Between Fascism and a Broken Democracy: Why 2024 Makes Us Long for Precedented Times
We Want Precedented Times Back, please!
It’s been ages since anyone’s uttered the word “precedented.” That poor term has just been gathering dust in the corner while “unprecedented” hogs the limelight, dominating every headline, update, and casual conversation. Well, we’re officially over it.
The Case of the Overworked “Unprecedented”
When’s the last time you heard anyone say, “Ah, these are some truly precedented times we’re in”? Exactly. It’s 2024, and if there’s one thing we could all use, it’s a good dose of familiar, old-fashioned normalcy. You know, back when the biggest controversies were pineapple on pizza or a surprise twist in our favorite series.
But no, those days are long gone. We’re well past pizza debates, wading through viral outbreaks, economic rollercoasters, AI-fueled existential dread, climate disasters happening on the dot, and, apparently, aliens. But we’ll come back to that.
The Big Choice: Democracy on Life Support vs. Glossy Fascism
And, as if 2024 couldn’t get more “unprecedented,” we’ve arrived at the political showdown of the decade. Forget friendly debates about policy differences; we’re staring down a ballot that feels like something out of a dark comedy. On one side, democracy’s hanging on by a thread, limping along like it’s been following our climate plan’s example. On the other side, there’s a polished, unapologetic version of fascism, somehow finding itself right at home in spaces where democracy used to be, well, comfortable.
It’s election season, and we’re caught in the world’s worst game of “Would You Rather.” Would you rather vote for democracy — kind of like a car running on three wheels and a wish — or take the express train to autocracy, wrapped up like a movie trailer for a dystopian thriller? Ah, how we miss the simple charm of precedented political options.
When Did Life Become an Apocalyptic Bingo Card?
At this point, it’s safe to say we’re living in the plot of a bad apocalyptic movie. Wildfires, political scandals, economic breakdowns, cyber hacks, and, yes, thawing permafrost viruses — Mother Nature’s own science fair. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably wondered, “Is this still Earth, or did we accidentally step into some elaborate performance art on human resilience?”
And it’s not just the disasters — it’s the speed! A rough patch now and then is one thing, but we’re on a cosmic catastrophe cycle. Tuesday: wildfires. Wednesday: market crash. Thursday: UFOs, now streaming in HD. Every day, we’re checking off one more square on the apocalypse bingo card.
Would a Sane Election Be Too Much to Ask?
How about a time when disagreeing with your neighbor over policies didn’t make you dread running into them at the grocery store? Now we’re walking around like democracy’s battle medics, wondering if it’ll make it or if we’re just waiting for the inevitable plug-pull. Meanwhile, we’re watching a parade of candidates — some aiming to “protect freedom” by, well, reducing it, and others trying to keep democracy on life support just a bit longer.
Imagine the pure bliss of one week where nothing shocks or unsettles us. A week where the biggest headline is a celebrity’s new haircut or a viral cat video. When the most intense topic of conversation is a new coffee blend that might just be life changing. Yes, we’re ready for a world where “exciting” news is entirely optional.
What Do We Want? Precedented Times! When Do We Want Them? Now!
So, here’s to hoping for a comeback, where “precedented” gets its well-deserved spotlight and “new normal” takes a long break. To borrow a classic phrase: may you live in boring times.
