Whoever fights with monsters
should see to it
that he does not
become one
himself.

And when you stare
for a long time into an abyss,
the abyss
stares back
into you.

                      Beyond Good and Evil, by Friedrich Nietzsche, trans. Judith Butler, aphorism 146

For many certainly this is the “morning after”. Like the hangover after the all night binge. I am referring to the “debate” between the two candidates in the contest for president which will be held in November.

I did not watch the televised “debate”. I’ve already taken measure of the two candidates. Viewing the inevitable, “cafeteria food fight” would only erode the quotient of existential well being that I am fortunate to possess. Staring into an abyss for 90 minutes, – could there be an upside?

A concept was of “debate” between two individuals, proponents of radically opposed futures, each regarding the other with spite, with feelings of revulsion.  The scenario precluded any reasoned contrast, ruled out development of a policy description of any kind. What real difference is made by activating the microphones by turn for each candidate to speak? Did the rule change, imposing a technological restraint make any difference? Predictably each opponent waited, “locked and loaded” for his turn to launch the next salvo.

By my lights one man defaulted to the aged senior citizen that I know he certainly must be. The passage of time is remorseless. The other man, was nothing other than the “mad king” that he never attempts to conceal. 

I have said as much about the technicolor “reality show” as I care to say.

Are we in free fall? Have major swaths of our society become a reality show in which we are extras, each playing our bit part?

I need, we need a tune. This classic by The Doors, Riders On The Storm captures our time. I know, 7 minutes is long, but time enough to think.