Dictionary.com defines ethos as: noun
1. Sociology. the fundamental character or spirit of a culture; the underlying sentiment that informs the beliefs, customs, or practices of a group or society; dominant assumptions of a people or period:
In the Greek ethos the individual was highly valued.
2. the character or disposition of a community, group, person, etc.
It’s a word that, considering the state of our current government’s administration, should take on a particularly powerful meaning now. You see, as I predicted many years ago and continue the drumbeat to this very day, the Presidential election of 2024 would be – and IS – a referendum on what it means to be an American.
It’s time to take a good long look into our hearts and souls and answer that question.
Let’s look beyond the realm of politics and delve into the moral. What ethos,
i.e. fundamental character or spirit of a culture, do we want to represent the legacy of our era?
Despite his protestations, it has become clear that by his ACTIONS that President
Donald J.Trump and his cronies are implementing the draconian principles laid out in the Project 2025 doctrine. EVERYONE should know that the ideals within that
document will fundamentally change the very core of American policy both domestically and internationally.
But it’s more than just political change. It’s a moral issue too, as already seen in the
flurry of Executive Orders issued by Mr. Trump, many of them indicating the
implementation of Project 2025 doctrine; a world ruled by white, privileged men, and the uber wealthy. Those not willing to accept these standards will be shunned, cast out, or worse. And there are many other tenets that are equally morally reprehensible.
There are already many examples of these facts. Too many to list for any one article.
But, for just one example, anything to do with the Federal Government’s attempt with
providing a fair opportunity for ALL Americans to work and be included in the so-called American dream was cancelled when he dissolved DEI (The Department of Equity an Inclusion). And he did so with joy as if equity and inclusion were dirty words! He was even so petty as to have even any mention of the words erased from any Federal officeor building. Then he doubled-down by blaming the horrific mid-air collision in Washington, D.C. on DEI hiring – with NO PROOF, as they were still recovering bodies from the Potomac! Of course, he was completely supported by the UNQUALIFIED lackies he appointed to key positions in his Cabinet.
Is this leadership? Hell no! It’s downright deplorable. A REAL leader would have offered strength through words and deeds of compassion to the families and the Nation. And there is more. Too much more to describe them all. But let’s review just a few more examples.
In addition to the inexcusable act of pardoning the Jan.6 th traitors and criminals (1500 of them) he has taken his domination of America’s justice system to a new low by firing any inspector who might find malfeasance in any of his Administration, dismissing any prosecutors in the Department of Justice who had any involvement in the Jan. 6 th trials, and demanding the records of ANY agent who may have been involved in the investigation for possible further action.
This is unconscionable! He has once again put himself above the law and is getting
away with it – again! Why? Because people continue to support him. But they can
longer in good conscience say, “don’t mind what he says. Look at what he does.” Well, I am looking and it’s disgusting.
There are SO many examples of this man’s attempt at bring us to, ah, yes, the dreaded word: fascism – dreaded AND real. Allow me to make one more point.
In another action, Mr. Trump basically dissolved the US Government’s program to assist those most in need in other countries known as USAID. By providing food and other life essentials to those struggling, it was our attempt to show that the United States not only has a big stick, but it can provide a healthy carrot too. When asked, one his newest lackies, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, summed up the new policy by basically s aying(paraphrasing): it’s not about THEM. It’s about US.
No more carrots. Here’s the stick.
And there you have it folks, the new American ethos. But perhaps I’m wrong. Maybe we’ve always been that way. After all, over 77 million Americans voted for this man and his agenda. For the life of me, I can’t figure out why so many people would elect a man with so many serious character flaws. Was it because they saw their own faults in him and that made him relatable? But can they REALLY look at themselves in the mirror today and say, “I want to look like that – BE that?” Even Now?
The way things stand today if any Trump supporters were to actually read this, I find it highly unlikely that it would change any of their minds. But if my words can inspire even one person to stop this madness, spending the few hours to write this will have been worth it. You see, maybe I’m old fashioned, but I remember when Americans stood up for the little guy, the less fortunate, the underdog – because that’s what WE were, and I want us to be again. THAT’s our ethos. And either you believe in that, or you don’t. Act.
Before it’s too late.
Editor’s note: The views expressed in this article are those of this independent writer and not the Nyack News & Views editorial staff. We welcome submissions from anybody who is interested in publishing their thoughts, ideas and perspectives about issues facing our community, both large and small. Please send to info@nyacknewsandviews.com with detailed contact information.
Photo credit: Frank LoBuono
