Greek mythology is as relevant today as ever. The story of Icarus comes to mind, a boy who lived in a cave with his father (who was imprisoned) to work tirelessly for a king. As Icarus grew older, his restlessness became almost unbearable. He begged his father to help him escape, and his father complied by making pairs of wings made of feathers and wax for both of them. Together they flew off. Despite his father's repeated warnings to not fly too high, Icarus did not listen. His newfound freedom and his stubbornness took flight with him as he headed for the sun. The warmth and light were too much of a temptation, and as he got closer to the sun the feathers and wax began to melt. His fate met the abyss of the sea.
Like Icarus, America in its relative short history has soared to heights our founders could never have imagined. A nation and its people have accomplished greatness in many fields. And the United States has been able to do that by evolving from a country that allowed slavery at its inception to being more and more and more inclusive to all Americans, no matter the color of their skin or the god they worshipped or the person they loved. We took pride in being heuristic and celebrated achievement in science, in the arts, and in our compassion for those who were beyond our shores. This is the country many of us grew up in, and no matter who was president, we felt that man appreciated that it was these core values and principles that symbolized “who we are.”
Donald Trump, the Republican Party that falls into line behind him, and their supporters are hurtling America toward disaster. Trump, like a young and foolish Icarus, is obdurate in his beliefs. Announcing he is a nationalist who is patriotic brings back reminders of nations that allowed nationalism to be the death spiral for democracy. Attacking and dividing our government institutions and groups of people, whom he deems as his enemy, as a show of strength to a base yearning for vicarious thrills gives his followers the idea that “freedom” is to be prejudiced, uncivil, and to attach themselves to their worst angels. Is that liberation?