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I take a stub of graphite in hand, gripping it tightly betwixt thumb and forefinger so that it does not break.
I am unclear how much time has elapsed since the great internecine feud erupted in the early part of the 21st century. Though not surprised by it’s occurrence I was shattered by the speed with which it commenced and tore apart the fabric of life in our towns, cities and the country.
In the beginning the conflict was laughed off. Many chided its importance and referred to it simply as “The Orange Rebellion.”
All the signs had been visible and the opposing parties equally responsible. It was clear to most that a growing miasma of discontent and disenfranchisement was slowly disemboweling life in our country.
Those living in urban areas were on the one hand less concerned as they felt that democracy would always win out. At the same time, they were scared with their proximity to the increasing violence erupting from disparate corners of the world, and even more frighteningly from within so many pockets of the country.
Many who lived in what used to be known as the rust belt and rural areas weren’t afraid of personal physical harm that might be inflicted by mass terrorism. Often, just getting cable and Internet services in their remote location was difficult. Terrorists wouldn’t bother with them.
The poor were blissfully unaware of the state of affairs as they struggled for mere survival on a daily basis.
The media compounded the slowly festering depletion of our moral sensitivities by 24 hour a day coverage of the methodical dismantling of American democracy as we then knew it. Ever in search of increased ratings, both conservative and liberal media pounced on every opportunity to bash what they perceived of as the opposition.
I can’t say exactly how or why but simply that one day long ago we suffered an eruption of such magnitude that I believe most all were taken by surprise.
The burgeoning vitriol that pundits endlessly clamored about took an unexpected turn. Just as in the old zombie movies where humans turned on and devour each other, an armed conflict erupted along what was known as the Mason Dixon line. Though when it was all over, clearly the conflict was far more geographically wide-spread and in-bred.
Armed gangs of all ages roamed the streets and looked for visible representations of all they detested. Churches, synagogues and mosques were the first to feel the blows of years of pent up hostility, jealousy, hatred and fear.
When the police intervened, they were attacked unmercifully. From that point on everything went downhill.
The deep distrust that had been sewn by the establishment caused otherwise rational citizens to attack all symbols of authority. Once the police state such as it might be called was dismantled, the mass destruction began in full.
Every state became its own “universe.” Across much of the country anyone who might be considered an immigrant by the color of their skin was attacked, tortured and in the more moderate territories imprisoned in camps.
The federal government was helpless to act. The President in the eighth year of his second term had been successful in dismantling all branches of the government and led the country by totalitarian rule. Had this not been so, perhaps, America might have survived wounded, but operationally intact.
Imagine the surprise when many on the left, the progressives who had tolerated almost eight years found their way to arms. No one, certainly not I could have foreseen the armed insurrection that dethroned the President of The United States of America.
His hasty retreat to one of his many properties in Russia allowed him safe harbor. Rumor has it he has spent many years on the run traveling world-wide to those countries that allow him safe harbor.
Once he fled our great nation, chaos reigned throughout the land.
A massive earthquake and Tsunami engulfed the country destroying almost all its infrastructure and most devastatingly the entire electrical grid, virtually eliminating any form of mass communication. America teetered on the verge of dissolution.
Life as we knew it literally ceased to exist.
I have not the time nor the energy to explain all that happened within the states. I can only mournfully recall that the mounting death toll from starvation and lack of fresh water was just one infinitesimal aspect of the horrific spectacle that those of us who survived witnessed.
The utter devastation and genocide is difficult to conceive let alone take pencil and paper in hand and try to describe. And perhaps there is no reason so to do.
Why was I one of the lucky ones? I have no idea. I say luck because though I sit alone and isolated with this tiny writing instrument I feel I must record the nation’s rebirth. It has only just begun, but the signs are promising.
All at present is very disconnected and functioning on an almost pre-societal level. Yet, in my wanderings I have witnessed something new. I’m almost afraid to record it for fear of derailing what seems to be unimaginable.
Wherever I roam I see men and women helping out their fellow human beings. There seems to be a lack of awareness in individual differences bred of necessity. White man, black, brown all work together to craft a meager existence.
There is a complete lack of hostility. Indeed, just the opposite. In this our hour of greatest need mankind seems as one.
A rudimentary form of local government has arisen, based out of expertise not background or privilege.
Every man, woman and child are working together. Most impressively, though it may be my imagination, I feel that there is not only a lack of tension, but an actual relaxation and realization that everyone is in the same situation.
I view almost limitless acts of random kindness.
I am a wanderer, so perhaps I see more than others though I am “one” and forge no lasting relationships. This creates great loneliness. At the same time my senses are buoyed by what I perceive to be the climate of hope and cooperation that exists among all.
In my travels I have seen many different types of organizations of individuals. Yet they all seem to have one thing in common. Contentment.
Yes, hard though it may be to believe, or even comprehend, a great “oneness” has developed. Were I a religious man I would think this has all been a part of his great plan. A reinvention of human kind. A starting over as it were.
We are benefitted in that we have no communication with any other parts of the world. In many cases our communities are simply small clusters of individuals. Many, who because of their unique skills travel as do I to make contributions to the various neighboring territories.
Smiles. I see smiles on the faces of children. But far more importantly I see them on the faces of adults as they toil together to rebuild the remnants of what was once the most powerful nation in the universe.
It is my gut that tells me that we will arise again, perhaps more powerful than ever before. But, in a different way.
Somehow, for some reason the disaster wreaked upon us by the “Orange Rebellion” has resulted in a fusion of individuals who interact at the most primal level in a manner that I can only describe as loving and caring.
Were the citizens of our country always this way, deep, deep down? I don’t know. It doesn’t matter. I am hungry and must stop writing now. I have arrived at a new destination. A stranger is beckoning me with beaker of drink and a hunk of bread in his outstretched hands. He is smiling, he is waiving, he is welcoming.
I have arrived. Perhaps I will stay awhile.
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This post was part of our City of the Future Editors Choice Award. To see other submissions, click here.
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Photo credit: Getty Images