Has mass delusion overtaken America’s collective consciousness and eaten into its soul? Rather than “America the Beautiful," are we becoming “America the Delusional”? The question sprang from speculating that many of my fellow citizens might agree with statements that expertise and evidence have clearly undercut. Would a majority think there was truth in them?

After reading these statements, ask yourself if my concern is warranted.

Technology will protect us from the ill effects of climate disruption.

Next generation Americans will be able to maintain the standard of living they have now.

The Earth will provide sufficient food and shelter for a population exceeding 8.3 billion.

Vigorous enforcement of national borders and deportation of illegal migrants will stem mass migration in the US and across the globe.

Fatal shootings in America will decrease as guns become more widely available.

The US dollar will remain the world’s dominant currency.

Black people and other minorities are narrowing the economic gap with white people.

The US President is the world’s most powerful government leader.

American universities and research centers will continue to be regarded as the best in the world.

The American diet is comparatively as healthy as that of other developed nations.

Having enumerated them, I pondered the toxic effect of such delusions on the soul of our nation. That Washington has mounted a ceaseless campaign of disinformation, on everything from the Iran War to voting integrity to the Reflecting Pool, only adds potency to the poison.

A nation’s soul, writes Gary Kowalski, is its “capacity for valor and visionary change.” Valor springs from confronting fear or pain with firmness and a realistic sense of one’s challenges. Visioning similarly involves the courage and wisdom to chart one’s future course........

© Common Dreams