In professional wrestling parlance, a “heel turn” occurs when the heroic figure (the face) does something unexpectedly cruel or out of character, transforming into a villain.

In a recent Ryder Cup tournament—where U.S. golfers compete against their European counterparts—the American crowd became so boisterous, rude, and insulting that several European golfers said they would never return to the United States. Rory McIlroy, one of the world’s top players, said he and his wife endured personal insults and even had drinks poured on them.

Years ago, the U.S. brand was that of the world’s leading democracy. Now, foreigners see chaos in the manhunt and detention of immigrants and the deployment of soldiers in major U.S. cities. We are viewed as selfish and destructive, especially in light of new tariffs. I don’t see a “face turn” for America anytime soon.

Ironically, Marjorie Taylor Greene seems to be attempting her own heel-to-face transformation—saying and doing things that suggest a rebranding effort, however implausible.

The arrogance of Pam Bondi testifying before the Senate oversight committee reminded me of certain high-ranking Nazi officials at the Nuremberg Trials—lying and obfuscating to save themselves.

Can one win the Nobel Peace Prize while presiding over a civil war?

I agree with Jessica Tarlov, the moderate voice on Fox News’ The Five, who expressed surprise that there hasn’t been a stronger national reaction to ICE’s actions and the deployment of soldiers to “blue city” locations. My sense is that the Baby Boom generation—now mostly passive—would have been far more disruptive if these events had occurred 40 or 50 years ago.

What could possibly go wrong sending the military and National Guard into U.S. cities? Remember Kent State?

There’s growing fury over the pending release of the Epstein files. Many believe Donald Trump will be prominently named among those accused of sexual misconduct with underage girls. I confess to some cynicism: if such evidence emerged, the Republican Party and MAGA movement might simply try to lower the age of consent.

Our inability to have children has been my wife’s and my greatest life regret. Yet, given how American culture and politics have deteriorated, that regret feels less sharp. Perhaps it was a blessing.

I spend much of my time reading or listening to financial analysts about the current and future state of the U.S. economy. There’s no consensus. While some investors thrive in the stock market, many Americans are struggling with rising costs for food, health insurance, prescriptions, and other essentials. Trump’s tariffs are beginning to bite. As a senior on a fixed income, I know I’ll have to tighten my belt in 2026.

While I’m not happy, I feel great sympathy for those in their 20s and 30s who are trying to build careers under the shadow of artificial intelligence. They must now question the value of a college degree: Is the time and money worth it? The average first-time homebuyer is now 38 years old.

If someone is a struggling comedian or athlete, I’d understand their choice to perform at Saudi-sponsored events. But most of the entertainers and athletes going there are already wealthy—well-positioned to follow their conscience and decline the money.

I once dismissed talk of “blue-state secession” as fanciful. Now, I’m not so sure.

As Mother Jones editor Clara Jeffery recently wrote:

“So far this year has been marked by a collective action problem. Media conglomerates, law firms, universities, banks, CEOs—too many powerful institutions have failed to meet the moment. That’s why people across the country, desperate for pushback against Trump’s autocracy, have embraced Newsom’s redistricting plan. With Trump provocatively sending troops into blue cities, and using rescission and shutdowns to claw back funds from blue states, it’s time to turn the tables. Soft secession, powered by the ambitions of blue-state governors, could become the proving ground for a new confederacy. Hopefully the threat of CalExit or a new Union will be enough. But that such extreme measures might be necessary to ensure that American democracy shall not perish from the earth is becoming more self-evident with every passing day.”

Maybe it is time for a soft secession??