The Oafishness of Power

The nation is so intent upon its power, asserting its might as though it were the essence of the country.  There are moments -- perhaps of insecurity -- when the leaders seem to bluster more, demanding a recognition of the force we might control, as though being strong were an asset rather than an attribute. Strength is something you may or may not have.  It is not one's essence; yet, when our weakness might become apparent we run to those things that allow us to hide behind them.  Bombs of frightful destructive capability and ships the size of cities.  Planes and missiles with so much terrible potential.  They are, however, good only for show since attempts to defy them make our guns and ships seem so clumsy, and us like foundering giants, Goliaths who can blunder about, smashing whatever we hit.  Unable to caress, having no touch that is not damaging, we can with this might do only harm.  It is becoming the oafishness that power belies.  This potential to destroy, rather than an indication of strength, is a measure of the degree to which the nation can share its fear and insecurity, displaying in its tantrums all that is least.  Rather than being used in any constructive way the nation's power has become that of a dinosaur, a flailing and ruinous force even if it had been intended once as good.