I mostly stay out of politics. I’m of the mind that there are effin’ morons on both sides of the political spectrum, and moderate action is the only thing that can truly help all of us. The far extremities of the current political atmosphere only drives further division. Honestly, the lack of empathy on both sides is just sad to see.

But, I’m not here to talk about my political views or yours. If you’re a die-hard Trumper or you wish Kamala had won, I don’t care. I really don’t, so don’t @ me. Instead, I’d like to talk about FUD. Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt. One thing you can’t deny is that MAGA has riled people up unlike any movement in recent memory. The news, commentators, and TikTok-ers are alight with the most dire of predictions. And that’s not just those on the left. The right does it too. Nobody is safe, the world is ending if the ‘others’ get power, and so on. First, y’all need to go outside a bit more. Things have a tendency to be less scary after you’ve touched grass or walked your dog. Second, y’all just be exhausting for the rest of us to watch.

I’m sick of the news. I used to pay attention to all this shit. And I still do, but I no longer have any reaction to anything other than “oh,” and “okay.” I’m burnt out, and I’m quite ready to win the lotto and buy my private island. No, none of you are invited. I’m taking all my books, and maybe my dog. That’s it.

Obviously that’s not going to happen, so what does one do when all you hear online is about how we’re all DOOOOOOOOMED! Well, I read. I write blog posts. I listen to music. And I remember to turn all the nonsense off. Once a day, I just completely disconnect from anything news related. It doesn’t even mean I leave my phone or my computer. I just do something that has no chance of having anything to do with politics or current events.

It’s not really enough, if I’m being honest. I still get bombarded with everything horrible every time I come back online, but it still reminds me that there is more to life than whatever thing Trumpy did today that’s going to ruin the world. I need that reminder, and I think we all do. Puppies, kids, and flowers are the solution. It’s hard to care about much when there’s a dog around.

A bit of escapism is healthy. I don’t know how people who stay connected to this 24/7 do it. It has to take a toll on their mental health. And I’ll be honest with you folks, there’s not a single fucking politician on the planet that’s worth 3 thoughts a day. They’re all corrupt multi-millionaire jackasses who should be forced into retirement. We’d all be better off.

ANARCHY! (j/k of course)

Thoughts? Comment below, find me on the Fediverse or email me.