The cognitive dissonance at the heart of government is driving America off a cliff, but is it a deliberate act of destruction aimed at reimaging America?
Thank you for your introspection today. Also like the security before being allowed to post on here.... Your insights are spot on for the times we are in. Your video work that I've seen has been superlative. Also love the fact that you are in the UK and thus out of the reach of the orange idiot.
It came knocking at my door twice. We are forced to become both resourceful and resilient. We are creators however, and we learn to re-build, at least most of us. I had considered driving off the bridge when I was forced to file for bankruptcy. Please continue your writings. Collectively, we must do something.
Thank you for being vulnerable and honest. I've had several experiences with looking to an irreversible exit strategy, and I'd be lying if I didn't say I've had several this year alone. I keep redrawing the line. How long would I go on existing in an actual overtake of society. What handmaid's tale dystopian reality would I decide was not worth experiencing. I've not reached it yet, but I am familiar with concluding that one light in a dark room when searching for an exit might be the best one I have. It is awful that this is their intent.
Thank you. Your ‘off-piste ‘ writings have bought me back to recognising how easy it is to forget things that should never be forgotten.
The pandemic came about 4 months after I somewhat settled back into Melbourne, after spending almost 5 years living in TX, and leaving a disastrous marriage. I only had work in Melbourne. My family, heart friends, children all lived away.
Being in Melbourne meant being locked down.
I could have gone to the dr, get a pass note and drive to see my kids or a friend that lived an hour away on the basis of declining mental health, but I was painfully aware of my surroundings and I limited physical contact with those I loved, simply because my desire to keep them well over rode my selfish need to see them.
Those months, where I was blessed to be paid for full time hours, but only worked 5 days every 2 weeks, saw me studying and watching what was happening in what at the time, was my beloved USA, my heart breaking for the thousands dying, and my outrage at those who cared only for themselves.
Now, as I wait to come over, in an anxiety ridden hope to see my wife of almost 12 months, that lives in VA, I don’t recognise anything about the country.
I hope I they let me in, but it won’t be until I’m safely away from the airports that I’ll begin to feel like ‘maybe I will get to see her!’
Three weeks, yet my heart breaks before I arrive because I have no clue when I’ll see her again
I’ll be sharing this ‘off-piste’ writing with many along with upgrading, because not only do I read truth? I also read humility.
As a survivalist from an early age, I hear you. My choice was made when Trump was elected. I'm still sending him invoices for my 50% of those energy cuts he promised😁If I balance my pantry and food storage and emergency aids, with exception for gas to Drs appts, I feel comfortably set for 6 months to a year depending on how hungry I really get. The woods on my acre will provide Sustinence when supplies run out. I'm getting pretty good with my silent bow and arrows😏The bars on the windows and doors will further protect me if it comes to that. It pays to live in 107 year old solid built home. It has its quirks, but so do I.
Thank you for your honest description of how your life unraveled. Each of us have variations on that theme at one time... Glad you made it through to the other side!
Another remarkable post. Thank you. I see many replies from readers that have had a dark night of the soul. My father died I think of a broken heart, after the 1980s interest rates rose to over 20% and he lost his house after working hard all his life. My sister took her own life a few years later.
To be human is to suffer. And to be resilient. And to feel despair. And to feel hope and joy.
I found substack is my happy place. Finding a community of others who care deeply about our planet and about community is a blessing. Humans are hardwired for survival and self interest. But we are also miraculously able to transcend our basic needs and care about others, beyond our own self interest. We have the ability to choose. Right over wrong. Good over evil. Sometimes we can’t tell the difference but as we grow older and wiser we can learn the difference.
Keep on sharing. It makes a difference. We are already winning. Just by showing up.
And the message is here: there is always hope. Trump and his cohort will not be here for ever. History always turns (but we are in a global mess and not just with Trump).
It takes a bit of effort but moving away from G**gle is a blessing, as is minimal use of Meta products, Amazon etc. Every search elsewhere, every email not sent - less data for them, less ad revenue.
Thanks for sharing your story, Martin. An acquaintance carried this act out during covid, and I’m very happy that you did not.
Thank you for sharing. Your openness reminds me we’re all human trying our best on our worst and best days.
Use this spreadsheet as a resource to call/email/write members of Congress, the Cabinet and news organizations. Reach out to your own reps, as well as those in other states on a specific committee important to a topic you’re sharing. Use your voice and make some “good trouble.”
Thank you for sharing and putting into words what many of us have experienced to one degree or another yet are not so eloquent. It’s a true source of comfort and strength.
Powerful writing. The darkness of mental health problems is so difficult to overcome. The gift of total strangers entering your life and looking out for you in that super critical time is full of hope even in such times as these there is good samarititans who sense trouble and act. That reaffirms our faith in one another.Thank you for sharing your story.
I found this recently, and have checked it thorougly... and all it takes to get rid of him is money. :O The Big Bad Bill defunded the judicary branch,, which shows they are afraid of him being held in contempt for the law - but its still allowed to pay for their verdicts carried out.
So fucking crowdfund him out. :D "Everyone, help launch the bully clown! :D" With a simulator game flinging him from the white house, yelling "yooo-ho-ho!"
Thats ridiculous, and that is EXACTLY the only sort of stuff that its gonna work! Were in the internet attention soceity - that that, my friends, is an attention-creating thing. :D ... You are in a mirror universe right now - nothing normal works, because they have deliberately blocked those roads. So now its only either NEW stuff, internet revolution stuff, open and inviting - lets do this together, I feel that has to be the style of government in the open internet society anyway - or simply go old school and break the constitution to save it. Just like all movies in the eighties. For example the Lethal Weapon one with where an South African nazi diplomat was the villain. His diplomatic immunity didnt help. And neither should trumps when kind of hiding behind the constitution while dismantling it, poking holes in to shoot and keep you down. And you just stand there - instead of saying loud with clarity "Aaaah, this is ridiculous!" and tell MAGA you are going to shoot him THROUGH it - in a place where it can be mended. And negotiate with them! What is enough for you guys to back down? They HAVE been forgotten. They ARE a stupid minority . and that is not THEIR fault, making it THEIR fault is the whole trick of neoliberalism! :P An excuse and some better conditions in ways they prefer actually IS in order.
I'm so sorry to hear that you have had the struggles that you had - I was also in a dark place for a long time BUT we are both still here and fighting.
I know you are not a 'plugger,' you are an eloquent writer but it feels like this event is something you might be interested in. Each 4th of July we (once CAAB - campaign for the accountability of American bases, then MHAC - Menwith Hill Accountability Campaign) half an Independence FROM America event out side the gates of the American base. Previous speakers have included Mark Thomas, Alan Bennet and many more. At its peak, just after the invasion of Iraq, we had thousands of people, with police on horses, quad bikes, cycles etc...it has dwindled down to a hand full of us now - but we have great line up this year. Please see link. You would be most welcome to join us and if you are able to give us a plug too, that would be amazing.
We also hold a weekly demo outside the main gates every Tuesday between 6-7.30 pm.
Thank you for your introspection today. Also like the security before being allowed to post on here.... Your insights are spot on for the times we are in. Your video work that I've seen has been superlative. Also love the fact that you are in the UK and thus out of the reach of the orange idiot.
You are much appreciated!
It came knocking at my door twice. We are forced to become both resourceful and resilient. We are creators however, and we learn to re-build, at least most of us. I had considered driving off the bridge when I was forced to file for bankruptcy. Please continue your writings. Collectively, we must do something.
Thank you for being vulnerable and honest. I've had several experiences with looking to an irreversible exit strategy, and I'd be lying if I didn't say I've had several this year alone. I keep redrawing the line. How long would I go on existing in an actual overtake of society. What handmaid's tale dystopian reality would I decide was not worth experiencing. I've not reached it yet, but I am familiar with concluding that one light in a dark room when searching for an exit might be the best one I have. It is awful that this is their intent.
Thank you. Your ‘off-piste ‘ writings have bought me back to recognising how easy it is to forget things that should never be forgotten.
The pandemic came about 4 months after I somewhat settled back into Melbourne, after spending almost 5 years living in TX, and leaving a disastrous marriage. I only had work in Melbourne. My family, heart friends, children all lived away.
Being in Melbourne meant being locked down.
I could have gone to the dr, get a pass note and drive to see my kids or a friend that lived an hour away on the basis of declining mental health, but I was painfully aware of my surroundings and I limited physical contact with those I loved, simply because my desire to keep them well over rode my selfish need to see them.
Those months, where I was blessed to be paid for full time hours, but only worked 5 days every 2 weeks, saw me studying and watching what was happening in what at the time, was my beloved USA, my heart breaking for the thousands dying, and my outrage at those who cared only for themselves.
Now, as I wait to come over, in an anxiety ridden hope to see my wife of almost 12 months, that lives in VA, I don’t recognise anything about the country.
I hope I they let me in, but it won’t be until I’m safely away from the airports that I’ll begin to feel like ‘maybe I will get to see her!’
Three weeks, yet my heart breaks before I arrive because I have no clue when I’ll see her again
I’ll be sharing this ‘off-piste’ writing with many along with upgrading, because not only do I read truth? I also read humility.
And humility is my jam.
Again
Thank you
As a survivalist from an early age, I hear you. My choice was made when Trump was elected. I'm still sending him invoices for my 50% of those energy cuts he promised😁If I balance my pantry and food storage and emergency aids, with exception for gas to Drs appts, I feel comfortably set for 6 months to a year depending on how hungry I really get. The woods on my acre will provide Sustinence when supplies run out. I'm getting pretty good with my silent bow and arrows😏The bars on the windows and doors will further protect me if it comes to that. It pays to live in 107 year old solid built home. It has its quirks, but so do I.
Thank you for your honest description of how your life unraveled. Each of us have variations on that theme at one time... Glad you made it through to the other side!
Another remarkable post. Thank you. I see many replies from readers that have had a dark night of the soul. My father died I think of a broken heart, after the 1980s interest rates rose to over 20% and he lost his house after working hard all his life. My sister took her own life a few years later.
To be human is to suffer. And to be resilient. And to feel despair. And to feel hope and joy.
I found substack is my happy place. Finding a community of others who care deeply about our planet and about community is a blessing. Humans are hardwired for survival and self interest. But we are also miraculously able to transcend our basic needs and care about others, beyond our own self interest. We have the ability to choose. Right over wrong. Good over evil. Sometimes we can’t tell the difference but as we grow older and wiser we can learn the difference.
Keep on sharing. It makes a difference. We are already winning. Just by showing up.
And the message is here: there is always hope. Trump and his cohort will not be here for ever. History always turns (but we are in a global mess and not just with Trump).
It takes a bit of effort but moving away from G**gle is a blessing, as is minimal use of Meta products, Amazon etc. Every search elsewhere, every email not sent - less data for them, less ad revenue.
Thanks for sharing your story, Martin. An acquaintance carried this act out during covid, and I’m very happy that you did not.
Thank you for sharing. Your openness reminds me we’re all human trying our best on our worst and best days.
Use this spreadsheet as a resource to call/email/write members of Congress, the Cabinet and news organizations. Reach out to your own reps, as well as those in other states on a specific committee important to a topic you’re sharing. Use your voice and make some “good trouble.”
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13lYafj0P-6owAJcH-5_xcpcRvMUZI7rkBPW-Ma9e7hw/edit?usp=drivesdk
Thank you for sharing and putting into words what many of us have experienced to one degree or another yet are not so eloquent. It’s a true source of comfort and strength.
Powerful writing. The darkness of mental health problems is so difficult to overcome. The gift of total strangers entering your life and looking out for you in that super critical time is full of hope even in such times as these there is good samarititans who sense trouble and act. That reaffirms our faith in one another.Thank you for sharing your story.
All of your pieces deliver valuable truth, but this one latched onto both my brain and my heart where it will remain.
I found this recently, and have checked it thorougly... and all it takes to get rid of him is money. :O The Big Bad Bill defunded the judicary branch,, which shows they are afraid of him being held in contempt for the law - but its still allowed to pay for their verdicts carried out.
So fucking crowdfund him out. :D "Everyone, help launch the bully clown! :D" With a simulator game flinging him from the white house, yelling "yooo-ho-ho!"
Thats ridiculous, and that is EXACTLY the only sort of stuff that its gonna work! Were in the internet attention soceity - that that, my friends, is an attention-creating thing. :D ... You are in a mirror universe right now - nothing normal works, because they have deliberately blocked those roads. So now its only either NEW stuff, internet revolution stuff, open and inviting - lets do this together, I feel that has to be the style of government in the open internet society anyway - or simply go old school and break the constitution to save it. Just like all movies in the eighties. For example the Lethal Weapon one with where an South African nazi diplomat was the villain. His diplomatic immunity didnt help. And neither should trumps when kind of hiding behind the constitution while dismantling it, poking holes in to shoot and keep you down. And you just stand there - instead of saying loud with clarity "Aaaah, this is ridiculous!" and tell MAGA you are going to shoot him THROUGH it - in a place where it can be mended. And negotiate with them! What is enough for you guys to back down? They HAVE been forgotten. They ARE a stupid minority . and that is not THEIR fault, making it THEIR fault is the whole trick of neoliberalism! :P An excuse and some better conditions in ways they prefer actually IS in order.
What do you think? Its time to think openly and brainstorm. :)
I'm so sorry to hear that you have had the struggles that you had - I was also in a dark place for a long time BUT we are both still here and fighting.
I know you are not a 'plugger,' you are an eloquent writer but it feels like this event is something you might be interested in. Each 4th of July we (once CAAB - campaign for the accountability of American bases, then MHAC - Menwith Hill Accountability Campaign) half an Independence FROM America event out side the gates of the American base. Previous speakers have included Mark Thomas, Alan Bennet and many more. At its peak, just after the invasion of Iraq, we had thousands of people, with police on horses, quad bikes, cycles etc...it has dwindled down to a hand full of us now - but we have great line up this year. Please see link. You would be most welcome to join us and if you are able to give us a plug too, that would be amazing.
We also hold a weekly demo outside the main gates every Tuesday between 6-7.30 pm.
www.themhac.uk
Thanks for reading and also writing your wonderful articles,
Best wishes,
Laila
Thank you for sharing your personal story. I can relate to all of it presently, health issues as well. Please keep speaking out!
I agree but keep it simple. We all feel the way you do.