“BLOG”. I hadn’t heard that word until a few years ago. Who made it up? Why “BLOG”? Reminds me of “THE BLOB”.
Remember that classic sci-fi thriller? It featured a gooey alien mass that drops from the sky near a small town in PA. The red ooze consumes everything in its path, including people. It can’t get enough and can’t be stopped, gobbling up old drunks and frolicking teenagers alike. The deadly and overpowering scourge seeps quietly across the land with little restraint. Sounds just like our government. In fact, it was our government! The movie may have been sending subtle political messages about the spread of communism/blob. The cold war was gripping America in the 1950’s. People were consumed with fear. We dreaded the threat of nuclear war.
Joe McCarthy fueled those fears (via McCarthyism). He was a 38-year-old first-term senator from WI who vehemently claimed that communist spies lived within our government. His extreme rhetoric and violent propaganda captivated our citizens and controlled our minds. I remember it well as a boy growing up in WI.
“Tailgunner Joe” was brash and insulting. His tactics were borderline brutal, but somehow his support from government officials and the American people remained strong. Our fear of communism was so powerful that we were desperate for anything to save us from the red blob.
In 1954, Joe launched an investigation into potential military ties to communism, a brazen act that sealed his fate. His interrogation tactics of army officials were rude, vulgar, and insulting. He made wild accusations that ruined many reputations. The fiasco was televised, and the American public was outraged. He was unceremoniously removed from the senate, and soon after, died at age 48 from alcoholism (presumably). His volatile political career was cut short, so we’ll never know if his wild antics and accusations had any substance.
Nonetheless, the Red Scare remained very much alive in America. We still feared Communism and its threat of nuclear war. People were afraid to voice their political beliefs lest they be labeled a communist. This caused division in America much like that of today.
Widespread fear and paranoia had paralyzed and polarized our country until the early 1960’s. When JFK took office, our country started to stand up and overcome its fear of communism. He united both the people and the government. Patriotism prevailed. America rallied together and stood strong. We always have and we always will.
But our country needs help right now. That is why I’m asking you to support Convention of States. It’s a grassroots movement that’s gaining momentum fast. Spread the word at every opportunity. Make a difference for the future. Check out our excellent website, conventionofstates.com. Get involved. Sign the petition and help restore our country.
Also, be sure to watch the upcoming Convention of States Simulation. The event will be held in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia on August 2-4. This is a rehearsal for the real Convention coming soon (we hope). I’m excited to participate and learn the process of COS. I’m excited to take part in history as we the people use Article V to guide our country. Each state will send delegates to Washington, DC where they discuss proposed amendments. This is a state-level initiative which gives citizens a much tighter grip on government. The state legislators in your district are much easier to contact and hold accountable. Plus, because it's a resolution and not a bill, no governor signature needed (sorry J.P.)!
All we need is to pass the resolution in both state chambers, then choose delegates for the Convention in DC. It’s exciting to watch our Constitution at work!
Now, back to “THE BLOB” and its grip on America. The creeping red menace (blob/communism) is finally conquered by Steve McQueen (his first major acting role) along with a bunch of teenagers. They used fire extinguishers to freeze it (great idea!). Then they promptly gave it to the Air Force who dumped it in the Arctic Ocean; out of harm’s way, but still a potential threat waiting to be thawed out by unknowns. Communism could not be killed, only subdued. (What a plot!).
The movie is eerily similar to our current situation. The government blob is consuming us; overwhelming us with a mountain of bureaucracy that burdens everyone and benefits no one. It smothers us with useless regulations and wasteful spending. It openly promotes a climate of social decay and cultural division like never before. Our own government threatens our very existence. The situation seems hopeless. “Why even try?” is what many people think. But wait! There is hope! It’s a wonderful gift from those great men who founded our country. It’s Article V of the Constitution as I’ve described above. This grassroots movement is fast becoming an avalanche across the nation! Remember to visit the outstanding COS website and sign the petition. Let’s freeze the blob before it consumes us!
