While I often talk about critical thinking on this blog, I always say that I aspire to the ideal it represents. And there is one offence I regularly commit that is anathema to the spirit of critical thinking: my wholesale condemnation of the 'United' States, which, technically speaking, is a gross overgeneralization.. But that condemnation comes not just because of who leads them; it is also thanks to the ingrained ethos of Americans, that they are the greatest in the world, their guns ensure their safety, etc. etc. ad nauseam.
My friend Gary often points out that there are good Americans, people who are totally opposed to the malignant, narcissistic fascist dictator (I'm not sure there is any other kind) who currently occupies the White House. My stock response is usually something along the lines of, "Yeah, but look who they elected to lead them." To that I might add the legislative body, Congress, so cravenly supine and obsequious in the face of their mad king's depredations.
One thing dictators hate is to be mocked and protected against. Their fragile egos, bolstered by the people they surround themselves with, just cannot accept that they aren't universally loved. I was therefore heartened by yesterday's grand display of opposition to the tyrant. Here are some photos from the No Kings Protests that took place across America and, indeed, the world. Perhaps the spirit of America is not dead yet.
Oh, and this one has to hurt:
