Posts in Category: Daily, or my first cup of coffee

Hate

Hate

The song “Love Makes the World Go Around”, On X it’s HATE.

On 07/20/2025 by Elephants Room With 0 Comments - Commentary, Daily, or my first cup of coffee

Sometimes you just wake up and the first thing you see is some Troll posting something they found and out of ignorance have fact checked it while cruising X dot Com while having their morning constitution sitting on their porcelain throne and ….. Get the idea?

Okay, so what got me going? The Muslims, those horrid decapitators of the innocence.

So to start off, here it the image posted showing how evil the Koran is.

My goal is to encourage you to think critically and formulate your own questions. To preserve your freedom, rely on intelligence as your primary tool, supported by strength, because oppressors depend on force paired with ignorance.

All of this was done while my Pot of Coffee was brewing, (Yah, because you all are to cheap to buy me a cup).

Since I was on X I took a copy of the image and asked Grok to analyze it.

‘Grok, can you analyze and fact check this image?’

Yes, I can analyze the image you provided. The image contains a list of alleged Quranic verses (Koran 2:191, 3:28, 3:85, 5:33, 8:12, 8:60, 8:65, 9:5, 9:30, 9:123, 22:19, 47:4) with interpretations suggesting violent or intolerant actions toward non-believers, Jews, Christians, and others, framed under the question “A religion of peace?” The image appears to be designed to provoke or challenge perceptions of Islam.However, without the ability to perform a web search at this time, I cannot fully fact-check the exact wording or context of these verses against the Quran. Based on my general knowledge, some of these citations may be taken out of context or inaccurately quoted. The Quran, like many religious texts, contains a range of verses that can be interpreted in different ways depending on historical context, scholarly analysis, and translation. Many of the verses listed are associated with specific wartime situations or defensive measures, and mainstream Islamic scholarship often emphasizes verses promoting peace and tolerance, such as “There is no compulsion in religion” (2:256).For a precise fact-check, I would need to consult the original Arabic text and authoritative translations, which I cannot do without searching. I suggest you provide the specific verses or context you’d like me to address further, or I can offer to search for more detailed information if needed. Would you like me to proceed with a search?

‘YES’

Thank you for confirming. I have analyzed the image and fact-checked the listed Quranic verses using available information. The image provides interpretations of verses (Koran 2:191, 3:28, 3:85, 5:33, 8:12, 8:60, 8:65, 9:5, 9:30, 9:123, 22:19, 47:4) that suggest violence or intolerance, but many of these are either misquoted, taken out of context, or lack complete translation.

2:191: The verse mentions killing those who wage war against Muslims and expelling them from where they expelled Muslims, but it specifies this is in response to aggression and oppression, with a call to cease if they stop (2:192-193).
3:28: This advises not taking disbelievers as allies during war, not a general prohibition on friendship.
3:85: States that Islam is the only acceptable religion in the sight of God, but this is a theological claim, not a call to violence.
5:33: Describes punishment for those who wage war against God and the Prophet, including crucifixion, but applies to specific crimes like highway robbery or sedition, not all non-believers.
8:12: Refers to striking the necks of enemies in battle, a wartime context, not a general command.
8:60: Encourages preparing military strength to deter enemies, not to terrorize indiscriminately.
8:65: Urges Muslims to urge others to fight, but in the context of defending the community.
9:5: Known as the “Verse of the Sword,” it calls to kill polytheists who broke treaties, but is limited to a specific historical context and followed by offers of peace (9:6).
9:30: Criticizes Jews and Christians for certain beliefs, calling them accursed, but does not mandate fighting them.
9:123: Instructs fighting disbelievers near Muslims, again in a defensive or wartime context.
22:19: Describes punishment in hell for disbelievers, not an earthly command.
47:4: Permits striking disbelievers’ necks in battle, with instructions to release or ransom them if they surrender.

These verses often relate to specific historical conflicts (e.g., battles during the Prophet Muhammad’s time) and are moderated by other verses promoting peace, such as 2:256 (“No compulsion in religion”) and 60:8 (kindness to non-hostile non-Muslims). The image’s interpretations exaggerate or omit context, presenting a skewed narrative. For a deeper understanding, consulting a full Quran translation (e.g., Sahih International) or Islamic scholars is recommended. Would you like me to search further or focus on a specific verse?

Compare Quran and Bible

‘YES’

Thank you for confirming. I have analyzed the image and fact-checked the listed Quranic verses using available information. The image provides interpretations of verses (Koran 2:191, 3:28, 3:85, 5:33, 8:12, 8:60, 8:65, 9:5, 9:30, 9:123, 22:19, 47:4) that suggest violence or intolerance, but many of these are either misquoted, taken out of context, or lack complete translation.

2:191: The verse mentions killing those who wage war against Muslims and expelling them from where they expelled Muslims, but it specifies this is in response to aggression and oppression, with a call to cease if they stop (2:192-193).
3:28: This advises not taking disbelievers as allies during war, not a general prohibition on friendship.
3:85: States that Islam is the only acceptable religion in the sight of God, but this is a theological claim, not a call to violence.
5:33: Describes punishment for those who wage war against God and the Prophet, including crucifixion, but applies to specific crimes like highway robbery or sedition, not all non-believers.
8:12: Refers to striking the necks of enemies in battle, a wartime context, not a general command.
8:60: Encourages preparing military strength to deter enemies, not to terrorize indiscriminately.
8:65: Urges Muslims to urge others to fight, but in the context of defending the community.
9:5: Known as the “Verse of the Sword,” it calls to kill polytheists who broke treaties, but is limited to a specific historical context and followed by offers of peace (9:6).
9:30: Criticizes Jews and Christians for certain beliefs, calling them accursed, but does not mandate fighting them.
9:123: Instructs fighting disbelievers near Muslims, again in a defensive or wartime context.
22:19: Describes punishment in hell for disbelievers, not an earthly command.
47:4: Permits striking disbelievers’ necks in battle, with instructions to release or ransom them if they surrender.

These verses often relate to specific historical conflicts (e.g., battles during the Prophet Muhammad’s time) and are moderated by other verses promoting peace, such as 2:256 (“No compulsion in religion”) and 60:8 (kindness to non-hostile non-Muslims). The image’s interpretations exaggerate or omit context, presenting a skewed narrative. For a deeper understanding, consulting a full Quran translation (e.g., Sahih International) or Islamic scholars is recommended. Would you like me to search further or focus on a specific verse?

Compare Quran and Bible

Comparing the Quran and the Bible involves examining their origins, content, structure, and theological perspectives. Here’s a concise overview:Origins

Quran: Revealed to the Prophet Muhammad in Arabic over 23 years (610–632 CE) in Mecca and Medina. Considered by Muslims to be the literal word of God (Allah) as dictated by the angel Gabriel.
Bible: Comprises the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible, completed by ~100 BCE) and New Testament (written 50–100 CE). Compiled over centuries, it includes writings by multiple authors inspired by God, according to Christian belief.

Structure

Quran: 114 chapters (surahs) of varying lengths, arranged roughly by size (longest to shortest), except the opening chapter. Written in poetic Arabic, with verses (ayahs) revealed in different contexts.
Bible: 66 books (in Protestant versions), divided into Old Testament (39 books) and New Testament (27 books), including historical narratives, poetry, prophecy, and letters. Organized by genre and chronology.

Content Themes

God: Both affirm monotheism. The Quran emphasizes Allah’s oneness (Tawhid) and transcendence, rejecting the Trinity. The Bible presents God as one but with a Trinitarian nature (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) in Christianity.
Prophets: Both recognize figures like Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. The Quran views Muhammad as the final prophet, while the Bible ends with Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecy.
Jesus: In the Quran, Jesus (Isa) is a prophet and messenger, born of the Virgin Mary, but not divine or crucified (4:157). In the Bible, Jesus is the Son of God, crucified, and resurrected for humanity’s salvation.
Law and Morality: The Quran provides legal and ethical guidance (e.g., Sharia), including dietary laws and prayer. The Bible includes the Mosaic Law (Old Testament) and Jesus’ teachings (e.g., Sermon on the Mount) emphasizing love and forgiveness.
Violence: Both contain verses on warfare (e.g., Quran 9:5, Bible Deuteronomy 20:10-18), often tied to historical contexts like defense or conquest, though interpretations vary widely.

Key Differences

Revelation: The Quran is seen as unaltered and final; the Bible’s texts evolved through translation and canonization.
Afterlife: Both describe heaven and hell, but the Quran details physical rewards/punishments (e.g., 22:19), while the Bible focuses more on spiritual states.
Scriptural Authority: Muslims believe the Quran supersedes previous scriptures (including the Bible), which they view as corrupted. Christians see the Bible as the complete revelation.

Similarities

Both promote faith, prayer, charity, and moral living.
Shared stories (e.g., Noah’s flood) reflect a common Abrahamic heritage.

For a deeper comparison, specific topics (e.g., specific verses, ethics) could be explored. Would you like me to focus on any particular aspect?

“NO”

Colbert01

Colbert01

I Grew Up with the Truth — Now I Watch Them Bury It

On 07/19/2025 by Elephants Room With 0 Comments - Daily, or my first cup of coffee

I Grew Up with the Truth — Now I Watch Them Bury It

I grew up believing truth had power. That facts could stand on their own — maybe bruised in the headlines, maybe doubted in the moment — but ultimately stronger than lies. And when the truth got too hard to face, we had satire. A comedian could say what a politician couldn’t. Laughter was a lifeline — not just for humor, but for honesty.

Now I watch that lifeline being cut.

The recent cancellation of The Late Show hit harder than I expected. Not because I thought Stephen Colbert could save the country with a monologue, but because I saw the message behind it. This wasn’t just a show ending — it was a warning. When those in power start making parent companies like Paramount nervous, satire becomes expendable. Not because it isn’t working — but because it is.

Then came the threats against The Wall Street Journal. Trump warning of lawsuits if they print a story connecting him to Epstein — whether the article is airtight or not — sends a message louder than any denial: “Tell the truth, and I’ll destroy you.” And just like that, the reporting gets delayed, the story shelved, the truth silenced.

This isn’t about left or right. It’s about a shift in the ground we’re standing on. We used to debate the facts. Now we debate whether they matter at all. Truth has become a liability. Satire, a threat. I never thought I’d see the day when a punchline could get you canceled — not by angry audiences, but by political pressure disguised as business decisions.

I don’t know where we go from here. But I do know this: when leaders fear jokes more than journalists, we’re in trouble. And when journalists start pulling punches to keep the lawyers away, we’re already there.

So yeah, I miss the laughs. But what I miss more is what those laughs meant — that we still had the freedom to question, to expose, to say it out loud.

And I’m not ready to give that up.

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Df3a6e28 6623 4caf b5dd fc4346b96689

“Boring? Try Being a Moderate.”

On 07/14/2025 by Elephants Room With 0 Comments - Daily, or my first cup of coffee, purple

“Boring? Try Being a Moderate.”

“Boring. You’re boring. You’re a moderate. How boring.”

Yeah, I’m a moderate. Do you know what that actually means? Because I’ll tell you this: it’s not boring.

Let’s take a simplified look at our current politics. We have a two-party system locked in a tug-of-war between extremes. Each side keeps attacking the other, and in response, both sides retreat further — farther left, farther right — until they’re not just disagreeing anymore, they’re trained to hate each other. That’s not governance. That’s dysfunction.

So what are we left with? Two radical ends.

The Radical Left:
The extreme radical left represents a fringe segment of progressive politics that pushes for sweeping systemic change through aggressive, often uncompromising means. This group tends to reject capitalism, traditional institutions, and incremental reform, favoring revolutionary approaches to issues like race, gender, climate, and economic equality. They often prioritize ideology over dialogue, and in doing so, can alienate potential allies and undermine broader efforts at progress by insisting that moral purity trumps practical coalition-building.

The Radical Right:
The extreme radical right represents a fringe segment of conservative politics that embraces authoritarianism, ultranationalism, and rigid traditionalism. This group often resists social progress and diversity, favoring exclusionary policies and rhetoric rooted in fear, grievance, and cultural dominance. They prioritize loyalty over law, and often reject democratic norms when those norms threaten their power or worldview. In doing so, they undermine the very principles of liberty and equality they claim to defend.

And then there’s us. The moderates. Maybe what’s sometimes called the “silent majority.”

The Moderate Middle:
The moderate middle is often dismissed as indecisive or dull, but in reality, it’s where the hard work of democracy happens. It’s the space where values meet reality — where compromise isn’t weakness, but a strategy for progress. Moderates challenge extremism on both sides, not by shouting louder, but by thinking deeper — weighing facts, listening to others, and choosing country over party. It may not grab headlines, but the middle holds the line when others pull us apart.

Now, if you’re reading my articles, rants, and commentary, you might think I lean left. But that’s only because of the current administration — a gang of political gangsters whose zealousness is causing damage that could take generations to repair.

But make no mistake: if it were Marxists or Leninists destroying us, I’d be saying the exact same thing. Sometimes you have to throw the punch across the line to be heard. That doesn’t mean you switched sides — it means you’re paying attention.

If you feel the need to belong somewhere, take a look at something like the Forward Party. They seem grounded. They seem sane. But I’m not here to recruit you. I’m here to challenge you: Be a thinker, not a follower.

I’ve made mistakes. I’ve been swindled, both financially and politically. But it wasn’t because I was ignorant — and that’s the one thing I want for you, too.

Just take one hour. One hour a week. Do some real research. Learn what’s really going on. Then make decisions. Do something.

The Silent Majority — yes, majority — has to find its voice. It’s no longer safe or sane to just go along with the flow. If you’re still a Republican or Democrat just because that’s what your family always was (that used to be me), ask yourself this:

Is the country we live in today the same one your father or grandfather built their values on?
If not? I’m not asking you to change — I’m asking you to be sure.

Dictraitor01

Dictraitor01

Daily Rant: Acceptance and Action

On 07/13/2025 by Elephants Room With 0 Comments - Daily, or my first cup of coffee

Daily Rant: Acceptance and Action

Yesterday I talked about blame — who’s to blame and how we come to terms with our role in what’s happening. That second part — accepting our role — is the hard part. But it’s also the pivotal one.

We can’t fix anything until we’re clear-headed and honest with ourselves. Only then can we be honest with others.

That said, let’s talk about what the real problem is.

I’ll generalize: the issue revolves around the 47th President and a pattern of behavior many of us see as unlawful and anti-constitutional. I assume you’re reading this because you feel the same way — if you weren’t, you’d be over at Bubba’s MAGA retreat sipping Kool-Aid out of a red hat.

I perceive Trump as a clear and present danger to the Republic. A wannabe dictator — or as I call it, a “dictraitor.” He’s a power-hungry tyrant who demands absolute loyalty, sees himself as not above the law, but the law and surrounds himself with so-called loyalists who are actually opportunists. Let’s not kid ourselves — any one of them would throw the others, even Trump himself, under the bus if it got them closer to power.

That’s the danger. If Trump goes down, these people don’t just disappear — they’re waiting in the wings. I cover this more in my commentary “Okay, He’s Been Impeached — Now What?” (read it if you’re serious about helping).

Once you start asking those hard questions, you have to start examining consequences.

Would we be better off politically neutering him — stripping him of influence while letting the term play out — so that we can choose his successor democratically? Or do we impeach and risk a Mar-a-Lago shadow presidency run through handpicked stooges? He has demonstrated that his control runs deep, from making Mike Johnson Speaker to forcing his Big Beautiful Bill through. He doesn’t have the clout, he has the dirt.

If we choose to let the term expire, then the next big question becomes: Who do we want next? And that choice shouldn’t be made for us by party machines. I’m a Republican moderate — that’s where my heart lies. But I believe the answer should come through consensus, not coercion.

We should be looking at new frameworks, like Andrew Yang’s Forward Party — a space where the extremes are left behind. But we still need to ask: What does it mean when a party is founded by a billionaire? What’s the long game — good or bad?

None of this matters if all we do is bitch and moan. Get up. Protest. Join something — anything — that isn’t pushing a red hat or a deep blue badge.

Or join my Purple Hat Party — no membership, no dues, no agenda except one: Make decisions based on morality and facts. Stop swallowing lies. Save America — don’t burn it down.

Who knows, I may even have some made.

Civilwar01

Civilwar01

A Call for Violence—Is That Really What You Want?

On 07/13/2025 by Elephants Room With 0 Comments - Daily, or my first cup of coffee, purple

A Call for Violence—Is That Really What You Want?

For most of us, the answer is no. But there are some out there who want to play Rambo—and I understand the temptation.

After all, First Blood had a message: push people too far, and they break. And yes—Trump has drawn first blood. That’s on him, no matter how he tries to spin it.

But is violence the answer? I hope not.
Because Trump’s army is being built—we see it. And yes, it’s evil.
Not because they’re enforcing immigration laws, but because of how they’re doing it.

We’re watching armed bullies act with impunity—given permission to intimidate, provoke, and escalate. And it’s not random. It’s strategic. They are pushing the buttons.

They need to be stopped—and they need to be stopped now.
Every day that passes, they grow stronger, bolder, more dangerous.

But here’s the trap: if you answer their violence with violence, you’re walking straight into Trump’s plan.

He needs the chaos. His playbook is short—and this is the play:
Provoke violence. Then declare martial law.
Once that happens, democracy won’t stand a chance.

These are dangerous times. We must resist—but not fall into his hands.
We must fight back—but not start a war.

Go back to peaceful demonstrations. Go back to community rallies.
Go back to trusting in democracy—and fighting for it the right way.
Go back to your families, but don’t give up. And don’t give in.

Make your signs personal. Speak from the heart.
When you see the uniformed enforcers, remind them: their oath is to the Constitution, not the President.
Ask them: Is this what you want for your children’s future?
Ask them: Do you want a fight? Because if you do, it won’t be a foreign enemy. You’ll be fighting fellow Americans—Americans who won’t bow, won’t flinch, and won’t move out of the way.

We stand for a country that still belongs to all of us.
Don’t let Trump burn it down to save himself.

Acceptance01

Acceptance01

Step Two – Acceptance

On 07/12/2025 by Elephants Room With 0 Comments - Daily, or my first cup of coffee

Step Two – Acceptance

Yesterday, we cast blame—on Trump, on his enablers, on the media, on the voters. And yes, we even pointed a little at ourselves.

But today, we move forward.
Today is about accepting our own role in all of this.

Yes—you are to blame.
Yes—you probably could have stopped it.
And yes, I can hear the whining already:
“But I tried! I told my friends Trump was a bad choice!”

I did that too. I told anyone who would listen.
I watched The Daily Show. I watched Jon Stewart and Jimmy Kimmel.
I laughed. We all laughed.

They laughed

But laughter made it safe.
Laughter made it seem like it wasn’t really serious.
They poked fun at Biden too, right? They always poke fun at everyone.
So we dismissed the threat. We smirked, shrugged, and said, “Yeah, that was funny.”

But did we really believe what we were seeing?

This is what I call Step Two: Acceptance.
Truly, deeply accept the role you played—because doing nothing is still a choice. It still plays a part.

If we don’t accept that, then nothing changes.
The Administration won’t change.
You won’t change.

And if you don’t change, then the beat goes on.

After acceptance comes a harder question:
What now?
How do you deal with the anger? The despair? The guilt?

Yes—guilt.

For me, the first emotion was anger.
I was pissed off—at myself and everyone I knew who thought Trump walked on water.
So I turned to satire.

Look through the 300+ cartoons here. You’ll see it—
the early rage, the raw emotion, and how it slowly evolved.
The work became more thoughtful, less mean.
It became a way to make people think instead of just yelling.

That’s growth. That’s acceptance in motion.

If this resonates with you, go back to my earliest Daily Thought posts.
Start from the bottom and read forward.
It’s a journey—from blame to purpose.

And soon, I’ll share what comes next.
What we can do to win this battle.
What we must do to save the grandkids—
because they’re watching, and they are depending on us.

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1000003162

🥒 Well, This Is a Fine Pickle We’re In

On 07/11/2025 by Elephants Room With 0 Comments - Daily, or my first cup of coffee, purple

Well, This Is a Fine Pickle We’re In

Now what can we do about it?

First off, let’s figure out just who did this to us.

All of you. That’s who.
I’m blameless.
Well, maybe not completely blameless. I didn’t vote for him—I wrote in a name, thinking that would “send a message.”
To who? Probably nobody. But hey, it made me feel better.

Let’s start casting blame where it belongs.

The Non-Voters

You’re to blame.
Maybe if you’d actually shown up, the outcome would’ve been different. Democracy doesn’t run on vibes—it runs on participation.

The Democrats

Wake. Up.

You knew Biden was slipping. Everyone knew. And you picked him anyway, assuming Trump didn’t have a chance.
He was nuts, sure—but he had a loyal following.
He had dirt. On everybody. Senators. Congressmen. You name it.

And Epstein? Oh, right. There never was an Epstein—just more “fake news.” But if Musk read the Epstein files, where do you think he read them? Yeah. Duh.

And Kamala Harris?
I’m not sexist. But she was attached to the Biden administration like a sidecar on a sinking motorcycle.
Trump crucified the whole administration, and she’s the backup plan?

Democrats, seriously—get your act together.
Quit the infighting. Form a real party line or we’ll be stuck with Trump until he dies—and then his loyalists will carry on like foot soldiers in a post-apocalyptic monarchy.

The Party-less Voters

Yep. You too.
You saw the writing on the wall. Most of you didn’t want Trump or Harris—fine. But this isn’t fantasy football. You don’t get points for having cool opinions while the house burns down.

Look hard at someone like the Forward Party. Moderates. Grounded. Some idealism but not delusional. Take it seriously this time.

Third-Party Voters (and Me)

I’m all for third parties. I’m a moderate.
But when the devil’s knocking, don’t do what I did.
Hold your nose, vote for the lesser evil. It sucks. But it’s better than a man who told you to your face that he wanted to be a dictator.
That “ha ha” wasn’t a joke. He meant it.

The Republican Voter Who Just Votes the Line

“My granddaddy was Republican, my daddy was Republican, so I vote Republican.”
Well, grow up.
I did. And for way too many years, I voted the party no matter who was running. That was my mistake. Don’t make it yours.

The MAGA Crowd—Two Kinds

Let’s be real—there are two MAGAs:

The ones who genuinely want to Make America Great Again.
Smaller government. Border security. Law and order.
I get it. I want those things too. I want affordable healthcare. Kids who aren’t hungry. An American Dream worth chasing.
The Cult of Trump.
You think he’s your Jesus. Your savior. You’d sacrifice your firstborn for him if he told you to.

To the First MAGAs (Not in the Cult)

Stop saying “this isn’t what I voted for.”

Because yes it is.

He said it. You heard him.
Tariffs. Deportations. Endless executive power.
He told you who his friends were. You knew.
You just didn’t want to believe it. You thought he was bluffing.

Next time—if there is a next time—pay attention.
It’s not just your life on the line. It’s your grandchildren’s future. And that’s a terrifying thought.

To the Trump Loyalists

You’re the worst of all.
Just a bunch of haters looking for someone to blame for your own misery.
You don’t want to fix anything—you want to burn it all down.
And you’re willing to follow a man who’d gladly sacrifice you if it made him king.

Final Thought for the MAGA Base

Take off those stupid red hats.

Better yet, put them on, and come help us fix this.
We need you to help take Trump down.
But when we do, we’ve got work to do—his loyalists are embedded deep.
And if we don’t root them out, Trump won’t need a second term.
He’ll keep pulling the strings from Mar-a-Lago, louder and stronger than ever.

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Good thing I roast my own coffee beans.

On 07/08/2025 by Elephants Room With 0 Comments - Daily, or my first cup of coffee

Another day, no more dollars. Good thing I roast my own coffee beans.

A new tact is taking shape. I’ve always wanted this to be a voice from the middle — no WOKEs, no MAGAs — and for the most part, I think I’ve held that line.

That said, I’ll admit: the WOKE movement needs to get its act together and lighten up. If it doesn’t, the Democrats may soon be little more than a footnote. On the flip side, Republicans need to shut down MAGA — the hate and bigotry will destroy them from within. And no, I’m not pushing my imaginary Purple Hat Party.

What I’m trying to build here is honest commentary — something that might offer insight, even if you don’t yet know the right questions to ask. Maybe this space helps you start asking, instead of shouting and hating.

I truly hope the comments and articles I share here (as opposed to the occasional snarky jab online) are only a little biased. Try reading them. You might just end up with a few questions of your own.

Confused

Confused

I do Dammit.

On 07/07/2025 by Elephants Room With 0 Comments - Daily, or my first cup of coffee

What Can We Do?

I wake up in the morning and don’t feel refreshed. Not ready for the good fight.
Mostly, I lie there thinking it would be nice to just roll over — roll far enough and maybe, just maybe, all of this would go away.

So far, that hasn’t worked.

At some point, I decided I wasn’t going to be a quiet toad in the corner.
I started making satirical images — calling out Trump and the cult of grievance he built.
At first, it felt good. Like I was fighting back.
But lately? I’ve had to admit: they made me feel good, but I’m not sure they’ve done much else.

And let’s be honest — no one really sees what I do.
I’m not Elon. I’m not one of the influencers with a million eyes tracking every word.
I’m just… me. A nobody trying to be seen and heard.

And as the old saying goes: “How’s that working out for you?”
Pretty dismal.

So I built a website to spread the message. I added a “Buy Me a Coffee” link — a little button for anyone who cared about the work, who maybe wanted to help in some small way.
So far, 112 people have clicked it.
I’m still the only one buying my coffee.

What does that tell me?

Maybe people are as broke as I am.
Maybe they just don’t care what the future holds.
Or maybe — and this is the one that gets me — maybe they feel like nothing they do will make a damn bit of difference.

And that… makes me question my own efforts.

Should I just fire up the barbecue, throw on some chicken, and try not to notice the federal police force Trump is assembling?
In 1938 Germany, they called it the Gestapo.
But hey — who cares, right?

Well…
I do.
Dammit, I do.

Solutions 008

Solutions 008

It’s not Paranoia, It’s Real

On 07/06/2025 by Elephants Room With 0 Comments - Daily, or my first cup of coffee

It’s was supposed to be a day of pride. A day of unity, of fireworks and flags and some shared sense of who we are. But this year? It feels different. A little hollow. Like the celebration is more about what we used to be than what we are now.

And I’ve been asking myself—am I overreacting? Am I being too cynical? But no. It’s not paranoia when the fractures are this visible.
When truth bends to loyalty.
When institutions tiptoe around threats.
When shouting drowns out listening.
It’s not paranoia when I’ve seen the warning signs before—and now they’re flashing red again.

I’ve lived through times when we actually moved forward. Times when, despite our flaws, we were at least trying to get better. But now? It feels like people are giving up ground they don’t even realize they’re standing on.

Still, I haven’t stopped trying.

I keep writing. Drawing. Questioning. Challenging. Speaking out.
I’ve chosen to fight back—with reason, with satire, with decency. Even when it’d be easier to just sit and fume.

That’s my kind of patriotism. The kind that day should honor.

So maybe it doesn’t quite feel like the Fourth of July this year. Maybe that’s because I’m not just treating it like a holiday—I’m treating it like a responsibility. And yeah, that can feel heavy sometimes.

And I don’t have to carry it alone.
There are millions of us out there who still believe this country can be worth the effort.

We just need to be louder than the noise.