Wednesday, March 23, 2005

Aggressive Passivity

Most of us are at least familiar with the psychological term: passive aggressive. Basically it is understood to be a way of gaining control or power through means of victimization, timidity or "exagerated meekness or weakness," the underdog. But the point is; it is a power play that results in a certain level of control in a given situation.
It has finally dawned upon me, through the political rhetoric of redefinition that we have been witness to and party to the opposite. For years, our politicians have been right out there in the forefront with "power and promise" or threat of accountability, only for their constituents to hear later, "their hands are tied." We have very powerful men that speak great promises and lead large military maneuvers around the world, that do not have the power to save a little baby or a helpless woman. Now, that is what leaders used to do. As a matter of fact, I haven't seen a politician kiss a baby in ages. Our last president said he "felt our pain." Just what did that mean? It certainly couldn't have referred to job loss or wage reduction, or uncertain pension funds. Our current leader actually appears to believe leaders around the world should consult with him regarding the "running of their countries" and yet he can't make his little brother's state run according to republican rhetoric. A note to Florida, by the way. Might want to consider all those storms and the value of life compared to property. G~d doesn't appear to be very happy with the "magic kingdom" State.
Big talk and big threats and big promises and big excuses and big passing of the buck. As we continue into this 21st century and are told that mandatory and freedom are supposed to be complimentary and rights and invasion of privacy are not conflicting, we realize Passive Aggressive has been turned inside out. You see passive aggression is for a purpose to gain something. Aggressive passivity is simply because someone can keep getting away with it.
I believe the words of an old Indian describe Aggressive Passivity best: Much thunder, but still no rain.
By their fruits ye shall know them

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