Losing Our Collective Mind

and with that all semblance of a shared reality.  Natural disasters are now being framed as political ploys to upend elections - the latest in extreme conspiracy theories.  And please let’s stop calling these notions, “theories.”  According to Merriam-Webster, that is if you still believe in dictionaries and definitions – “a theory is a well-substantiated explanation of a phenomenon, based on facts, hypotheses, and laws.” Notions are not.

We are now in the midst of an epic national nervous breakdown, a psychotic episode that has turned into a series.  A break from reality series, a game show, where each week millions trade in their low self-esteem for an opportunity to play “Let’s Make a Deal” or some such show in exchange for perpetuating stories of rabid immigrants, laser lights and poppycock, and Trump coins, bibles, steaks, sneakers and swamplands.

So here’s The $64,000 Question – Can we agree on a shared reality? And if so, what show is that?

“What is, we’re in Jeopardy.” “Uh, yes we are.”

“Hoarders,” “No, but that is a pending document case.”

“Survivor,” “What we hope to be after this election.”

“Wheel of Fortune” “How many bankruptcies equal a fortune?”

“Let’s just sway to the music, ignore all the facts and have our psychotic break from reality. Can you Name that Tune?”

“Let’s Make A Deal,” $47 a vote – the going rate that separates democracy from dictatorship. Would you be willing to trade your $47 vote for what’s behind door Number 1?

“Uh, I dunno.  Can I buy a vowel?” “Wrong show. You just need to trade what’s in your hand for what’s behind door Number1. This is Let’s Make A Deal – you just have to accept it and it’s yours. Easy right?”

“Okay, I’ll trade.” “Bob, tell him what he’s won.”  “Well Bill, you’ve won the No Concept Healthcare System, and by that we mean no healthcare. Your gout will just have to wait until the next four years, assuming the show doesn’t run longer.”

“Oh great. Really, I just love this show, all of the costumes and prizes.

“Yeah, it is great.  And thank you for playing.”