Hoo boy!

Well America, I guess you really didn’t want my political advice….

Trump: 266. Harris: 218.  That’s where the electoral vote left off when I shut off Brian Williams on Prime Video’s Election Night coverage. And he looked as poleaxed as the rest of us as the night unfurled, and America chose to vote based on the misguided supposition that the president’s in charge of the price of eggs, milk and a tank of gas.

*sigh* Look, it’s like this: Prices for things like gas, eggs, and milk are largely impacted by global events—like conflicts, supply chain disruptions, or natural disasters. The U.S. president has little control over these worldwide factors.

Companies, not the government, set most prices. Businesses adjust prices based on supply, demand, and profit goals, so inflation often reflects choices made by corporations, not presidential policies. So, you should be blaming General Foods for how much that box of Lucky Charms is costing you, and ExxonMobil for the dent filling up your Toyota is making in your wallet.

On top of all that, the Federal Reserve, not the president, controls key economic tools like interest rates. These rates have a huge effect on inflation and prices, especially in times of high demand or scarcity.

Even when a president’s policies do have an impact, they take years to show. So, prices people see now may come from decisions made before a president even took office.

In short, the president’s power over everyday prices is limited—other factors often play a much bigger role.

Am I happy with these election results? Obviously not. As detailed last week, I have some genuine concerns for Cheetoh Mussolini’s vindictive streak and disrespect/contempt for freedom and democracy. I guess we will see if my fears – including my fears for women and their health, and for those of a darker complexion than I have – will bear fruit. They certainly did the first time around.

But yeah, let’s ignore the outrageous lies, the felony convictions, the attempted overthrow of the government, and that he’s proclaimed an enemies list longer than Nixon’s. People’s bank balance supersedes all that, right? But have you thought about how many times Trump’s filed for bankruptcy? If he can’t balance his own books, what the fuck makes you think he can balance America’s? Bless your hearts.

I have an idea of what will happen. I am hoping I am just being alarmist, but his past record tells me otherwise.

If this election’s left you feeling powerless, remember that real change often starts closer to home. Support local organizations addressing issues that matter to you—housing, food security, community health, women’s health. These actions build the world we want, one neighborhood at a time, no matter who’s in the White House.

One thing we can control is the effect Cheetoh’s had on basic decency and civility. Yeah, we can be much kinder to one another, no matter our political differences. It’s like my buddy Keith Jackson, of the Phoenix fundamentalist punk band Glass Heroes, said at his Facebook in a livestream still up on his wall:

We all voted. We're all Americans, right? So I don't care who you voted for. We're still Americans. We still live in this country. Am I happy about the results, what they might be, what they could be? We'll see. But it doesn't change my view of my friends.

If you voted for Trump or you voted for Harris? There's one I would prefer, but this is what we do, right? This is what we do in our country. So it doesn't matter. So I'm not going to unfriend people, or cut people off or be angry. We'll see.

But that's what we do in this country. No matter how it turns out, we should still be one people, one thing. Because that's what they want, they want us to be divided. I refuse to be divided. There's enough hate and rhetoric and bullshit and lies and crap that divide us in this country because of politics. It bugs the shit out of me, but it is what it is. 

I don't need people sending me crap on my Facebook, (or telling me) “I'm going to unfriend you because you voted for Harris,” or “You voted for Trump.” That's bullshit. That's what they want us to do. We'll see what happens. Cheers.

Basically, respect. That’s all you need. Even in disagreement, respect and kindness are things we can control, and they’re just as crucial as ever. And if you can’t be respectful or kind? Bless your heart!  

Standing Together, Speaking Truth (and A Punk Rock Perspective) 

Dear Reader, thank you for reading through this piece—and for being part of this community, especially on days like today. After my recent political posts, ten readers decided to leave, including some paying subscribers. When hours at my Day Job have dropped, that $109.25 lost feels even heavier. But as with punk itself, this space isn’t about playing it safe; it’s about saying what matters—even when it ruffles feathers. If we can’t speak out about threats to democracy, integrity, and freedom now, then when?

Last week, ten new subscribers joined, showing that what we’re creating here—a community that values music, truth, and standing up for what’s right—resonates with others like you. A few more have joined this week. That’s what’s up.

So here’s my ask: if these posts mean something to you, and you believe in keeping punk journalism honest and fearless, consider subscribing. I’m running a November Subscription Special—20% off for life on new or upgraded subscriptions—as a thank you. Every bit of support keeps this work alive, helping cover essentials so I can keep writing with conviction.

Thank you for being here, and for caring enough to support independent journalism with your time, your energy, and your heart.

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