I can't say I'm shocked by the 2024 Election results - Trump winning again was always a close race. What I am surprised about is that it was a close race! I don't get it. Never will. The majority of America wants something that I can't articulate or understand.

As the blunt news settles in, I wanted to remind myself of a couple things:

• Tuning out is a privilege. There's a path for many people to just try to ignore everything that is coming and that is an understandably sane path to take! But for many folks, it's not an option. If you're in a place where you can help others better their position, do it.
• Local communities make it go. I can't stop thinking about DRKMTTR, a venue here in Nashville that is all ages, fiercely independent and embraces a punk "Do-It-Together" ethos. These places are safe havens for many groups. Help build them up, even if that's just by donating a bit of money every month. We need these spots.

I'm not in a place to espouse positivity or rallying cries just yet. I'm down to wallow in the bad news for a few days. I don't understand America or what the majority wants but none of that deters me from wanting to create an uplifting place for all kinds of people. If there's an opportunity to improve things, take it. Shruggie snatched from Jackie Lay / The Atlantic