This is a truthfully brilliant piece. As a poet and community builder, this is where artists come in... we're not given our talents to hawk for pennies, but to shine a light and lead
Yes, yes, yes, yes, YES!!! You said this more artfully and completely than I ever could. I believe so strongly the central ideas you’ve expressed.
This paragraph really hit the mark for me - “ Because here’s the truth they don’t want you to remember: there are more good people than bad. More builders than destroyers. More neighbors than enemies. “
Brett, I sure agree with reaching across the aisles and trying to mend the manufactured divide.
If we do not do it, I am convinced that the monster would gladly foment a civil war in which largely the Right, baked by him and his minions, would win as they are better armed and have been programmed to really hate us.
That way, he (the tech pros and architects of Project 2025) would have a country that doesn't understand democracy vs. authoritarianism and is a lot easier to manipulate. It would also get rid of excess population which I personally think is the behind some of the drive to get rid of immigrants as AI is due to replace a substantial number of jobs, and god forbid, they should be on welfare rolls.
I don't think I have a sigh big enough to embrace what you just wrote. Bret, you've moved ahead, from journalist to prophet. The process you advocate is a Jungian-style transformation, an embracing of both dark and light; of getting real. I vacillate, I get pessimistic. I lack confidence in the idea of America. It's so loaded with hypocrisy and paradox. But I engage at the local level. I'm meeting my neighbors from one day to the next. I'm bringing my art to its audience. I'm living on trust that they'll show up. I think that the seeds of MAGA collapse are manifesting everywhere. That particular sub culture is rotting away from within. Thanks for continuing the work, amigo.
This is a truthfully brilliant piece. As a poet and community builder, this is where artists come in... we're not given our talents to hawk for pennies, but to shine a light and lead
Yes, yes, yes, yes, YES!!! You said this more artfully and completely than I ever could. I believe so strongly the central ideas you’ve expressed.
This paragraph really hit the mark for me - “ Because here’s the truth they don’t want you to remember: there are more good people than bad. More builders than destroyers. More neighbors than enemies. “
Bravo Bret!
Brett, I sure agree with reaching across the aisles and trying to mend the manufactured divide.
If we do not do it, I am convinced that the monster would gladly foment a civil war in which largely the Right, baked by him and his minions, would win as they are better armed and have been programmed to really hate us.
That way, he (the tech pros and architects of Project 2025) would have a country that doesn't understand democracy vs. authoritarianism and is a lot easier to manipulate. It would also get rid of excess population which I personally think is the behind some of the drive to get rid of immigrants as AI is due to replace a substantial number of jobs, and god forbid, they should be on welfare rolls.
I don't think I have a sigh big enough to embrace what you just wrote. Bret, you've moved ahead, from journalist to prophet. The process you advocate is a Jungian-style transformation, an embracing of both dark and light; of getting real. I vacillate, I get pessimistic. I lack confidence in the idea of America. It's so loaded with hypocrisy and paradox. But I engage at the local level. I'm meeting my neighbors from one day to the next. I'm bringing my art to its audience. I'm living on trust that they'll show up. I think that the seeds of MAGA collapse are manifesting everywhere. That particular sub culture is rotting away from within. Thanks for continuing the work, amigo.
Solid advice!
a great read. truly syncopated justice. small group improvisation leading to big band harmony.
Wonderfully hopeful essay. Yes, we have much work to do.
waking up is hard to do but i’ve always thought it was a good thing. but i guess that for some if you wake up you’re woke and that’s bad?