For most of us, the state of the nation at the end of this year is hugely disappointing; surreal, actually. Remember that old typing exercise most of us older folks used to have to peck out: ‘Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their party?’ I don’t know what was going on when that sentiment was immortalized, but I’d say that with a slight revision [i.e., ‘Now is the time for all good citizens to come to the aid of their country’] it’s even more relevant today. What I know for sure is that now is not the time to cave, surrender, acquiesce, obey in advance, etc.
If you haven’t already, I recommend reading Prof. Timothy Snyder’s “On Tyranny,” c2017. I’m re-reading it and find it even more helpful now. (Also, more alarming, given we have names and faces to put with the message.) I especially hope all Congress members are aware of this little book’s many lessons, because our votes need to go only to people with savvy and guts. If/when their “overlords” tell them to shape up or get primaried, they’d better be ready to tell them to stuff it.
One last thought. I’m sure Donald Trump is quite thrilled at being named “Time’s Person of the Year.” Again. Probably thinks it’s a big honor, makes him the coolest dude around. I very much doubt he understands the choice is for “the person who for better or worse has done the most to influence the events of the year.” Lindbergh, Stalin, Hitler, and Putin one graced the cover, too.
Happy New Year, everybody.
Candace Plog
Edmonds
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