The first thing my roommate and I did when we got home from the cruise wasn’t unpack or collapse into bed. It was cast our ballots for Proposition 50.
We ran out of time before we sailed away to Mexico, but made it back just in time to join the millions who voted to counter redistricting efforts in Texas and Ohio designed to tip the scales in favor of Republican candidates.
We’re finally fighting fire with fire...and, in my opinion, it’s about damn time.
I’ve always considered myself an independent. But if I’m being honest, my political compass definitely swings more left than right, more liberal than most currently in or running for political office.
I always aim to vote for progress, for people, and for hope.
As much as I try not to talk—or even think—about the Chump-in-Chief, it’s impossible to ignore the daily doses of chaos and cons, grifts and ill-gotten gains, coming out of the all-that-glitters-is-not-gold White House.
In my book, 2025 has been one long circus sideshow “led” by the Republicans.
So much elephant shit. So many clowns.
Some days it feels like the only sane responses are to laugh, cry, or throw tomatoes.
But here’s the thing: despair doesn’t change anything. Cynicism doesn’t cast ballots. Anger alone doesn’t rebuild what’s broken. What does? Showing up. Staying engaged. Believing that things can get better if enough of us refuse to sit it out.
That’s what H.O.P.E. means to me: “Healthy Outcomes From Positive Experiences.”
It’s not just about optimism; it’s about action. It’s about finding small ways to stay connected, to care, to keep faith in progress when everything feels messy and loud. Whether it’s voting, volunteering, or just choosing to stay informed without burning out, every bit counts.
Coming home from the cruise, the Pacific Ocean still swaying under my feet, I realized something: calm seas don’t make strong sailors. And chaos, as exhausting as it is, can still fuel change…if we channel it toward something better.
So here’s to keeping hope alive, one positive experience at a time. Even when the circus is in town. Even when the head clown thinks he’s still running shit.
Keep calm and hope on!
Clint 🌈✌️
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ON THIS DAY = NOVEMBER 5
BIRTHDAYS
1885 = Will Durant = American historian and philosopher
1905 = Joel McCrea = American actor
1911 = Roy Rogers = American singer and actor
1913 = Guy Green = English-American filmmaker
1913 = Vivien Leigh = Indian-British actor 🌈
1914 = Alton Tobey = American painter and illustrator
1931 = Ike Turner = American singer-songwriter
1941 = Art Garfunkel = American singer-songwriter
1943 = Sam Shepard = American playwright and actor
1958 = Mo Gaffney = American actor and screenwriter
1958 = Robert Patrick = American actor
1959 = Bryan Adams = Canadian singer-songwriter and photographer
1960 = Tilda Swinton = English actor
1963 = Tatum O’Neal = American actor and author
1968 = Sam Rockwell = American actor
1974 = Ryan Adams = American singer-songwriter
1980 = Luke Hemsworth = Australian actor
1968 = Seth Gilliam = American actor
1987 = Kevin Jonas = American singer-songwriter and actor
EVENTS
1872 = In defiance of the law, suffragist Susan B. Anthony votes for the first time, and is later fined $100.
1895 = George B. Selden is granted the first U.S. patent for an automobile.
1940 = Franklin D. Roosevelt is the only POTUS to be elected to a third term.
1955 = After being destroyed in WWII, the rebuilt Vienna State Opera reopens with a performance of Beethoven‘s Fidelio.
1956 = The Nat King Cole Show premieres on NBC.
HOLIDAYS + OBSERVANCES
PORTRAIT + QUOTE OF THE DAY
“I think a lot of people want to be remembered the way they were, as opposed to the way they are now.”
Bryan Adams
Thanks for voting and thanks for mentioning the Orange Elephant in the room!!
You're on fire! And telling the truth, unlike someone whose name I won't sully this post with. I woke up this morning with more hope than I've felt for a long time. Thank you for taking the time to vote. I'm not a religious guy, but I do feel some kind of reverence when I step into the voting booth. I hope you were able to relax on your cruise.