This is a special note that’s not necessarily about writing but I try to tie it together at the end. You can absolutely skip this update if it doesn’t fit what you want from me.

I hope you’re familiar with the Schoolhouse Rock lessons that ran on Saturday mornings in the 1970s in between cartoon shows. An entire generation can recite the Declaration of Independence because it was put to a snappy tune and given an infectious melody.

(That’s from the America Rock collection. There’s also Math Rock, Grammar Rock, and Science Rock. They all, well – rock.)

One of the lessons is called No More Kings. Here it is:

Rockin’ and-a rollin’, splishin’ and-a splashin’…

Remember that it’s from the 70s and it’s a high-level history lesson. The message is that America didn’t want to be a colony, didn’t want to be part of an Empire. (Yeah, there are a lot of problems with our history but let’s stay focused on the idea of being free for the moment, okay?)

Across America today there are some 2,000 protests under the banner “No Kings” in response to the current administration’s policies and tactics. It’s important to note that this administration is only in its fifth month and the first reports I’ve seen say that more than a million people have gathered in cities up and down the east coast of the USA to voice their displeasure. This falls under the famous First Amendment to the Constitution, freedom to peaceably assemble. It reads:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

These are rights that the administration ignores on a regular basis, often threatening those who speak. It’s chilling.

Via Muppet History on Facebook

When we recite the Pledge of Allegiance, the last line is “with liberty and justice for all.” That doesn’t mean liberty and justice for only the people you like. It means everyone. Look around and see who is being denied justice. Do you agree with that? Or should everyone in America, where we declared that all are created equal, have the same opportunities to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness?

Why does it matter if someone lives their life differently than you? Are they hurting you in any real way or are you just offended by the idea of difference? Do you eat food from different cultures? You won’t have that diversity if we continue on the path America is on. Difference needs to be celebrated.

If you grew up here, you have pledged allegiance to America from grade school on. Have you forgotten what it means? If you want to see what America is really about, I recommend going to a naturalization ceremony. You will never feel more American than you will right there.

There’s a Daily Show video of Jon Stewart addressing a question about the American Dream. Here’s the transcript:

“The dream doesn’t die, man.

We are in a moment of tumult but you have to keep perspective. That is what the fight is. Nothing of value comes to you without a fight. But the lens of history, you understand this…We went through Watergate and Vietnam. They assassinated every good person we had in a decade span. This has always been a fight.

And even if the guy you wanted or the woman you wanted to be president, to get the position, if you think it won’t still be a fight you’re wrong.

The arc of the moral history is long and it bends toward justice. Right? But it doesn’t bend by itself, it’s not fucking gravity. People have to bend it. You have to bend it. And there’s going to be people trying to bend it the other fucking way and we’re not gonna let that happen.”

These are questions each of us has to face alone and answer for ourselves. Are you bending the moral arc of history towards justice for all or justice for you and the people you like? Do you believe in the melting pot of America? Or would you rather be in a pressure cooker of stress and anger? Do you believe all are created equal?

I believe America is stronger when we work together and embrace our diversity. The more ideas we have, the better. I have a pretty good life and everyone deserves the same.

Creator unknown. Happy to credit them if I find out.

The pressure cooker we’re in now has kept me from writing as much as I’d like. Chaotic policies are creating havoc across multiple sectors of our society and affecting each and every one of us. There will be a number of novels, short stories, movies, even music videos that will have a comment on what’s happening in America today.

Current events have definitely influenced my work in progress beyond limiting my time writing by informing how some characters behave and interact with one another. I’m not trying to influence anyone one way or the other, but truth works its way into fiction and that’s important to remember. I think great fiction presents both sides of its argument in serious, cogent ways, truthful ways.

And truth is important now, more than ever.

Thanks for reading. Stay true to yourself and be safe if you’re out there protesting. Stay hydrated.

Also, my apologies for the initial post being poorly edited. I was in a hurry and only caught one passage that had been duplicated. My only excuse was my passion for this missive going out ASAP. I’m human, folks.

I’ll see you when I see you.