 The tone of MAGA supporters has changed. I've seen it on social media and the message boards. The exhilaration that was evident after the upset election of Trump, providing real and unexpected hope that the country would be saved from invasion, has been steadily dampening for the past two years. Some observers have noted that MAGA supporters have been going through the stages of grief: Denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and, finally, acceptance. Americans are in different stages of the grieving process. For example, some are in denial, spinning wild theories about the elaborate, behind-the-scenes plans that are in place which will bring our lawless overlords to justice any day now. Some are in the bargaining stage. "If only Trump had appointed better people," or "Maybe we can still salvage the country through the courts." In my observation, there seems now to be an increasing sense of resignation. As the demise of the United States continues, evidence of anger and depression, and a sense of doom (the "black pill") are evident. Lately, I frequently see comments like "The US had a good run," or "Well, we're toast." Some say that when a loved one dies after a long illness, grief is mingled with a sense of relief. A stage of the struggle has ended, and one may now turn to focus fully on the challenges ahead. The acceptance stage of grief is marked by an honest assessment of one's situation, acclimation to the new normal, and taking responsibility for making a way forward. I believe more people are moving towards the acceptance stage. One YouTuber I enjoy was asked how she manages to stay calm and chirpy while presenting her detailed research peeling back layers of corruption among the elites who are causing our civilizational rot. She explained simply, that with regards to the loss of Western Civilization, "I've already grieved." As we face the loss of a functional government and society, what does it mean to make a new way forward? What is important, and within our control? How do we build outside of our collapsing institutions? One simple first step is to cut the cable cord. For many people, television viewing is a comfortable habit, and while it is true that a few worthwhile shows do exist amidst the manure, is it really a good idea to spend hundreds of dollars a month for the privilege of allowing people who hate you to pump toxic sludge into your living room? Cutting the cord will not only save you money, but it will take away the crutch of spending time in a semi-vegetative state on the sofa, focused on superficial and sordid content created by some of the worst people on the planet. This frees you to pursue more edifying activities like spending time with your loved ones, reading, listening to music, pursuing hobbies or creative endeavors, improving physical fitness, or learning life skills. You will save money, and turn your attention to activities that better nurture mind and soul. What's the downside? You can also "starve the beast" in other ways. Every week there is another company pushing an aggressively radical left-wing product or ad campaign. You could boycott the offenders, but even if you could keep track of every company deserving a boycott, their competitors are likely just as dedicated to the "globohomo" agenda. Instead, just get into the habit of buying less. Spend money only what you really need. When you do need to shop, try to buy second-hand, or from a co-op or locally owned business. You can enjoy simpler living, become more resourceful in meeting the needs of daily life, and revel in the fact that you are depriving the government of sales tax! In a world where we cannot rely on institutions, it is helpful to depend as much as possible on oneself, one's family, and a community of trusted individuals of like mind. Focus on building and nurturing relationships. Learn from your elders and teach your children. Seek fellowship with like-minded community members, with the goal of building trust and support networks. Rekindle tribal bonds, the absence of which have left many of us without a sense of place or belonging. Doing these things will make you more fulfilled in the present, and more prepared to face an uncertain future. Build, preserve, and maintain what you value. Most of us need to relearn independent life skills that the modern world has caused to become obsolete. Growing and storing food and raising animals. Building and maintaining shelter. Share what you know, and learn what you do not. Preserve your family history. Buy hard copies of literature and history books which the cultural police might wish to revise or blacklist as the revolution marches forward. We can all be flame keepers of our own little bits of knowledge, tradition and culture. Most importantly, being Christian means that you are never, in any circumstance, without hope and a sense of purpose. Our world celebrates the superficial, fanciful, and ephemeral. Even if some do not realize it, people are in desperate need of those who will tell abiding truth, and offer hope, clarity, and wisdom. Sometimes it is necessary to speak boldly, but if you cannot do that, asking a thoughtful question or making a gentle observation is often enough to plant a seed of thought that will bloom at a later time. The fall of the empire will inevitably create distress and daunting challenges, but we do not need to wallow in despair. In the words of Wife With A Purpose, Ayla Stewart, there is a simple way to defy the forces of darkness and perversity that lurk all around: "Just be happy and normal!" It may be true that the United States that we have known is "toast." We, its people, are not.
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