Solute Your Solution
Tough questions I've been asked lately:
1) What do you want for dinner?
2) Will Kamala run for office again?
3) Would I run for something?
The fall of democracy does impact my appetite, along with daily stressors like work, chronic illness and the pressure to act like I give a shit about things that don't matter.
I won't mince words, I'm not convinced that Kamala lost in 2024. I refuse to accept that the so-called adults in this country are that fucking dumb as to think the current WH resident was a better choice. I do think that in part, just like in 2000, the 2024 vote was suppressed by idealism and also those who did advocate for the current shitshow <spreads hands grandiosely> must be held accountable. None of that "I didn't vote for THIS!" horseshit. So when it comes to question 2, I'm all in for it. If she's game, I'll campaign from DAY 1 for her. She and Pete Buttigieg? Or Harris-Beshear, Harris-Duckworth... LFG! If you even TRY with that whole "establishment Dems are the same" bullshit, see yourself out. I'm exhausted, THE WHOLE COUNTRY is exhausted and broken by the crumbling GOP and their desparate attempts at maintaining control with their fascist regime. THEY are the failed party because they continue to do just that: FAIL! They will always fail by limiting personal freedoms and taking away rights. Refer to Project 2025 for the fucking plan and stop putting your ignorance on others.
The point is, this country will never be the same, but we have an opportunity to rebuild after this nationwide dumpster fire. I'm holding a very, very thin wisp of hope that intelligence will be valued again in my lifetime. That I might get a chance to celebrate our first Madam President and our scientific agencies will one day thrive again. That the evil our country, our young ones and our immigrant friends are enduring at the hands of those in office can be undone. That we'll learn from these dark days, these massive mistakes. Very thin silver lining.
With that comes the last question of my participation in solving this nationwide crisis of confidence. I'm a "never say never" type of person. I don't think you can work in my career without having an optimistic streak and a desire to enact change or help others. I've managed folks in several leadership positions and I get more comfortable as time goes on. That said, political office is a beast of a role. I'll never be quiet or politically correct to some. I don't purposefully lie or mislead anyone. I'm an atheist with a strong grounding in science, observational and analytical. Evidence is our friend if we're acting with intention and intelligence. My mouth and my motto are generally this: kind, but honest. I am driven to advocate for those who need it, with a deep craving for justice, a very intense tendency towards hypervigilance, and a side of general anxiety. I wouldn't describe myself as a narcissist, but most narcissists probably don't. I have the confidence of a middle-aged white lady who studied hard when she needed to, held the stage when I had to, and was once described as "a loud laugher." I never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever plan on staying quiet about my political leanings, opinions or judgements. As a grown-ass adult I've earned a place at the table and I also think that children deserve a seat too. This is their world, anyone over the age of 50 is borrowing from our younger generations and should act accordingly. 7 generations, folks. Go look it up.
To sum it all up, don't be a dick, don't entertain fools and treat this place as if you're a guest in someone's home. At least remember that you're not the only one here. Also, eat the bread, order dessert, drink a glass of wine occassionally, sing loudly, laugh daily, dance to the fiddle, play games, eat a green thing, moisturize (SUNSCREEN PLEASE), argue intensely, fight fascism with derisive wit, but otherwise be kind.
And listen to Jack White, just go download every song he's ever made. You won't regret it.
-Til the last drop, N
