Not dead, just at a loss for words in the jumble of chaotic events in this alternate reality we stumbled into through trusting a criminal whose only talent is selling reality TV as reality. It was satisfying to get out this morning with Mary to a small (250-300 people) No Kings rally in Orangevale, CA.

The morning raised a lot of positive energy, but part of the motivation, at least for me and several people I talked to, was grief for the nation we have become. Several times I’ve started a post on what James Hillman might say about the archetypal roots of our predicament, but that’s an escape from the bare facts – we have become a pariah nation, undoing eight decades of efforts to foster goodwill with our allies and peace with our perceived enemies. Now we’re squandering blood and treasure while committing crimes against humanity, like blowing up innocent fishermen and schoolgirls.

We learn from 12 Step groups that change can come with clear understanding and deep remorse for a problem. Hopefully the growing number of people willing to hit the streets to make their voices heard signals the growth of a critical mass that can tip our nation back to one that decent people can feel proud of.