Please do not give me the easy answers, the easy flames - calling me a quitter, a sell out, a wimp.
But I'm simply agonizing over this question: what is my obligation to live, to improve myself, my career, my (potential-future) family?
American politics is no place for the weekend warrior any more. To accomplish anything, you need full attention.
You also need a strong stomach for battle with the neo-fascist/authoritarian/corporatist/theocracy.
I fought that battle, like so many of us, during the presidential election. I feel pretty good about my contribution.
And yet, what am I to do these next four years? I'm the kind of person who takes this all very seriously. If I do not disengage from the struggle, I will not be able to vigorously pursue a career here in NYC, where one has to be on one's game. Because I WILL have an edge that comes from caring too much about this stuff, and I WILL get into trouble. Because all (nearly all) is political.
I'm going on a vacation tomorrow, my first in several years, and I feel almost guilty. Guilty at having spent all the money buying necessary gear, guilt at vacationing while my country sinks into the abyss.
I know: "chill out." But this is what I'm talking about. Either full commitment of fully disengaged. I don't think I can live with the worst of both worlds, which is where I'm headed.
Your thoughts?