When I first started this Substack I promised myself that I wouldn’t make it all about Trump. I wanted to talk about combating systemic racism, sexism, allyship, art, writing, relationships, progressive tech and a host of other things.
Still, as time wears on, and the election nears, I find myself writing more and more on the Flatulent Orange Miscreant with the intent to inform. America seriously needs to be aware of who the criminal they plan to vote for is.
To that end, I recall Popok saying he doesn’t care if Republicans vote for Trump. Fuck that—I do.
Anyone who believes in American democracy as it stands today should care, and while I admire Popok, I find this to be one of his more egregious lamentations outside of recently stating on Legal AF that he is afraid Trump will martyr himself if he goes to jail, so maybe we shouldn’t lock him up (scrub to 10:30).
All crooks martyr themselves—jails would-be empty if we were to truly consider such things. While yes, it would be a complicated affair, the man has committed crimes.
Lock. Him. Up.
Familiarity breeds contempt—and exhaustion
MAGA constantly screams about Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS), which is not a thing, but what may be an actual real phenomenon is Trump Fatigue (TF).
Jon Stewart expertly gives us the why of the latter in his latest take down of the media and their ham-fisted, 24/7 coverage of every move the Angry Yam makes. Yes, I was mad at Jon for the comments he made about Biden when he first returned—Jon has since apologized and is now onboard the Biden train.
To that end—Jon Stewart’s recent observation regarding Trump media coverage made me reflect on the old adage of familiarity breeding contempt and how this has led to Trump Fatigue.
These reflections come on the heels of a dialogue I had both with my liberal Therapist and my super Conservative hubby, both named, incidentally, Michael.
During these discussions it came to me that—
We treat strangers better than long-time lovers
Seriously.
For instance, when I asked what my husband valued from our relationship he told me he felt I was a good writer but he was better at everything else.
He said that—out loud. To a fellow human with ears.
Then defaulted to just kidding. He wasn’t.
When I spoke to my therapist, my usually astute therapist, he missed the point of my anger. He told me if a stranger said I was a good writer I would be flattered. Well, while I was flattered he considered me a good writer, I was also insulted that he seemed to think that he brought everything else worthwhile to the table.
I want to make sure that in all I do I bring value—no matter the circumstances. It has been a life mantra. It was disheartening to believe he felt that way.
It also came to me that the reverse of how one could respond to a stranger is true as well.
If, for example, someone were interested in dating an individual they would not say to them, “I am only interested in your money/house/car,” or “I only want to date you because you have big boobs.” This is because the person in question would be insulted and any chance at a relationship is lost.
What is it about human nature that makes us think being with someone for years makes it okay to be demeaning, especially since we would not behave that way with a stranger, as we have a heightened awareness of what would be insulting and we avoid doing that?
—shouldn’t it be the other way around?
Longstanding love is something that should be celebrated and nurtured—no matter how many years you have been in a relationship. Graying love needs sustenance too; it simply needs to be nurtured differently.
These tumbling whirlwind of thoughts led me to the the ongoing public yet toxic relationship America has had with Trumpy. We’ve been through one hell of a demented courtship, and while a good portion of us are clamoring to break up, or asking, “Where is the value here…?” the other half wants to continue their dysfunctional affair.
For some, there was no honeymoon period—it was full on contempt from the get go—and our outrage-o-meter is melting.
Jon Stewart is dah man—and he is RIGHT!
Not merely about how the media created this Frankenstein monster for ratings, but how they are still trying to milk this dead cow no matter how lame, dumb or non-newsworthy the story is.
In a segment Jon called “America’s Most Tremendously Wanted,” he mocked the Media’s self-introspection and calls to handle Trump coverage responsibly as they have demonstrated they can do anything but!
Sure, the MSM claims they have learned lessons from 2016 coverage, but as Jon Stewart observed, it appears they have come to believe that “Learning curves are for pussies…”
Man am I glad Jon’s back.
My therapist, who loves to binge Meidas Touch as much as I do, told me that his wife took a break from watching one of her favorite TV programs to see what he was doing.
She found him breathlessly tuned in to their coverage of jury selection.
His wife, who works in the legal profession, shook her head at him and admonished, “You are watching an entire episode on jury selection. Jury. Selection. The most boring part of my job.”
He thought about it a second reflected—she was right!
The alarming issue with all this is the fatigue aspect.
Authoritarians try to dazzle you with bullshit and wear you out. What happens isn’t so much exhaustion but apathy, which is almost creeping up on me.
Almost.
I won’t allow it, which is why I have gone back to screenplay writing and animation.
I mean, sure it is okay to check in—on occasion. And I will, do not doubt. But really, unless I am reading the headline “TRUMP GOES TO JAIL!” do I need to hear about every time Trump sneezes, sleeps or farts?
Nope!
What we take in must add value.
My Head Doc advised that I lower my dose of Meidas Touch and resume living—I am gonna take Dr. Mack’s advice. This election is too important to doze off on and as they say—slow and steady wins this race.
Love to you all, and hey—I will start sneaking in other topics here, but if you ever do need me in between political cat naps—ya’ll know where to find me.