10 Rules for Times Like These

My attempt to protect my heart, soul and peace when politics get crazy

Many moons ago, back when I knew everything, and conservatives and liberals had not yet evolved into what they are now, I worked as a political writer. I was very sure of Right and Wrong, (handy!) and I had a knack for distilling complicated issues into 1000 words or less, which got me some great gigs.

It was fun. I liked the fast-paced nature of it, I liked getting into rebuttals and rebukes in the comments section, and I liked the inside-jokeyness of paying attention.

But over time, things changed. I grew up. My thinking became more nuanced, which is a tough break for a Hot Take writer. The comments section got worse, the barbs got sharper, stupider, less arguey and more name-calley. I became a mother. I turned down gigs that I couldn’t write in good conscience. I advocated for lowering the temperature, which went over about as well as creamed spinach …