Spot on Walter! I’m 66 and 50 years ago, I said to my Dad: “I don’t think this country’s all it’s cracked up to be.” My Dad, who was the son of an immigrant (from Denmark) was appalled. He was living the “American Dream” which I attributed more to his ingenuity, integrity, grit and heart. By the time I was in my early 20s, I saw people who looked crushed by the grind of the commute to the city and despair. It was palpable. I said to myself: hell no!
I moved to the city (NYC) and only left because the rents were crushing. I was almost homeless. With this administration, I may be actually be homeless. After having a career in publishing I went to graduate school. Unfortunately I developed Fibromyalgia and no longer could work right when I was ready to do my planned dissertation after passing my Ph.D exams. Still, I always did exactly what I wanted: school, volunteer work, wonderful friends, etc. I did exactly what I wanted because I knew “the Dream” was bullshit. I knew I’d have to work my entire life but I was determined to do it my way which is why I went to graduate school, in preparation for being older and knowing this country just doesn’t care for its citizens. I was the only 30 year old I knew who took out long term care insurance because I was terrified. That’s just not right! But for now the social safety net that was built for me by an amazing caseworker in NYC boroughs seems safe. I still go hungry (and have to go to food pantries for beans, freshly baked bread etc). I am fortunate to have loving friends and a kind sister. I have much more than many, but I have no patience for anyone who voted for the incoming administration. If they voted for it, I write them off immediately. I have no tolerance and I’m so done with explaining. So I’m going to go back to volunteering in a hospital either with pediatric cancer patients or as a rape crisis advocate. I’ve done both for years in the 90s and early 2000s. You understand, people who really need my empathy and my education and my ability. To hell with the selfish, willfully ignorant. I will thoroughly enjoy “I told you so” should I live through this. I think I will because I am quite feisty, but if I lose my healthcare, who knows. The blind pimple has finally come to a head and I can say: the only regret I have is not going to grad school in the UK and getting a dual citizenship. I would be long gone from this country for 30 years now and watching from abroad. But oh well. I feel awful for all those who will suffer along with the idiots who voted for this. But the idiots will never get my empathy. I’m done, stick a fork in me and I’m going to get out some fruit, cheese, ginger tea (and Klonopin) and pull up a chair while the whole place burns to the ground. America, you’re only revealing what I’ve always known. This is NOT a great country. Sorry for the length of this post, but my reply comes from education, experience and a view of history (also thanks to my Dad) that enabled me to pull the wool off of my eyes, even if most everyone I grew up with find the truth jarring. It’s the truth. Cold comfort but rather centering of my energies over the next 4 years. Good luck to you Walter and those who revere open minds.
Walter, this article is so profound I do not know where to start .. so let me just say this; I plan on forwarding to everyone I know, today, tomorrow and everyday day that I find someone that needs to hear this. While I appreciate those who want to treat the next four years as a movie to be entertaining, I want to challenge them to change their approach. By being silent you are giving your approval, it’s as simple as that! We need to all be doing something, even if it’s simply forwarding Substack articles that trip our trigger. We are facing greedy billionaires that only want to help other billionaires while screwing the rest of the people. While we need to control our rage, we must keep the embers of rage burning, ever so humbly while striking out whenever we can .. like the woman’s march .. it’s perfect .. and safe .. and it says a lot! Thank you for your inspiration.
Yes! Yes! Yes! I have been “done” for 60 years and living in a state of constant astonishment that more people haven’t “had it” with this country. Our lives are NOT good, compared to so many others around the world. And I am lucky. I have food,shelter, and the necessities while many don’t. I am hoping that finally more of us are hearing the wake up call. But if not, I will continue to be a warrior anyway. They haven’t killed me yet, but I’m old, and if they do, they do. Thank you, Walter! I got my reason to upgrade my subscription today!
I hear the pain and frustration in your post. I understand.
But, I am taking a different tack. I say let them fail. Let them take power. Let them bring the circus to the White House. Let them fail. Because truly, the level of incompetence of the people who are about to run our country is off the charts. We, as a country have F*cked around, now we are about to find out. #FAFO
I am bringing the popcorn and pulling up a chair to watch the dumpster fire that is this Presidency and Congress. True, they are going to inflict a lot of pain to millions of people, but how else are we going to learn? You warn kids not to touch a hot stove or they get burned. Some kids touch the stove anyway, that's America. The people who voted this clown into office are about to get burned. Sometimes there's no other way except dealing with the consequences.
I would also like to give another perspective. Black people in this country have always been relegated to being on the outside looking in. We have always gotten little for our service and loyalty to this country. The Constitution recognizes our ancestors, the slaves who were brought here by force, as 3/5ths of a person. We have always been used and abused and denied basic rights. So this is just another injustice we have to endure.
I wish the general public would wake up, but sadly I don't see that happening. They are thrilled with the outcome of the election and are gloating about it. We'll see how they feel when they lose their Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Veteran's benefits, and the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). This is what has to happen for people to get a clue. But as you and I know, it's already too late. We are doomed to endure 4 years of this dumpster fire.
I think that there is something to what you’re saying. I’ve certainly felt that as a form of consolation. Yes, they’re going to fail as authoritarian societies have always failed. But I think we must also keep the ember of reason burning so that we can rebuild civilization. But yes, I hear what you’re saying and agree with you.
Sarah, I have a camping chair and I travel with good snacks and drinks. Please save me a seat next to you because I believe we can watch and tell the truth as a mutually inclusive exercise.
Thanks for reminding me. I have a camping chair too. It's foldable and easier to carry. Please bring the good snacks. I'm sure we'll find a lot to be entertained. Telling the truth (talking smack) will be the best part!
100% correct. Keep preaching the truth and fighting the good fight. As an Uber driver, I constantly have my riders download the Substack app to read the truth.
I disagree with those folks who advise us to pull up a chair and watch the chaos. People are in pain. Millions are hungry. Millions are poorly educated and ignorant. And when the chaos is over and you wander through the apocalyptic landscape, what will you feel? Maybe you'll feel regret. Maybe you'll say to yourself with your head down "I should have done something." Believe me, the billionaires will still be standing. I was born and raised in Iowa. As a kid I would take a sandwich, get on my bike and ride the back roads all day. I drank from streams and springs without a worry. Now all the wells and streams and springs in Iowa are polluted. There isn't any clean water in the entire state. Chemical runoff has made the place basically uninhabitable for normal life. Corporate pig farms and corporate corn fields have destroyed it.
My wife and I live on Social Security payments. Almost 40% inflation in the last four years has impoverished us. I'd like to give a paid subscription to Mr. Rhein, he's worth it. But I can't afford it. I'm pissed and indignant about what's going on this country, but being pissed and indignant without any hope of resolution just beats me down.
Thanks George, I think your last line is what Sarah is talking about. We have to resist, but we have to do so in a way that preserves our mental health.
This is a very good article, Mr. Rhein, so good it stirred me out of my septuagenarian torpor to make a comment. It wasn't a good comment, but it was from the gut. Right now we're all running around like chickens with our heads cut off. I watched that happen as a boy and I thought it was funny, but you know, the chickens always ended up hung upside down on the fence with the blood draining out. We need to regain our footing or the axe is going to find our own heads. And our footing has to be the truth. People can't just point at a lie and squeal "Oooh! It's so ugly!" It needs to be killed, and if it grows another head kill it again. Use AI. Find out how many people were deported under Biden, for instance. Find out how many were deported under Trump One, and put it out there. Respond to lies. Find out how much of our lumber for construction comes from Canada. What if Canada puts tariffs on it? Ask! Find the facts and respond. Enough with the hand-wringing. That applies to me, too, but I'm not social-media savvy like the rest of you. I still miss watching the Ed Sullivan show on Sunday nights.
I'm sitting back and watching the chaos. It's better for my mental health. Being constantly anger is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die. It accomplishes nothing. Unless you have a solid strategy to overturn the election, there's nothing we can do.
Spot on Walter! I’m 66 and 50 years ago, I said to my Dad: “I don’t think this country’s all it’s cracked up to be.” My Dad, who was the son of an immigrant (from Denmark) was appalled. He was living the “American Dream” which I attributed more to his ingenuity, integrity, grit and heart. By the time I was in my early 20s, I saw people who looked crushed by the grind of the commute to the city and despair. It was palpable. I said to myself: hell no!
I moved to the city (NYC) and only left because the rents were crushing. I was almost homeless. With this administration, I may be actually be homeless. After having a career in publishing I went to graduate school. Unfortunately I developed Fibromyalgia and no longer could work right when I was ready to do my planned dissertation after passing my Ph.D exams. Still, I always did exactly what I wanted: school, volunteer work, wonderful friends, etc. I did exactly what I wanted because I knew “the Dream” was bullshit. I knew I’d have to work my entire life but I was determined to do it my way which is why I went to graduate school, in preparation for being older and knowing this country just doesn’t care for its citizens. I was the only 30 year old I knew who took out long term care insurance because I was terrified. That’s just not right! But for now the social safety net that was built for me by an amazing caseworker in NYC boroughs seems safe. I still go hungry (and have to go to food pantries for beans, freshly baked bread etc). I am fortunate to have loving friends and a kind sister. I have much more than many, but I have no patience for anyone who voted for the incoming administration. If they voted for it, I write them off immediately. I have no tolerance and I’m so done with explaining. So I’m going to go back to volunteering in a hospital either with pediatric cancer patients or as a rape crisis advocate. I’ve done both for years in the 90s and early 2000s. You understand, people who really need my empathy and my education and my ability. To hell with the selfish, willfully ignorant. I will thoroughly enjoy “I told you so” should I live through this. I think I will because I am quite feisty, but if I lose my healthcare, who knows. The blind pimple has finally come to a head and I can say: the only regret I have is not going to grad school in the UK and getting a dual citizenship. I would be long gone from this country for 30 years now and watching from abroad. But oh well. I feel awful for all those who will suffer along with the idiots who voted for this. But the idiots will never get my empathy. I’m done, stick a fork in me and I’m going to get out some fruit, cheese, ginger tea (and Klonopin) and pull up a chair while the whole place burns to the ground. America, you’re only revealing what I’ve always known. This is NOT a great country. Sorry for the length of this post, but my reply comes from education, experience and a view of history (also thanks to my Dad) that enabled me to pull the wool off of my eyes, even if most everyone I grew up with find the truth jarring. It’s the truth. Cold comfort but rather centering of my energies over the next 4 years. Good luck to you Walter and those who revere open minds.
Thank you Joni!
Walter, this article is so profound I do not know where to start .. so let me just say this; I plan on forwarding to everyone I know, today, tomorrow and everyday day that I find someone that needs to hear this. While I appreciate those who want to treat the next four years as a movie to be entertaining, I want to challenge them to change their approach. By being silent you are giving your approval, it’s as simple as that! We need to all be doing something, even if it’s simply forwarding Substack articles that trip our trigger. We are facing greedy billionaires that only want to help other billionaires while screwing the rest of the people. While we need to control our rage, we must keep the embers of rage burning, ever so humbly while striking out whenever we can .. like the woman’s march .. it’s perfect .. and safe .. and it says a lot! Thank you for your inspiration.
Thank you so much for your kind words and your support Gene!
Yes! Yes! Yes! I have been “done” for 60 years and living in a state of constant astonishment that more people haven’t “had it” with this country. Our lives are NOT good, compared to so many others around the world. And I am lucky. I have food,shelter, and the necessities while many don’t. I am hoping that finally more of us are hearing the wake up call. But if not, I will continue to be a warrior anyway. They haven’t killed me yet, but I’m old, and if they do, they do. Thank you, Walter! I got my reason to upgrade my subscription today!
Yes, I think breaking through the lie of the "great and free" country is our first task. Thank you so much for your support!
Hi Walter,
I hear the pain and frustration in your post. I understand.
But, I am taking a different tack. I say let them fail. Let them take power. Let them bring the circus to the White House. Let them fail. Because truly, the level of incompetence of the people who are about to run our country is off the charts. We, as a country have F*cked around, now we are about to find out. #FAFO
I am bringing the popcorn and pulling up a chair to watch the dumpster fire that is this Presidency and Congress. True, they are going to inflict a lot of pain to millions of people, but how else are we going to learn? You warn kids not to touch a hot stove or they get burned. Some kids touch the stove anyway, that's America. The people who voted this clown into office are about to get burned. Sometimes there's no other way except dealing with the consequences.
I would also like to give another perspective. Black people in this country have always been relegated to being on the outside looking in. We have always gotten little for our service and loyalty to this country. The Constitution recognizes our ancestors, the slaves who were brought here by force, as 3/5ths of a person. We have always been used and abused and denied basic rights. So this is just another injustice we have to endure.
I wish the general public would wake up, but sadly I don't see that happening. They are thrilled with the outcome of the election and are gloating about it. We'll see how they feel when they lose their Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Veteran's benefits, and the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). This is what has to happen for people to get a clue. But as you and I know, it's already too late. We are doomed to endure 4 years of this dumpster fire.
Keep up the good work Walter!
I think that there is something to what you’re saying. I’ve certainly felt that as a form of consolation. Yes, they’re going to fail as authoritarian societies have always failed. But I think we must also keep the ember of reason burning so that we can rebuild civilization. But yes, I hear what you’re saying and agree with you.
Sarah, I have a camping chair and I travel with good snacks and drinks. Please save me a seat next to you because I believe we can watch and tell the truth as a mutually inclusive exercise.
Wendy,
Thanks for reminding me. I have a camping chair too. It's foldable and easier to carry. Please bring the good snacks. I'm sure we'll find a lot to be entertained. Telling the truth (talking smack) will be the best part!
Mixing humor and truth with drinks and snacks? Chef's kiss!
100% correct. Keep preaching the truth and fighting the good fight. As an Uber driver, I constantly have my riders download the Substack app to read the truth.
Thank you! That's awesome that you're spreading the word about Substack!
Great essay! Fits completely with the release of “The Scientific Worldview” on Monday!
Thanks Glenn!
Excellent post, Walter. Coincidentally, I did just as you suggested with my post today. Continuing to call out the lies is so important. I had written very little about politics since the election, so I took the opportunity to vent my spleen a bit, too. It felt good.https://open.substack.com/pub/thestormbynorm/p/the-new-potus-is-still-a-potus?r=1qaj9v&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
https://open.substack.com/pub/america/p/what-will-you-miss-about-the-last?r=5okqj&utm_medium=ios
EVERYTHING!
Today I Will March! Tomorrow may not be promised but not reason enough to give up or disconnect.
I disagree with those folks who advise us to pull up a chair and watch the chaos. People are in pain. Millions are hungry. Millions are poorly educated and ignorant. And when the chaos is over and you wander through the apocalyptic landscape, what will you feel? Maybe you'll feel regret. Maybe you'll say to yourself with your head down "I should have done something." Believe me, the billionaires will still be standing. I was born and raised in Iowa. As a kid I would take a sandwich, get on my bike and ride the back roads all day. I drank from streams and springs without a worry. Now all the wells and streams and springs in Iowa are polluted. There isn't any clean water in the entire state. Chemical runoff has made the place basically uninhabitable for normal life. Corporate pig farms and corporate corn fields have destroyed it.
My wife and I live on Social Security payments. Almost 40% inflation in the last four years has impoverished us. I'd like to give a paid subscription to Mr. Rhein, he's worth it. But I can't afford it. I'm pissed and indignant about what's going on this country, but being pissed and indignant without any hope of resolution just beats me down.
Thanks George, I think your last line is what Sarah is talking about. We have to resist, but we have to do so in a way that preserves our mental health.
This is a very good article, Mr. Rhein, so good it stirred me out of my septuagenarian torpor to make a comment. It wasn't a good comment, but it was from the gut. Right now we're all running around like chickens with our heads cut off. I watched that happen as a boy and I thought it was funny, but you know, the chickens always ended up hung upside down on the fence with the blood draining out. We need to regain our footing or the axe is going to find our own heads. And our footing has to be the truth. People can't just point at a lie and squeal "Oooh! It's so ugly!" It needs to be killed, and if it grows another head kill it again. Use AI. Find out how many people were deported under Biden, for instance. Find out how many were deported under Trump One, and put it out there. Respond to lies. Find out how much of our lumber for construction comes from Canada. What if Canada puts tariffs on it? Ask! Find the facts and respond. Enough with the hand-wringing. That applies to me, too, but I'm not social-media savvy like the rest of you. I still miss watching the Ed Sullivan show on Sunday nights.
I'm sitting back and watching the chaos. It's better for my mental health. Being constantly anger is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die. It accomplishes nothing. Unless you have a solid strategy to overturn the election, there's nothing we can do.
Yes, I think we all need to figure out how to survive this and contribute how we can.
Yes, very important!