The January Blues are real
Just over two weeks ago, the ball dropped at midnight in New York City, marking the start of another new year.
No month is more dismal than January, with the inevitable end to the bustling, joyful holiday season when we enjoyed traditional celebrations with family and friends, exchanging gifts and being merry. By now, the glittering centerpiece tree is down, bills are in, the days are dull and cold, and I’m starting to feel kind of blah.
Psychologists say it’s likely the “January Blues,” a rather common slump many fall into after the season’s festivities wind down. January comes with shorter days, colder winds, and less sunlight, which can affect the brain and mood. But there is a way to get through to February: Walk outdoors on a sunny day, turn on the artificial lights, and think “spring.” And you might want to skip the hourly news.
I decided to take care of my own doldrums by keeping my Christmas tree in place and lighted. Talk about mood-altering; that skinny tree takes my mind off the anti-government chaos on the streets of several sanctuary cities.
Undoubtedly, the sheer lawlessness of it adds to the January Blues. Our law enforcers, including the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE), are mandated to ensure public safety despite a raw, political climate with belligerent and hidden adversaries.
Any time, but especially on a bleak January day, it’s sad to watch the anger and aggression of our fellow Americans against ICE agents and in support of those who entered our country illegally and committed other crimes. These are the individuals being sought and arrested by ICE.
However, we’ve come to learn many of those interfering with the lawful ICE mission are paid operatives, America-haters, virtue-seeking women of all ages, and other lemming-like foolish people. It’s downright depressing.
We’re witnessing state and city officials condemning ICE, telling their local police to “stand down” in the face of unruly mobs – who appear to be supporting and protecting the criminal. It furthermore makes no sense when violent rioters who attack federal agents with blinding sprays, rocks, frozen bottles of water, dangerous fireworks and even cars, blocking roads and attempting to slam the officers.
This isn’t new. There have been protests throughout our nation’s history, but we’re experiencing a fight that gets to the core of our democracy, the rule of law, lawmakers, and sentinels. There have been many major episodes of civil unrest, riots, and protests in this free country with various causes, but the recent protests and mobs are targeting immigration laws and law enforcers. As these incidents increase, it becomes even more worrisome for powerless observers. I wonder where we’re going with this.
The actions of the anti-ICE and pro-criminal lot are anti-American, stupid, and inflating my January blues. Just this past week, the fatal shooting of a female protester allegedly by an ICE agent, caused additional protests in other cities, as the investigation continued with the FBI.
Federal agents reported the victim was taunting ICE officers and blocking traffic and accused her of attempting to ram into the ICE officer who shot her. Authorities are calling it self-defense; the mayor of the city and leftist activists are calling it “murder.” Inflamed protestors immediately began organizing demonstrations in other cities, including Philadelphia, New York, and Portland in her defense. The ICE protests show no sign of slowing down..
And it’s still January. But my former Christmas tree lights are on!
Pat Wandling hosts Speak Your Piece weekdays at noon on WBCB 1490.
