In the influencer

era,

an influx

of flummoxing

speech

and behavior

is driving

the culture,

media,

and politics

such that

verbal tics

become

propoganda 

tricks.

The most 

influential

and least 

presidential

still has 

the potential

to create

torrential

storms.

He inflicts

pain

while feigning

affliction

from unfair 

prosecution,

and his claims

of innocence

bring cognitive

dissonance.

He relishes

the influence

he has,

while

denying

plausibility

of influencing

the rioting

and the rest

of the insurrection.

Under The Influence,

we’ve been 

driven

to the precipice,

where every 

action

and utterance

feel consequential,

if not 

existential. 

Driving

while intoxicated,

the indoctrinated

keep drinking 

in 

the bathtub

gin—

a homemade spirit

of amateur conditions

against prohibitions.

We need 

Dry January

to Sober

October

to remember

November

requires

each of us

to be

a defender

of democracy.

Your influence

is needed

until

his is defeated,

which may

continue

from confinement.

There’s no 

requirement

for influencing

beyond the appeal

to how people feel

or wish 

to be

regarded.

So while 

we’re bombarded

by the craven

Maven 

of Influence

(and verbal

flatulence),

don’t let his

petulance

and contaminants

drive you further

under his influence.

Drive with focus

as the

auto

reply.