Superman, Storms, and the Death of Common Sense

by someone who just wanted a quiet life, a decent sandwich, and a planet that hadn’t completely lost the plot.

So here I am, staring at a blank screen, attempting to string together a story, something, anything— but all I can think about is how worryingly uninspired I feel these days. Not because life has become boring. Oh no. Life is still full of lunacy and people with the IQ of overcooked broccoli making decisions on our behalf. It’s just that the sheer volume of negativity out there could power a small city. People don’t laugh anymore—they just scowl and pick sides. It’s all turned into one massive, soul-sucking episode of a 1980’s soap opera—but without the charm, or the budget.

Everything, and I mean everything, is political now. You can’t fart in public without someone yelling “MAGA” or “woke” like it’s a tribal war cry. It’s not Left or Right anymore—it’s Us vs Them. Red hat, blue checkmark, and nothing in between. But what about us folks in the middle? The ones who just want to get through the day without being accused of cultural treason for having toast with actual butter on it?

Take Superman, for example. Harmless, cape-wearing, truth-and-justice Superman. Now, apparently, his “S” logo stands for MS-13, according to a Fox News host who’s clearly been sniffing printer ink. Why? Because the film’s director had the audacity to say that Superman—wait for it—is an immigrant. Which, by the way, he is. Rocketed from a dying planet and raised in Kansas. Classic immigrant story. And now, somehow, that makes him a gang member? What next? Captain America joins Antifa?

And it gets better. A congresswoman from Georgia—yes, that Georgia—has announced she’s going to introduce legislation that makes it a felony to alter the weather. Let me just say that again. A felony. To. Alter. The. Weather. Is this a law against God? Against clouds? Rain? Thor? Has she never heard of basic science? Cloud seeding isn’t the plot of a Bond film. It’s not weather control—it’s basically begging the sky to pee a little. A trickle. Not a monsoon. And even then, storms don’t check voter registration before flattening your house. Ask the Japanese. Ask the Haitians. Hurricanes, if I must add, don’t give a toss whether you vote red or blue—they just show up, wreck everything, and leave.

Then you’ve got the anti-Semitic clowns across the aisle screaming about Israel and Palestine like it’s an NFL match. The Middle East has been a hot mess since Moses wore sandals. It’s complicated. It’s ancient. And no, Israelis are not Republicans, and Palestinians are not Democrats. It’s not a campus debate. It’s people dying. So maybe, just maybe, a little less shouting and a little more thinking?

And don’t even get me started on bathrooms, statues, vaccines, electric cars, solar panels, and people insisting they’re one thing and demanding we all play along like it’s a massive episode of charades. Somehow, all of it is political. A wind turbine? Political. Choosing almond milk? Political. Sneezing the wrong way? Apparently fascist!

The sheer volume of this nonsense is enough to make you want to live in a shed, grow a beard, and communicate exclusively by whittling sticks. It’s drowning out the good. Drowning out reason, compassion, common decency—and let’s not forget, humor.

What we need—desperately—is a cultural reset. Less outrage, more Bob Ross. Fewer hot takes, more Mr. Rogers. Less of “BREAKING NEWS” and more of, “Let’s just sit quietly and be decent humans for a minute.” And for the love of all things holy, some accountability wouldn’t go amiss either.

Today, in a spark of defiant optimism, I shared what I thought was a lighthearted story on Reddit. A quiet, gentle nudge of humor. A chuckle. A smirk. Something to lift the gloom. And what did I get in return? Abuse. Accusations. Insults sharper than a divorce lawyer’s pen. It was like handing someone a puppy and being told it was a war crime.

How did we get here? When did ideology ever replaced good virtues and basic science?

Now look, I know some or many people won’t agree with me— and that’s absolutely fine. We can disagree. It’s allowed. We can argue and debate, even bicker, and poke holes in each other’s logic. But realize this, we can do it without foaming at the mouth like rabid dogs at a fireworks show. We can have a proper, spirited conversation without turning it into a gladiator match. In short, we can be… Democratic, even Civilized. And wouldn’t that be a novelty?

I am frustrated. Deeply. But I remain optimistic. There’s still a spark left somewhere, probably under a pile of canceled comedians and burnt-out logic. And if we dig just a little deeper, we might find it again.

And here’s the thing—I’ve got a question for the older generations. Has it always been like this? Was there always this much noise? This much hate? Or am I just too young to remember when people knew how to disagree without needing a restraining order?

Because this? This is madness. It’s exhausting. Outright discouraging. Completely disgusting. And to be blunt—it’s undeniably terrifying.

Still, despite the lunacy, the madness and the frightful uncertainty—I haven’t given up hope. Not yet. We can still find our better angels. Preferably ones with a working sense of humor and a basic grasp of meteorology.


Thanks for dropping by my little corner of the world. If the story gave you a chuckle or made you pause and think, a like would be mighty kind. And if you’re feeling adventurous, well, hitting that subscribe button is like pulling up a chair and staying a while—always room for one more.

I subscribe back, by the way. It’s my way of saying, “Welcome to the club—snacks are in the back, good times up front!”

Your comments make me smile, sometimes laugh out loud, and every now and then, they nudge me to dig a little deeper, write a little better. So, stick around—who knows what we’ll stumble upon next!

167 responses to “Superman, Storms, and the Death of Common Sense”

  1. arlene Avatar

    I always look forward to your posts but sometimes they don’t appear on my reader feed. I am doing backreading.😍

    Liked by 2 people

    1. AKings Avatar

      Sometimes they stay on the “Recommended” tab if you’re using Jetpack. ☺️

      Liked by 1 person

  2. arlene Avatar

    Where is this world coming to?

    Liked by 2 people

    1. AKings Avatar

      Hopefully we’ll bottom up soon and then it’ll be upwards from there. It remains to be seen.

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Michael DeStefano Avatar

    The perpetual state of grievance that’s ensnared us is actually more insidious than I thought. Recently, a politician characterized flood victims as “white” and implied that they got what they deserved, for she assumed they voted for Trump. Too many in the West want to rewind time back to the Holocene Epoch, correct for history, and throw the baby out with the bathwater. We can’t get money out of politics, politics out of science, and pharmaceuticals off our televisions. Sheesh! And the one unifying factor that poisons everything is social media. If social media had been handed over to a think tank to tinker with for a year, they would’ve advised: You had better scrap this puppy; a species that still thinks with the reptilian part of its brain will tear itself to shreds if given this tool.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. AKings Avatar

      I don’t even know what to say. It’s sad to even contemplate about. Kids died and all they can say is about skin color and politics? That sort of evil is just beyond understanding.

      Liked by 1 person

  4.  Avatar
    Anonymous

    I agree.

    It can be discouraging because many people cling so tightly to their dogmas and biases.

    But we have to remember that we only have control over OURSELVES, and nobody else.

    So if people choose to remain Willfully Ignorant, that’s THEIR choice, NOT ours.

    We have NO control over others or for actions nor opinions over others.

    People will be held accountable for themselves, period.

    We can only share information that is important to entice people to THINK and discern independently for themselves. We cannot force others to agree nor change their mind.

    Information is like seeds: planted in fertile soil they take root and bloom, but in infertile soil it will just die, wither and pass away.

    Don’t lose faith,

    Don’t be discouraged.

    Your imformation will find those who resonate with it and it will give them “food for thought” to make better INFORMED decisions for themselves, and that is all you can do, hope and pray for.

    Keep the faith, and continue to be genuine.

    Sincerely, In Love and Light

    Julie

    Liked by 2 people

    1. AKings Avatar

      That is so beautiful Julie. I’ll keep your words in my notes. Thank you so much!

      Like

  5. Mare Martell Avatar

    I hear and agree with your observations. How I deal with it is headline reading only reading what I want more information about. I’ve put a sign on my house that says, “BLOOM WHERE YOU’RE PLANTED.”
    I sow seeds of loving acceptance no matter who I deal with. Harm none but take no shit. Humor is my goto defense because, Jesus, this world has lost its collective mind.
    I see you. I hear you. I love you.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. AKings Avatar

      Thank you so much, Mare. Love, that is what we need on these trying days.

      Liked by 1 person

  6.  Avatar
    Anonymous

    Superman let bullets bounce off his chest.

    So why did he duck out of the way when the bad guy threw a gun at him?

    Liked by 2 people

  7. Suzanne Avatar

    I will join others in admiring your writing. You’re a breath of fresh air (thoughts), though likely not similar to today’s coolish westerly winds here in NZ.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. AKings Avatar

      Thank you Suzanne.

      Liked by 1 person

  8. JeanMarie Avatar

    Once again your beautiful and comedic writing style has brilliantly described the stinking cesspool that we are living in in the US. I am glad that you are still optimistic no matter how weak or strong that thread is. I have none myself at the moment

    Liked by 2 people

    1. AKings Avatar

      We’ve been through some tough times as Americans, and in more likely than not, someone great will once again take the mantle of that presidency. Like a Roosevelt in the midst. I’m hopeful and I await.

      Like

      1.  Avatar
        Anonymous

        This was definitely a great piece of work and beautifully t! Thanks

        Liked by 1 person

  9. Liam Eddy Avatar

    “…IQ of overcooked broccoli…” Love it…; -)

    Liked by 2 people

  10. Art Hernandez Avatar

    I am of an older generation (I will turn 60 years old in December so I can say I am of the older generation) and I must say it has gotten way out of hand. I love my family and friends even though most of them do not share my same philosophy or politics. Like I would tell my dad who was the coolest dude and fun to be around just because I am way different than you it does not mean we need to hate each other. We can poke fun at each others ideas ( i would poke fun at his ideas and he would poke fun at mine. but it would never get nasty or violent). Never has it been this “You touched Me! ” “No you touched me First!” … people need to see the other point of view and nicely disagree with it and not stab you after you speak your mind. I don’t think it ever been this bad. Peace and love will prevail every time.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. AKings Avatar

      That’s exactly what we need right now. The quiet of the peace so we can feel ourselves love again.

      Liked by 1 person

  11. Art Hernandez Avatar

    Oh also…I do live in a shed, grow a beard, and communicate exclusively by whittling sticks. There is nothing wrong with that.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. AKings Avatar

      Well, now that you’ve mentioned it. Nothing wrong at all. ☺️

      Liked by 1 person

  12. kunstkitchen Avatar

    Thanks for the broccoli humor. Yes, when you go back in American families histories of immigration every group was discriminated against. Stereotyped and hated for whatever bias. My grandmother told me of the burning a bridge in Charlestown Massachusetts to stop the nuns from crossing. This happened in the early nineteen hundreds. Lots of ignorance and fear running through centuries of suffering.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. AKings Avatar

      We can only hope that wisdom will follow suit.

      Liked by 1 person

      1.  Avatar
        Anonymous

        thanks

        Liked by 1 person

  13. diamondlagoon Avatar

    I’ve seen some weird videos on Facebook with groups of men analysing how someone might have farted like it was the Big Bang or something. The Internet is turning people bit sick in my opinion.

    The media in the UK and France is perhaps slanted against Israel, but having seen the verified pictures of children starving in Gaza, it is unacceptable. Men, women and children are dying. The death toll of Palestinians is over 60,000. A lot of those are women and children. Families torn apart.

    Hamas are a very negative influence on the population and are driven by hatred. Yet the Palestinians are barred from working in a very large percentage of available jobs. The right to employment is not a given.

    The only Catholic Church in Gaza has been bombed by Israel. Places of worship should never be military targets. I have been to Jerusalem and I like many Jews, but it is indeed a complicated topic.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. AKings Avatar

      Yup that it is. Thanks for sharing! ☺️

      Liked by 1 person

  14. NM Avatar

    Too many points to address, but I hear your frustration. We can do root cause analysis for decades but ultimately it’s how you and I behave today, in the face of all the chaos and incongruity. To stay straight. To follow our own path but to be kind — even to the goofballs — along the way.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. AKings Avatar

      That’s true. ☺️

      Like

    2.  Avatar
      Anonymous

      yes – thanks for sharing

      Liked by 1 person

  15. destiny Avatar

    peeking in to read what the others have to say to your “Has it always been like this?” 😬
    maybe we’ll get to go back in time…or bring that time back … wishful thinking since death (of common sense) is too final…🤦‍♀️

    Liked by 2 people

    1. AKings Avatar

      I hope it gets revived ☺️.

      Liked by 1 person

  16. WearingTwoGowns Avatar

    AKings you continue to deliver. I have this vision of people from all walks of life and beliefs being able to agree 👍 and live in harmony and in unity 🤝 and peace.✌️ And love ❤️. Would it take a spiritual ✨️ revival? I know that some of these things won’t completely come to fruition on this side of heaven, but there are certainly ways that we can continue to cultivate the love for thy neighbor.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. AKings Avatar

      Thank you. 😊

      Like

  17. Godwin Avatar
  18. Journeys With Jani Avatar

    Yes! I’m tired of the meaningless meanness! Just live!

    Liked by 2 people

  19. John Poulton Avatar

    It’s Superthem now. 😂

    Liked by 2 people

  20.  Avatar
    Anonymous

    Excellent post!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. AKings Avatar
  21. wordsfromanneli Avatar

    NO! It was not always like this. People used to be able to agree to disagree. Now they shout obscenities and uninvite you to Thanksgiving dinner if you don’t think the same as they do. Somebody is drinking too much Kool Aid!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. AKings Avatar

      People need to be more informed and go back to our basic American values.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. wordsfromanneli Avatar

        That’s a very good point – they need to get more informed. I’m shocked at how little they know about what’s really going on.

        Liked by 1 person

  22. seankfletcher Avatar

    There has always been issues – but not like it is now. When I was growing up 50+ years ago there wasn’t the noise there is now.

    Yes, there were the great issues re Vietnam, the Women’s Movement, Segregation and changing family dynamics but people were aware and did what they needed to do.

    Sadly though, since then, access to technology has, although enhanced our lives greatly, it has also created bubbles of over indulged navel gazing.

    The blame game, finger pointing and unrealistic expectations has grown out of control.

    The world is still a great place. However, the endless ranting that goes on creates a false impression, a distraction to us getting together and dealing with the dumpster fires around the place – some of which are so inhumane, it requires a massive correction.

    I’m an Aussie, so we like to get things done but even we are getting dragged into the morass of whatever this is!

    So, getting people to take responsibility, to be better informed and to actually do something constructive is our biggest challenge. I haven’t given up yet – there is still a lot of beauty out there.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. AKings Avatar

      Thanks for sharing Sean. I know what you’re saying and like you, I’m also still hopeful.

      Liked by 1 person

  23. worldplatterblog Avatar

    I’m nearly 65. No, it hasn’t always been like this. Most of my life, people argued and it seemed pretty sensible. I feel like things went off the rails during Obama’s admin (through no fault of Obama). Did we really argue about the President wearing a tan suit? Apparently we did. Did people jump up and down and SCREAM about “Obamacare,” a program that now provides many of these same people with affordable health care? Yeah. Did I actually have an argument back in 2016 about the absurdity of the whole Pizzagate scandal with someone who believed it? Yes, I did.

    I think the level of cynicism and general distrust has increased a lot. People don’t trust other people. They don’t trust the media (and they actually don’t follow anything that is “the media” for the most part). They don’t trust doctors or science (why so many people are rejecting vaccines). How we get out of this mess, I have no idea. I have promised myself that I will be kind and give people grace. If not possible, I need to walk away (which sure beats beating each other up). Life is too short to spend it arguing about Pizzagate or similar craziness. Also I vote, a small but important act.

    Thanks for your very humorous take on life! It’s good to laugh. Sure beats crying.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. AKings Avatar

      It’s people like you who will make things better. Let’s hope good deed spreads and blight out all of the negative ones. Thank you for sharing! ☺️

      Like

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