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The World Is on Fire, but I’m Hopeful
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year
Originally appeared in the Unartificially Intelligent newsletter.
The year is coming to a close and this will be my last published piece of 2023. We could all use a break to reset, refresh, and reflect on where we are, personally and collectively.
I also want to plan how to make critical thinking cool again in 2024. Especially ahead of a little election we have coming up here in the United States.
Democracy is at stake. And I mean that seriously. When I say the world is on fire, I mean it. Look around.
House Republicans here in the United States have already left for vacation — they’re done for the year despite not passing a budget and not agreeing on whether to help fund Ukraine. Their message to Ukrainians on the front lines, fighting to preserve democracy in Europe: Merry Christmas and you’re on your own now against a much stronger and bigger adversary intent on rebuilding a new version of the Soviet Union.
Back at home, I see Donald Trump leading President Joe Biden in polling in seven crucial swing states. That’s despite his promise to be a dictator on day 1 and to retaliate against his political enemies. Nobody currently willing to vote for him is bothered enough…
