Opinion: Looks like world has gone crazy

The terms mass delusion or mass hysteria, when used by the general public, usually refer to a condition where a large group of people believe something that is not true.

Two of the more notable cases of this disorder in the U.S. are the Salem witchcraft trials in 1692 and the McMartin preschool sexual abuse cases in the 1980s.

Sadly, we may be witnessing another case of this phenomenon today in Europe.

When Russia began its Special Military Operation in Ukraine during February, the European Union placed sanctions on most commodities that Russia exports. These exports included oil, gas and fertilizer. This means that European countries would not buy these products from Russia.

There are now shortages of these commodities throughout the Europe and EU governments are blaming Russia for the shortages.

Governments across the continent are experiencing political difficulties. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was forced to step down due to a lack of confidence recently and Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi is attempting to resign, but his president refuses to accept the resignation. In Belgium, farmers are protesting in cities concerning new regulations that they say will drive them out of business.

Germany chose not to certify the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. This line was to be used to supply gas to German industries. Now, Prime Minister, Olaf Scholz, finds himself in serious trouble over Russia’s declaration of a force majeure on gas deliveries from Nord Stream 1. A force majeure is a clause in a contract that relieves either party of fulfilling their contractual obligation due to unforeseen circumstances. War is a normal cause of force majeure.

Several years ago, Germany shut down its coal and nuclear power plants. Now it has sanctioned its only supplier of energy for both industrial and home heating. Scholz has already been telling Germans to expect heating shortages and to prepare for cold showers and cold quarters this winter.

Olaf Scholz may be the next Prime Minister to fall in Europe. Note to Olaf Scholtz: It’s the sanctions, Herr Prime Minister.

European governments continue to double down on sanctions and admonish their people not fall prey to “sanction fatigue.” In point of fact Europe is short of food, gas, oil and fertilizer. Russia has plenty of these commodities but finds itself short of French fries, Adidas, and Nikes. Reality is beginning to raise its ugly head. Reality is a harsh mistress.

Rube Render is a former Clovis city commissioner and former chair of the Curry County Republican Party. Contact him:

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