There was a sickness out there. And it struck us down with silence. Even when people were in close proximity, their voices were notably quieter. It …

The Sickness of Reason

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Reading Brad Evans account of our current state of affairs reminds me deeply of Ray Bradbury’s “The Pedestrian”. I first read Bradbury’s short story in high school. It was highly impactful then, and more and more is equally or more impactful now.

“The Pedestrian” accounts the story of an old man, in AD 2053, going for a walk on a cold November night. You see, in this future not so far from now, the simple act of walking is an aberration, an oddity, something not normal. Entertainment is found in the home, air is found in the home, there is no need to leave ones home.

“What is it now?” he asked the houses, noticing his wrist watch. “Eight-thirty P.M.? Time for a dozen assorted murders? A quiz? A revue? A comedian falling off the stage?”

“The Pedestrian” by Ray Bradbury

He is pulled over by the police, for this simple act of walking. For as I stated this simple act is so out of the ordinary is these days it is worth an examination.

“Just walking, Mr. Mead?”

“Yes.”

“But you haven’t explained for what purpose.”

I explained; for air, and to see, and just to walk.”

“Have you done this often?”

“Every night for years.”

The police car sat in the center of the street with its radio throat faintly humming. “Well, Mr. Mead,” it said

“Is that all?” He asked politely.

“Yes,” said the voice. “Here.” There was a sigh, as pop. The back door of the police care sprang wide. “Get in.”

“The Pedestrian” by Ray Bradbury

Evan’s account speak deeply to me of this exchange. Americans have grown lazy. Too often content to sit comfortably on their couches, and Lazy Boys, consuming the next best, “Must See”, TV show. When their passions are arisen, then coming hot and unfocused, are so easily mollified by the next new and shinny thing that a marketing department can conjure up. They merely exist in their “tomb-like buildings” consuming, not really living.

The rise of Trump road in upon the laziness of Americans not understanding the real danger he posed. Not really understanding the impotence of action, of voting, of speaking, or living. Evan’s quiet was the sound of people closing their ears and gladly being told everything was going to be okay. The quiet is the quiet ignorance that comes with surrendering your voice, your life, to fear and money.

Americans have fallen silent as their Nation has been stolen by hate, by intolerance, and by the greed of individuals that would kill a fellow citizen to make a buck, or get a hair cut, or get their nails done, or be allowed to push another down because they look different. All the while wallowing in the great distractions of modernity.

A revolution is desperately needed. Lest we all become either Mr. Mead, or the millions grown dumb by the technology around us.