By Colleen O’Connor
“How do I hate thee? Let me count the ways.”
That twisted take on Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s love sonnet accurately captures some of America’s stewing rage.
The reason? Let me count and/or name them.
Ryan Lochte, the Olympic swimmer aka “jerk”/liar, who re-popularized the phrase “Ugly American” and was rewarded with a gig on “Dancing With The Stars.” His juvenile behavior robbed every American athlete of the praise they deserved. To say nothing about his repellent and insulting behavior toward Brazil.
Brock Turner, the Stanford rapist, who had to be pulled off his unconscious prey (next to a dumpster in an alley) by two Swedish guys. Turner was tried and found guilty, but treated to a reduced sentence that was then cut in half. His unspeakable behavior raised cruelty and debasement of the university and every woman to a new guttural low. Time in jail—3 months.
Colin Kaepernick, the 49ers’ quarterback, who being named one of the biggest disasters of the year, decides to resurrect his relevance by refusing to stand during the pre-game national anthem to protest inequality in America—and probably will do so, again, during the Charger’s 28th annual salute to the U.S. military on Thursday. Perhaps, the failing QB may also ask for a dance with someone who understands his conflicted self and lives in a perfect country. Don’t hold your breath for him to do anything that requires Mother Theresa-like sacrifices to address the omnipresent inequality.
Anthony Weiner, the former congressman and now separated husband of Clinton aide, Huma Abedin, for his revolting selfie/sexting photos (the latest with his infant beside him in bed) and narcissistic need to be noticed. He has set a new standard for TMI revulsion. More radio shows in his future?
Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, both for debasing the Presidency, diminishing the electorate, defaming each other and being all around anti-democratic. Surely, there are more important issues in the global economic, social, and cultural meltdown of the 21st century than second-grade name calling. The two most unpopular presidential candidates in 30 years.
Last, but even more important, anyone who calls themselves “civilized” and promotes, popularizes, prints, televises, or otherwise encourages such shameful conduct.
This could be a 10-page list, but the remaining space allows for the reader to insert one’s own outrage, be it lack of trust in Congress, the President, the judiciary, the churches, the banks, the IRS, the 1 percent, the shredding fabric of society, the fake news/Twitterverse, etc. Add the ingredients of your justifiable anger.
To close with the unpleasant twist to Browning’s popular love sonnet: Not “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.”
But, rather… “I hate thee to the depth and breadth and height / My rage can reach.”
You demean us all.
Colleen O’Connor is a retired college history professor and native San Diegan.
