by Tom Arnold, ©2025
(Nov. 22, 2025) — Forgive me for what you might think is the controversial and objectionable nature of this topic. Also, before continuing I believe it would be appropriate to show you what one of the most common definitions of “civilized” is. It is “polite and well-mannered.”
I admit that I chose the title for this article to get your attention. Hopefully you will not see it as being inflammatory or off-putting. The following narrative may prove to be interesting. It is possible, too, that it might even give rise to some serious contemplation and enlightenment.
Before getting started, I also want to inform you that a popular FNC talk show host (whose identity I shall not disclose) recently accused me of being a narcissist and an attention seeker. I am quite familiar with those types (such as the accuser himself, and many others especially who have national prominence). Such a “diagnosis,” however, does NOT apply to me! All I am trying to do is exercise my First Amendment rights and, in the process, attempt to “make a difference” and positive contribution of some sort. Note, too, that this opinion piece was conceived, and actually began to be put in writing, on or about November 3rd or 4th (when interrupted by pressing family matters and a very bad case of the flu). So, it has no direct bearing on and is not connected with any subsequent events or current news items. Also, you will see that I am expressing the information and my thoughts in a random, “stream-of-consciousness” manner. No particular order or layout seemed necessary.
Finally, the discussion begins! I ask what on earth explains MAN’S INHUMANITY TO MAN? Why, from the beginning of time, does it seem that conflicts on an individual or factional level and wars of obviously greater magnitude between states have always been commonplace and seemingly acceptable? Are there any actually “CIVILIZED” societies?
Today we Americans even have a DEPARTMENT OF WAR (formerly DOD) in our federal government! Also, it seems more than a little astonishing to me that we have 17 or 18 separate intelligence-gathering and law enforcement agencies. Included with, or in addition to, these federal agencies, there is one, the CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY (CIA), which is a CIVILIAN part of our government. “The Company,” as it is sometimes known, arguably is the most powerful, sinister, and unaccountable agency of them all. The CIA, as I see it, is especially known for ASSASSINATIONS, SPYING ON AND INTERFERING WITH FOREIGN (AND SOMETIMES DOMESTIC) INDIVIDUALS AND AFFAIRS, AND EXPERTLY LYING ABOUT AND COVERING UP THEIR ROGUE AND EXTRALEGAL ACTIVITIES. Another disturbing bit of history associated with our government (possibly, too, connected with the CIA) is that at least five of the last six American PRESIDENTS allegedly have been pedophiles and/or sexual predators.
On a worldwide level, we all know about World War I and World War II. The United States already has had one civil war. More recently, wars involving America have included Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, and others. Of course, there also have been conflicts and wars in foreign lands which did not involve us at all. I ask you, does it seem as if things are getting worse? Why shouldn’t they be getting better and becoming more peaceful and civil?
On a more individual or faction level, I can’t help but note the divisiveness, name-calling, hate, enemies lists, and actual physical violence existing today in the United States. Does it occur to you that the incessant “back-and-forth” verbal attacks and accusations between the so-called “Left” and “Right” are just a little bit silly? Apparently, our society has even found it necessary to coin new words for things which are going on in our country today! In my opinion, the most descriptive and cringeworthy of them all is “WEAPONIZATION.” Think about that one for a moment!
Are the differences between the two main schools of thought (liberal/Left Democrats versus conservative/Right Republicans) really that insurmountable and potentially threatening or worse? Are weaponization and actual violence necessary to resolve differences? Why do some politicians on different sides of the aisle have such contempt for each other? Aren’t We, the People, in the United States of America all striving to achieve the same or similar humanitarian objectives?
Why do you suppose there is one all-important part of our society which is so susceptible to this rancor, meanness, and even hate? Of course, I still am talking about POLITICS. I shouldn’t have to describe for you this all-too-common counterproductive and power-seeking phenomenon. Not to be outdone, our NATIONAL NEWS AND SOCIAL MEDIA have also become similarly weaponized and partisan. The concept of journalism’s “Fourth Estate,” namely to be an objective watchdog over government, is fast being forgotten and abandoned. Believe it! Fake and slanted “news” is very much a reality in America today.
One last thing before closing is the fact that the U.S. Constitution (signed into effect in 1788) does NOT reference political parties. The Federalist Papers (1787 and 1788), however, do discuss them and the potential danger in having a party system of opposing political views and ways of governing. Thus, America must be considered both a constitutional federal republic and a representative democracy. I am reminded that another of the masterpieces of our wise Founding Fathers, the Declaration of Independence (1776), states the assumption or fact that We, The People, have “UNALIENABLE RIGHTS.”
So, the bottom line, in my opinion, is that America must have selfless, ethical, competent, and civil national leaders who understand this and condescend to have their decisions guided by the unalienable rights of the citizens. Unfortunately, for the time being if not for years into the future or even forever, the reality is that man’s inhumanity to man is commonplace and societies including ours have yet to become fully civilized.
May God Bless America and Help Us Make Her Great Again.