“Leaders refusing to grasp the meaning of the metaphor, “pain reveals reality,” will instead pursue a path of greed, power, and destruction.” John Johnson II. 04/09/25
By John Johnson II & Abraham J. Thomas
The metaphor, ‘Pain reveals Reality,’ suggests that suffering acts as a catalyst, bringing to light hidden truths about us, our nation, and the world. It can also help us discern what is important and what is not. This often leads to a deeper understanding of ourselves, others, and the situations we find ourselves in. Pain compels people, including voters, to introspect and identify the causes of their suffering and pain.
However, the pressing question remains: will voters and non-voters have the courage to acknowledge their role in returning President Trump to the White House? Do voters accept the challenges and pending hardships from the President’s policies? If not, are they prepared to voice their concerns?
The existential question remains, ‘Did Republican and MAGA voters expect the pains to reach these levels? DOGE has terminated tens of thousands of federal government workers and reduced department budgets by as much as 50%. Indiscriminate cuts made to Social Security, CDC, Veterans Affairs, Medicaid, and SNAP have caused immense pain and revealed a distorted reality.
Despite the obvious physical and psychological trauma caused by this Administration, these pains also reveal a reality filled with pointed questions. Who within this Administration sold stocks prior to the tariffs crisis and subsequently bought at a lower price? Did our government’s mass deportation of immigrants revive images of tactics used by Hitler? Did attacks against Diversity Equity Inclusion (DEI) merely mask initiatives to punish Black people, immigrants, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ community?
To satisfy Republicans/MAGA supporters,’ fears of the “White Replacement Conspiracy Theory,” our government labeled immigrants as thugs and criminals. They were then rounded up like cattle, held in crowded jails, shaved heads, denied Constitutional rights, and shipped to foreign countries. These distressing images of immigrants, as intentionally filmed and broadcast worldwide, illustrated the painful reality of an intimidating Criminal Justice System.
Unfortunately, the pains of reality have revealed in the political setting a behavior displayed in the movie, Godfather. WIRED, a bi-monthly magazine, has reported that “business leaders are investing up to $5 million for individual meetings with the President at his Florida residence. Additionally, others are paying $1 million each to attend group dinners with him. This behavior casts the “Emolument Clause’s” reality as invaluable as a two-day-old newspaper.
The magnitude of America’s ongoing political pain depicts a reality that is more frightening than the movie Jaws. Currently, the Executive Branch has persuaded the Legislative Branch to concede their power rather than hold the President accountable. With limited checks on the President’s powers, only the Judicial Branch is attempting to hold him accountable to the Constitution and, thus, offer relief to complainants.
Rather than following appellate procedures, President Trump and his supporters intensified political conflict. Their painful actions revealed a reality of an already fragile Democracy on life support. Subsequently, the President called for Judge James Boasberg’s impeachment. While this behavior may not be illegal, it certainly appears unethical. Deservedly, it did bring about a quick rebuke from Chief Justice Roberts.
It is unimaginable to think that the pains caused by the President’s Executive Orders and other decisions will determine the future reality of America’s Democracy, the rule of law, and the sovereignty of the U.S. Constitution. Simply put, America, founded on a white supremacy ideology, faces the age-old idiom “the chickens have come home to roost.”
Fortunately, there are still far more Americans with integrity willing to craft a metaphor that reads, “Justice Shapes Reality.” Remember, an informed and determined populace must defend Democracy from resistance against its movement towards a more perfect Union.
YOU BE THE JUDGE!
