Crowley: Vibrant music heard in stark contrast to today's Americans
This past weekend, I had the immense pleasure of attending the Amarillo Symphony’s “Salute to America” concert at Hodgetown, where, as in years prior, both the atmosphere and music were utterly sublime. Of course, as one possessing nary an ounce of musical talent, I could only marvel at the performers’ creative genius; they expertly wove together wondrous melodies and exquisite strains from days gone by, thus enlivening America’s unique musical heritage. Fantastic as that journey was, though, I surprisingly found myself even more enamored by the audience’s response. Not merely entertained by the music, the crowd was rather invigorated and energized by it, as if their spirits had been roused from a long and unnatural slumber. Indeed, I could almost see the fetters of our current culture – which demands national shame, not pride – fall away as the audience was permitted to commemorate its heroes, honor its brave, and relish its heritage. Thrilling as it was to witness this awakening, it was also a bit disheartening, for it underscored just how much we, as a nation and people, have lost of late.
Once dynamic and vibrant, Americans have become a hollow shell of their former selves; no longer do we speak freely and openly, rarely do we take risks and push boundaries, and too seldom do we revere our history. It’s as if the pioneers and visionaries of old have been replaced by a servile, timid people driven by panic, not purpose. The great Thomas Paine, in his 1776 pamphlet “The American Crisis,” wrote of the power and velocity of panic in overwhelming a country; just as it was true of his time, so it is true today. From the pandemic to race riots, and everything in between, our delicate social structure has been utterly frayed by panic. Perhaps it was unavoidable, but we must now ask ourselves, is it irreversible?
Before throwing in the proverbial towel and passively watching our nation collapse, let us return once again to the words of Paine, who said panic can be just as instructive as it is destructive. Waves of panic, he thought, can “produce as much good as hurt” for they “bring things and men to light, which might otherwise have lain undiscovered.” This was true of America in 1776, just as, I believe, it is true in 2022. As appalling and demoralizing as the news has lately been, it is nonetheless difficult to deny that much light has been shone on the corruption, ineptitude, and pure lunacy at work in our government and institutions. The sight is ugly, to be sure, but no longer is it hidden from view; while ignorance offers bliss, knowledge gives power.
The insanity is quite easy to spot, if only you’ll look. Scores of children are being mutilated in the name of transgenderism, while parents are stripped of their rights. Violent criminals go unpunished in once-beautiful cities that have become nothing more than dystopian hellscapes. Our nation’s dignity on the world stage has been replaced by humiliation and disgrace; the sacrifice of our military heroes came to naught in Afghanistan, our leaders in Washington regularly make us a laughingstock, and the twin gods of climate and equity have supplanted our sovereignty and self sufficiency. It’s equal parts infuriating and humiliating to witness everything fall apart so quickly, particularly as those most responsible simply slough it off with their lies and contempt. However, in observing the crowd last Saturday night at Hodgetown, I felt more hope than I had in a very long time.
This hope was born of a simple realization: I am not alone. There are many who, like me, love their country and community, and wish to see them both honored and protected, not merely for themselves, but for the sake of their children and grandchildren as well. Indeed, many are those who hate what America has become; the problem is, we stay silent. In keeping quiet, we not only fail to realize just how numerous are those who think and feel as we do, but we also give free reign to a radical minority. Given the immense power we possess – to vote, to speak, to pray – there is no reason we cannot, all of us, rise up and reclaim what has been lost. America is in crisis, so let us not be a nation of “summer soldiers and sunshine patriots,” but rather, in the immortal words of Thomas Paine, let us be a robust people who know that “the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.”
Courtney A. Crowley is an instructor of history at West Texas A&M University. The comments here represent her own opinions and not those of WTAMU.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Crowley: Vibrant music heard in stark contrast to today's Americans
