The Dark………
A few cartoonist friends of mine were, like me and you and many other people, I”m sure, more than a little shell-shocked by last Tuesday’s election, and some of them, myself included, had no idea how to respond. Sure, you can crack wise about a bankrupt reality star becoming president of the United States — after all, isnt that the American Dream? Anyone can grow up to be president? Even bankrupt reality stars? — but this time around, it was more than a bit hard to make it.. you know, funny.
And that’s supposed to be our job, right? Ladle out a bit of humour to temper the daily horror?
I had to think about this one for a bit before responding. Yes, we can protest the fact that this buffoon will be inaugurated on January 22nd — or whenever it is. We can make fun of his porn-star wife (although I do take exception to that, sorry — she didnt know she was going to be hauled out into the spotlight with her past fully on display, and we’re all supposed to be about sex-positiveness, right?) and his “Look, I shot a tiger!” sons. But beyond that, right now, there’s not much we can do, folks. It’s done. Move on, have a beer with your friends, and hope for the best in whatever happens next.
Hell, if nothing else, this got me out my angsty little creative rut. now, go find yours, okay? And tell me about it in the comments. If nothing else, this is a time when we could all use a little mutual support.
DOC AND RAIDER 
Still in shock here. However I do like your take on things. Like Doc said… nothing we can do about it now. Plus, the Donald still has 2 trials he needs to attend before January. We’ll see what happens.
Absolutely abhorrent result. Can’t just move on and overlook the fact that he and his cronies will do their worst in trying to reverse Marriage Equality and our community’s other advances. Can’t ignore the reality of Trump supporters emboldened by the victory going out and harassing and bashing people. Be aware, be careful, and be angry.
I grant you, yes, abhorrent result, and yes, one needs to be very aware of what’s going on. You cannot ignore things, but at the same time, you cannot let these forces totally dictate your life. Yep, I can see where marriage equality will overturned by the same court that gave it to you. LGBT folk in the military will probably be tossed out again. And that’s just in our community: black voter rights will be suppressed, as well as a whole host of things that everyone spent years ensuring would be in place for the benefit of all. And yes, it means all those struggles will start all over again, now with a government even more hostile towards you. I dont envy you Americans on this. Seriously, I dont. For a country that styles itself as the “Leader of the Free World:, it seems hellbent on making sure it’s anything but.
But here’s the thing: nights out at the bar with friends like Justin and Sophie (that’s the Trudeaus, by the way 🙂 ) give you a moment away from the what’s probably going to be almost incessant work. You have to take those moments. You really do, Paul. Otherwise, you risk burning out and saying “Why bother…”: Trust me, been there, done that, got the scars to show for it. Dont give up, but also allow yourself those moments away from it to recharge. You’re gonna need it.
🙂