Russ,
It might not be as bad as it seems.
In only 5 months the mid term elections should put a screaming halt to this headlong (some say frantic) rush into the darkness. I suspect that this current political and social frenzy of those who live West of most of us (not you Jim) is simply a last ditch effort to get lifetimes of over-the-edge, radical thinking 'on the books' as laws before they are firmly voted out of office. Only 5 months Russ, not really that long in the great scheme of things.
Those who want the country to flourish seem to have the unified momentum now to slow and then stop the mindless, destructive push from those whose view points do not hold up to the standards of right and reason. If the headlong death spiral can be stopped in the voting booth then it's only two more years until the big test really happens in 2024.
I sometimes reflect that all miners are optimists.
Careful, studied optimism is the core trait that we all share when the chips are down at the end of yet another long day. Every shovel full is hope, every pan is an optimistic excursion into expectation and every flake in the pan is another spark of renewed hope. Charlie Brown might "Wait 'till Next Year" but we only need wait for the next shovel full to continue to build the strength of hope.
I often reflect on the short time we spent in your back yard - a calm and soothing place you have there. Go out and sit there when you can and reflect on the past successes you have enjoyed and plan for more. Reflect on good times, good friends and ways to just make things better.
Peace, Brother.
Joe