People Will Only See the Meme

 It's going to happen.

When I post this on Facebook, people will see the meme, like it, and not read the associated commentary.

So, they won't know this...

I really don't like this meme.

Something about it hits me the wrong way.

Is it lying?  I guess not.

But taken as a whole, I find it discouraging and offputting, as it tends to a queue sera sera attitude - which I can't stand.

These are STRANGE TIMES.  These are DANGEROUS TIMES.

Yes, other times have been strange and dangerous.

HOWEVER...

The climate crisis continues to accelerate and threatens all our lives.  The planet is becoming less and less livable. 

We still live under a nuclear umbrella, and just sheer statistical chance leads to the likelihood of an accident, terrorist usage, or some dictator throwing the dice.

The Pandemic seems to be under control, but we are still in a race between vaccinations and variants.  And as we encroach further into wildlife territory and the permafrost melts and releases ancient toxins, what we just went through may only be the beginning.

The fact that so many Americans valued their personal liberty over caring for others and that so many politicized our efforts to be safe has to be disturbing, both in public health safety and a positive belief in human nature.

We have watched our American Democracy be attacked and eroded.  Even though Trump was voted out of office, his movement lives and thrives and eats away at everything decent about America.

Rather than a duck with his head in the sand, I would rather get my inspiration from Superman -

NEVER GIVE UP.

NEVER SURRENDER.

ALWAYS FIGHT THE NEVERENDING BATTLE FOR TRUTH, JUSTICE, AND THE AMERICAN WAY

Ok, some of that may have been from Churchill, but you get my drift.

As for the American Way, I mean the positive things about America - the Bill of rights, the slow but steady progress towards Civil Rights for all, fighting fascism and authoritarianism rather than bending to it, belief in the American melting pot, and in the strength of diversity.  E Pluribus Unum!

Yes, there is a dark side to America as well, represented currently by those who rail against immigrants and in the desire to preserve the American Caste System.

Sorry, Ducky.  Your cynical, surrendering, smartassery does not go over well with me.

These are strange, terrifying times.

And we must not surrender to them.