I never watched the 'West Wing' when it was aired. I started Season one and just finished episode 10. I'm

[sinkingfeeling]

crying my eyes out for the country that was and the one I have left.

I know that 'West Wing' is fictional, but it has driven home the end of the Clinton administration; the hope of progress I held then; the optimism I had that Al Gore would continue the push to save us; the confidence I had in believing those in power were intelligent, compassionate people who were doing their best for the USA.

Then came the SCOTUS' dreadful decision on the 2000 election, 9/11, the false statements against Iraq, the invasion, water-boarding, and the acceptance of lies. I stopped flying the American flag.

Obama was a breath of fresh air. He disappointed me with his decision to not pursue Bush era law breakers and to move forward. I was 100% sure I would see the first female president in 2016.

I vaguely made it through the first Tr*ump administration and was relieved when Biden won. I was so happy to see the indictments come in against the vile man. But I made a vow on election day 2024, that if Kamala lost, I would leave the country. I was going to post about my burning anger on the anniversary of that election, but didn't. That day destroyed all my previous retirement plans. I had moved to be close to my son and granddaughter. I had bought a cute, little house across the street and was about 90% done on its remodel. I had expected it to be the house I died in. Because of TSF, I'm now alone 3400 miles from my family.

Viewing the fictional account of the America I remember in 1999 and comparing it to the daily destruction occurring in real time, tears me apart.

Should I continue binge watching the series?

[WhiskeyGrinder]

1. You left the country and your family?

[sinkingfeeling]

2. Yes

[WhiskeyGrinder]

4. why?

[sinkingfeeling]

5. I refuse to live under fascism. My uncles died in WWII.

[Ocelot II]

3. Absolutely, keep watching!

As another point of interest, Lawrence O'Donnell was a major contributor to the series. "From 1999 to 2006, O'Donnell was associated with the television drama The West Wing, writing 16 episodes and serving as executive story editor for 12 episodes (1999-2000), as co-producer for five episodes (2000), as producer for 17 episodes (2000-2001), as consulting producer for 44 episodes (2003-2005), and as executive producer for 22 episodes (2005-2006). He won the 2001 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series for The West Wing and was nominated for the 2006 Emmy in the same category." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lawrence_O%27Donnell

[Brainstormy]

6. yes!

a classic series. Americana at its best.

[Prairie_Seagull]

7. A must see in my book.

Keep some tissues nearby.

[surfered]

8. Yes. It's worthy and still timely

[PatSeg]

9. I can't count how many times

I've watched The West Wing, one of my all time favorite shows. I was tempted to watch it again, but right now it would be too depressing. That was the way politics should be and in many respects it was at the time. How far we've fallen since then.

[mahina]

11. Are you glad that you moved away?

The West Wing is such a great show. I don’t think there’s anything really better out there. That’s not a PBS joint and probably already on your digital menu.

[0rganism]

12. I started a watch-through about 6 weeks ago, middle of S2 now, taking it slow, can't recommend binging

I found I enjoy it more if I don't binge it -- plenty of other things to watch alongside to pad it out.