“I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve.”
~Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto
After Japan bombed Pearl Harbor, Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto famously acknowledged the power of the American people. Like the rest of the world would soon come to realize, he knew that The United States of America presents an unstoppable force whenever it becomes galvanized under a single purpose.
Historically, that purpose has been found in the tenants of “freedom,” balanced by the rule of law.
Justice, balanced by “equality for all”.
The “pursuit of happiness,” balanced by the fundamental rights of others…
Honor, independence and yes, virtue, have always been among the ideals serving as a backdrop for the silver-lined stage that so many of us cherish about our cultural theater.
Though we may be unruly at times, like a dysfunctional family gathered around a holiday dinner table, our differences have worked to magnify an inherent attitude of rebellion. After all, none of us wants to be “ruled” any more than we want Uncle Jim telling us what we should believe.
At the same time, when push comes to shove, I’ve always known Americans to deliver when their neighbors are in need. If Uncle Jim needs my help, I’ll be there for him, just like I know he would be there for me.
Is the same not true today?
If your neighbor needs a helping hand, will you not offer it, regardless of who they voted for? Will you not agree to disagree, knowing that we are all human, first and foremost?
Or has our political division become too great? Has it been used to forge the sword that will ultimately slay the giant?
As the Admiral aptly pointed out, the challenge is to fill the giant’s heart with the “terrible resolve” needed to ignite a common purpose… A sort of resolve that usually requires some sort of tragedy.
Tyrannical oppression in 1776.
Pearl Harbor in 1941.
9/11/2001.
In May of 2026, I would argue that we are at that point once again. The only difference is that this tragedy has become a slow-burning state of existence, with each person prepared to die on a different hill.
With that being said, I know it may seem like the gorge has become too vast to bridge. However, I suspect it’s only because the “radical center”, in the very middle of that divide, is beginning to stir…
Like the giant of Isoroku Yamamoto’s nightmare, it is is waking from its slumber, pushing the bookends further apart as it stands to its feet.
The bookends squeak, like a wooden table being drug across the floor. They are loud, whereas the giant is quiet…
Calmly scrolling past the rage bait online, purposely ignoring the media’s attempt to whip us into a frenzy, the giant grows stronger within the dantian of each one of our beings.
Indeed, the giant is the combined dantian in each of us.
With that in mind, this week’s post is a tip of the cap to everyone who is willing to dust off their shotgun to defend basic human rights.
For everyone who is ready to celebrate religious freedom with a nice, long toke.
And for those who believe that “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” applies to the human race, not just a select few.
This one’s for you!
Cheers to the sleeping giant.
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