Over the last 4 years or so I've been a news analyst focused on economics, energy issues and the environmental crisis. Most of my work here and the work of my contributors will remain here, but this blog is on hiatus while I work on getting some books ready to publish.
For those not familiar with this outfit, TRC has been a one woman production since the start. As proud as I am of what this blog represents and what I have learned from the experience, quite frankly, I'm tired and ready to try something new.
I've not yet decided whether the blog will act as a conduit for what
I'm currently doing -- or if it should be left 'as is' -- like an
archive for research on particular topics. It has been a serious
undertaking so I'm unsure about turning the thing on its head. I'm a big fan of reinvention and metamorphosis, but I also welcome reader's opinions on the future of this outlet. This is no small decision for me, personally.
As far as seriousness and objectivity in journalism, I'm in agreement with my long-time hero, Dr. Hunter S. Thompson, when he said in his enlightening book, Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail, '72, "So much for Objective Journalism. Don't bother to look for it here--not under any byline of mine; or anyone else I can think of. With the possible exception of things like box scores, race results, and stock market tabulations, there is no such thing as Objective Journalism. The phrase itself is a pompous contradiction in terms.”
In times like these, I can hardly argue with that statement. People involved in journalism may scoff at this -- but consider his mention of 'stock market tabulations' and this quote takes on an entirely different patina in 2013. Married with box scores and race results, it really is just a numbers game and a ponzi that most folks simply don't care to understand. The problem with that is -- it's going to hurt a lot of those people whether they understand it or not.
The real objective data is scientific and unfortunately, that has also been demonized and marginalized into some sort of whacky cult-like frame. Hmm, when has this happened before? Compared to the impossibility of 'infinite growth' [a more dangerous cult that has led us right off a fascist cliff], you can well imagine how difficult it is to discuss, let alone teach, anything of importance without the thick cognitive dissonance on both sides of the political spectrum. A crazy train with two cars and one engine, owned by oligarchs, which derailed a long time ago.
Politics has brainwashed people into thinking that PR is truth, that personality and popularity is more important than the need for large social movements and more recently, that the left believes human rights stop at gay marriage while neglecting the environment. Don't get me wrong -- I'm all for marriage equality -- but what about the human right to clean air, food, water and safe communities that aren't slowly poisoned to death for profit? What good does it do any married couple, gay or straight, if the home they create together sits near a fracking site, a slowly rotting nuclear plant or tar sands pipeline? What if the state they are married in is sued by Monsanto? The right to marry seems rather low on the priority list when one considers the amount of species going extinct on a daily basis. Quite frankly, marriage equality should have been squared away a decade or more ago. What year is this again?
Understanding is the key word here and to come to it, there must be learning. To that end, there must be information and hard data made available for people to prepare for the worst -- which simply is not happening. So how can people prepare for economic collapse, food shortages, climate chaos and loss of liberties when they aren't being told that these things, based on verifyable, scientific data are even happening? How can we have a democratic system with a corporate and state controlled media?
The Grumpy Cat short answer is, NO, we can't. It's too late, votes don't work and petitions barely scratch the epidermis of the elephant in the room that is now shitting on the coffee table.
There is no left. The left is a hollow shell of what it once was. Once this administration 'leaned forward' for the right -- the left followed suit, inching us closer to this most unrecognizable state of the union. This is bat country. This is what Hunter Thompson feared. This is the system I now loathe.
Call it a lovers quarrel with my country that has reached the point of penning the "Dear, John" letter. Perhaps this is what my transition feels like -- a divorce from an abusive, co-dependent relationship with a gambling addict on too many meds.
"It's not me -- it's you. You're just not attractive anymore. You've let yourself go and I'm just not that into you.I wouldn't have stayed this long if I didn't feel strongly about you and I certainly wouldn't have spent every dime and sleepless nights researching, investigating and sharing the information I [and others] felt imperative to share. Interventions haven't worked and I've had enough. I cannot be friends because it would just be a lie. We'd be fooling each other and I refuse to lie to myself any longer. I deserve better.
I will always remember how we used to be."
It's just past time for me to begin a new chapter. Actually, and quite literally several. A children's book on permaculture is in post-production and my first book [said with tongue in cheek: "the magnum opus"] of a four year journey is also being polished for publication.
The candle has been burned at both ends in regard to news analysis and now I'm in the middle with no wax left -- no passion for it -- no way to refill my cup by continuing. I hope that people have seen what's right in front of them but I don't intend to keep trying to convince people they've been duped. This is something that will come to them in time, most assuredly so.
In many ways this decision is bittersweet -- TRC has been a big part of me for a very long time and it has taught me more than I ever imagined...even things I wish I hadn't learned...but that is the nature of truth. It aids us in our personal growth which must include a painful pruning now and then.
The Refreshment Center will remain here and I do hope you will leave comments and share any posts that move you, taught you something new, caused you to be inspired or pissed you off. Anger is a gift when used in the right way. I'm going to try a bit more sass and humor or I'm apt to become one bitter old broad. My grandmothers, who are no longer here would wag a finger and have a few words to say about that.
My personal transition is one I've not written about in awhile, and this is something I wish to focus on. Working on the books is a good first step to letting more light in -- especially with the children's books. This is the soul work that I need to fill my cup. My refreshment center, if you'll pardon the pun.
Two words I hear consistently echoed during this most incredible upheaval in the history of humankind, that I pass along as the best advice I can give, as it is also the advice I am taking myself: Carpe Diem.
I thank you all for your support and readership. You can still follow me on Twitter. Sass and humor being served.
"Res ipsa loquitur. Let the good times roll.” ― Hunter S. Thompson
