Loyal readers know that Pencilstorm isn’t a political website. The most heated debates on this page usually revolve around KISS or who deserves to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. However, once every two years we take a quick dip in the political mud-pit. Today, it’s that time again.
As always, I would like to suggest that if you are the type of person who cannot handle reading opinions that may differ from your own, now is a good time to stop reading. Why not take a break from the news of the day and check out the best 39 Billy Squier songs or Pencilstorm Remembers Eddie Van Halen instead? Or put another way, you do not have to read this and I’m not telling you how to vote. I’m not trying to convince you of anything. This is just one lonely citizen’s opinion. That’s how democracy works. It’s not personal. We can disagree and still be friends. Cool? If yes, hot takes commence in…….3 …………...2…………….1 Tick Tick Boom.
The last four years have been…. um… interesting. Unlike in 2016 - when the country was just cruising along like a finely-tuned machine - whoever wins the Presidency in 2020 will be inheriting a broken-down jalopy with a list of expensive repairs longer than Cygnus X-1. On top of that mess, the wells of free speech, democracy and civility have been poisoned under this administration. Or - put another way - under this leadership, our beloved country has become a horror show of ignorance and incompetence. But that’s just nitpicking isn’t it?
It’s been a depressing few years but the good news is, the people have a chance to put the country back on the right track. Or at least pointed in the general direction of decency and sanity. Ok, I’m off the soapbox. And no matter how you choose to vote, please wear a mask. That is the most important decision Americans can make moving forward.
Colin Gawel founded Pencilstorm and wrote this at Colin’s Coffee where he hears all different opinions and everyone still respects one another. He also plays solo and in the band Watershed. Check out their latest record Extended Player on Spotify.
Bonus Political Coverage!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Since this election is more about values than any one candidate, the Pencil Storm editorial board decided to come clean with what we value heading into the next administration (in no particular order).
Against Fascism
Against Hate
Against Police Brutality
Against Division
Against Discrimination
Against Racism
Against Exclusion
Pro-Science
Pro-Environment
Pro-Healthcare
Pro-Choice
Pro-Human-Rights
Pro-Equal-Rights
Pro-Civil-Liberties
Pro-LGBTQ-Rights
Pro-Black Lives Matter
Pro-SaveOurStages
Pro-Compassion
Pro-Love.
“The time has come for each and every one of you to decide whether you are gonna be the problem or whether you are gonna be the solution.”
- The MC5