Laughter: the ultimate antidote to idiocy in political discourse

Disarming division with humour

Humanity has unquestionably one really effective weapon — laughter. Power, money, persuasion, supplication, persecution — these can lift at a tremendous expense, but they cannot succeed. Against the assault of laughter, nothing can stand.” — Mark Twain.

In the grand theater of political discourse, where the stakes are high and the narratives deeply polarize, it’s easy to become ensnared in the trap of cynicism and negativity. The constant barrage of bad political rhetoric not only divides communities but also undermines the very web of our democratic institutions. It is noteworthy to mention that my perspectives have not always been steadfast. Indeed, should the internet archives be functioning correctly, one might stumble upon my past expressions — sharp retorts that I would now meet with laughter. This laughter is not born of amusement but rather a critical, almost parental disdain — reminiscent of moments when words fail and laughter serves as a superior substitute to indignation.

My views have evolved over time, an acknowledgment that may feed into my sense of…