Bad Times at the DC Royale

 

I have been a devoted Superman fan my whole life. Starting with The Adventures of Superman TV show in the late fifties, the comic books beginning in the early sixties and continuing to this very day, the Christopher Reeve Superman, the ten-year series Smallville, and the brilliant shining light that was James Gunn's Superman movie of 2025.

Every time a Superman movie would come out, I would pray for its success so I could see even more Superman movies. My prayers were answered by Gunn's Superman. Everything I loved about Superman and his world was on full, bright display.

But, alas, that is not to be. The real-life Lex Luthors are taking it all away from us. The DC Universe has been snatched away from James Gunn and has been handed over to Jeremy Latcham, a Christian Reich hack who wants to make movies that his Grandma wouldn't object to. Yes, Latcham had some experience as one of an army of producers for Marvel Studios, but this will be the first time that his 'vision" will take precedence.

But it's not really his vision, is it? It's the billionaire owners, David and Larry Ellison, far-right extremists who worship at the altar of the Orange Grifter. They didn't like the fact that Superman took the side of the oppressed and outgunned Jarhnipur against the invading Boravia, which some have interpreted as Israel's invasion and destruction of the Palestinians in Gaza* (the Ellisons are pro-zionists). They didn't like that the chief villain was fellow billionaire Lex Luthor. They had a problem with Peacemaker fighting a Nazi alternate Earth, and the racism addressed in Lanterns.

No, Gunn no longer fit in with their vision. They want bland blockbusters that would make Latcham's Meemaw happy (who probably wouldn't see ANY superhero movie), and ones that echo right-wing talking points. 

They have destroyed the DCU, and I'm very upset. Gunn had Superman: Man of Tomorrow in post-production, but the rumors are strong that the Ellisons are having it re-edited to strip the soul out of it.

Coming after one of the best midterms of my lifetime, it is a blunt reminder of how much we have lost, and how much we continue to lose. Our media has been consolidated in the hands of the Lex Luthors of the world.

I need to do a special disgusted hiss at Governor Gavin Newsom. State Attorney Generals from several states had a lawsuit to stop this merger, and then Governor Newsom stepped in to bring a settlement that allowed this unholy merger to take place. Newsom has lost my primary vote, and if he is the Democratic Party Presidential Nominee, I might pull the lever for him, but I will be cursing all the way. 

Some social media vloggers are upset with DC about this. That's bull hockey. DC is a victim in this mess. They have about as much responsibility for this as a prisoner has for the warden's actions.

I remain a devoted Superman fan. I still have the comic books. They sometimes vary in quality, depending on the writer and artist, but overall they present a positive vision. The new Absolute Superman, a modern retelling of the Superman mythos, is pretty good, getting the basics right.

Superman was created by two Jewish kids in Cleveland, Ohio, on the brink of World War II. He is meant to be hope, a Golem-like figure protecting the weak and oppressed. In his earliest stories, Clark Kent, the reporter, uncovers social ills, and Superman works to solve them. That is and forever will be my Superman.

Superman 25 was so good. It brought me to my knees, leaving me crying and shaking with joy. I was so overwhelmed. Thank you, James Gunn, for bringing the true spirit of Superman to life.

* This may have Israeli-Palestine overtones, but the actual story dates back to Superman #2, published in 1940, and was not at all about Israel, but the creeping fascism of that time, and rich people providing and profiting off of munitions.

Another New Arrival: Rose Aldrdige Column #9

  I continue to experiment with the visual quality of the columns. We found where Rose had stored the first year of newspapers in which her columns appeared, and this image is from those papers. It should eliminate the crease problem for a while. I have also experimented with a scan app that is on my phone, but I have not yet successfully figured out how to get those to my desktop. I'll keep trying.

From April 22nd, 1982

This is Rose's second column on the doll craze.  What was happening in 1982?!?

I know the Cabbage Patch dolls were big, and every young girl was looking to have one.  There were also plenty of knockoffs, like the one Alison got in na earlier column.  I even saw a story about a local woman in Blackshear who was making them.

The big doll I remember my sister having was indeed a big doll.  She stood almost as tall as my sister.  It terrorized my Mom when, one day, my sister decided the doll needed a bath and left it floating upside down in the bathtub, only to cause my Mom to go into screaming hysterics when she came in and saw it, thinking my sister had drowned.

What Happens Now? Saturday Political Soap Box 309

 

So, what happens next?

I have just witnessed the most dramatic and decisive midterms of my life. In the whole sweep of US history, there may have been an election where more seats changed hands, but at this time, when we were so perilously close to losing our democracy, it came with such a sense of relief and joy.

Black women, so long left out of the center of our politics, now hold almost all the statewide offices in Georgia. Texas went from ruby red to shining blue, skipping the purple stage altogether. South Carolina and Kansas, among other red states, elected Democratic Senators. Heck, Mississippi hasn't been called yet, but Democrat Scott Colom is building his lead every day.

So, what happens next?

The first impact would be on the Kingdom of the Orange Grifter. How will he react? Will he start working with the Democratic Party and sign bills into law that actually benefit the American people? Will he sulk? Bluster? Go off the deep end (well, even deeper, if that's possible)? 

He's being relatively quiet, unusual for him. He is blaming everyone else, and his primary focus has been continuing his HGTV-style renovations. But the first inkling of what we may face is not a good sign. He has dumped his relatively sedate grown-up in the room, Susie Wiles, and replaced her with Stephen 'Darth' Miller, a modern Voldemort, master of the dark arts.

Oh, that's not good at all.

So, what happens next?

There is some debate between focusing on accountability versus affordability. A danger sign here is that the likely new Speaker of the House, Hakeem Jeffries, is disguising the word "accountability" by calling it "revenge". Not promising.

I think we should be smart enough to do both. We can chew gum and walk at the same time.

The argument against accountability is that impeachment efforts are unlikely to succeed, and the American people don't want to spend time chasing down the bad guys. 

So what! If we don't make it clear that there is a price for corruption and trying to dismantle democracy, we give carte blanche for the next authoritarian to try it.  

Fact-based Congressional hearings are absolutely vital to moving forward.

The argument against affordability is that King Donald will veto everything. Why waste time drafting bills that cannot become law? He is already promoting himself as Mr. Veto.

So what! MAKE HIM VETO! If you want to win the Presidency, if you want to hold your majority, you MUST pass popular legislation that people want, and they must clearly see they can't have them because of the CLOWN SHOW DEMENTED WANNABE DICTATOR!

And the House and Senate need to change leadership. We need bold leaders who are willing to lay out the crimes and unconstitutionality of the adminstration, and pass popular legislation. Strongly worded letters and mush-mouthed kumbayas are not needed now.

I could go on, but I'll just end with the most important message I can give to Congressional Democrats = 

MAKE HIM VETO!

Until next time,

T. M. Strait

AOC '28

It's Always Hard to Watch Loved-Ones Go: Rose Aldridge Column #8

 I continue to experiment with the visual quality of the columns. We found where Rose had stored the first year of newspapers in which her columns appeared, and this image is from those papers. It should eliminate the crease problem for a while. I have also experimented with a scan app that is on my phone, but I have not yet successfully figured out how to get those to my desktop. I'll keep trying.

I'm presenting this as a four-column picture, then a sharper focus on two columns at a time. Maybe it will help. I hope so.

This one is a tough title: It's Always Hard to Watch Loved Ones Go. We've had to experience that kind of loss, like with Rose, almost more than we can bear.

This column, however, is focused on loved ones who move away to another area of the globe and whom we see less and less. Many of the friendships she noted here endured for years after.

Outside of close family, I do not have any relationships that have endured beyond close proximity, except for a few contacts on Facebook. Everyone I knew from any other place I lived has vanished.

I blame myself. Only aggressive extroverts who are willing to take the burden of contact even have a remote chance. Apparently I don't have any of those, at least not any who are motivated enough to stay in contact with me.

Seven Top Candidates I Want to Win

 

In most of our recent elections, I have listed the seven candidates that I most wanted to lose, despicable people who were the worst of the worst.

For this 2026 midterm, I have decided to do the opposite and will list the seven candidates I most want to win. I'm mostly focused on the Senate, with one governor's race. If I included House candidates, I would have to lead with my Georgia 1st District and urge you to vote for highly talented and qualified Amanda Hollowell.

1) Jon Ossoff: U.S. Senate, Georgia

As pictured above, he has demonstrated his rhetorical abilities and his devotion to this country and its citizens.  

If someone had asked me a year ago, I would have thought he had no chance, that Georgia would return to its red roots like Alabama did when it rejected one of the best members of the Senate, Doug Jones, in favor of Florida resident and absolute moron, Tommy Tuberville.

But his talent and the changing nature of Georgia have put him in the lead in the polls. Hopefully, his lead will be strong enough to survive any Republican election-rigging hijinks.

WINNER! 59%

2) James Talirico, U.S> Senate, Texas

 This one is so vital. Not just for the purpling of Texas, not just for what he'll do to battle the corruption in Washington, not just for his stance on issues important to Texas and America, but because of his revivying effect on progressive Christianity. I fear for the survival of Christianity if the Christian Reich, the Christian White Nationalists, continue to strangle the faith I love, and turn more and more people away from it.

He is in relatively good shape. He has the same problem as Ossoff, in that he has to win decisively, as his state is completely controlled by Republicans, who, like Trump, have shown no reluctance to cheat and manipulate to win.

WINNER! 55%

3) Abdul El-Sayd, U.S. Senate, Michigan

Oh, I love this guy! A true advocate for the position that is most important to me, Medicare For All, true universal healthcare. He is smart, quick-witted, turning many of the insane, racist talking points on their head.

I don't want to have to post on Wednesday that the racists won and Trumpy Mike Rogers won. What defeated primary opponent, Haley Stevens, did this weekend, endorsing Rogers, was as despicable, low, and senseless as it gets. I don't think it hurt him, but I think it destroys her. It does help confirm why I consider myself a progressive independent and not a Democrat.  

An example of how it should be done is from my own Congressional District. The candidate I voted for, Pat Wilver, is doing the opposite. He has posted many social media videos making fun of Jim Kingston (whose only claim to fame is being a nepo-baby and receiving tons of corporate money), and supporting Democratic causes. Bravo, Pat!

WINNER! 53%

4) Troy Jackson, U.S. Senate, Maine

Don't blow it this time, Maine. A true working-class hero versus a true creature of the DC Swamp, Susan Collins. May her career and useless hand-wringing come to an end!

WINNER! 54%

5) Keisha Lance Bottoms, Governor, Georgia

Please, Georgia, please. Send this fine person to the Governorship. She was a good administrator as Mayor of Atlanta, and will be an excellent Governor. 

Yes, I know. You have been inundated with ads from the racist billionaire Rick Jackson, and you may have a hard time swimming through the lies. But this state will fall into the abyss if the stranglehold of the far-right Republicans continues.

Keep Georgia growing. Keep it moving forward!

WINNER! 54%

6) Angie Nixon, U.S. Senate, Florida

What a sign this would be if she could win in Florida! It may be a long shot, but it would be an earthquake! Another solid step forward for Medicare For All!

CLOSE! LOST, but got 48% of the vote!

7) Annie Andrews, U. S. Senate

Speaking of earthquakes, Dr. Annie Andrews has a real shot at upsetting Nepo-sister, Darlene Graham. Let's end the era of thinking that our political leadership should be handed down like royalty, regardless of experience or abilities. WE ARE NOT A MONARCHY.

WINNER!!! 51%

SIX OUT OF SEVEN!  Best Prediction night I've ever had!  Woohoo!

I know. This is a broad sketch, not rich in details. I encourage you to look at these candidates more closely if you are in a position to consider them.  

If all of these get elected (and many more like them), I will celebrate like you wouldn't believe.

I may even break down and get fireworks!

Until next time,

T. M. Stait

AOC '28   -  and all of the above for '26!

All Tricks No Treats: Saturday Political Soap Box 308

 

Happy Halloween! The precursor to the really scary day - Election night 2026!

It's scary, even though the polling suggests a blue tsunami, because we never know what interference the boys in red will run. It should be clear by now that the orange grifter doesn't like to play by the rules and will do everything in his power to cheat and circumvent them.

But it's not just the election that is scary. The Narcissist-in-Chief is becoming more and more unstable. The man who holds the nuclear codes - his mind is turning into mush. He is increasingly dark and dangerous. Like a cornered, wounded bear.

The number of glitches he experiences at his rally speeches is increasing exponentially, including mangled words, strange sounds, and inappropriate content (how about that ass!). The good thing is, the more he talks, the more people realize he is talking through that aforementioned posterior region. 

It is still more of a nightmare than not in my home county (90% vote for Trump the last three elections). I suspect some are not as enamored with him as they used to be, but they're not going to tell me about it. We'll know more after Tuesday. If the Republican vote share here declines at all, I'll take it as a major victory. Heck, I'll be excited if it's 85%. Anything to show that it's finally peaked.

Anyhoo, have a happy Halloween!  

On the Cusp of Hallow's Eve

 

Sometimes, I have to be careful when I open my eyes.

Everything changes.

I swear Elizabeth Warren is President of the United States. I swear I'm physically fit, that I look no more than 35, that my hair has only a tinge of grey. I swear I'm living near Portland, Oregon. I swear that my acting resume is one of the most varied and envied entries on IMDb. 

I swear that my parents are still alive. I swear that my children are preteens living at home. I swear that we have Medicare For All.

I swear that Alison just whispered, "Get off the bed." I swear I heard a knock on the door. I swear that something has crashed in the house - a shattered glass, a knick-knack, a stack of books.

I swear all this and more. And then I open my eyes.

President Warren never happened. Instead, we are in the grips of an orange grifter madman. I'm 71, and I can feel my age, and my hair is fully white. I live in Blackshear, Georgia - one of the most Tumpy places in the entire world. My acting resume is community theatre, which I do less and less often.

My parents are gone, in body but not in spirit. My children are grown, but they are well, happy, and thriving. Universal healthcare does not exist, and that, my friends, is sad beyond all measure.

Alison did not whisper to me. She is there, by my side, and we are soon to celebrate 30 years of marriage. Pixie is here, and so are Scout and Gemma. Nothing crashed in the house, except for those things Gemma pushes off tables and furniture.

I open my eyes. It's soon Halloween. There are many scary things.

It's tempting to keep your eyes closed. But then you would also miss the beautiful things in life. And despite the darkness, there is light worth seeing. There is love worth finding and participating in.

It's only when I open my eyes that I can seek out and get warmed by the light.