Thanks for checking in Josh; I'd been concerned about your absence. As one also suffering from serious depression, I know how much effort it can take to reach out when you're feeling really low.
As a Black trans person, the current administration's actions against marginalized people have, unsurprisingly, made me even more depressed than usual. I don't have the energy for "on the streets" resistance anymore, but I am working in my capacity as a long-time Wikipedia volunteer to document the purges of government employees and websites:
What you're doing is so important. We absolutely need those purges to be documented. Thank you very much for your work.
I do hope you have loved ones who you can reach out to. It's important to connect, even when we feel we don't want to. I understand to some extent, as I also struggle with depression. And while I may feel I don't want to see or speak to anyone (which I can't do entirely—I live with two other humans) I realize when I do spend time with people I care about that it genuinely lifts me up. Not telling you what to do; only making a suggestion. And sending you gratitude and well wishes.
Right there with you in many ways. The four horsemen of fatigue, cynicism, denial, and fatalism are beating down all our spirits. "Didn't we do this already? How can we possibly be in this position again (but worse)? Isn't it too late to turn things around? And aren't we better off trying to take care of ourselves and our loved ones than getting sucked into despair or making targets of ourselves or turning into what we want to fight against?" I feel all of that, even as I know every one of those justifiable reactions helps our enemies. And I don't know what the antidote is, other than continuing, as you are, to speak up to and for each other and remember that refusing to lose hope or give in to apathy is a kind of victory each time we do it (and especially when we do it together).
Good to hear from you and what you are feeling is shared by many. I live in a senior community where there are plenty of sharp 90 year olds. They are a lot more resilient than I am in my late 70’s. I’m listening to them. I’m figuring out where to send my money since my body does not permit me to demonstrate. I’m also learning from the young Marxists at Peoples Forum. The Black liberation class has 2600 students from around the world wanting to fight imperialism.
Keep writing your way out of this episode of depression. As Joyce says, we are all in the together and we need your voice.
I'm so glad to see that you are back. I've been missing your voice and your musings on life and art and politics, and everything else. I think most of us were on our backs for awhile, and now we are finally coming around. We are all climbing out of a pretty deep hole. But things are starting to turn around; resistance is in the air again. Gerry reminds me that when the GOP is in power, they always overreach. And boy are they ever doing that now. They will eventually have to eat their karmaburger. We can help that outcome along as best we can. I'm a bit old and stiff for demonstrations, but I am doing whatever I can. And our son is going out to all kinds of protests and events. I think he really liked picketing the new Berkeley Tesla dealership. I find these reports about Tesla sales very encouraging. https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/tesla-sales-plummeting-early-2025. We just have to hang in there. Be well, and keep on posting.
Sara was at that Tesla protest, too! (She handed out a bunch of her patches, including the one attached to this post.) I was thinking of you guys a couple of weekends ago, as I brought my old Martin steel-string to Noe Valley Ministry and sang a few of my songs (accompanied by my friend Joshua Raoul Brody). Being, of course, only an amateur musician, I was nervous as hell -- but it turned out to be lots of fun.
Really good to see this, Josh. I was wondering how you were doing. What an intense time we’re going through and having your words to connect with is a beautiful gift. Forever thanks and love for sharing your courage, RTSO Sara
Josh, even presented as "greetings from near the bottom" your words uplift! I was so glad to see your thoughtful writing, and I am always moved by your honesty. You kindly asked us readers what we are doing and feeling these days. With husband David, I am making art and artful communication to connect with others in person as we try to make a better world together. Sara told us "see you in the streets" and I do think that's the uplifting place -- with teachers, immigrants and allies, fire survivors, bird watchers, union organizers, librarians, war resisters and all those who show up with hearts on their sleeves.
Nice to see you back. I was just thinking about you the other day because one of the lines from Haiku Tunnel (go back to your desk, settle down, focus- catchup!) is a personal mantra that i use to get myself to work sometimes. LOL.
Freedom is a constant struggle and there are millions I am sure like you and me who are in shock and grief (I, too, as a senior woman, on a fixed income, suffer from episodic depression, but know it will pass, and I must keep my eye on the prize), yet have known if not in recent times, in their past, nothing is guarenteed because of the reality inherent in capitalism toward the corruption of our democracy and we must engage, standup to the bullies currently in the White House and support those men and women on the track of maintaining our Democracy.
It is perfectly normal for you to feel as you do. With a narcissistic, vindictive bully as our president. It is nearly impossible not to feel depressed. Things are not good in our country or in the world at this time. However, I believe we must not allow ourselves to be incapacitated by depression. We must balance our efforts to overcome the current situation with our needs for peace and happiness in our own lives. For me, that means staying in touch with our closest friends who share our frustration and remaining active in the pastimes we most enjoy.. When we are with those we don’t agree we must avoid anger or frustration and instead be friendly, understanding and generous. Unfortunately, when disagreement becomes argument, the outcome is usually not productive. Fighting serves no useful purpose. I believe that, in the long run, friendship and kindness are more likely to prevail.
So glad to hear from you, Josh! I woke up yesterday, thinking about you. So, this is a welcome acknowledgment of the belief that we’re all connected.
I agree with you about the immense power of love. It does sound a little hippie-ish under the current circumstances. But, I think it’s still a good frame of reference.
Given your training by your family, I also agree that you may have unique insights on how to thread the needle of our current demise towards a way back. We might not reach kumbayah, but I’ll take some semblance of democracy over the direction towards which our country is currently careening.
I, for one, await your insights regarding how to proceed.
If having a (this) mission helps you to beat back the demon depression, that’s a win-win. You benefit and we benefit.
Looking forward to your next thoughts. And thank you for speaking up.
Josh, it's so good to hear from you. My husband and I were just talking about your absence when I picked up the phone Mar 3 to see your message! Who wouldn't be depressed during this time? I'm 70 and don't really want to be volunteering for this s*** but oh well! I make the calls I can to congress early in the week, feel a little better, and then feel ill almost every Thursday, so I shut down the news for a couple days so I can take care of my mind and then start again. I guess that's what it means to be a hero?
I really like what you say about not feeling "qualified" but your determination to work for progressive change resonates with all of us who would rather just go about our lives but decide to do whatever small thing we can because of the love in our hearts. Thanks for being here!
Surprised and saddened to hear that you've been depressed since the election. But come to think of it so am I.
Despite keeping up on the warnings about project 2025 and the talk about DOGE before Trump took office nothing prepared me for the rapidity and comprehensiveness of the assault on everything and everybody everywhere all at once.
I feel angry and scared at the same time. Sometimes I even feel angry with Democrats for mismanaging the Trump problem, perhaps thinking that it would be an easy victory to run against him again in 2024. So easy even a man who "finally defeated Medicare" could do it!
But that's rage turned inward which is in itself a theory of depression. That will simply not do right now. The world is broken and we have work to do.
I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that I knew you when you lived in New York back in the 1970s. (I sat next to you in homeroom.) It shows what a bad listener I am that I had no idea you were a communist. But I give you credit for helping me gain clarity on the fact that I was an atheist back in 1975 or so. It was a conversation with you that got me out of the agnostic closet and into the open with regard to that.
FWIW there are still a lot of communists kicking around New York City. I was kind of shocked to realize that so many of the people showing up for Democratic candidate forums in 2020 were basically card carrying commies from back in the day.
I think I'm more of a New Deal / Great Society Democrat. But without actual communists and socialists we never would have had my strain of Democrat.
The moment the election was over, I decided not to wallow in sadness and instead pivot to what I could do to counter some of the bad that was going to happen. I asked many people what they would suggest, but no good answers.
Every day I wake up and turn on NPR, it's just "what has he done today."
I would love to hear how you are going to start your revolution. Perhaps I will join. Perhaps we can all start something!
A friend who regularly forwards Substacks of interest sent me your latest one. Unlike many, it's unique and entertaining as well as informative. Good work!
I launched "Angular Views" a year ago, after a decades-long career as a full-time independent writer, author, and journalist covering the automobile business. As I've often said, "I haven't had a real job since 1967." Although I cover a broad range of topics, the current Trumpworld situation has inevitably taken precedence. If you care to take a look at my Substack, go to angularviews.substack.com.
Thanks for checking in Josh; I'd been concerned about your absence. As one also suffering from serious depression, I know how much effort it can take to reach out when you're feeling really low.
As a Black trans person, the current administration's actions against marginalized people have, unsurprisingly, made me even more depressed than usual. I don't have the energy for "on the streets" resistance anymore, but I am working in my capacity as a long-time Wikipedia volunteer to document the purges of government employees and websites:
https://funcrunch.medium.com/the-u-s-government-is-erasing-our-history-e3be0776ee67?sk=aeb9aae7198d67b7b0990f023bf9553a
I also wrote about this effort for the trans-focused website Assigned Media:
https://www.assignedmedia.org/breaking-news/trans-issues-wikipedia-bulwark-against-disinformation
Thank you for working on Wikipedia.
Thank you for this. Your voice and actions are so appreciated and needed 🙏
What you're doing is so important. We absolutely need those purges to be documented. Thank you very much for your work.
I do hope you have loved ones who you can reach out to. It's important to connect, even when we feel we don't want to. I understand to some extent, as I also struggle with depression. And while I may feel I don't want to see or speak to anyone (which I can't do entirely—I live with two other humans) I realize when I do spend time with people I care about that it genuinely lifts me up. Not telling you what to do; only making a suggestion. And sending you gratitude and well wishes.
Thanks so much, Aviva!!
Right there with you in many ways. The four horsemen of fatigue, cynicism, denial, and fatalism are beating down all our spirits. "Didn't we do this already? How can we possibly be in this position again (but worse)? Isn't it too late to turn things around? And aren't we better off trying to take care of ourselves and our loved ones than getting sucked into despair or making targets of ourselves or turning into what we want to fight against?" I feel all of that, even as I know every one of those justifiable reactions helps our enemies. And I don't know what the antidote is, other than continuing, as you are, to speak up to and for each other and remember that refusing to lose hope or give in to apathy is a kind of victory each time we do it (and especially when we do it together).
Amen, Ian.
Josh
Good to hear from you and what you are feeling is shared by many. I live in a senior community where there are plenty of sharp 90 year olds. They are a lot more resilient than I am in my late 70’s. I’m listening to them. I’m figuring out where to send my money since my body does not permit me to demonstrate. I’m also learning from the young Marxists at Peoples Forum. The Black liberation class has 2600 students from around the world wanting to fight imperialism.
Keep writing your way out of this episode of depression. As Joyce says, we are all in the together and we need your voice.
Thanks
Regina
I'm so glad to see that you are back. I've been missing your voice and your musings on life and art and politics, and everything else. I think most of us were on our backs for awhile, and now we are finally coming around. We are all climbing out of a pretty deep hole. But things are starting to turn around; resistance is in the air again. Gerry reminds me that when the GOP is in power, they always overreach. And boy are they ever doing that now. They will eventually have to eat their karmaburger. We can help that outcome along as best we can. I'm a bit old and stiff for demonstrations, but I am doing whatever I can. And our son is going out to all kinds of protests and events. I think he really liked picketing the new Berkeley Tesla dealership. I find these reports about Tesla sales very encouraging. https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/tesla-sales-plummeting-early-2025. We just have to hang in there. Be well, and keep on posting.
Sara was at that Tesla protest, too! (She handed out a bunch of her patches, including the one attached to this post.) I was thinking of you guys a couple of weekends ago, as I brought my old Martin steel-string to Noe Valley Ministry and sang a few of my songs (accompanied by my friend Joshua Raoul Brody). Being, of course, only an amateur musician, I was nervous as hell -- but it turned out to be lots of fun.
I saw a Tesla this morning with a sticker that said "We know, but we have the car now"!
When you say "my songs" does that mean that you've written some of your own? If so, we'd love to hear them, if that's possible.
Yes, I've written a few songs over the years! I could email you some. (josh@joshkornbluth.com)
That would be great! Email is auntles45@gmail.com. Looking forward to hearing them.
Really good to see this, Josh. I was wondering how you were doing. What an intense time we’re going through and having your words to connect with is a beautiful gift. Forever thanks and love for sharing your courage, RTSO Sara
Thank you, Sara!! That RTSO gig was such a blessing in my life!!
Josh, even presented as "greetings from near the bottom" your words uplift! I was so glad to see your thoughtful writing, and I am always moved by your honesty. You kindly asked us readers what we are doing and feeling these days. With husband David, I am making art and artful communication to connect with others in person as we try to make a better world together. Sara told us "see you in the streets" and I do think that's the uplifting place -- with teachers, immigrants and allies, fire survivors, bird watchers, union organizers, librarians, war resisters and all those who show up with hearts on their sleeves.
Nice to see you back. I was just thinking about you the other day because one of the lines from Haiku Tunnel (go back to your desk, settle down, focus- catchup!) is a personal mantra that i use to get myself to work sometimes. LOL.
Freedom is a constant struggle and there are millions I am sure like you and me who are in shock and grief (I, too, as a senior woman, on a fixed income, suffer from episodic depression, but know it will pass, and I must keep my eye on the prize), yet have known if not in recent times, in their past, nothing is guarenteed because of the reality inherent in capitalism toward the corruption of our democracy and we must engage, standup to the bullies currently in the White House and support those men and women on the track of maintaining our Democracy.
Hey Josh,
It is perfectly normal for you to feel as you do. With a narcissistic, vindictive bully as our president. It is nearly impossible not to feel depressed. Things are not good in our country or in the world at this time. However, I believe we must not allow ourselves to be incapacitated by depression. We must balance our efforts to overcome the current situation with our needs for peace and happiness in our own lives. For me, that means staying in touch with our closest friends who share our frustration and remaining active in the pastimes we most enjoy.. When we are with those we don’t agree we must avoid anger or frustration and instead be friendly, understanding and generous. Unfortunately, when disagreement becomes argument, the outcome is usually not productive. Fighting serves no useful purpose. I believe that, in the long run, friendship and kindness are more likely to prevail.
Your reader and friend,
John Poole, Tiger’69
So glad to hear from you, Josh! I woke up yesterday, thinking about you. So, this is a welcome acknowledgment of the belief that we’re all connected.
I agree with you about the immense power of love. It does sound a little hippie-ish under the current circumstances. But, I think it’s still a good frame of reference.
Given your training by your family, I also agree that you may have unique insights on how to thread the needle of our current demise towards a way back. We might not reach kumbayah, but I’ll take some semblance of democracy over the direction towards which our country is currently careening.
I, for one, await your insights regarding how to proceed.
If having a (this) mission helps you to beat back the demon depression, that’s a win-win. You benefit and we benefit.
Looking forward to your next thoughts. And thank you for speaking up.
Sally Rubin
Careening is a good word for it.
Josh, it's so good to hear from you. My husband and I were just talking about your absence when I picked up the phone Mar 3 to see your message! Who wouldn't be depressed during this time? I'm 70 and don't really want to be volunteering for this s*** but oh well! I make the calls I can to congress early in the week, feel a little better, and then feel ill almost every Thursday, so I shut down the news for a couple days so I can take care of my mind and then start again. I guess that's what it means to be a hero?
I really like what you say about not feeling "qualified" but your determination to work for progressive change resonates with all of us who would rather just go about our lives but decide to do whatever small thing we can because of the love in our hearts. Thanks for being here!
Surprised and saddened to hear that you've been depressed since the election. But come to think of it so am I.
Despite keeping up on the warnings about project 2025 and the talk about DOGE before Trump took office nothing prepared me for the rapidity and comprehensiveness of the assault on everything and everybody everywhere all at once.
I feel angry and scared at the same time. Sometimes I even feel angry with Democrats for mismanaging the Trump problem, perhaps thinking that it would be an easy victory to run against him again in 2024. So easy even a man who "finally defeated Medicare" could do it!
But that's rage turned inward which is in itself a theory of depression. That will simply not do right now. The world is broken and we have work to do.
I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that I knew you when you lived in New York back in the 1970s. (I sat next to you in homeroom.) It shows what a bad listener I am that I had no idea you were a communist. But I give you credit for helping me gain clarity on the fact that I was an atheist back in 1975 or so. It was a conversation with you that got me out of the agnostic closet and into the open with regard to that.
FWIW there are still a lot of communists kicking around New York City. I was kind of shocked to realize that so many of the people showing up for Democratic candidate forums in 2020 were basically card carrying commies from back in the day.
I think I'm more of a New Deal / Great Society Democrat. But without actual communists and socialists we never would have had my strain of Democrat.
There's a reason Bernie sounds a lot like FDR.
Welcome back.
Hope something I have shared here touches you.
Welcome back! We’ve missed you.
So happy to hear from you!
The moment the election was over, I decided not to wallow in sadness and instead pivot to what I could do to counter some of the bad that was going to happen. I asked many people what they would suggest, but no good answers.
Every day I wake up and turn on NPR, it's just "what has he done today."
I would love to hear how you are going to start your revolution. Perhaps I will join. Perhaps we can all start something!
Yes, Kristina! Your wonderful comment gives me all the more motivation!!
Greetings Mr. Kornbluth:
A friend who regularly forwards Substacks of interest sent me your latest one. Unlike many, it's unique and entertaining as well as informative. Good work!
I launched "Angular Views" a year ago, after a decades-long career as a full-time independent writer, author, and journalist covering the automobile business. As I've often said, "I haven't had a real job since 1967." Although I cover a broad range of topics, the current Trumpworld situation has inevitably taken precedence. If you care to take a look at my Substack, go to angularviews.substack.com.
James M. Flammang