Welcome to the commune podcast. This is Jeff Krasno. Okay, so I had a more lighthearted episode

planned about altruism and its relationship to biochemistry for this week's podcast. But how could

I possibly not address what occurred last week in our nation's capital?

I mean, on some level, I really don't want to be talking about politics all the time.

I don't want a framed photo of the president in every room of my house.

But what happened was so colossal, so monumental.

And maybe like you, I'm still processing it, both cognitively

and emotionally. And I imagine that I will be for years. And frankly, I'm walking a bit of a

tightrope. I've been candid with regards to my feelings about how the president's pathological

narcissism and chronic mendacity have posed a threat

to democracy, and at the same time, I've made best efforts to balance my opinions about him

and my desire to create a more tolerant and compassionate community that celebrates a plurality of

ideas. Now, in the end, I think we all want the same thing.

I think we agree that liberal democracy is the best system of government ever invented.

For despite its shortcomings, it represents, at its best, our highest principles.

I think we all revel in experiencing these symbols of democracy as well as

its effects. And I think that regardless of political affiliation, we all get goosebumps every four

years on January 20th witnessing the peaceful transfer of power as former presidents of opposing parties suspend the rancor

and honor tradition and country above party. But that's not what's going to happen this time.

And in the absence of shared goosebumps, we must forge a path together through these dark woods.

So with that, here we go with this week's music,

entitled A Real Awakening.

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