The United States has been going through tremendous changes since the presidential election of Donald Trump. It seems everyone has their own particular area they are focusing on, mine is over the continually growing collapse of the mainstream media. For decades, we have been straight jacketed from considering whether information was acceptable and true. The emphasis on ‘truth,’ as defined by the progressive side of the spectrum, was protected by shutting down anything that questioned the ‘truth’ that came from the major media platforms. This became known as “cancel culture.”

I was not a fan of the original 1960’s “Star Trek” series (unlike my wife!), but I was extremely engaged with the 1990s version, “Star Trek: The Next Generation.” There was one episode in Season 4, “The Drumhead,” that I have watched over and over. It speaks very well to where we are today.

When an explosion took place on the Starship Enterprise, an investigation pointed toward a possible conspirator who purposefully omitted on his Starfleet application that his grandfather was a Romulan — the sworn enemy of the federation. This led to an investigation hearing headed by Admiral Norah Satie, a well-regarded Starfleet officer who had uncovered many conspiracies in her career. She accused the young man of being a Romulan spy and further began to accuse several others as accomplices on the Starship Enterprise.

When Captain Picard tried to rein her back, she accused him of treason with no evidence. She put him on the hot seat, and Picard pulled a fast one on her when she ridiculed him over a quote he gave, not realizing that Picard was quoting her father. The Admiral’s overreach was now transparent, and she left in disgrace. After she left, there was some second-guessing among the staff, particularly the Chief of Security, Lieutenant Worf. He had an engaging exchange with his captain to end the episode:

Worf: I believed her. I, I helped her. I did not see what she was.

Picard: Mister Worf, villains who twirl their mustaches are easy to spot. Those who clothe themselves in good deeds are well camouflaged.

Worf: I think… after yesterday, people will not be so ready to trust her.

Picard: Maybe. But she, or someone like her, will always be with us, waiting for the right climate in which to flourish, spreading fear in the name of righteousness. Vigilance, Mister Worf — that is the price we have to continually pay.”

Vigilance is the right word. It is defined as the action of keeping careful watch for possible dangers or difficulties. This was what Captain Picard highlighted when he quoted the admiral’s father: “You know, there are some words I’ve known since I was a schoolboy: ‘With the first link, the chain is forged. The first speech censured, the first thought forbidden, the first freedom denied, chains us all irrevocably.’ Those words were uttered by Judge Aaron Satie as wisdom and warning. The first time any man’s freedom is trodden on, we’re all damaged.”

We have been “protected” by the cancel culture crowd who are defining ‘truth’ by their progressive standards. To think that there are only two genders — foolishness! To believe that every child in the womb deserves to live — heresy! To fear illegal immigrants entering our country — irrelevant! To question curriculum and methodology in public schools — ignorance!

Personal liberty and human freedom were the basis of what took place in this country two and half centuries ago. What we are witnessing today is directly challenging the idea that society can tolerate abridgments of freedom in the name of security, as defined by the elite who have controlled the government, media, commerce, military, national security, law enforcement, education, and even entertainment.

Donald Trump is not the Messiah, but he is more like Captain Picard, who is willing to stand up for what he believes is best for the nation, even if it does considerably shake up the former status quo. Of course, he will not be right all the time. But the difference this time is that we will be free to tell him so.