September 28, 2025

Perhaps there is still a reason or two to believe a better path to our future may in fact be possible?…

Anti-democratic forces have been running successfully wild these past nine months.  Though all the non-stop actions seem to have arisen from the top, what is really being played out in front of us in its entirety is the justifiably-vilified “Project 25”.  Badly-needed skilled workers are being fired from government jobs everywhere.  The justice department is being told who to investigate.  Science itself is being pushed aside.  North Korea-type obedience is now required from all cabinet members and foreign dignitaries.  The US military is being deployed to our own cities.  Gerrymandering seems here to stay.

And, as a side note, the UN assembly was just mistreated to the most inane and rambling 58 minutes of its illustrious history.

I could go on and on…

But - unbelievable as it sounds - let’s focus on a couple of positive developments that have recently emanated from the entertainment world.

First of all - would have thought “South Park” — South Park?! — would emerge to such heroic levels?  Paramount - the same company currently trying to silence Steve Colbert and the entire “Late Show” franchise - happened to reward their prized cash cow a five year, 1.5 billion dollar deal THIS PAST JULY!  And what do the suddenly-rich creators of this cartoon universe immediately do?  Absolutely hammer all aspects of the current horrific administration!  Must-see TV indeed!  Sure, the show is as crass and sophomoric as ever - but now each episode runs with a voice determinedly focused on the present moment.  I’ve never been a major fan, but I’ve seen this season’s first five shows and will certainly keep watching.  This is free speech intentionally designed to provoke and anger the would-be censors at the White House.  Real commentary and power is being displayed with seemingly no fear of reprisal.  I am so impressed and grateful.

Makes me smile to imagine the current president being treated to even the smallest clip of any of the new season.  Hopefully he’s already aware that “small” is an attribute they’ve consistently bequeathed to him.

In ways meant to completely humiliate, of course…

And then - only eleven days ago…

Under huge pressure from the current administration and the hand-picked chairman of the FCC, the Disney-owned network ABC indefinitely suspended “Jimmy Kimmel Live”, effective immediately, ostensibly for one comment made on his most recent show.  A certain South Park-maligned President couldn’t hide his overwhelming happiness.  Seth Meyers and Jimmy Fallon were certain to be next, he gleefully surmised.  Ratings-challenged fake news NBC would never be able to stand up to the pressure about to come.

But then something unusual happened.

People began to unite.

This obvious attack on our constitutional right of Freedom of Speech, so clearly outlined in the the First Amendment, compelled so many to make their feelings known - while this was still, in fact, an option.

Howard Stern was one of the first to speak up.  His threat to cancel his Disney Plus subscription would certainly be followed by countless fans.  Stars rallied to Kimmel’s side.  Even a Republican or two expressed grave misgivings.

Suddenly this decision to placate a sitting president had the potential to cost everyone associated with ABC and Disney a huge amount of money.

And what do you know…

A mere six days after issuing this “indefinite” suspension, “Jimmy Kimmel Live” was back on the air.  And the ratings for the opening monologue went through the roof.

One of the first things Putin did once he gained power was to silence, of all things, the comedians.  The fact that Trump and the people behind him are attempting to do the same thing here is NOT a coincidence.  We need to continue to pay attention and take these moves against our freedom and constitutional rights extremely seriously.

At least in this moment in our history, we the people still have power and are starting to realize ways in which to use it.  The authoritarian government solidifying so rapidly in front of us may in fact encounter obstacles along the way they may not be capable of overcoming.

We here at michaelaba.com certainly hope so.

Here’s to the brave comedians.  We’ve never needed them more than we do now.