disbelief how quickly our trust and faith in the proper functioning of our democratic republic (increasingly an oligarchy) has eroded because of everything mentioned above and more.
After the flagrant corruption, dishonesty and greed we've witnessed in recent years, I believe there are other citizens who share similar concerns, along with those who revel in manufactured hostility and discord.
OK, thanks for reading. Feeling better now.
Appreciated letter
Having grown into an aging man who's worn out several pairs of big-boy pants over 50 years as a journalist, I (like other opinion writers) am accustomed to those who revel in venting their displeasure with my opinions.
After all, there are different strokes for all of us 330 million different folks, don't ya know.
And every so often when the moon is full and the gales subside I receive a message with a refreshing flavor that brings a smile to this steadily wrinkling face.
Such a thoughtful message from reader David Kelley arrived a while back. I felt like sharing it with valued readers today, if nothing else to let you know, and as a reminder that not every reader prompts me to don my remaining pair of tattered pants.
"Mike--You do realize that there is no escape from the never-ending loop of people who insist on looking for the negative, looking for things to attack, things to criticize. I commend you for, yet again, doing a very thorough job of explaining your words. Futile, but thorough. People read and watch through their preconceived notions and nothing will alter their perspective.
"I enjoyed your Christmas column, the one so viciously attacked by the letter-writer you quoted. There was a letter in the paper today from someone else insulting you. The favorite tactic of those who cannot discuss or debate the facts or the logic--go after the person.
"I urge you to not back down or stop responding to letters and comments from people like that. That is actually a resolution I made this year--to not let irritants like that go without a response or reaction from me. Those who criticize and attack are fair game."
Although there are juvenile movements underway nationwide to ridicule and "cancel" others who dare (in this land of free speech and expression) to think differently than the self-appointed cancelers, rest assured, David, I plan on following my own heart and mind to the final breath, or until my last pair of big-boy britches wears completely out.
And I'll still do it without personally smearing, demonizing or canceling anyone who dares think or act differently than I do.
One penny each
Reader Barbara Lasley sent a GodNod not long ago with this message: "Mike--This past year five very good friends from our high school class passed away.
"I was out Christmas shopping, and when I returned to my car, I looked down to see a shining copper penny. I think a penny found like that is a penny from heaven, only that day there were five pennies. "
Now go out into the world and treat everyone you meet exactly like you want them to treat you.
Mike Masterson is a longtime Arkansas journalist, was editor of three Arkansas dailies and headed the master's journalism program at Ohio State University. Email him at mmasterson@arkansasonline.com.