Reply #108: an analogy

[Two Americas]

Mommy! Mommy! Daddy is drunk again and hitting us and yelling at us!

Now, children we need to focus on getting things done. Right now it is dinner time. We can't call the police on your father just because we disagree with his behavior.

Mommy! Daddy tipped over the dining room table and is throwing plates at us!

Children, I told you this was just a distraction. Besides, Daddy promised he would leave tomorrow, and by the time the police got here he will be passed out anyway. Right now we need to get things done. So let's get to that laundry.

Mommy! Mommy! Daddy tore up our clothes and poured laundry soap on us, and now he is throwing clothes hangers at us!

Think this through children. Think! All of this is just a distraction. Mommy told you that she has met a nice new man, and in a few months he will be here and will be your new Daddy. Let's focus on that and not waste our time and energy on old Daddy. Right now we don't have enough dollars to throw Daddy out, so we need to work towards having $60. Let's concentrate on that.

A few months later...

Mommy! He's back! And he has a gun!