You took the words right out of my mouth with the “disappointment” section. Until February 2020, it was cool to be rebellious and to distrust politicians and big companies.
And then it wasn’t.
I don’t understand how 60 years of pop culture just suddenly vanished. I worry most about the kids. If they don’t rebel in their youth, when will they rebel?
One can almost look at what's taken place over the last 60 years and see the rebel in young people has been weaned out of them through a thorough mind screwing. Rebel has been replaced with a sick desire to be "liked" by phoney digital "friends" on social media and the need to fit in with everyone and everything even if it goes against everything they know to be wrong. Sigh. Not sure what the answer is to that one.
Yep most of the youth and especially those in university etc were the first to comply so they could continue their social lives. They never considered the wider ramifications. Also peer pressure plays a part at that age more so than for adults (although it’s still there). My 15yo son was ridiculed for not getting the vax trying to make out like he was a wimp for not being brave and getting it to save grandma.
The answer is to quit all social media. This is too hard and scary for 99% of people though, so here we are. Covid succeeded largely because of social media's influence.
I completely agree. I don't participate in social media, though I do think it's good for large families that want to share things with one another (to an extent). My family gets mad at me because I tell them if they want me to know something they can call or email me personally. I don't want to have to go to a website to see what's going on in my family's (or friend's) lives. I want them to think of me enough that they take the time to reach out to me personally.
Right! Social media is a lame attempt to scale something that doesn't actually scale -- human connection. And then we wonder why suicide and depression are so rampant.
Thank you for this article it’s a refreshing divergence from my other Substacks which deal with the science and the facts and the news (almost none of it good).
At first I felt fear. I bought into the media-generated fear the rush to find a vaccine the rollout etc. Then I went, hang on a minute, this is madness for what is essentially a severe flu. Then came disillusionment. I took off the rose coloured glasses I’d worn all my life and saw politicians, media, the pharmaceutical and medical fields for what they were. It was quite horrifying. Then came more fear, not of the virus but of the world reaction to this so called pandemic. My partner lives in the USA and we were separated for over two years because of travel bans. It was a very sad time and I sometimes feared I would never see him again. I feared that my retirement plans and all that I’d worked so hard for all my life would be taken from me. That they would come for me and my kids. That we wouldn’t be able to partake in society. Not to mention the pure hatred that many were flinging at the unvaxxed.
Then came anger. How dare they all do this to our lives, our country, our world. Would we ever go back to normal. Like most people here.
And then I started viewing this whole thing as world war 3. I think we were all expecting it to be a nuclear holocaust but I think this is actually it. It’s just not in a format we recognised. And I started reading about Nazi germany and subscribing to substacks and doing my own research not only on Covid but on psychology and behaviour. So then I decided what side I was going to be on and how I could fight in this war when all the fighters were being separated, maligned, cancelled, victimised, controlled. And then I felt brave. And righteous. And hopeful. I wasn’t alone. And I was going to do what I knew in my heart was right and damn the consequences.
We are the revolution baby! And we will win this war. And we will be stronger for it.
It's always good to hear what you have to say JJ. I agree that in the end... we win. And yes, we will be much stronger for it. It might not look like it used to for many of us, but I believe it will look much better than it used to look if that makes sense. Your journey through the emotional side of "covid" is inspiring.
I am happy to see the poll, and see that fear is something people aren't experiencing. I don't think any of us need to be afraid. We just need to stand up and be strong for those who are weak, or have that dreaded fear. I have been disappointed, but in my small town, I rarely see any signs that any of this horrible last 2 years has even happened. Now, all I have is joy and love with the occasional drop of disappointment.
I think that fear is more prevalent in people who are glued to corporate media and most people here poo poo that. ;-). Your choice to choose joy and love are an inspiration. Thank you for being here.
Yes, we have chosen freedom over safety (not that the clotshot is safety Ha!). So that's why fear isn't the big emotion for us, but plenty of concern I would say.
The gaping hole of the sense of loss. Loss of my social life and travel. Possible death of my family and acquaintances, and government theft of my assets. Loss of the future. Like the grief of the death of a loved one.
The pleasure of not being duped, being skeptical from day one. Not being a fool.
Happy to walk around uninjected and unmasked, not skulking in fear.
I’ve been extremely angry and frustrated since March 2020. I try to suppress it through gratitude and other methods, but the stress of it usually results in unhealthy amounts of food and alcohol consumption. The result has been a gain of 15 pounds and blood pressure typically in the range of 180/110. Time to get healthy. Can’t fight if you’re sick or dead.
Rascal, I think most of us have been where you are at one time or another. I know what works/worked for me is choosing one thing at a time and putting that thing behind me. Please know that you are welcome here, warts and all :) and if you ever need a bit of encouragement, don't hesitate to reach out. Thanks for your candid comment.
Last summer I was in the Rockies at 9,000' and I ate mostly game and got down to the same weight as when I was in boot camp. I refreshed my survival skills and came back to Florida with a renewed sense hope. One of my doctors said "I don't know what you are doing, keep doing it "
I suggest you cut the grains, waaay back. Try to avoid any for a while. Wheat is actually quite addictive! I try to stick to lots and lots of veggies, meat, cheese, and some fruit. Plenty of healthy fats-- butter, lard, eggs. Eat like our great-grandparents ate on the farm.
Same with alcohol-- empty calories and it actually brings your spirits DOWN, not up! It feels good like that, to me. And walk, plank, and meditate. Sending you hugs for luck! xo
I always thought that about oatmeal, too, and then I heard somewhere not long ago it wasn't so great. I keep thinking I should look into that, but I haven't yet. I used to love Cheerios, but I'm sorry to say they are heavily tainted with toxic stuff... Most cereals are, these days. And sugar... I will say no more. lol But! What's a kind of "heavy" thing that's good for you, and isn't grain? Sweet potatoes... And maple syrup is a good sweet, also honey. Coconut sugar is way better than white processed sugar. Okay, okay, I'm writing a book... Take what you want and leave the rest for the bears. ^_^
I was turned on to oats by a man who lost about a hundred pounds by only snacking on oatmeal cookies he made. Of course he also increased his physical activity by buying a calf and you earn every dollar of the price at the end of it.
He had his cow butchered and the hide tanned in the way tanning was done in the old west.
I saw it as an excellent idea for him.
He was escorted out of a farm supply store for refusing to wear a mask. I was LOL when I heard about it. He drove a truck before the federal government took too much liberty from him. He rebuilt an old truck and put a brand new drivetrain in it and registered it according to the title saving him a huge amount of tax.
Rob, I'm a Christian man who is God fearing and trying to live the life that God would want me to live.
Anger does eat at me at times, cause like you say also too like I do, the World as we see it today in its actions is disappointing and cruel.
Life as it was 28 months ago to today, not only Americans but the rest of the citizens of the World, is disgusting in the world of betrayal by officials in office, medical field and brainwashed people who believe in the political bs and doctors and nurses in medicine who believe, the covid vaccine is the saving thing the World needs, but we the people who are normal don't see it that way. Anger, disappointment and the negative thinking are normal but we the people must trust in God's powerful almighty hand to guide us through life's storms, to heal us in the joy and comfort.
Thanks for this, Rob. I've just had a bad day of being sucked into a vortex of all sorts of negativity...
I was thinking that Substack is being invaded by plants... not the green kind, but the kind that sow discord and turmoil and unnecessary rage. Your post was like balm. I must work harder to keep myself out of such fly traps... I'm not a fly, after all! Anyway, I so resonate with all you say in this post. xo
I'm glad that The Rumble Strip is able to show something besides the "science" and all of the technical stuff surrounding what we are going through. All of those technical details seem to get in the way of what we are really going through don't they? And how does arguing and hating on one another over details really help us get through this insane period in history anyway? We all don't have to necessarily like one another, but aren't our goals pretty much the same? To get through this stuff and come out the other side in a better position? If I ever see my blog become a feeding ground for arguing (not the same as civil debate) or hating on people etc, I will end it. Period. It's not worth it to me. We can get that kind of crap by tuning in to the corporate media. Thanks for being here Word Herder.
Thanks. And if I ever get too snarly, and am biting the wrong bootox, I hope someone will take the rolled-up newspaper to my tail end... What else is it good for, anyway? ;) Cheers, m'dear.
Thanks. I commented elsewhere on the ‘stacks in the last couple days about what brought me here which was Dr. Malone, and what keeps me here, which is the great people, commentary, information, entertainment, and engagement. Good people trying to stand firm by upholding truth (as best as it can be discerned) in the whirlwind of lies. Resist and be free.
Anger is a useful emotion if it empowers us to act in effective and affective ways. Rage isn't helpful, but a little fire in the belly can do wonders. Love and Hope are nutrients that keep us balanced and willing to persevere. Great essay.
Thanks for sharing your journey over the last 28 months Just Me. I don't know if we'll ever see normal the way we used to, but I bet we're going to fight to make the future "normal" way better than the old normal. Even if it's only in our own posse's. Always good to see you here.
Except when I allow myself to get sucked into bad cattitude vitrole and bickering. Sooo many people on that page... It feels like a magnet for interloping plants... agents of the Evil Ones... I've got to be careful, it really messed up my day and how I was feeling... I need to stop reading that page, maybe...
Bad Cattitude was my first Covid Substack, but I gave him up quite a while ago as I found his commenters were too fawning over him. Same with Eugyppius, who was my second Substacker.
From what you are saying it has changed completely. I don't recall any vitriol.
"Kitten's Secret Garden" is a rest from all the evil plants.
I agree that some posters on Substack really have a cult following and that there are definitely some who get way too much praise from their readers. That feels more like social media to me and I really don't care for it at all. I am humbled when I receive a positive comment from a reader and also appreciate those who have corrected me a few times, or provided input that caused me to take a second look at one of my opinions. If my humble opinion blog ever becomes a cult, I will end it. That's not what I'm here for. I don't care if anyone likes me or not, I try to post things that get people thinking. That's all I want to do. And, if we make friends along the way then great.
You took the words right out of my mouth with the “disappointment” section. Until February 2020, it was cool to be rebellious and to distrust politicians and big companies.
And then it wasn’t.
I don’t understand how 60 years of pop culture just suddenly vanished. I worry most about the kids. If they don’t rebel in their youth, when will they rebel?
One can almost look at what's taken place over the last 60 years and see the rebel in young people has been weaned out of them through a thorough mind screwing. Rebel has been replaced with a sick desire to be "liked" by phoney digital "friends" on social media and the need to fit in with everyone and everything even if it goes against everything they know to be wrong. Sigh. Not sure what the answer is to that one.
Yep most of the youth and especially those in university etc were the first to comply so they could continue their social lives. They never considered the wider ramifications. Also peer pressure plays a part at that age more so than for adults (although it’s still there). My 15yo son was ridiculed for not getting the vax trying to make out like he was a wimp for not being brave and getting it to save grandma.
The answer is to quit all social media. This is too hard and scary for 99% of people though, so here we are. Covid succeeded largely because of social media's influence.
I completely agree. I don't participate in social media, though I do think it's good for large families that want to share things with one another (to an extent). My family gets mad at me because I tell them if they want me to know something they can call or email me personally. I don't want to have to go to a website to see what's going on in my family's (or friend's) lives. I want them to think of me enough that they take the time to reach out to me personally.
Right! Social media is a lame attempt to scale something that doesn't actually scale -- human connection. And then we wonder why suicide and depression are so rampant.
Thank you for this article it’s a refreshing divergence from my other Substacks which deal with the science and the facts and the news (almost none of it good).
At first I felt fear. I bought into the media-generated fear the rush to find a vaccine the rollout etc. Then I went, hang on a minute, this is madness for what is essentially a severe flu. Then came disillusionment. I took off the rose coloured glasses I’d worn all my life and saw politicians, media, the pharmaceutical and medical fields for what they were. It was quite horrifying. Then came more fear, not of the virus but of the world reaction to this so called pandemic. My partner lives in the USA and we were separated for over two years because of travel bans. It was a very sad time and I sometimes feared I would never see him again. I feared that my retirement plans and all that I’d worked so hard for all my life would be taken from me. That they would come for me and my kids. That we wouldn’t be able to partake in society. Not to mention the pure hatred that many were flinging at the unvaxxed.
Then came anger. How dare they all do this to our lives, our country, our world. Would we ever go back to normal. Like most people here.
And then I started viewing this whole thing as world war 3. I think we were all expecting it to be a nuclear holocaust but I think this is actually it. It’s just not in a format we recognised. And I started reading about Nazi germany and subscribing to substacks and doing my own research not only on Covid but on psychology and behaviour. So then I decided what side I was going to be on and how I could fight in this war when all the fighters were being separated, maligned, cancelled, victimised, controlled. And then I felt brave. And righteous. And hopeful. I wasn’t alone. And I was going to do what I knew in my heart was right and damn the consequences.
We are the revolution baby! And we will win this war. And we will be stronger for it.
It's always good to hear what you have to say JJ. I agree that in the end... we win. And yes, we will be much stronger for it. It might not look like it used to for many of us, but I believe it will look much better than it used to look if that makes sense. Your journey through the emotional side of "covid" is inspiring.
I am happy to see the poll, and see that fear is something people aren't experiencing. I don't think any of us need to be afraid. We just need to stand up and be strong for those who are weak, or have that dreaded fear. I have been disappointed, but in my small town, I rarely see any signs that any of this horrible last 2 years has even happened. Now, all I have is joy and love with the occasional drop of disappointment.
I think that fear is more prevalent in people who are glued to corporate media and most people here poo poo that. ;-). Your choice to choose joy and love are an inspiration. Thank you for being here.
Yes, we have chosen freedom over safety (not that the clotshot is safety Ha!). So that's why fear isn't the big emotion for us, but plenty of concern I would say.
The gaping hole of the sense of loss. Loss of my social life and travel. Possible death of my family and acquaintances, and government theft of my assets. Loss of the future. Like the grief of the death of a loved one.
The pleasure of not being duped, being skeptical from day one. Not being a fool.
Happy to walk around uninjected and unmasked, not skulking in fear.
Powerfully stated Cairn! Thank you for your transparent testimony.
I’ve been extremely angry and frustrated since March 2020. I try to suppress it through gratitude and other methods, but the stress of it usually results in unhealthy amounts of food and alcohol consumption. The result has been a gain of 15 pounds and blood pressure typically in the range of 180/110. Time to get healthy. Can’t fight if you’re sick or dead.
Rascal, I think most of us have been where you are at one time or another. I know what works/worked for me is choosing one thing at a time and putting that thing behind me. Please know that you are welcome here, warts and all :) and if you ever need a bit of encouragement, don't hesitate to reach out. Thanks for your candid comment.
Last summer I was in the Rockies at 9,000' and I ate mostly game and got down to the same weight as when I was in boot camp. I refreshed my survival skills and came back to Florida with a renewed sense hope. One of my doctors said "I don't know what you are doing, keep doing it "
I suggest you cut the grains, waaay back. Try to avoid any for a while. Wheat is actually quite addictive! I try to stick to lots and lots of veggies, meat, cheese, and some fruit. Plenty of healthy fats-- butter, lard, eggs. Eat like our great-grandparents ate on the farm.
Same with alcohol-- empty calories and it actually brings your spirits DOWN, not up! It feels good like that, to me. And walk, plank, and meditate. Sending you hugs for luck! xo
I have had good luck with oatmeal or honey nut cheerios and homemade oatmeal cookies. You need the regular oats not the instant.
It's good for the digestive system
I always thought that about oatmeal, too, and then I heard somewhere not long ago it wasn't so great. I keep thinking I should look into that, but I haven't yet. I used to love Cheerios, but I'm sorry to say they are heavily tainted with toxic stuff... Most cereals are, these days. And sugar... I will say no more. lol But! What's a kind of "heavy" thing that's good for you, and isn't grain? Sweet potatoes... And maple syrup is a good sweet, also honey. Coconut sugar is way better than white processed sugar. Okay, okay, I'm writing a book... Take what you want and leave the rest for the bears. ^_^
I was turned on to oats by a man who lost about a hundred pounds by only snacking on oatmeal cookies he made. Of course he also increased his physical activity by buying a calf and you earn every dollar of the price at the end of it.
He had his cow butchered and the hide tanned in the way tanning was done in the old west.
I saw it as an excellent idea for him.
He was escorted out of a farm supply store for refusing to wear a mask. I was LOL when I heard about it. He drove a truck before the federal government took too much liberty from him. He rebuilt an old truck and put a brand new drivetrain in it and registered it according to the title saving him a huge amount of tax.
Beautifully written, thanks!
Thanks Slugdaddy. That means a lot to me. :)
Rob, I'm a Christian man who is God fearing and trying to live the life that God would want me to live.
Anger does eat at me at times, cause like you say also too like I do, the World as we see it today in its actions is disappointing and cruel.
Life as it was 28 months ago to today, not only Americans but the rest of the citizens of the World, is disgusting in the world of betrayal by officials in office, medical field and brainwashed people who believe in the political bs and doctors and nurses in medicine who believe, the covid vaccine is the saving thing the World needs, but we the people who are normal don't see it that way. Anger, disappointment and the negative thinking are normal but we the people must trust in God's powerful almighty hand to guide us through life's storms, to heal us in the joy and comfort.
Always great to get your perspective David. Thank you for your honest contribution.
Thanks for this, Rob. I've just had a bad day of being sucked into a vortex of all sorts of negativity...
I was thinking that Substack is being invaded by plants... not the green kind, but the kind that sow discord and turmoil and unnecessary rage. Your post was like balm. I must work harder to keep myself out of such fly traps... I'm not a fly, after all! Anyway, I so resonate with all you say in this post. xo
I'm glad that The Rumble Strip is able to show something besides the "science" and all of the technical stuff surrounding what we are going through. All of those technical details seem to get in the way of what we are really going through don't they? And how does arguing and hating on one another over details really help us get through this insane period in history anyway? We all don't have to necessarily like one another, but aren't our goals pretty much the same? To get through this stuff and come out the other side in a better position? If I ever see my blog become a feeding ground for arguing (not the same as civil debate) or hating on people etc, I will end it. Period. It's not worth it to me. We can get that kind of crap by tuning in to the corporate media. Thanks for being here Word Herder.
Thanks. And if I ever get too snarly, and am biting the wrong bootox, I hope someone will take the rolled-up newspaper to my tail end... What else is it good for, anyway? ;) Cheers, m'dear.
Thanks. I commented elsewhere on the ‘stacks in the last couple days about what brought me here which was Dr. Malone, and what keeps me here, which is the great people, commentary, information, entertainment, and engagement. Good people trying to stand firm by upholding truth (as best as it can be discerned) in the whirlwind of lies. Resist and be free.
Disappointment is like a milder form of grief.
Anger is a useful emotion if it empowers us to act in effective and affective ways. Rage isn't helpful, but a little fire in the belly can do wonders. Love and Hope are nutrients that keep us balanced and willing to persevere. Great essay.
Thanks for sharing your journey over the last 28 months Just Me. I don't know if we'll ever see normal the way we used to, but I bet we're going to fight to make the future "normal" way better than the old normal. Even if it's only in our own posse's. Always good to see you here.
Yes, the validation, pearl.
We are seeming smarter all the time.
Except when I allow myself to get sucked into bad cattitude vitrole and bickering. Sooo many people on that page... It feels like a magnet for interloping plants... agents of the Evil Ones... I've got to be careful, it really messed up my day and how I was feeling... I need to stop reading that page, maybe...
Bad Cattitude was my first Covid Substack, but I gave him up quite a while ago as I found his commenters were too fawning over him. Same with Eugyppius, who was my second Substacker.
From what you are saying it has changed completely. I don't recall any vitriol.
"Kitten's Secret Garden" is a rest from all the evil plants.
I agree that some posters on Substack really have a cult following and that there are definitely some who get way too much praise from their readers. That feels more like social media to me and I really don't care for it at all. I am humbled when I receive a positive comment from a reader and also appreciate those who have corrected me a few times, or provided input that caused me to take a second look at one of my opinions. If my humble opinion blog ever becomes a cult, I will end it. That's not what I'm here for. I don't care if anyone likes me or not, I try to post things that get people thinking. That's all I want to do. And, if we make friends along the way then great.