Mad World
I am haunted by Gary Jules version of "Mad World". It's not an ear worm; it's become the soundtrack to American Politics for me. I read an article and the song is there playing in the background. A clip of he-who-must-not-be-named plays and my minds tunes him out and the song starts. It plays at odd times, those quiet moments as a reminder of a fate I can not escape.
I used to hope for the day when he would die: not a violent death, a death of old age and senility, the painted corpse, the inflated ego passing through his stained lips and then breath no more. But with the recent martyrization of a lesser hate monger I see that a death only serves to usher in sainthood, deification, a rewriting of the evils once spewed and violence incited, now ignored and forgotten.
We will not escape the Dark Lord's presence when he is gone because his ghost will lead a swath of his followers into further darkness while others cry that there is something rotten in the state of Democracy. His specter will haunt us, his banshee wailing on repeat. There will be no rest for the wicked because even in death he breathes his hatred, his lies into his followers. He gave them a voice, one which had been quieted, which dare not speak too loudly. But now unleashed, his minions spew his words as gospel, embracing their hate, and justifying it with their fears, fears given substance through media manipulation. When he dies, it will further his legend.
A country built in blood and sweat. A struggle in democracy and republic. A history tainted, yet glorified, being rewritten before our eyes. Wrapped in the flag of nationalism. Remolded stories and intent bathed in sanctification to create a false religious struggle. All white washed and hung boldly as an amulet, an identifier of piety. The democratic republic crumbling under a gargantuan ego, held together by crypto, fealty pledges, and backed by billionaire monopolists.
♫Hide my head, I want to drown my sorrow...Worn-out places, worn-out faces...Going nowhere, going nowhere...Mad world♫
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Trump signed yet another executive order (rule by fiat)- this time it's declaring Antifa is a terrorist organization. Except there is no group called Antifa, just an ideology which begins with the premise I am against fascism. Are the veterans of WW2 who fought fascism now terrorists? Is anyone who spots fascist behavior, and calls it out, a terrorist? Have we lost our right to protest against fascist policy? Am I a terrorist now because I am opposed to fascism and the rise of fascism in this country?
The President is saying those opposed to fascism are terrorists, that Antifa is an enemy of the state? What it sounds like he is saying is the state is now fascist. Oppose fascism? Then you oppose Trump and his policies.
After Kirk's death, some on the right commented that the killing is their Reichstag fire and it's time to crack down on the opposition. Um, we're been calling you out on your goose stepping. Now you're admitting that, yes, you proudly goosestep in jackboots. You're admitting that Nazi history is yours to follow? Sounds like you're admitting to being fucking Nazis with this very statement.
Does this mean you are fascists and Nazis all rolled into one? So Axis of Evil, is that the correct designation? Or it it the Grand Old Party of Nazis and Fascists?
---Asking for friend who is probably now a terrorist for being against fascism.
FYI: Simply put, Fascism is characterized by a dictatorial leader, centralized autocracy, militarism, forcible suppression of opposition, belief in a natural social hierarchy, subordination of individual interests for the perceived interest of the nation or race, and strong regimentation of society and the economy.
Sound familiar?
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My NYT response to the supposed tax break* bandied about for next year:
Tax cuts, huh? What about the 34% increase in our homeowner's insurance over last year? Our lower deductibles are being eliminated. Still the rates are up.
Our home's value went up 17% from last year with higher property taxes now. Meanwhile our neighbors can't sell their homes.
Medical insurance. Dreading open season enrollment in November. I suspect the higher rates, higher co pays, higher Rx costs, and higher deductibles will give me a heart attack!
Car Insurance is up again. No citations but repair and replacement cost for cars is up.
Clothes- up. Shoes- up. Electric for the home-up. Dining out---not anymore! Home repairs--- don't even get me started! Vacations- Ha!
What to do? Comfort food, anyone? NOPE! Food prices are ridiculously high and still rising. Even the cheapest ramen went up from 0.30 to 0.47 a pack!
And all the DOGE cuts and projected cuts in the federal budget mean fewer services. State taxes will go up as states grapple with filling in the gaps for federal cuts to necessary services. I suspect any federal tax cut we get won't even buy groceries for the week.
Gary Jules version of "Mad World
All around me are familiar faces
Worn-out places, worn-out faces
Bright and early for their daily races
Going nowhere, going nowhere
And their tears are filling up their glasses
No expression, no expression
Hide my head, I want to drown my sorrow
No tomorrow, no tomorrow.
[Chorus]
And I find it kind of funny
I find it kind of sad
The dreams in which I'm dying
Are the best I've ever had
I find it hard to tell you, 'cause I find it hard to take
When people run in circles
It's a very, very
Mad world
Mad world
Mad world
Mad world
[Verse 2]
Children waiting for the day they feel good
Happy birthday, happy birthday
Made to feel the way that every child should
Sit and listen, sit and listen
Went to school and I was very nervous
No one knew me, no one knew me
Hello, teacher, tell me what's my lesson
Look right through me, look right through me
[Chorus]
And I find it kind of funny
I find it kind of sad
The dreams in which I'm dying are the best I've ever had
I find it hard to tell you, 'cause I find it hard to take
When people run in circles, it's a very very
Mad world
Mad world
Mad world
Mad world
[Interlude]
[Chorus]
And I find it kind of funny, I find it kind of sad
The dreams in which I'm dying
Are the best I've ever had
I find it hard to tell you
'Cause I find it hard to take
When people run in circles
It's a very, very
Mad world
Mad world
Mad world
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