An authoritarian demagogue was introduced
by his children, a wrestler and a rock star,
to be anointed in prayer by a preacher.
The stadium roared with energy. Spotlights darted across the sea of waving flags and handmade signs, illuminating the faces of thousands who had gathered for this momentous occasion. It was a spectacle unlike any other, blending the worlds of politics, entertainment, and faith into a single, unforgettable event.
A hush fell over the crowd as the massive screens flickered to life. The first figure to appear was a wrestler, his muscular frame and larger-than-life persona unmistakable. Dressed in a suit that did little to conceal his powerful build, he stepped onto the stage, flexing his biceps and flashing a grin that sent the audience into a frenzy.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” he boomed, “tonight we introduce a leader like no other. A man of strength, a man of vision, a man who will reshape our future!”
The crowd erupted in applause, the noise reaching a fever pitch. The wrestler stepped aside, replaced by a rock star whose anthems had been the soundtrack of a generation. With his strident voice, he strummed a new mantra— FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT! —, sending a shiver down the spine of everyone present.
“This is more than a concert, more than a rally,” he said, his voice raspy but resolute. “Tonight, we come together to support a man who stands for everything we believe in. A man who will lead us to greatness.”
As the rock star’s final note lingered in the air, the screens shifted once more, revealing the demagogue’s children, standing tall and proud. They spoke in unison, their voices a harmonious blend of reverence and conviction.
“Our father has always been a beacon of hope and strength. He has fought for us, and now he will fight for all of you. Join us in welcoming the man who will guide our nation to its rightful place.”
With that, they extended their hands, beckoning to the shadows behind them. From the darkness emerged the authoritarian demagogue himself. His presence was magnetic, his gaze unyielding. Clad in a tailored suit, he exuded confidence and power, stepping forward to the pulpit that awaited him.
The crowd watched in awe as he took his place at the center of the stage. The preacher approached, a figure of solemnity and spiritual authority. With a gentle gesture, he placed his hand on the demagogue’s shoulder, his eyes closed in prayer.
“Almighty, we gather here tonight to anoint this man as our chosen leader. Grant him wisdom, strength, and the courage to fulfill his destiny. May he lead us with righteousness, and bring forth a new era of prosperity and unity.”
The preacher’s words resonated deeply, weaving through the fabric of the crowd’s collective consciousness. As the prayer concluded, the demagogue raised his clenched fist, acknowledging the unwavering support and adoration that enveloped him.
“Together,” he declared, “we will reclaim our greatness. Together, we will forge a future that stands tall against tyranny and injustice. Together, we will be unstoppable.”
The stadium exploded in a cacophony of cheers, chants, and applause. The anointing was complete; the demagogue had been elevated from a mere man to the embodiment of their highest hopes and dreams.
And in that moment, drowned out by the crowd’s noise, came a whisper from the heavens:
“This is a mirage to test your spiritual maturity and discernment. Do not be misled by demagogues who profess love of God and country when they mean lust for power. Be mindful of the Prophecy: the rise of false prophets is the guarantee that the true Coming One is near.
‘Whenever there is a withering of the law and an uprising of lawlessness on all sides, then I manifest Myself. For the salvation of the righteous and the destruction of such as do evil, for the firm establishing of the Law, I come to birth age after age.’ —The Bhagavad Gita, Book IV, Sutra 7, 8.”
In that instant, under the watchful eyes of millions, history was made. The Anointed One stood at the precipice of power, ready to lead his followers into the future he promised—a future they fervently believed he could deliver. Yet, for those with ears to hear and hearts to understand, the true test had just begun.
The Anthem
The birds they sang
At the break of day
Start again
I heard them say
Don’t dwell on what has passed away
Or what is yet to beAh, the wars they will be fought again
The holy dove, she will be caught again
Bought and sold, and bought again
The dove is never freeRing the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack, a crack in everything
That’s how the light gets inWe asked for signs
The signs were sent
The birth betrayed
The marriage spent
Yeah, and the widowhood
Of every government
Signs for all to seeI can’t run no more
With that lawless crowd
While the killers in high places
Say their prayers out loud
But they’ve summoned, they’ve summoned up
A thundercloud
They’re going to hear from meRing the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack, a crack in everything
That’s how the light gets inYou can add up the parts
But you won’t have the sum
You can strike up the march
There is no drum
Every heart, every heart
To love will come
But like a refugeeRing the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack, a crack in everything
That’s how the light gets inRing the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack, a crack in everything
That’s how the light gets inThat’s how the light gets in
That’s how the light gets inSongwriter: Leonard Cohen
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