No, Chicken Little, The Sky is Not Falling

By Ronald E. Hignight

It all started with a general alarm, sounded by the people of pundits, that the American Dream was falling from the sky when the Supreme Court decision was rendered holding that corporations possessed a constitutional right of free speech akin to that of individuals. Next came Obama, who heaped a little scorn upon the Justices who made that constitutional determination (it’s their job to do so) based upon a poorly written political campaign law. It’s now being suggested that we prepare for our worst nightmare – a country run by “greedy rich people (who run corporations) participating in politics only to protect their individual interests.”

I would ask first – so, what is new? This country has always, except for brief unsuccessful periods of popularism, been run by the “greedy rich people participating in politics only to protect their individual interests.” So, what is new?

The ‘sky is falling’ mantra does not set well with me. I have a good public education; I can think for myself and I don’t seize upon any and every thing let by the press. When something of import comes up, I take the time to discern both sides of an issue and make up my own decision as to what I will support or not support. And, as for Madison Avenue, the joke is on them. I drink Budweiser for the taste, not for the company’s stylish and funny advertising.

It seems when others are projecting, that I will make poor voting decisions based upon the slick Madison Ave. presentations that will be offered by corporations, they demean me. It seems to me when they think so little of my ability to discern where a future salon’s interest lies; they think me stupid and in need of protection. Those who project the falling sky do not seem to think too much of my intelligence. Excuse me; I don’t need to be protected from information. Indeed, I don’t need to be protected from forecasts of doom; for, in fact, the sky is not falling, Chicken Littles.