I haven’t written about politics in months. It’s not that there isn’t anything to write about. But I’m feeling less of an urge to watch cable news, pick fights with others on social media, and tremble in fear of what horrible thing will happen next. I’m not sure if things are getting better, or I’m just exhausted of politics.

Regardless of your feelings about President Biden, you have to admit that there are signs of progress throughout the country. People are getting vaccinated. Restaurants, sports arenas, and gyms are reopening. We can watch the president at the G7 and NATO conferences without cringing. Sure, President Biden isn’t as, well, entertaining as President Trump. I don’t look to government for entertainment. As I said before the election, I just want government to work. I want us to think about government as little as we do the engine in our car. Like an engine, when we are forced to think about government, it’s because something has gone seriously wrong.

There are still things that are seriously wrong. For example, the Republicans don’t want an investigation into the January 6 attack on the Capitol. Really? Is it because they think it would hurt their reelection chances? Do you know what would hurt your reelection chances? Getting the snot beat out of you by some guy in a “6MWE” t-shirt and his pal with the buffalo hat. Don’t think they won’t let you off because you’re on the other side of the aisle. The problem with angry mobs is they aren’t particular about who they attack. And you can never be ideologically pure or sufficiently supportive enough for them not to consider you a traitor to their cause. I advise you to heed the advice of a Democratic president, John F. Kennedy, “Those who foolishly sought power by riding the back of the tiger ended up inside.”

But advising is all I have energy to do. I’m tired, and I have too much on my plate. I have a job. I have a book I’m getting through publication and working to promote. I’m trying to drop my last 16 pounds to hit my goal weight. And it was 95 degrees today. I’ve spent 15 months social distancing, wearing masks, and drying my hands out from hand sanitizer. We’ve been living in crisis mode for too long. We’ve been running too hard on the hamster wheel of outrage. I. Just. Want. To. Catch. My. Breath.

So, I’m not going to get worked up if Representative Marjorie Taylor Green says something stupid. Or Mike Lindell rants about imaginary voter fraud. Or Donald Trump thinks he will be magically reinstated in August or whatever date the modern-day Millerites pull out of their rectum this week. In fact, the less attention we feed them, the less power and influence they have. But if there is another plot to attack democracy, I’m placing my hope that the Justice Department, FBI, the National Guard, and Capitol Police will actually be allowed to respond.

I want to enjoy some semblance of normalcy. To eat at a restaurant. To go to a baseball game. To do a book signing. To engage in a conversation without it turning into some bitter political debate. I don’t know if things are getting better, or if I’m just exhausted. Either way, I just want a break. I’m sure you do too.