Hell in a Hand Basket

This is an expression often heard when people grouch about affairs of state. 'Going to hell in a hand basket' implies that the decisions made by those in charge of running and protecting the country are not up to snuff and their decisions are leading the country toward disaster. So called 'progress', paired with disapproval of policies opposite to one's own preference, also contributes to the universal complaint that the country is 'going down hill' or 'going to hell in a hand basket'.

Barbaric atrocities in the quest for religious dominance and struggles against tyrannical governments are aired on TV 24/7. These events have a cause and effect on a global scale, and forming policies that will combat such perverse behavior is frustrating. and never ending. Relationships between nations are always changing; becoming more complex as they vie for economic and political dominance.

There are no easy answers, but one can't help but ask if some policies will solve problems or create more.

• Will we ever get back to a peace time economy?
• Will all the country's adult males be veterans?
• Will all the country's young women soon be veterans too?
• Will NSA ever stop collecting data on American citizens?
• Will the internet ever be totally safe for banking or shopping?
• Will the country ever have protected borders?


• Is the country going to hell in a hand basket?

[Those people] who would rather ride to hell in a hand-cart than walk to heaven supported by the staff of industry.

Elbridge Gerry Paige (1813-1859)
Short Patent Sermons, 1841