A Nation Adrift: Reflections on Weariness, Delusion, and the Temptation of Emigration

Keith Lockwood, Ph.D.
2 min readMar 25, 2024

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With over three decades invested in the field of education, I find myself engulfed by a profound weariness with the United States — a weariness compounded by the mass delusion perpetuated by religion.

In a society where truth should serve as the bedrock of discourse, the blind adherence to religious dogma has become a pervasive force, stifling critical thinking and hindering progress. The unchecked power of religious leaders, who exploit the faith of their followers for personal gain and political sway, only serves to deepen the chasm of division and perpetuate oppression.

Personal tragedies further darken the landscape, casting a shadow over the empty promises of salvation offered by religion. From the horrors of 9/11 to the epidemic of addiction and mental health struggles, the purported comfort of faith rings hollow in the face of immense suffering.

As a witness to the impact of religious indoctrination on young minds, I am filled with a sense of urgency to challenge the status quo. Encouraging skepticism and fostering open dialogue are imperative in a culture where blind belief reigns supreme.

Amidst this collective delusion, despair threatens to consume us. But hopelessness is not an option — it is a call to action. We must confront the uncomfortable truths that lie at the intersection of religion and power, acknowledging the entrenched systems of oppression that persist.

Reflecting on my weariness with the United States, I found an alternative path. Through reclaiming my Italian dual citizenship through descent, I’ve secured a foothold in a land that, while imperfect, offers a different perspective. Italy’s membership in the European Union presents opportunities beyond its borders, fostering a sense of interconnectedness and openness that resonates with my values.

With my pension and social security, I am content to spend my remaining years in Italy, navigating its complexities and embracing its cultural richness. While challenges undoubtedly lie ahead, the prospect of exploring alternative choices within the EU provides a glimmer of hope amidst the weariness and delusion that pervade my homeland.

As I settle into my new life in Italy, I am reminded of the words of Albert Einstein: “The world as we have created it is a process of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking.” Perhaps, by daring to envision a different future and embracing the opportunities that lie beyond our borders, we can begin to transcend the weariness and delusion that weigh so heavily upon us.

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Keith Lockwood, Ph.D.
Keith Lockwood, Ph.D.

Written by Keith Lockwood, Ph.D.

ASL teacher, Teacher of the Deaf, Keith is also a New Jersey based genealogist specializing in British, Irish and Italian genealogy and citizenship reclamation.

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