State of our Union?

While sitting in a dentist chair a couple weeks back, lips and gums numbed by novocaine awaiting a procedure, the Doc asked me a question to break the tedium and anxiety. “What do you think about what’s happening in this country today?” This piqued my interest and I tentatively answered, not wishing to offend or anger him. After all, I was on the receiving end and he wielded the dental tools.

My reply: “I believe most of our population is overdue for a reality check.”

He and his assistant exchanged a prolonged glance, continued and completed the relatively painless procedure. I believe I left permanent finger indentations in the chair armrests. I owe you readers an explanation: The U.S. is on the cusp of a civil, political, judicial and military meltdown. Our military is seriously non-combat ready compromised due to the Pentagons surrender to the WOKE/DEI agendas. Our executive, political leadership and staff is inferior and sub-standard. Our judicial and federal institutions have been dangerously politically weaponized against their political opposition. Our legislative branch is totally partisan and ineffective. Our mainstream media are political agents spewing propaganda to close-minded individuals eager to devour their every word. Don’t believe what you personally hear and see with your own eyes, believe their biased interpretation. Democrats remain united, justly or unjustly. For the good of this country or not. Republicans continue their defeatist routine trying to conjure up the good old days of the past. Political power reigns — we ‘the people’ take a back seat.

Breaking news fellas & gals: standard politics went out the window with the 2020 election and will never be the same again. Adapt effectively and counter or lose. I just bought two ball caps today with what I consider appropriate logos. One cap is blue signifying a clear cloudless sky which I wishfully liken to uncorrupted minds. The other white signifying purity, hope honesty and sincerity. Each depicts red, white and blue detailed stitching of an elephant on one side, a donkey on the other with the caption: ‘Make America ONE Again’. We must graciously tolerate and accept differences in politics and opinions or face the possible dreadful consequences together.

We are one nation under God, not a politically and media opinion driven nation. Our enemies are gleefully watching and planning future moves to exploit our division and weakness. We can do so much better. God bless this always great U.S.A. And forever may it remain great and God bless you readers and your families living under the freedoms accorded us under our Constitution and protecting you beneath the folds of our red, white and blue. I will be voting for this great country this November, not for a political party or personal gain — my country. Come join me.

Town of North East resident Larry Conklin is a Vietnam veteran and a member of both the Millerton American Legion Post 178 and the VFW Post 6851 in North Canaan, Conn.