Once again, the elephant in the room, even at our pub, is the Orange Man in the White House. 

“You know Camp, the ballroom, at 90’000 sq ft, nearly twice the size of the White House mansion, epitomizes Trump’s achievements. The massive hole itself is the most apt monument to his presidency. “

“Indeed, he has proven far more successful at demolishing venerable and respected structures and relationships than building anything new and lasting.”

“The MAGA cult is the most successful cult after the Catholic Church and Islam. It’s a contemporary cult with an ancient playbook: Narcissistic leader that is infallible and never loses, thrives on chaos, has imperial aspirations, sees himself as God-like and is surrounded with sycophants. He enriches himself and his family,” I pontificated.

“Nothing new there,” Camp said. “What is new is that the cult leader is the president of the world’s biggest economy.” 

“What can you and I do to counteract or even fight this cult? It has millions of believers who would drink the cool-aid if asked to?”

“We can be aware of the facts and look for better ways to deal with people. Be compassionate, be real, be truthful and be kind. Try to understand and help out where we can. Stay educated and informed. Don’t be afraid to speak your mind.”

“All noble ambitions Camp but what will it change?”

“Not anybody’s mind that is a follower of the cult, nor will it change the past nor the plethora of lies and conspiracies. Come to think of it, here in Alberta, we have our very own separatist cult led by angry, rich white men.”

“We now have a war that nobody wants, an immigration crackdown that only terrorizes and scares people, voting rights being usurped by the courts and lawmakers, international trade destroying businesses and health policies that prohibit access to freedom of choice drugs amidst false claims about vaccines and medications. Is that what people really want?” I said, downing my pint in one big gulp.

“You need to relax my friend,” Camp urged me. “It’s not healthy to be upset by the news of the day, news that are geared towards negative, sensational outcomes. You need to pay attention to your beautiful wife and garden, to a nice meal or a drink with friends. To hell with the Orange Man.”

Camp of course is right and thanks to a friend who convinced and taught me, I now have discovered making bread. Sourdough bread that is. I have a culture that I nourish and I bake one loaf a week. That’s all we can eat anyway. Costs me about a dollar as in comparison to ten dollars at the store. I told Camp about my new hobby.

“Baking bread is a noble and a satisfying endeavour. Congratulations.”

“What are you guys celebrating?” Vicky asked when she brought another round.

“Baking bread,” I said. “I’ll bring you a loaf next week.”