In the vast expanse of our universe, there are moments that captivate our collective imagination and stir primal fears. Solar eclipses, with their celestial dance of light and shadow, have fascinated and frightened humans for millennia. Yet, in the modern era, where science illuminates the mysteries of the cosmos, one might assume that such fears would fade into superstition. However, a recent tragedy reminds us that the specter of eclipses, amplified by unchecked brainwashing spreading via social media by nefarious actors, can still cast a dark shadow, with devastating consequences.
In a heartbreaking incident reported this week, the lives of three individuals, Danielle Ayoka, a New Age astrologer with over 100,000 Twitter follower, and her partner, Jaelen Allen Chaney, and Ayoka’s eight month old baby were tragically cut short in what authorities are terming a murder-suicide. The incident occurred in LA, our new home base, during the early morning hours leading to a total solar eclipse across a large swatch of America.
Reports suggest that Ayoka, deeply influenced by esoteric beliefs and New Age spirituality, had developed an intense fear of eclipses from exposure to Russian fostered Q based conspiracy theories ranging from the launch of bio-warfare to potential violent attacks of eclipse watchers. Friends and acquaintances describe her as someone who was profoundly affected by the alignment of celestial bodies, often expressing concerns about the purported negative energies associated with eclipses. In the days leading up to the tragic event, it appears that Asoka’s fears reached a fever pitch, leading to a series of decisions that ultimately culminated in a devastating outcome.
The details surrounding the incident are still emerging, but it appears that Ayoka’s fear of the eclipse played a significant role in the tragic events. According to those close to her, Ayoka had become increasingly agitated by conspiracy theories surrounding the eclipse that heralded impending doom. In her state of distress, rationality seemingly gave way to irrationality, and tragic murder-suicide and death of her 8 month old ensued.
It is crucial, in the wake of this tragedy, to reflect on the importance of critical thinking and scientific literacy in tuning out the conspiracy theories ranging from RFK Jr.’s anti-vax to UFOs. In our quest for clarity and understanding, we must be vigilant against the spread of misinformation and fearmongering. In recent years, movements such as QAnon have propagated baseless conspiracy theories, preying on individuals’ anxieties and insecurities. Disgraced figures like Trump, General Michael Flynn and RFK Jr. have lent legitimacy to these dangerous Russian psyop narratives, further entrenching fear and mistrust in society.
Ayoka’s tragedy shows all too clearly that this is no longer just political. We must properly mourn hundreds of thousands of our America brothers and sisters are no longer with us due in large part to the spread of deadly vaccine disinformation.
The unfounded fears fostered by QAnon and its ilk only serve Russia’s and the extremist Christo Fascist objective to sow discord and division, undermining the fabric of our society. To stay safe and sane in an increasingly complex world, we must resist the allure of conspiracy theories and instead rely on reputable sources of information. By cultivating a culture of critical thinking and skepticism, we can inoculate ourselves against the corrosive influence of misinformation, ensuring a brighter and more enlightened future for all.
In 2012 I performed a series 24 meditations called “The Coolest Meditation Ever: Antarctica 12.12.12.” All starting at 12.12 PM on the shores of the 7th continent, all performed on that powerful date of 12s. I would not have made it to Antarctica without the support of my biggest donor to my crowd funder, Dr. Patrick Flanagan, a bastion of the conscious community and a scientist featured in LIFE MAGAZINE.
Upon my return to LA, with a stop to film Patrick at an end of the Mayan calendar event in Chichen Itza, Mexico, Patrick and I would collaborate to make a series of 50 videos about his amazing inventions. Broadcast on YouTube the series became and instant hit and garnered 25 million views from his many fans across the planet.
And in the process of filming him and producing the videos Pat and I became great friends and collaborators again in 2014 on my creating a crowd funder for his brain boosting Neurophone, raising $1.6 million. The doctor’s unexpected passing in 2019 has been hard on all of us who love him, especially his amazing wife and partner Stephanie Sutton. For over 4 years now she has, with the help of her amazing staff, kept Dr. Flanagan’s legend alive through the company he founded in 1987, PhiSciences.
And so its with no small pleasure I share PhiSciences announcement to bring back the Original Megahydrate in April, just as Patrick formulated it. Here’s the video I made of Patrick in 2013 explaining the secrets behind the hydration supplement Megahydrate that some have called “the only you need.”
SUPPORT OUR WORK TIMES THREE AND YOUR WELLNESS
Here’s the link to get you Original Megahydate at a special price of 15% off at our sister site, made exactly made as Patrick at the intended it and as he speaks of in the video. Your purchases support our meditations for a better tomorrow and our curating the Coolest Tech Ever as well as Pat’s beloved Stephanie’s carrying on his legacy of PhiSciences! How often do you get to support three great causes for one 15% off price?
I refer of course to my 24 cosmic meditations of 2012 in Antarctica. One for each time zone of the world setting quantum intentions to end racism, neglect, dependency on oil, war, and more.
Well, you take all the cool tools you used as crwod funding perks to get yourself to Antarctica in 2012 made by the most famous scientist of the conscious community — invented your biggest backer world-famed LIFE MAGAZINE featured Dr. Patrick Flanagan — and you create a hit web series about the scientist that gets 26 million views on Youtube. And then you gather over 100 Youtube hit videos into one groundbreaking documentary called THE FLANAGAN EXPERIMENTS.
Then using this cool tech you meditate to attract the mate of your dreams into your life, the who your meditations in Antarctica told you to marry, Elizabeth England. And then you and she marry and form a online business called CoolestTechEver.com that attracts other great product makers like Jonathan Goldman and iTorus and it becomes a global success that supports your martial bliss.
Visit CoolestTechEver.com today, where bring coolest tech on earth to top your life in cool ways you never dreamed of.
Hey there, fellow comedy enthusiasts and political satire lovers! I’m Ken Sheetz, a not so famous comic, when I am not blogging and traveling the world for quantum meditation all the way from Egypt and Antarctica, who has been navigating the vast world of entertainment, from producing world-class content for PBS to churning out hundred of short films and documentaries with over 40 million views of my YouTube work since 2008. But today I’m here to talk about something that’s been on everyone’s radar – the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and Screen Actors Guild (SAG) strikes – and how folks like me who love democracy feel obligated to up to the plate to fill the void with much-needed political comedy.
A Righteous Battle for Fairness
Since May, the WGA and SAG strikes have been making righteous waves in an entertainment industry suffering from the same billionaire bullies afflicting all areas of our nation’s great economy with their unbridled greed. These strikes are all about superb talent demanding fair compensation, better working conditions, and a more inclusive and equitable space for all creatives, as well as protection for job replacement by AI. As an independent filmmaker of 26 years, that followed a highly successful 25 years commercial real estate career that culminated in my building a $162 million skyscraper alongside Oprah’s Harpo Studios before leaving it all behind to be a filmmaker, who’s seen firsthand the effort that goes into creating captivating content, I wholeheartedly support the strikers.
Filling the Void with Humor: Enter “TrumpsFeverDream.com”
But with late-night shows going on hiatus due to the strikes, there’s a noticeable gap in the realm of political satire at a time where we all desperately need it as a gentle weapon in the fight to save democracy. That’s where I come in. You might know me from my work on PBS or my myriad YouTube projects, but one thing you might not be aware of is my ongoing satirical journey called “Trumps Fever Dream.” To think it all began on this meditation blog catered to the conscious movement that’s been highly targeted for dangerous brainwashing my Trump and his MAGA, Q and Russian backers. This brand political humor targeted to appeal to the country as whole, in addition to the beautiful niche community of this meditation blog. Get ready for an irreverent science fiction dark comedy take on the Donald Trump of another universe where karma really is a bitch. Hence the new blog TrumpsFeverDream.com where I am min the process of launching season 3 and reposting seasons 1 &2!
This pet project, to which my beautiful wife lends her considerable talents to as well, as an editors of books and a talented amateur actor, has been my way of poking fun at the very former President since 2020. I began “Trump Fever Dream” in the depths of Covid that sadly separated my wife and I from many people in the New Age world. We hope once the grip if Trumpism has been defeated once and for all to reconnect. Yeah, we’re both optimists. Me more so than my wife who has 17 years of military service that makes her more skeptical.
Fun fact: My first comedy writing work where I trained and cut my professional teeth on was for a pilot about a New Age healer who sent people via VR into old sitcoms. I wrote itin 1998 with one of the top ten line producers in Hollywood sitcoms, John Amodeo,and an award winning Canadian producer named, Nicolette Saina. It’s called EVERYTHING I NEEDED TO KNOW ABOUT LIFE I LEARNED FROM SITCOMS. Studios loved it but were scared off by the enormous job of rights clearances. I’ve also written over a dozen comedy screenplays during the ten years I lived in worked in Hollywood. None have been produced.. yet. Just how tough it is to make it in Hollywood is the topic of my documentary DISCOVER ME. Here’s free screening of the film I completed in 2012.
So for decades I’ve been using satire to offer a fresh perspective on entertainment and politics when I am not dreaming up far out meditations like this one in Antarctica.
Back to politics. Be they of the right or the left, I’ve skewered all politicians fequally for well over a decade. But in 2015 when Trump glided down the escalator to spew racism my satire took a more urgent turn to fight against a corrupted and the dangerous right-wing fascist movement Trump has fostered. Then in 2020, as tens of thousand of Americans began to die needlessly I redoubled my efforts with the birth of my absurd story of the Trump of another universe. The episodes are no longer available here on this meditation blog they were born on because I want to stay focused on the coolest meditations ever here.
Introducing “MAR A LAGO PRISON”: A New Season in Satire
And now, I’m excited to share a new episode in this satirical journey. Drumroll, please! Tune into our new YouTube.com/@trumpsfeverdream channel today at 5 PM, and it’s called “MAR A LAGO PRISON.” Season 3 promises you even more out-of-the-box political satire that offers an alternative lens through which to view today’s political landscape. Something we’re all missing during the righteous WGA and SAG strike.
With the strikes causing a pause in the usual comedic routine as we miss the work of the greats like Colbert, Kimmel, Meyers and more, it’s important for smaller comics like me to step up and keep the political conversation going through humor. It’s not about replacing late-night shows, I could never offer that without a pro WGA writing staff or SAG actors, but I am dedicated to adding my unique voice and the voice of my love and partner in all things Elizabeth England to the web’s mix and continuing the tradition of political satire that we all love. and need to cope. Indeed, laughter is the best medicine against Trump’s bad leadership that causing so much tension in this nation and this world.
Conclusion: Laughter, Reflection, and Moving Forward
So, mark your calendars for 5 PM today, grab some popcorn, and let’s dive into this new chapter of political comedy. Your support means the world to me, and together, we’ll keep the laughter flowing and the discussions alive. Listen to MAR A LAGO PRISON right here and subscribe on YouTube to get more of season three. We’ll be posting new episodes twice a month!
Trump’s Big Lie that he won the 2020 and that Joe Biden stole the presidency has resulted in Special DOJ Consul Jack Smith charging him with conspiring to overthrow the vote of the American people or what I and likely others will begin to call #TheBigIndictment.
A question I’ve been asking for 8 years is: How did our so many in our sweet yoga and meditation community get so bamboolzed by Trump? I believe the answer is the community’s innate, and many times well deserved, mistrust of government. The saddest example being it’s aversion to vaccines despite scientific advantages that my wife and I belief after much soul searching make it a safer choice than going natural. This hatred of vaccine’s made the New Age community especially vulnerable to the massive deception of this ultimate con man in Trump’s siren song of a Deep State out to get us all.
I’ve read the 45 page Smith indictment and if you really care about the truth, whatever your politics, please take 1 hour I encourage you to read it as a meditation on the truth too. It will set you free.
Good news. I’ve started a new blog in effort to talk less about Trump and politics in general on this blog dedicated to my cosmic meditations that explore the multi-verse. It’s aptly called TrumpFeverDream.com. It’s about a nightmare that we must wake up from if we are to preserve our American way of life and freedom. Freedom to meditate and do yoga which a Christian theocratic would likely ban.
Here’s a reprint of from the new TrumpsFeverDream.com blog to give you a taste. If you subscribe here please subscribe there too for my more satirical take on politics. Some episodes offer radio style shows!
Trump Indicted For Election Fraud
Blogger Ken Sheetz here. What a time for a WGA strike! How we’d all love to hear from our beloved late night comics about Trump’s Big Indictment today after the 7 years they’ve been keeping us all sane. So as a poor subsititute using ChatGTP I am proud to present Cobert 2.0!
A android version of Colbert takes the Trump’s Fever Dream stage to the wild applause of the crowd.
Thanks, Ken! I’ll do my best Stephen homage on this historic occasion! Ladies and gentlemen, hold onto your sides, because because hopefully-forever-former President Donald J. Trump is facing more charges than a shopping spree at Bed Bath & Beyond!
According to special counsel Jack Smith, Trump’s alleged master plan was to defraud the entire country he used to lead and seeks to once again. Forget about international espionage; Trump went for the big leagues—conspiring to make himself king of America! Move over, James Bond, we’ve got a new supervillain in town!
And the cherry on top of Trump’s farcical cake? He tried to overturn the legitimate results of the 2020 presidential election with a wild mix of lies and buffoonery! Who needs reality TV when you’ve got Trump and his team of clownish Machiavellis trying to rig an election? This is a three ring indictment circus!
I mean, seriously, folks, Orange-You-Glad-I’m-No-Longer-President couldn’t accept defeat, so he hatched a plan to use “dishonesty, fraud, and deceit” to obstruct the electoral vote process.
Now, this is a historic moment for our nation, and not the good kind. It’s the first time a former president is facing criminal charges for trying to mess with the very foundation of our democracy. Move over, history books, we’ve got a new chapter that’s both ridiculous and embarrassing.
Trump fans, and there are still amazingly millions of you, this is your final exit ramp announcement. Walk away from the crashed Orange clown car and rejoin the real world.
Somehow our democracy’s guardrails held up, and Joe Biden got the keys to the White House. Trump’s plan to stage the “Great Election Heist” was an epic fail like most things he does. It’s like watching Wile E. Coyote try to catch the Road Runner, but instead of anvils, he’s got a Dominon voting dropped on his head!
And the cast of characters in this political sitcom is top-notch! White House aides like the Kraken and the Borat star Giuliani and sucked in staff testifying left and right, like it’s a soap opera. “As the White House Turns” has got nothing on this!
Now, Trump’s facing not one, not two, but three criminal conspiracies! The only thing missing is a catchy theme song! Imagine him strutting into court like a peacock, claiming he’s innocent because he’s “The Art of the Deal” personified!
One of the charges is “against the right to vote and to have that vote counted.” Wow, that’s like a supervillain trying to destroy the Justice League! You know you’ve hit rock bottom when you’re charged with crimes against democracy.
But Trump isn’t backing down; he’s crying “witch hunt” like a kid caught stealing candy from the cookie jar. And he’s asking why they waited so long to go after him. Maybe they were just enjoying the comedic value of his post-presidential shenanigans! Maybe it was such an tangled mess it took this long this long to sort out the puzzle. But it sure as hell was not because Trump’s tiny hands are clean.
Let’s not forget the real heroes of this story—those brave law enforcement officers who defended the Capitol on January 6th. They deserve a medal for dealing with the craziness that day. People died because one man became the worst sport in American history.
Will justice be served with a side of satire? Stay tuned! I’m Colbert 2.0 in colab with Ken Sheetz for Trumps Fever Dream! Time to wake up, everybody!
Applause and laugther fades as the house lights dims. If this post enhanced gave you a little of our MIA comic relief leave a tip. Or subscribe and share my new blog to your fellow fans of politcal humor.
When failing candidate Ron DeSantis was asked this weekend by a reporter on the 2024 presidential campaign trail about his Florida Board of “Education” passing rules last week to force teachers to teach students, for example, that slavery gave Black people valuable work skills like blacksmiting, Ron’s knee-jerk answer was reminiscent of Trump’s regarding his deadly handing of Covid… “Not my fault.”
Wrong answer, Trump wannabe Ron! In the annals of human history, certain truths stand as indomitable pillars of our shared conscience. Slavery, with all its malevolence and cruelty, is undoubtedly one such truth. As we delve deeper into the legacy of this insidious institution that has left a lasting scar on the heart and soul of our democracy, we must unequivocally acknowledge that slavery cannot be both-sided; it is flat out evil and wrong.
I was born 87 years after the 13th Amendment legally abolished slavery. My mother Georgiana lived to age 94, 7 years longer than the length of time it was until Lincoln called for the end of enslaving our fellow human beings from my 1952 birth. This demonstrates the undeniable reality of slavery’s recent horrors. My look at how close we live in time-space to the ending of slavery is inspired by Mike Wallace’s fine blog.
Now, some in MAGA, obviously guilty about America’s wicked past, argue that the teaching of the history slavery in schools should be approached from a neutral standpoint, presenting the silver lining of slavery. Like, let’s say, learning to say pick cotton in 15 hours shifts while getting beat with a switch by a descendant of Ron DeSantis. It’s Q level insane to say the someone forced to learn a trade or be beaten or murdered is of any true benefit. Such a consideration to the domination of other humans for profit to innocent kids is to perpetuate a grave injustice that serves to tell you all you need to know about the terrible wannabe dictator DeSantis pandering to America’s worst element MAGA in desperate failing campaign.
Ronnie, you Donnie clone, slavery stands as an eternal abomination, an affront to the soul and fundamental principles of humanity and dignity. Attempting to present it as anything other than a degeneracy within the beating heart that America has through the blood, sweat and tears of our brave Union Soldiers sought and succeeded in ending is a grave and unforgivable disservice to the millions who suffered unimaginable torment at the hands of their oppressors for generations of a people stolen from Africa.
Further, the 13th Amendment, though a pivotal achievement, cannot wipe away our transgressions of the past. It cannot heal the wounds white people inflicted on generations of enslaved our Black brothers and sisters, nor can it erase the socio-economic disparities that persist to this very day thanks to confederate candidates like Ronald McBigot.
The legacy of slavery is far-reaching, infiltrating and infecting the very core of society with its venomous roots. It is a dark legacy we must confront head-on, no longer shrouding it in veils of denial or complacency. The reality of slavery’s negative impact is not confined to a particular race or nation; it reverberates through the veins of humanity, reminding us of our collective responsibility to ensure history does not repeat itself.
Education stands as a beacon of hope in the battle against the perpetuation of ignorance and indifference surrounding slavery. It must not be allowed to be wielded as a brainwashing tool under the guise of making white kids feel better about our founding father’s wicked past as slavers. Only by unearthing the unvarnished truth of slavery’s atrocities, cab we equip future generations with the knowledge and empathy necessary to shape a more compassionate world.
Some may argue that the scars of slavery have healed over time, but we must resist the temptation to whitewash history. Slavery’s undeniable evil remains etched in the fabric of our society on the form of white privilege and White Supremacy, and healing can only come from acknowledging the truth, no matter how painful. It is only by confronting the past with unflinching honesty that we can begin the process of healing the wounds left behind.
Please join me for…
A Meditation on Confronting Slavery’s Darkness
Find a comfortable and quiet space where you can immerse yourself in this meditation. Take a deep breath in, feeling the air fill your lungs, and exhale slowly, releasing any tension within. Let your mind clear of any distractions, and allow yourself to be fully present in this moment.
Gently close your eyes, and envision a valley enveloped in darkness. This darkness represents the long-reaching legacy of slavery, casting its shadow over humanity to this very day. As we confront this darkness, we acknowledge the indisputable fact that slavery was a heinous crime against humanity, a violation of the very essence of who we are.
In this moment of introspection, peel back the layers of denial and face the unvarnished truth. Slavery cannot be both-sided; it is unequivocally evil and wrong. As the truth washes over you, embrace any feelings that arise – anger, sadness, or despair – and allow them to flow through you without judgment.
Now, imagine a glimmer of light emanating from within your heart. This light represents compassion – the force that can heal the wounds of America’s history. Let this compassionate light grow brighter with each breath you take, filling your being with warmth and understanding.
In this enlightened state, extend your compassion to those who suffered under the chains of slavery and the resulting corruption of corporate slavery that affects all races. Feel the pain and struggles the generation of Black people torn from the homes in Africa as if they were your own, recognizing the courage and resilience they demonstrated in the face of unimaginable cruelty.
Continue to breathe deeply, as you draw strength from this newfound empathy. Let it guide you towards a deeper understanding of the injustices that persist in our world today. Acknowledge the ongoing struggles against modern-day slavery, and affirm your commitment to being a force for positive change.
Now, envision a path before you through a dangerous valley – a safe and sacred path towards unity, equality, and justice. With each step you take, your compassionate light shines brighter, illuminating the way for others to follow.
As you slowly bring your awareness back to the present moment, carry the light of compassion within you. Remember that the darkness of history need not define us; it is through our collective understanding and empathy that we can create a world free from the shackles of prejudice and discrimination.
Germany’s Atonement for the Holocaust: A Shining Example for America’s Need to Atone for Enslaving African Americans
In closing, let’s look at Germany’s history of atonement for the Holocaust stands as a powerful model for other nations, including the United States, to confront their dark past and take responsibility for the heinous crimes committed in their histories. The Holocaust remains an indelible scar on humanity’s conscience, and Germany’s efforts to address and atone for this grave injustice can serve as an inspiration for America as it grapples with the legacy of slavery.
One key aspect of Germany’s atonement has been the acknowledgment of responsibility. Post-war German leadership accepted that the Holocaust was an abomination, and they acknowledged the systematic extermination of millions of Jews and other victims. This acceptance of responsibility was essential in starting the healing process and ensuring that the horrors of the past were not denied or forgotten.
Another crucial step was the conduct of war crime trials, including the Nuremberg Trials, which held major Nazi figures accountable for their actions. These trials sent a strong message about the importance of accountability and justice for those who perpetrate mass atrocities. By bringing the perpetrators to trial, Germany demonstrated its commitment to ensuring that the crimes of the past would not go unpunished.
Education and remembrance have been significant pillars of Germany’s atonement process. The country revised its educational curricula to provide accurate and honest accounts of the Holocaust, ensuring that younger generations learn about this dark chapter in history and the importance of preventing such atrocities in the future. Numerous Holocaust memorials and museums were established across Germany to honor the victims and preserve their memory. These spaces serve as a solemn reminder of the past and a testament to the need for vigilance against hatred and discrimination.
Germany also made efforts to provide reparations and restitution to Holocaust survivors and their families. This acknowledgment of the harm inflicted and the commitment to compensating the victims was an essential part of the healing process.
The German government actively combats anti-Semitism and hate speech through legal measures and public awareness campaigns. This proactive approach reflects Germany’s commitment to promoting a society where diversity is respected and discrimination is firmly rejected.
Lastly, Germany has engaged in diplomatic relations and reconciliation efforts with countries affected by the Holocaust. These efforts foster dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect among nations, acknowledging the shared responsibility to prevent genocide and mass atrocities.
In light of Germany’s example, America has its own dark history to confront – the enslavement of African Americans. America must acknowledge the horrors of slavery, accept responsibility for this grave injustice, and take meaningful steps towards atonement. Acknowledgment, education, reparations, combating racism, and fostering reconciliation are essential elements that America must consider in its path towards healing.
Just as Germany’s atonement for the Holocaust serves as a beacon of hope for a more compassionate future, America’s journey towards atonement can pave the way for a society founded on justice, equality, and understanding. Confronting the past and seeking atonement is not an easy process, but it is a necessary one to ensure that history does not repeat itself and that the dark chapters of the past are not repeated in the future. By drawing lessons from Germany’s example, America can embark on a transformative journey towards healing and reconciliation.
In today’s political landscape, where disinformation seems to spread faster than a rumor at a family reunion, it’s essential to address the dangers it poses. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the murky waters of disinformation, explore how the current Republican Party thrives on confusion over progress, and lament the unfortunate timing of the WGA writer’s strike that has left our late-night comedians missing in action. Grab your popcorn, folks, because we’re about to take a serious look at this pressing issue, with a touch of the late-night humor you’ve been missing.
The Weaponization of Disinformation: Trump’s Greatest Show Disinformation has become the modern-day weapon of choice for politicians, and nobody wields it quite like former President Donald Trump. His speeches have more plot twists, exaggerated claims, and hyperbolic statements than a whole season of late-night comedy sketches
Undermining Trust in Institutions: Enter the Late-Night Jesters Late-night comedians have long been the watchdogs of truth, injecting humor into politics and calling out falsehoods. However, just when we needed their wit and satire the most, the WGA writer’s strike hit, leaving us without our nightly dose of laughter and truth.
Polarization and Divisiveness: Late-night comedy has often served as a unifying force, bringing people from different backgrounds together through shared laughter. In times of political polarization, comedians have skillfully used humor to bridge the gap and encourage critical thinking. But with late-night hosts sidelined due to the writer’s strike, the void in our lives feels like a missing punchline in a never-ending political joke.
Stifling Policy Discussions: When Comedy Speaks Louder Than Politics Late-night comedians have a unique ability to dissect complex policy issues, breaking them down into digestible and entertaining segments. Their sharp wit and comedic commentary often shed light on the nuances of political debates. However, with the absence of their voices, policy discussions seem a bit more dry and lacking that punchline that brings it all home. We miss the comedic relief that once helped us navigate through the madness.
Threat to Democracy: The Silence of Laughter Humor has long been a pillar of democracy, providing a way to hold politicians accountable and satirize their actions. Late-night comedy serves as a vital component of the democratic process, offering a platform for critical engagement and public scrutiny. Without our late-night comedians, the silence of laughter makes it easier for disinformation to thrive, leaving us longing for those sharp comedic voices that once challenged the status quo.
Conclusion: Navigating the dangers of disinformation spread by the current Republican Party while grappling with the unfortunate timing of the WGA writer’s strike leaves us in a precarious position. And in that spirit over on our other blog that grew out of our Meditations of Trump, TrumpsFeverDream.com, we are using Chat GPT and MidJourney AI technology to offer a temporary substitute to fill the gap of late night humor we so badly need in these times. Please check it out!
It all began when a group of five enigmatic billionaires invited Douglas Rushkoff to an exclusive gathering at a posh desert private retreat center, paying for one on one time with the well regarded theorist. Their rich guys objective? To discuss strategies for enduring the imminent “Event,” a catastrophic game ender, such as climate change that they themselves are fostering, throwing humanity into a dystopian future they seek to escape.
Rushkoff soon realized that these individuals were driven by The Mindset, a fearful, pessimistic viewpoint, to use old school Hollywood pitch style of brevity, is like “The Hunger Games” Meets “Mad Max.” A fear based solipsistic belief that the hyper privileged can defy the principles of physics, economics, government and ordinary mortal ethics in order to evade the consequences of their own actions, as if they possess sufficient wealth and advanced technology to depart this planet or reality.
This incredible meeting inspired Rushkoff’s new book “Survival of the Richest: Escape Fantasies of the Tech Billionaires.” Let’s unpack the book and the hopeful message it ultimately can deliver to billionaires who still retain some grasp of our true reality.
In an era defined by unbridled wealth accumulation, the rise of billionaire preppers has become a perplexing and wildly disconcerting trend. These individuals, cursed by their own outsized success that has served to disconnect them from normal reality, are driven by the fear of societal collapse, investing enormous sums to secure their own survival in the face of impending catastrophe. However, “Survival of the Richest” challenges this selfish approach and implores billionaires to redirect their efforts towards protecting and nurturing the world we share.
The Illusion of Escape:
The notion of escaping a collapsing world, as portrayed in films like “Elysium,” might seem alluring to those with unfathomable wealth. The movie depicts a dystopian future where the ultra-rich reside in a pristine, luxurious space station while the rest of humanity grapples with poverty and decay on Earth. Regrettably, this escapist mindset has seeped into the real world, with some billionaires embracing the idea that they can buy their way to safety, leaving the majority of humanity to fend for themselves.
“Survival of the Richest”: A Call for Responsibility:
In their groundbreaking book, “Survival of the Richest,” theorist author, Douglas Rushkoff confronts this dangerous ideology head-on. He argues that billionaires should recognize their unique position of power and wealth and utilize it to address the systemic issues threatening our world, not run from it. With a wit and humor that borders on gallows humor at times, Rushkoff remind billionaires that escaping to a private enclave or a luxurious bunker is a Band-Aid solution does nothing to address the root causes of global challenges such as climate change, income inequality, and social unrest.
However, in the book he describes he pointed our to them kindness is better for creating loyalty when money loses its power in an apolcalypse the response. “For how long?”, must they be kind, was not exactly encouraging.
The Need for Collective Action:
Rather than retreating into self-contained enclaves, billionaire preppers should embrace their potential as change agents. They possess the resources and influence to make a substantial impact on society and the planet. By directing their efforts towards sustainable technologies, renewable energy, and innovative philanthropy, billionaires can actively participate in shaping a future that benefits everyone.
Harnessing Technological Innovation:
One of the most powerful tools at the disposal of billionaires is their ability to drive technological advancement. Investing in sustainable energy solutions, supporting scientific research, and fostering innovation can pave the way for a greener, more equitable world. By diverting resources from individualistic endeavors to collaborative ventures, billionaires can catalyze progress that benefits all of humanity.
Philanthropy Beyond Charity:
While philanthropy is commendable, billionaires must go beyond traditional acts of charity. Instead of focusing solely on addressing the symptoms of societal problems, they should engage in systemic change. By addressing the root causes of issues like poverty, lack of education, and healthcare disparities, billionaires can create a sustainable framework that promotes equal opportunities for all.
Collaboration and Responsibility:
To achieve lasting impact, billionaires need to collaborate with governments, nonprofits, and civil society organizations. Rather than relying solely on individual initiatives, they must leverage their networks and expertise to forge meaningful partnerships that can drive large-scale change. By actively engaging with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, billionaires can harness collective intelligence and ensure their efforts are aligned with the needs and aspirations of society.
Conclusion:
The era of billionaire preppers evading societal collapse through personal fortresses, sending their disembodied consciousness into cyber space, colonizing the oceans or outer space is an unrealistic unsustainable and morally dubious path. “Survival of the Richest” serves as a wake-up call, urging billionaires to assume their responsibilities as stewards of the planet and active contributors to societal progress. By investing the wealth they gained from the rest of us normies not as motivated by the almighty dollar in sustainable technologies, by fostering innovation, and pursuing systemic change through philanthropic endeavors, billionaires can contribute to a future that thrives for all.
It’s all but over for a certain man who magically held the nation under his spell for 8 solid years. Oh, yes, the non-stop fascination with Trump will continue unabated through 2024 and his trials but it will be the coverage of his end as political force.
Hey, I could be wrong. Thought and dreamed of Trump’s final curtain call many times. Heck, I thought he was done with “grab ’em by the pussy”. Thought Teflon Don was done with Mueller. Thought the umbrella man was done with blackmailing Ukraine and being impeached for it. Thought the orange menace was done with his botching covid. Thought he was done with Janaury 6th. You get the idea. But this time feels different. No joking, as Biden likes to say.
My visualization of Trump doing a Nixon that has not happened on this timeline.
I am getting back to my normal life now, today. I’ve stopped doom watching the daily news shows featuring Trump’s every micro-movement down to when he farts. If you are a Trump fan ready to move on, I invite you back to the world of normal where truth matters. There’s no shame in abandoning Trump. He never really cared about you anyways. He’s lived rent free in all our heads long enough.
So join me in celebrating with the best damn edit I’ve ever seen in my life where all the STAR WARS films up to 4 years ago are melded into one story in just five beautifully scored minutes.
Media, Meditations & Musings 