Sadness of the Zoo

We are moving into a period of bewilderment, a curious moment in which people find light in the midst of despair, and vertigo at the summit of their hopes. It is a religious moment also, and here is the danger. People will want to obey the voice of Authority, and many strange constructs of just what Authority is will arise in every mind… The public yearning for Order will invite many stubborn uncompromising persons to impose it. The sadness of the zoo will fall upon society. — Leonard Cohen.

Today, we find ourselves adrift in a perplexing era, a time of both profound hope and crippling despair. This “religious moment” is a double-edged sword. While it ignites a longing for order and guidance, it also risks birthing dangerous ideologies and authoritarian figures. As the weight of division bears down upon us, we must resist the temptation to retreat into isolated camps.

Our nation, once a beacon of unity, is now fractured by a chasm that seems to widen with each passing day. Rather than seeking solutions, our leaders engage in petty blame games and divisive rhetoric. They prioritize partisan interests over the common good, exacerbating the very divisions they claim to address.

It’s time for a different approach. Let us acknowledge the shared humanity that binds us all, regardless of our differences. Let us extend a hand of compassion to those on the other side of the divide, offering our resources and support. By fostering kindness and understanding, we can begin to heal the wounds of our society.

Let us create a haven of peace and harmony on our side of the chasm, a place where empathy and cooperation flourish. By embracing these values, we can inspire others to join us in bridging the gap and building a more united future.

About the author

Webb Hubbell is the former Associate Attorney General of The United States. His novels, When Men Betray, Ginger Snaps, A Game of Inches, The Eighteenth Green, and The East End are published by Beaufort Books and are available online or at your local bookstore. When Men Betray won one of the IndieFab awards for best novel in 2014. Ginger Snaps and The Eighteenth Green won the IPPY Awards Gold Medal for best suspense/thriller. His latest, “Light of Day” will be on the bookstands soon.

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