Why a second Death Star won't be that bad.

[Susan Calvin]

https://www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/heres-why-a-second-death-star-wont-be-that-bad

“Mr. Trump’s first term was better than expected… the authoritarian rule that Democrats and the press predicted never appeared. Mr. Trump was too undisciplined, and his attention span too short, to stay on one message much less stage a coup. America’s checks and balances held… We don’t buy the fascism fears, and we doubt Democrats really do either.” — Wall Street Journal Editorial Board, 10/31/24
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Well, it looks as if the Empire has struck back, destroying the rebel base on Hoth and regaining dominance of the galaxy just a few years after the Death Star was destroyed. With many anxious about Palpatine’s resurgence, I, a columnist for the Trade Federation Gazette, am here to tell you that a second Death Star won’t be as bad as some are making it out to be.

It might seem completely delusional to be optimistic about the Empire retaking control of the galaxy, given that Palpatine’s mind has become so ravaged by the power of the Sith that he spends most of his day stumbling around screaming, “They’re eating the Ewoks!” and pretending to fellate Darth Vader’s lightsaber. But as far as we’re concerned, having a madman so consumed by revenge that it has literally scrambled his brain can only be a good thing. It’s fine to have a decaying lunatic in charge of planet-destroying weapons as long as he wields them willy-nilly rather than with a disciplined agenda.

[dweller]

1. ...

✌🏻

[The Blue Flower]

2. More from this great essay

Some critics will argue that much of the Empire’s popularity stems from the fact that, for years, we’ve given Palpatine virtually nonstop air time across galactic communication channels, which he’s used to brainwash millions of beings using Jedi mind control. Also, that the galactic media has treated the battle between the light and dark sides of the force like an entertaining spectacle rather than an existential battle for the fate of the galaxy. But we stand firmly by our belief that it’s more important for the press to maintain a hollow facade of impartiality than to risk seeming too biased against planet annihilation.

https://www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/heres-why-a-second-death-star-wont-be-that-bad

[Dr. Strange]

3. Somehow Trump returned.

[Sneederbunk]

4. At least we have TSF's incompetence going for us.

[Susan Calvin]

5. Well, his handlers are going to try to run things.

I hope he stands in their way as much as possible. The bigger a cluster this is the happier it will make me.