LAUGH OR DIE (too gloomy, you say?)
“Mankind surely does not represent an evolution toward a better or stronger or higher level, as progress is now understood.” ~ Friedrich Nietzsche (Ponder this a moment…)
Fifteen days from now. Right? Fifteen. Surely, we are not approaching the most momentous act of my lifetime. I was born six months before the start of WW2, so the Allies’ (the good guys back in the day: UK, US, Soviet Union, and, usually included, China) victory over the fascists (Germany, Italy, and Japan) has to have been the greatest event in my many decades. That victory, for all its follow-up errors, did bring about the opportunity of reasonable lives for large numbers of the world’s population. The alternative scenario is something we may have neglected to fully contemplate until the relatively recent advent of Trump, when fascism began creeping back into our collective lines of vision, beating us about the head and shoulders, and, finally, spitting it in our faces.
Perhaps in fifteen days, we’ll experience the second most consequential event in my long life. Can that be? I have never desired any part of the burden of saving the world, or indicated in any way I’m up to the task, have I? Attention should have been paid: thinking, writing, doing more. Because now it feels like it’s down to my (and your…) one vote in New Mexico, United States of America. Seriously? That’s our only substantive action? So true for too many people like me? We shoulda… what?
And why, before I die, must I fear the same forces that brought about WW2? Fascism, xenophobic populism, virulent nationalism? Then, adding to that already deadly list: out-of-control capitalism, and an endless array of war toys (whether electronic, explosive, or simply inhumane) and the immature, irrational, and greedy human beings all too-ready to play with them.
Okay, so I’m terrified. But to attempt a note of levity. Election evening, I will not watch the news; I will only check in occasionally on my phone. Because if something dramatic happens…like, you know…civil war, revolution, uprising…whatever, it will definitely be televised (here’s to Gil Scott-Heron—and all those who had us singing ferociously along to that small-r revolution of the 60s and 70s); but without regular TV, guess I’ll have to rely on the late-night comedians.
I have a better plan: it involves watching new seasons of two fine series: Babylon Berlin (1930s Berlin as the Nazis come to power) on MHz and The Diplomat (contemporary political double-dealings on all sides.) It’s hard to tell the good guys from the bad, but they’re all beautiful and sophisticated as Netflix knows they must be. Depending on how things are going, based on my smartest of phone updates, I’ll alternate between the two.
I haven’t experienced a truly emotional election since McGovern-Nixon in 1972. You know, Vietnam and all that. Even the joy of Obama and the sorrow of Trump-previous, didn’t come near this time. 2024. One moment, I’m so very joyful of the candidacy of Kamala, so proud of this Woman, and pretty much everything about her. The next, I’m laughing (humorlessly) at a transcript of Trump’s actual words on almost any occasion—incomprehensible gibberish. The following minutes, I am figuratively cowering under my desk, hands covering ears, eyes tightly shut, waiting for the explosion.
Thanks, Margie. I always enjoy reading what you write. I’m usually very optimistic about elections, but this one has me feeling doubtful. Trump will cause all kinds of havoc whether he loses or wins. That’s worrisome to me.
I’m glad you enjoyed your travels. Lovely photo!