If you don't want to read about politics click here. Seriously, you don't have to keep reading. Do it. Click here. Click it. Save yourself.
Can't say I didn't warn you...
A few months ago, I started writing about politics. This year felt different, and I needed to think all of it through. For me, that meant writing because writing is thinking. In the process, I wrote a collection of essays (now available on Kindle!) that I felt filled the gap between what many thought but what few had said out loud.
As I worked on those, The Daily Wire asked if I would contribute weekly articles to their site. After successfully hiding my admiration for AOC during the interview, I got to work. Since then, I've written ten essays, some political and some not.
All that to say, I've invested a lot of time and energy into this year's election—into today. I, like you, feel the weight of what's to come. Like a backpack full of bricks. Still, the more I wonder and worry about the election, the more I doubt that this backpack belongs to me. The shoulder straps are a little snug and there's an unfamiliar lump between my shoulder blades. It feels like I've picked up something that isn't mine to carry.
And I think that this feeling, this uncertain anxiety, is the result of putting my hope in the hands of someone who cannot take good care of it—namely, a political candidate. I don't think I'm alone here. We've all sought to place our worries on one of two men, and in return, they've both placed entirely different burdens on us. We gave them our hopes and fears, and they've given us brick after brick of doubt in return—thus, the awkwardly-fitting and ever-heavier backpack of stress we now carry.
What a nightmare!
My question then is this: now what? I've expended so much emotional energy trying to decipher and discern that I'm sitting at the "finish line" completely spent. The solution, I think, is this: take my emotional energy back and spend it elsewhere.
That means two things. One, taking my fears and doubts and worries to people I know and love and trust. And two, taking my hopes and dreams and excitement to the people around me who need to hear good news. That's a cycle I can at least control. Wouldn't we all be better off if we took the power politicians had over our mental and emotional health and instead reclaimed it and invested it in positive and uplifting ways? We can do that, regardless of who wins.
Wednesday morning will not relieve us of any burden we bring into Tuesday night. America will still face mass injustice, unemployment, and uncertainty, regardless of who wins what seats. Redemption, salvation, peace, comfort, relief will continue to elude us if we seek them in our political system, or worse, the people who run it.
If you can't put your hope in God, look for it in your neighbors. If you can't find hope in your neighbors, be the one to give it. America is our nation, not our president's. You serve your neighborhood, I'll serve mine. Instead of fighting over which leader we'll choose, let's become the leaders we need.
Today is a great day to love your neighbors. Tomorrow will be too.
Thanks for reading this far.
- jd
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Not Politics
I made a page just for you. It's got short stories and essays, a long read about an impossible task, and book reviews. It's the perfect binge-read for an election day where every news headline is probably terrible.
Take me to this magical place where politics do not exist!
Keep reading for more politics. But I strongly suggest clicking the green words above. It'll be way more fun.
Voting Booth Confessional
If you still want to read about politics, but you don't want to be completely bummed out while you do, this book is for you.
In these 7 essays, you'll find thought-provoking questions that will change the way you look at American politics. Topics include:
The Duels and Don'ts of American Democracy
My Opinion of Other People's Opinions
Lightning Rod-in-Chief
AOC and Authenticity
Meet the Wizard
You're Either Against Him or Against Me
Big Block of Cheese
Download your copy to find a space where you can read about politics and actually enjoy yourself along the way.
The Daily Wire
As a guest contributor for The Daily Wire, I've had the privilege of being given room to think and write about politics and current events. You can find all the articles I've written for them here, as well as some of the more recent ones linked below.
Everything You Need to Know About a Contested Election
Why We Binge-Watch Our Favorite Shows and How it Impacts Us
Apple, Amazon, and the Creation of Codependent Customers
12 Reasons Why Social Media Won't Actually Cause the End of Society
Why Neighbors Can't Talk About Politics
Person or Policy? How to Pick a President
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You're looking for the beverage review again. I know. I've failed you once more. But don't worry. The election is almost behind us and we're back to our regularly scheduled programming next month. That means stories, essays, doodles, book reviews, and yes, a drink review. Got a beverage in mind? Reply to this email and let me know what I should review. I'll try anything that isn't Big Red because Big Red is gross. It's still so funny to me that you're reading this. You're the best. Never change.