Middleboro Review 2: The anxieties taking us into the next year

Thursday, December 26, 2024

The anxieties taking us into the next year

December 26, 2024

Hope everyone had a lovely holiday. I'm personally basking in the pride (and incredible relief) of somehow pulling off dinner for eight adults and one picky toddler. Not a bad way to finish out a chaotic year that included Joe Biden as one reporter's monster, Dean Phillips as an unlikely, kind of hero to another, and, of course, the presidential election.

Yes, 2024 has indeed been one strange ride.

But it's sure to look calm, even orderly, compared to what the next four years likely will bring, including plans for mass deportations and bludgeoning of the federal government. We recently asked readers what they personally fear the most about the next administration, and the results have been staggering. From trans rights to SNAP benefits, many of you responded with deeply moving examples. I wanted to share a few of them with you:

"I have been receiving food from Meals On Wheels since November 1. It’s a wonderful program for seniors who can’t shop or cook for themselves. A young man comes to my house every morning with fruit, a roll, milk, and a frozen dinner. And this is free. This program is partially funded by the US government. I am 93 years old and I’m worried that Trump will close it down."
"I'm queer. One of my trans friends just moved to Germany, from Minnesota, a trans refuge state. The trans community is terrified."
"Just talked to my bridge partner about her grandson, who is 18 and special needs. His parents had to file custody papers. He is in a school that costs $36,000 a year. Many of the kids in that school get vouchers from the government. Her daughter is very concerned about what will happen to those kids if the Trump administration kills those vouchers."
"I’m afraid my Medicaid coverage will disappear. I fear for my gay friends and neighbors. I depend each month on food stamps. Will they still exist in a year or two?"

Gripping, aren't they? If you have similar stories you'd like to share, please do. We're hoping to better understand the dangers and dynamics percolating among us but aren’t necessarily covered every day in the media.

—Inae Oh

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Monster of 2024: Joe Biden

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