American Expansion

This week, I thought I might write about the camellias Bob and I planted in December. Or about peanuts and blue jays. Or about our newly-installed solar system. Or about how Bob was able to get SSL for Troutsfarmtoo. But, there comes a point when I can’t not write about politics.

As we inch closer to Inauguration Day, I’ve been trying to imagine the best possible outcome, keeping myself informed without burying myself in bad news. I was hoping that a focus on the joys within my safe, community bubble would minimize the horror building in my chest.

But, there comes a point.

When the President-elect expressed his desire to aquire Greenland without ruling out military force, I could no longer contain myself. I was shocked that the presumptive Commander in Chief, the man with his finger on the nuclear button, has such ambitions.

Nearly three years ago, I watched in horror as Putin invaded Ukraine, not for one minute imagining that The United States might one day follow in Russia’s footsteps. I want to believe that my conservative friends, neighbors, and family members are as horrified as I am. I doubt they would have voted to invade a sovereign nation.

I don’t know what I can do to stop my country from becoming a mighty bludgeon, but I don’t want any part of it. I am not in lockstep with the brutish aims of a pathetic megalomaniac. For what it’s worth, my silence is broken.