John Clark looking at a couple recent anonymous comments on the blog and figuring it’s time to address them. This pair of Chinese curses are in full array right now; “May You Live In Interesting Times,” and “May You Find What You Are Looking For.”
Right now, I’m creating my entry (I may do more than one) for a proposed anthology called Retribution and Revenge https://bcubedpress.moksha.io/publication/retribution-and-revenge The recent election not only shattered democracy (checks and balances have been turned into a bad joke), it created so many possibilities for horror, dystopia, and even mystery, both in short stories and full length fiction.
Looking into the dark crystal known as the future, I see nobody willing to harvest crops, work as hospital aides, or housekeeping staff (ditto hotels and motels) Are you ready to get up right after surgery to empty your own catheter? Think 2024’s weather was a shit show, what will it be like after ‘drill, baby, drill’? Got ocean front property? I hope it’s at least 20 feet above the high tide line. All the political gesturing in the world isn’t gonna hold back a storm surge, Category 5 hurricane, similar tornado, or wildfire.
Homeless, pregnant, on the LGBTQIA spectrun? Too bad, you ain’t got no rights in the MAGA world, but we’ll still include you as characters in our books and stories…That is until the (not so) supreme court decides that the current administration has the right to ban any books considered seditious. (Better get used to reading the bible)
Here’s a bit about a book I’m currently reading that is where the future of YA fiction will head, IMHO. Unbecoming / Seema Yasmin Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (July 9, 2024) 9781665938440
In a not-too-distant America, abortions are prosecuted and the right to choose is no longer an option. But best friends Laylah and Noor want to change the world. After graduating high school, they’ll become an OBGYN and a journalist, but in the meantime, they’re working on an illegal guide to abortion in Texas.
In response to the unfair laws, underground networks of clinics have sprung up, but the good fight has gotten even more precarious as it becomes harder to secure safe medication and supplies. Both Laylah and Noor are passionate about getting their guide completed so it can help those in need, but Laylah treats their project with an urgency Noor doesn’t understand—that may have something to do with the strange goings-on between their mosque and a local politician.
Fighting for what they believe in may involve even more obstacles than they bargained for, but the two best friends will continue as they always have: together.
As much as I support a free press, the number of requests I got this month, asking for contributions to keep Maine newspapers going, is depressing. Maybe get ready to tune in to Faux News; After all, they’re fair and unbiased.
I did a couple keyword searches in MaineCat, the online library database here in the state. Searching for politics and mystery netted 293 gits. Granted, some are duplicates (different editions/versions of the same item), but when I used political and mystery, the number jumped to 699.
I have this dark vision that shortly after Trump deports everyone he thinks is here illegally, the reality that no one’s left to do agricultural labor will cause considerable unrest. That’s when J.D. Vance steps forward with his New America plan which will fly through the house and senate. Imagine a new conscription of everyone still owing college debt. Heads shaved and wearing Trump inspired orange jumpsuits, they’re bussed around from crop to crop, picking for years until their debts are paid (at minimum wage, of course)
I can see John Nance Garner, somewhere in the afterlife remarking as he did about the vice presidency nearly a century ago, only this time muttering that the Trump administration is “not worth a bucket of warm spit.”
What’s your take on all this, good readers?
As Cary Grant would have said….”John, John, John.”
Great read. The YA book you mentioned. Wow. I have been thinking of years about what the next generation is going to be facing/are facing.
Very well said!!!!!!!
THE MAINER FROM NH.
Our mistake was the 60 40 thought process. They are the 60 and we are the 40%. So sad for our country. We have gone down the rabbit hole so far we may and our democracy may never recover. At 77 years young and still working a six day week to survive, I am just to old to go back and pick potatoes for the government. And I picked a lot in Aroostook as a child and proud of it!
The Republicans in this country got what they wanted and more. Why are they still so angry? (Fox News) . Spewing more garbage every day! I hate turning on my computer for news I feel like I am being assaulted.
It does not matter on who’s watch these people were allowed to come to our country many families fleeing tyranny and oppression, looking to survive and have and provide a better life for their families. My grandfather and grandmother came from Canada, and my father’s family came from Scotland. I guess the 40% have forgotten their heritage. And for the Afro American who voted for Trump. he would set you back 100 years if you let him.
Months before the news in this country started to acknowledge Trumps speeches I kept saying to myself isn’t anyone in gov listening to this man and don’t they care
enough to take him serious?
Well here it is. When the 60% who voted for him buy eggs at 6.00 because of his tariffs. When their favorite Avocado’s from Mexico are no longer affordable. When they have to pay more for a new car. When women continue to die because they have taken away our right to choose. And the fear of being arrested as citizens, news casters as well as Democrats in Gov who will and have already stood up to fight what will be vile and evil that is coming. Words that I had forgotten!!
This is what I am feeling. So sad, but not alone. I like you know that we are not alone. We stand by our values, our humanity, and our longing to keep our democracy.
Even if only in our hearts going forward! God bless and keep us.
Post this if you would like. Let people know they are not lone.
THE MAINER FROM NH
You can ask anyone in my family–my mantra is “Don’t borrow trouble.” But it’s hard to see how the current state of affairs reaches any kind of happy or healthy ending. Let’s hope I’m wrong.