My candidate lost. American has made its decision. It’s not the first time I have felt out of step with the country. The writer’s lament is to be a social gadfly. Smart, bearded guy Socrates espoused this approach and for his wisdom was state sponsored executed by hemlock cocktail. His crime: educating the youth. So when you hear about the upcoming battle for a more “classical education” to combat the scourge of liberal bias in education, maybe keep history in mind. If you are still allowed.

The last time this guy was elected, I was horrified. Many of his policy decisions for the country and a healthy democracy were sickening at best. America became that person at the party you avoid. It’s not a exaggeration I was likely depressed for four year. And then Covid-19 followed by the ultimate temper tantrum called January 6th.

Several things in the country I love and world I value are still at dumpster fire levels. Except now the entire dump is on on fire and burning garbage seems to be everywhere. But since 2016, a certain callousness has developed in me. I recognize it is a survival instinct kicking in so I don’t end up in a padded room. A protective shield over my own mental state to avoid going into a precipitous downward spiral again. I refuse to doom scroll all the dystopian scenarios in my head. It’s the road to ruin. The GPS bringing me to the flaming dump, day in and day out. So I won’t.

So as the seas rise along with fascistic leaders, my optimism falls with the world’s human rights, but I refuse. I refuse to let my beliefs fall into disrepair. I refuse to keep quiet. I refuse to back down. I will fight this garbage fire with all my skills, talent, fortitude and cunning. These are times where we might all need to lean into our most Machiavellian intentions and indeed fight fire with fire. I ask you not to succumb to despair. Live your life. Do the things you love. Be the best you can be for yourself, your family, friends, country and the world. Ask yourself, do I want to die on my feet or live on my knees? Choose carefully. All we have to lose is everything.