APOCALYPSE NOW

"This is the end, beautiful friend

This is the end, my only friend

The end of our elaborate plans

The end of ev'rything that stands

The end" Jim Morrison

Francis Ford Coppola's 1979 epic war film loosely tracks Joseph Conrad's 1899 novella, Heart of Darkness. The former uses the apocalyptic backdrop of the Vietnam War. The latter deals with horror of slavery in the Congo. Both are journeys of a troubled and infatuated protagonist in search of a psychotic megalomaniac, Kurtz. In both instances Kurtz uses fear to play 'demi-god' and retain power and control over his 'tribe'. The stories compare European colonialism with American intervention and the message is very clear.

I feel like we are all part of a bizarre plot. A delusional megalomaniac is wreaking havoc on our livelihoods and hanging on to power at all costs. Someone needs to get in the boat, head up river and confront DictatorDan before he descends further into madness.

It is time for a bipartisan approach. It is time to declare a full state of emergency and install an interim leader to get us out of this mess. Jeff, are you busy?