Wizards have claimed the rapt attentions of a vast segment of our population. Nothing anchored in truth or reality, the wizards weave a tale of magic and mystery. For a populace totally invested in a good fairytale, this is perfect drama.

So what precisely are the wizards conjuring. Well first you have to believe in magic. No problem. Then you must suspend all reason and surrender your soul to the wizards. Again, no problem. Let the magical incantations begin.

It makes perfect sense. Reality is so boring. And boredom is for losers. Drug use, legal or otherwise gives testament to the growing need to escape reality. A nation of addicts. A nation of dry drunks, coke heads and hop heads. Seems like a healthy environment for a sick, slick, flim flam artist to gain momentum.

The Art of the Steal. It is so simple, it’s laughable. Not funny laughable. But tragicomedy. My contention that Trump is akin to an alien species still holds water. Refer please to the movie “Independence Day”. Recall if you will how the alien ships mesmerized a portion of the population. A group of devotees made their way to the top of a skyscraper to welcome the visitors only to be vaporized. Recall the scene where the US president asks the alien under glass, “What do you want from us?” And the campy, chilling response, “Die”. The question was asked recently, why would the Republicans want to kill off their constituents by supporting anti vaxxers. And of course the answer is, “Die.” Trump has already told us how he intends to steal the next election and we gladly rush to the top of the skyscraper waiting to be vaporized. The goal is domination. There is an understanding and acceptance of collateral damage. In fact, too much latent humanity only complicates the plan. Die.

If you think that’s just crazy talk, think about this. Neo Nazis march openly proclaiming “Jews will not replace us.” in an American city with impunity. Free speech? Or free hate. Now think how precisely Nazis herded thousands of Jews and directed them to their deaths and convinced the German citizenry it was all perfectly okay. Well maybe not okay, but perfect nonetheless. The superior race. The idea that white is right is not new. The lust for power and domination is not new. We are participating in an old story. What is new is the killing of democracy. What is new is that America, the shining example of freedom and justice, has become small, petty and dishonorable.

Have your plane tickets in hand? Or maybe, the car gassed, packed and ready. Welcome to Vegas.

Here’s the deal, if you will. Mask mandates are still in effect in the city. Regardless of whether you agree with it, regardless of whether you believe mandates infringe on your First Amendment rights, regardless of whether your favorite Republican politician tells you it’s all bullshit…there is still a mask mandate in effect in Vegas.

So when you arrive and make your way to your hotel, remember you need to wear a mask indoors. Signage reminding you to wear a mask is prominently displayed and plentiful.

Standing on the casino floor as I am wont to do, it is apparent that lack of knowledge isn’t the problem. It is instead a total lack of concern and a total desire to thumb the nose. Now remember, casino employees have no option but to wear a mask. And honestly, with the influx of guests from around the globe in varying states of health and or vaccination status, wearing a mask affords some protection for our guests…not for us. As folks stroll through, the percentage of mask compliance is about 33%.

Don’t make us ask you. Don’t make us remind you. Put on your mask. And if that’s a bridge too far for you, stay the fuck home.

Thank you.