Way back in ancient history (20 years ago), George W. Bush was able to win re-election as president. College student James Zetlen was a bit stunned and surprised by this; like many others he could see that Bush was a political naif who was being controlled by Darth Cheney and Emperor Rove. He decided he needed to apologize to the rest of the world. He created a website – SorryEverybody.com – where he posted a photo of himself w/ apology sign, and encouraged people to send in their own photos and apologies. He was overwhelmed with responses and submissions, and got some international press coverage.

Just a few of the hundreds….

It was a cathartic way for people to share their feelings and anxieties about the next four years.

Now that we have an exponentially worse president moving back into the “People’s House”, I’m not seeing anything similar. Not even any talk of performative protests like the “pink pussycat hat” demonstrations of eight years ago.

I suspect I know why.

Back then, there was still a feeling that we could make a difference. The higher levels of the judiciary could still be trusted, Congress was filled with people that (even if you disagreed with them) were still sane and rational, the news media made at least some effort to be fair and report the news accurately, and social media was a place for a free exchange of ideas and information.

But now, even the Supreme Court is packed with corrupt lackeys, there are people in Congress that are blatantly delusional, oligarchs control the major news outlets and suck up to the president in the hopes that he will increase their wealth and power, and social media is also controlled by oligarchs who are all but actively encouraging the spread of lies and hate on their platforms.

But probably most of all, we’re tired.

We worked really hard to push the boulder up the hill and fix it in place. It looked like it would stay there.

Then we woke up to find it back at the bottom of the hill again.

And this time, the boulder is bigger and the hill is steeper. Much bigger and much steeper. And there are people actively working to keep it at the bottom.

We’re also older, and there doesn’t appear to be a “next generation” of activists ready and willing to take the torch from our hands. Seems like most people just want to go into hiding for four years.

I’ve made it clear that I’m part of The Resistance, but I’m also getting on in years. Even if I could, I just don’t have the energy to take the lead in any protest. I’ll help out when and where I can, and I’ll be ready to fight when the occasion arises, but don’t expect me to be the first one to pick up the flag.

Sorry, everybody……