I most likely have been infected with some kind of coronavirus, although not COVID-19, fortunately. This is one of the worst “common colds” I’ve ever had and it keeps getting gradually more miserable despite all my efforts at mitigation. It’s one of those deals where you can’t sleep because you can’t breath through your nose, and your nose is also on fire. It’s also like you only have access to your thoughts after you’ve looked through a fish bowl. It’s not optimal for writing, to say the least.

What deep insights can I offer on the revelation that, as I expected, the Supreme Court is about to completely eviscerate women’s reproductive rights? For some reason, my overriding emotion is just shame. I’m not happy to be associated with these bastards through my white male identity. I, once again, have seen my pride and gratitude in being an American take a gigantic hit. I shouldn’t feel guilt but somehow I do–much more than anger at all the people who didn’t take this threat seriously enough.

But I don’t even want to talk about how this impacts me. I’ll never be impregnated or share my body and nutrients with a fellow traveler. And I’m not really interested in assigning blame, either. I could vent about Ralph Nader or Jill Stein or Susan Collins, but what’s the point?

Of course, we only know for certain that Roe v. Wade is about to be overturned because someone leaked a copy of Justice Samuel Alito’s draft majority opinion. A lot of people are distracted by that, trying to surmise who could be responsible. I kind of want to know, just out of natural curiosity, but I also don’t much care.

It’s true that the Supreme Court will be roiled by this transgression since it’s hard for them to function normally if they have to worry that their drafts will go public. I suppose that’s a significant part of this story even if it feels utterly beside the point. What matters is the shitty opinion, not when or how we learned of it.

Of course, Alito’s draft is just that–a draft. It’s an incredibly radical document which is likely why it was leaked. The eventual majority opinion may be quite different although the basic outcome is not in any doubt. It’s not the right time to delve too deeply into the political implications, but this should reshuffle some things. It will impact relative enthusiasm in the midterm elections. There will be some party shifting. The balance between federal versus state and local politics will be different.

Frankly, I don’t know how strong and immediate the blowback will be. I wish I didn’t have to find out. I’m basically just sorry this is happening. If I could make it go away, I would.