How Do I Celebrate a ‘Merica That's Gone Bananas?
Fear and loathing at the bottom of the capitalist food chain.
Hi, it’s me.
I’m just going to come right out and say it: I’m not feeling super duper festive this Independence Day, because what the actual fuck. The only fireworks I’m feelin’ at the moment is that little spark of rage burning in my chest.
Why do I rage? I’m worried about the calculated legal effort that is currently dismantling our basic human rights.
A long time ago, people at the top of the capitalist food chain discovered that if conservatives can control state legislation, courts, and who gets elected as governors, it doesn’t really matter which party has control of the presidency or congress.
We’re already seeing the impact of this strategy across America:
Women are losing body autonomy. The voting rights of entire communities are being suppressed and gerrymandered. Queer kids don’t feel safe and protected while at school. Teachers can’t teach an accurate history of slavery and racial discrimination in America. Tribal sovereignty is under attack. Bribery is okey dokey. Cities can criminally punish people for being homeless. “Reverse discrimination” (in quotes because IT’S NOT A REAL THING) lawsuits are shutting down philanthropy programs that fund Black entrepreneurs.
As a slightly left-of-center moderate, I’m accustomed to being in the middle. My whole adult life I’ve been too spiritual for non-Christians and too progressive for evangelicals. Too liberal for conservatives and too conservative for liberals. The reality is, I value diverse political ideology. I value disagreeing agreeably. I value having my assumptions challenged. I value curiosity and learning about what leads people to believe what they believe. These values build empathy and understanding and bridges. They build solutions that benefit “the least of these,” just like Jesus fucking said with his own mouth.
I’m afraid of the Bigger Thing that’s happening–bigger than This Side vs That Side. You and me? We’re nowhere near the top of the capitalist food chain, which means we’re endangered species. Pretty soon we’ll be called traitors and scoundrels. And by “we,” I mean all of us—there won’t be sides anymore. Only sharks and bottom feeders.
So this is the ball of anxiety in which I find myself on this year’s Bummer Independence Day.
How are you holding up?
Until next time,
Jen
More Depressing News
How to talk about slavery and colonialism at a birthday party:
These two episodes of the award winning podcast, This Land:
Pro Bono: The fight against the Indian Child Welfare Act is much bigger than a few custody cases, or even the entire adoption industry. We follow the money, and our investigation leads us to a powerful group of corporate lawyers and one of the biggest law firms in the country.
Trojan Horse: We know which law firms and think tanks are bringing these lawsuits, but no one has been able to figure out who’s funding them—or why—until now.
This NPR story about Tractor Supply’s recent announcement: “Tractor Supply Company, which bills itself as the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the U.S., will eliminate its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) roles, withdraw its carbon emissions goals and stop sponsoring Pride events in response to criticism from conservative activists.”
This episode of Today Explained reviews the Supreme Court Johnson vs Grants Pass ruling:
On a Lighter Note
🌼 Here’s what’s Happening In My Garden This Week 🌼
Growth was so slow this spring that I started to wonder if I got a bad batch of compost or something, but now that the sun has returned and overnight temperatures are staying above fifty degrees, my tomatoes, zucchini, and cucumbers are finally taking off!
I have gnawing anxiety deep in my solar plexus most of the time. It only goes away when I'm out on a trail in the ancient forest, where I can breathe deeply, where I remember that wild places have survived cataclysms for eons. The world is a wild, cataclysmic place right now. Thank you for your words, Jen. One thing is for sure: we are not alone in our fear and outrage; we are not an island.
To me you are just right. Thank you for writing with such clarity on this gnarly topic.
I turned on the news today. I usually only watch news when there are election results, a big event or a debate. I am very concerned.
Things are not trending in the right direction. The foundation of our imperfection country are still there. I want to do something to help. I can still celebrate though. I am a forever optimist.
This year I am donating to Field Team 6, a partisan voter registration organization. They register Democrats in battle ground states with the goal of saving the world. If you are looking at a place to rage donate, I highly recommend it.
If you can’t celebrate the country tomorrow, perhaps focus on celebrating your amazing community and family. ❤️