Day 83: The Empire Strikes Back
"As we speak, I am dispatching thousands and thousands of heavily armed soldiers, military personnel and law enforcement officers to stop the rioting, looting, vandalism, assaults and the wanton destruction of property," he said. "We will end it now." Hearing these words, you'd think it was a movie playing, but they were none-other than the words of the most disgraceful human-being to ever sit in the Oval Office. Donald Trump is the physical embodiment of a sci-fi movie villain, minus the charm.
Welcome back, thirsty readers. We've witnessed a lot of crazy things in our lifetimes, but I'm pretty sure all reasoning left the building, when our president ordered troops to move on their own citizens, who were engaged in civil rights protests. It's Sunday though, and you know that means we are going to take these events and get nerdy. So join me, as we travel long ago in a galaxy far far away.
After the destruction of the Death Star, Darth Vader and the Imperial fleet send out probe droids to search the galaxy for the Rebel Alliance. One such probe alerts the Empire of the new Rebel base on the frozen planet of Hoth. Meanwhile, Luke survives hypothermia, and he heads to the swamps of Degobah, to train with Jedi Master Yoda, where he learns how to harness the force for good. Following these adventures, Luke eventually has a show down with the dark Sith lord himself, where Vader utters the most iconic line in the franchise's history.
I know this all sounds like a lot, and maybe it also seems like a stretch. I'm once again comparing Star Wars to current events, but no time seemed better than now. When Trump announced the dispatch of troops on protesters, I couldn't help but think of him as Darth Vader. "Wah, you broke my Death Star, so now I'm coming after you!" I've echoed this a lot lately, but property does not equal human life. I don't really care where you stand politically, but this should be common sense.
As we've all tried to have our voices heard, some of us are just trying to fight alongside our friends, being better allies. We've learned so much along the way. Yoda is the history of humanity. He's here to give us the hard truths, reminding us that the easy path isn't always the right path. He tells us we must unlearn what we have learned. The amount of wisdom I've heard lately, has truly cause so much change to begin in the world. This is only the beginning.
Perhaps the hardest pill to swallow though, has to be with Vader. When he says that immortal line, "No, I am your father," we need to look inward and reflect on ourselves. How have we turned a blind-eye to this for so long? How has it taken this long for us to stand along-side our black brethren, who've been mistreated and abused this entire time? It's because hate is our father. Whether we want to acknowledge this or not, we grew up with hate, and it's desensitized us to it's evil ways. Until a certain age, most of us are afraid to stand up to our parents.
Growing up, I know I've uttered a fake, uncomfortable groan, in place of a laugh, at a racist or homophobic joke before. I know I wasn't brave enough to call people out as a teenager. I'm ashamed of this, but I didn't know any better at the time. This is in no way an excuse, but we were raised by hate. I think it's time we be more like Luke Skywalker and not let hate define us anymore. I like that we are standing together right now, looking at that fool in office, and saying "You are not the father." It feels like I'm sipping some tea right now, and I'm sure a hot drink would be appropriate.
The Empire Strikes Back
1oz Aged Jamaican Rum (I like using something rich, yet higher in proof, like the Hampden 60)
.5oz Amaro Averna
.5oz Vanilla Liqueur
3oz Hot Water
Hot Toddy Glass
Lightly stir together all ingredients in a toddy glass.
Add Hot Water.
Express and discard lemon peel.
Garnish with clove-studded orange and flower.
*This is a very basic and light template. Feel free to use it as a base to create your own favorite toddy. I know a lot of you out there prefer a much boozier libation.*
We are no longer the children of hate. We are now the children of the revolution. I know that I won't let the sins of our fathers serve as an excuse anymore. We can be better, and we must be better. Enjoy the rest of your Sunday, my friends, and may the force be with you. Keep shaking