No freedom in appeasement

Fearsome gods and kings are appeased, not opposed. Through history, this ingrained placatory habit is ordained by all religions and cultures.

- ANITA PRATAP

Vengeful gods are appeased with human and animal sacrifices, rituals, offerings of land, fruits, incense and jewels. In Judaism, God commands Abraham to kill his son to prove his loyalty, Aztecs sacrificed children, Ahaz, King of Judah, appeases the powerful Assyrian potentate Tiglath-Pileser III with golden gifts.

And so it is today. To oppose or to appease President Donald Trump? That is not even the question. To oppose is not an option, not until an internal rebellion erupts or much of the world unites against Trump's arbitrary diktats. For now, world leaders parade to the White House to appease the omnipotent, bearing gifts of self-imposed tariffs and flattery. Like the wrathful gods of yore, Trump glowers, accepting the obeisance, unsmiling, unsatisfied, unpredictable.