We Are A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Nation!

BY LOUIE OVERSTREET

Unlike the 1963 movie “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World,” what is happening in America today is no laughing matter. 

I first observed our nation’s declining mental health in a Sentinel Voice column back in July 2012, and again more than two years ago in Las Vegas Black Image. I stressed the fact that too many of us were using the 1st and 2nd Amendments to justify inappropriate behavior, with no corrective action taken. In hindsight, my warnings were grossly inadequate in forecasting what is now happening to our nation. 

The insanity of it all is such that I now want to place my hands over my ears and shout “Stop the madness!” I associate the madness with the four topical areas of isms/phobias, lying, learning, and justice. 

While there have been members of Congress who have openly practiced racism, sexism, homophobia and xenophobia in my lifetime, this is the first time it has been blatantly practiced by a sitting President of the United States. 

Ever since the sorry-behind Supreme Court ruled in 2012 that lying by politicians was not a crime, it has been nonstop ever since. So please forgive me for getting a little teary-eyed and wistful for a time when lying on someone or calling them out of their name could result in a butt-kicking. 

Now I have a question: Do any of you remember when learning right from wrong was taught by our parents or in school? I certainly learned from my mother that acting up in public was unwise — lest I suffer the consequences of such behavior. Nowadays for politicians, the bigger the fool the better. 

The fourth type of madness in America that has been a constant: not administering equal justice under the law for immigrants, poor folks, or persons of color. 

It can’t be news to you that the madness ain’t gonna stop anytime soon — and you can take that poop to the bank!