I've been beset by chronic - though minor - ailments as of late and haven't written a whole lot. In the words of a wise former family doc: “When it's you, it's a minor procedure. When it's me, it's major surgery” Suffice it to say that as soon as even a minor thing goes out of kilter, the whole world follows. Of course, our world already WAS out of kilter, so the transition to discombobulation was brief.
I've been handling the epidemic (the word “pandemic” shall not pass my lips) very well, all things considered. In fact, March and April 2020, the beginning of my enforced retirement, were good for me mentally. No more driving ungodly distances to play music for groups of drunk football yahoos, then pleading with the proprietor to get my money, before heading into the night to drive home exhausted and angry. I was a regular caffeine pill popper in those days. Now I could relax. In fact, geez, I was *ordered* by government to relax. Lazy days, nights at home eating great food, watching crappy TV, open roads everywhere. It felt bizarre but relaxing at the same time. Of course, since then, two years of enforced idleness - at least on the musical side of my career - the severely limited travel, the utter idiocy of our politicians and general ennui have taken a toll.
Although I continue to enjoy Twitter battles and Twitter friendships, I think we’re all coming to a realization that only so much can be said - and now there is precious little to be debated. I, for one, now know for a complete fact that facts and figures, aka science, is the least persuasive argument of them all. Team Apocalypse is collapsing (not fast enough) as witnessed by trucker convoys, frenetic political backtracking, huge demonstrations worldwide and the obvious impotence of anyone to do - or want to do - the right thing (except the Canadian truckers) The woke posse, the Build Back Better brigade, the countless hordes of useful idiots who continue to insist on masks and jabs, that segment of society is lost for a long time, I’m afraid. Goaded on by the likes of Justin and Jacinda (can be hummed to the melody of Dancing Matilda), that crowd will still scream *COVID* five years hence. The rest of us now suffer pronounced battle fatigue.
A quick aside: last time I penned a “downer” post, I had lots of people writing in, expressing concern that I have quit writing. No need. I shall continue…just doing some breathing exercises here on the sidelines as I watch civilization collapsing
I guess you can't find any way to get to Ottawa? I'm sorry. I was there last weekend and it was a transformative and healing spiritual experience. I am kinder, more forgiving, more hopeful. I have more faith in my fellow Canadians, and I am more resolute and full of energy to keep fighting. Anybody who can should go.
We will win George.