THE COMING STORM

    What kind of America will emerge from this tragic decision she has made? Damned if I know. I know one thing. It won't be based on educating the masses for critical thinking. One can obtain a preview of that from our little state just west of the Mississippi River.

    We have enjoyed (?) a two-year head start. We've already started dismantling the public school system. Oh, it won't be completely destroyed. It will stand ready to educate that segment of society Orwell called, in 1984, the Proles. They will receive just enough education to perform the necessary common labor work and be able to find their way to the pubs.

    Real education will rely on private schools partially funded with public tax dollars. They will teach everything from nuclear physics to proof that the Universe is 6,000 years old and resulted from simple thoughts over a six-day period.

    Not much room will exist for literature, history, philosophy, or art.

    Our marriage didn't produce offspring, just one miscarriage and a normal amount of effort. I, therefore. will enjoy a tragic gift of curiosity. I can simply observe since we have no children or grandchildren to make us mourn. I'm far enough down the list, just after teachers and librarians, that Death will likely beat them to me. I won't see it all, but maybe a portion. For example:

    Hitler came into power in January 1933.

    The first state-supported book burning took place in May 1933.

    I may live to see those.

    No children or grandchildren, but may I please mourn for those of my dear friends who don't deserve what's coming?