The Centre Cannot Hold (Politics)

 Turning and turning in the widening gyre

The falcon cannot hear the falconer;
Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;
Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,
The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere
The ceremony of innocence is drowned;
The best lack all conviction, while the worst
Are full of passionate intensity.

W. B. Yeats

I am no stranger to things falling apart at the seams, but it is sometimes good to look around and remind ourselves that we, as a species, have been 'here' before.  And no doubt we will be 'here' again.

The is just a part of the poem written by W. B. Yeats in the aftermath of WWI, but it is timely, I think, to ponder what he says.

But more importantly - what can we *do*?  

Personally I feel that it is imperative that each one of us remembers that while we, as individuals, have little control over what is currently going on in our world, we *can* do things.

Above all, we can not 'comply in advance'.  In the maelstrom of conflicting messages, we can try to tease the 'truth' out of the barrage of messages flying all around us. Before 'complying' make sure of what you are agreeing to comply with.

In the midst of a shitstorm of epic proportions, we can hang on to ourselves - our integrity.  We can question our leaders and not gulp down, without thought or examination, every word they spew into the whirlwind.

We can watch to see what they do, and if it aligns with what they are saying.  Or not.

We can hold them accountable.  Like our current Leader of the Opposition trying to wheedle his way back into the House of Commons, bleating about the government's bloated spending - while he spends more than the other parties combined.  Where PM Carney appoints something like 34 Ministers and *he* has something like 74 'shadow' ministers - all of whom are paid more than the 'ordinary' MP's salary.  

Now, who is 'bloated'?

We can support the people around us.  We can share our thoughts about what is happening and point out the inconsistencies in the messages.  Yes, even by the government.  We are here to hold *them* accountable, too, not just the 'other' guys.

As individuals we can be helpful.  Creative.  Supportive.  We can light a candle against the dark, and if someone comes along whose candle is not lit?  Maybe we can light theirs for them.

There is very little I can actually *do* right now.  I can give a hug to someone who needs it.  I can hold a hand, or offer assistance, even if it is just a supportive word or two.  

Right now I have little 'extra' in terms of money, so I cannot give much money to others.  But I can share their efforts and let others decide if *they* can support a Go Fund Me - or not.

I can answer questions.  I can share my knowledge.  I can point people to resources.  I can speak out and say 'this is not good, not 'right'.  

Last week someone referenced something I said and claimed me as a 'godmother'.  

I may not have a magic wand, but I can still 'help' as much as I can, given my current circumstances.  

As things continue to 'fall apart', I can try to help put them back together, as best I can.  And if we each do a little bit, who knows, maybe the centre will hold.

As a friend says when wishing someone good luck - Gold Dust to everyone.  May you find hope and peace during these uncertain times.  Take a cup of kindness if you need some.  Virtual hugs, if you need one.