Parasites

It never ceases to amaze that we can unfailingly look to the natural world for analogy to identify general social parallels. A premier example is the relationship of the parasite to the host. This symbiosis between variant organisms of different species results in the parasite living at the expense of the host. Dependence upon the host for nutriment and habitat require an overall, but gradual, reduction in fitness. This intentioned assault then results in overall weakening of the body it inhabits and the parasite is then in the role of attacking its own best interests.

Some of the most popularly related tales of the parasite/host relationship is gathered from recent travelers to Mexico. Water is water, but what it carries varies widely within different cultures. Various single-celled organisms universally inhabit their water and, lacking the conditioned immunity from a life-time of consumption, the incautious traveler is invariably tripped up. Hence, we have the commonly named Montezuma’s Revenge. The unprepared visitor, upon the first sip, acquires the organism which immediately attacks and works to the destruction of the host.

The only solution is twofold. Either bring sufficient “safe” water for the trip or boil the local supply at the rate of three minutes per liter. Some have sought refuge in the alleged safety of beer, wine, and spirits which also have a serious downside without verifiable protection. Few relish the thought of tooth brushing with Tecata.

A quick look in the mirror will reveal the habitat of the demodex folliculonum and the demodex brevis which live in the hair follicles and the sabeceous glands of the face and less visible body parts. These tiny “face mites” are quite common and have little to do with personal hygiene. They have four legs, are long and thin, generally are found close to the nose and eyes but also may be common on the cheeks and forehead. Don’t bother looking, they are microscopic. The likelihood of their presence increases with age and they present no immediate threat. Personal contact and exchange of towels or other fabrics are the most common transfer method.

It serves no purpose to enumerate the other less common parasites to illustrate their common goal of living off their host. The most common social parasite is the citizen who is dependent upon government and social agencies for their livelihood. They are most commonly identified by the presence of regular welfare payments in the mailbox, food stamps, diversity programs, antisocial behavior, public housing, free medical clinics, transportation subsidies, educational advantage in advance of others, food bank use, dangerous drugs, and irresponsible sexual activity. Most or all of these will be present.

These are multi-celled organisms whose numbers are encouraged to increase by ever-expanding governmental programs which, if left unchecked, will eventually kill the host. At the least they will affect the quality of life and the ever-dimishing prosperity of the nation. The only known remedies available are quashing the tendency to increase dependency, elevating the acceptance of responsible behavior, returning to old-fashioned educational standards, celebrating individual achievement, enabling people to help themselves, and returning to unity in favor of diversity.

Recovery from the infestation of this parasitic influence will not be easily accomplished. It will be required that we understand that equality is guaranteed only in opportunity, not wealth. Each citizen has the right to that equality from birth or naturalization and it should not be abridged. We ignore the damage caused by any parasite at our peril both personally and as a nation. The time to set things right is now. To delay is suicidal.


In His abiding love,

Cecil Moon