Hey, so here’s the thing about America, right? Like, this land was supposedly built on ideals that were once, oh so sacred, like everyone believed we were in the same boat, rowing in the same direction, no matter where you docked your ship from—be it Ellis Island or Texas or wherever. We thought we were a motley crew but somehow exceptional. But now, does it even feel that way? Because lately, it feels like everyone in power is just vying for a spot to shout louder than the guy next to them, and it’s just one big “them vs. us” narrative. We used to think politicians couldn’t be so petty — but surprise! Here we are in messy shame town. Hi, I’m Carol and wow, it’s a lot to take in, isn’t it?
And speaking of a hot mess, remember when Trump happened? Yeah, Bret Stephens was all like, “Okay, let’s give him a chance.” Everyone was so hopeful—or complacent or blind or whatever—and look where it slogged us? Kicked into this tangled mess where decency is like, extinct, and telling folks to skedaddle with no real reason. Millions were all in for it; like, really? That’s a thought that makes you want to yank your hair out. But, are we even surprised anymore? Like, at all?
Then there’s this chilling story about Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia—yeah, you heard right, sent off without so much as a courtroom wave. Bret, dude, you’re shocked? WHY? I mean, Kate’s from New York, and even she’s giving that major side-eye because—HELLO, this is the reality check we all needed.
On another note, those Republicans, oh boy, they’re like, “Let’s make a song and dance about those good ol’ Judeo-Christian values and patriotism.” But then, like, who’re they backing? Mr. Trump. The king of non-decency and whatever. Seriously? So, if the whole spiel about supporting him is coz he’s a ‘fighter’—to what end? Bullying’s a strategy now? We got ourselves a cheerleader who’s all about using a megaphone but for all the wrong plays! What happened, guys?
And Bret, gotta give you props for staying curious and poking the bee’s nest on these hard topics. Not that we always see eye-to-eye politically, but sometimes you gotta slap things on the fridge—seriously, Michelle from Princeton gets it too. Article’s like a fridge magnet of chaos, just so that we don’t start snoozing through breakfast.
Finally, there are us, the so-called “coastal elite” who may have different political sunglasses on, but still cling to that American dream dangled before us, like hostages of hope. We see in heroes like Sojourner Truth and Lou Gehrig a bit of what America could be. Funny how even when you go bougie, some things don’t lose their glitter. Maybe our words zip from Bret’s pen to the big dude upstairs, but till then, Shelley from LA is sticking with horrified and holding out hope.<|vq_15520|>
