President Apprentice, Season 2
My candidate lost. American has made its (unwise) decision. It’s not the first time I have felt out of step with the country. The writer’s lament is to be a social gadfly. Smart, preachy bearded guy Socrates espoused this approach and for his wisdom, he was state sponsored executed by hemlock cocktail. His crime: educating the youth. So when you hear about the upcoming battle for a more “classical education” or “traditional values” to combat the scourge of liberal thought, maybe keep history in mind. If you are still allowed. I’m waiting for them to burn the libraries at some point, once they whitewash (emphasis on White) the internet.
The last time this guy as elected, I was horrified. At best, most of his policy decisions for the country and a healthy, working democracy were sickening & divisive. America became the person at the party you avoid. It’s not a exaggeration I was likely depressed for four years. And there was also the Covid-19 pandemic followed by the ultimate temper tantrum of President #45 called January 6th.
Many things in the country I love and world I value are still at dumpster fire levels. Except now the entire dump is on fire. Burning garbage is everywhere. War, famine, fascism, oligarchies, tech serfhood, looming poverty. Like a metaphysical cancer, callousness has taken a hold me. I recognize it is a survival instinct kicking in as to protect me from me. Feeling hopeless, helpless is not a good sensation. So a protective shield has calcified over my own mental state. I refuse to doom scroll all the dystopian scenarios in my head. It’s the road to ruin. Just because my mental GPS is bringing me to the flaming dump, day in and day out doesn’t mean I have to follow that route. As I’ve reminded myself time and time again, you don’t let go of hope. You hang onto it with both hands which are fists. I leaned a long time ago that there are many ways to fight.
As the seas rise along with fascistic leaders, my optimism flails like human rights in our world. But I’m not going to accept it. I refuse. I refuse to let my beliefs fall into disrepair. I refuse to keep quiet. I refuse to back down. I will battle the garbage fire with all my skills, talent, fortitude and cunning. These are times where we might all need to lean into our most Machiavellian intentions, fight fire with fire.
I ask you not to succumb to despair. Live your life. Do the things you love. Be the best you can be for yourself, your family, friends, country and the world. Ask yourself, do I want to die on my feet or live on my knees? All we have to lose is everything. Choose carefully. Live freely.