Ah, freak out.

I’m not at all embarrassed at the use of the word freak. I think the way things are going in this country, it’s very honorable designation, and I’m proud of it. To be abnormal, to deviate from the style of government that I deplore in America today, is not only wise but necessary.

— Hunter S. Thompson, Pitkin County Sheriff’s Debate, October 24, 1970.

The more I read about Hunter’s work—his visceral reaction to Nixon and his regime—the more I’m struck by how eerily familiar it all feels. The parallels to today’s political climate are undeniable, with one glaring difference: the hyperbole of the 1970s mostly came from politicians. Today, it’s exponentially amplified by pundits masquerading as journalists. It’s no wonder we’re tuning out in droves.

The vocal and passionate calls to resist Trump and his administration are just beginning, but the media deserves a place on that list of protagonists, too. It’s not just politicians driving the chaos these days. The press—playing to their selective bases—will play a bigger role in shaping the civic environment we’re being called to resist.

As history appears to be repeating itself, there are plenty of reasons to fear for the future—but fear isn’t enough. We’re going to need freaks—a lot of them—willing to challenge anyone trying to resurrect the crimes of the past, along with those cheering them on. So, get your blogs ready, because a metric ton of bullshit is heading our way.