Optimism Lost

It has been nearly too difficult to write in the past few years. I don’t have any real reasons aside from perhaps having too many thoughts. I have been unable to put them into any semblance of words. It’s actually painful. However, what I have come to believe is that I just “have to” put something down…get it out…write absolutely anything. Perhaps then, the organisation will come.

Last week, Jimmy Kimmel Live was canceled. I can’t see it any other way than an attack on free speech. A flagrant incursion on the First Amendment which states:

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/bill-of-rights-transcript#toc-amendment-i

That says, “Congress shall make no law,” and until now they have not. The indefinite pre-exemption of Jimmy Kimmel is so fraught with issues of evidence, regulation, manipulation, and so much more it is practically impossible to cover all the potential problems because of the action, not because of anything that was said.

Since, DJT was elected a second time in 2024 I have tried to be optimistic. I have attempted to be a voice of reason, embracing a “wait and see” attitude. This was naive. I was wrong. Am wrong. The continued barrage on free speech, attack on immigration (not just immigrants), removal of hard won gains (i.e. health care, reasonable taxes, etc.), threat of losing our history in a non judgemental way, stripping of art, and continued attempt to remove the diversity of our nation (which IS our strength), is just too overwhelming. It makes constructing any reasonable argument feel impossible. And that, is exactly why I must put words down and hit the publish button. The story, or collection will come.

So, for today I will hit the button, my thoughts unfinished but ongoing. Just as The United States of America’s story is unfinished, so is mine. Perhaps we are both just getting started.