As much as I am diametrically, ideologically, socially.. opposed to Tai Lee and her methodology, perhaps that crazy af girl was kind of right about NYC in a ‘I know way too much about her pre-NYC life & I’d never want to be seen with her in public’ sort of way. That said, was Crumps’ attendance at the New York Young Republicans Gala confirmation of her prescience? I’m not quite sure yet. But I am experienced enough to know that as the cultural and political pendulum swings, so do the principles of the majority of the agent provocateurs that drive the prevailing narrative. But c’mon, this can’t just be history repeating itself. Can it? I want to believe that these people who I have spent time with, broken bread with, shared ideas with.. etc.. Aren’t just attending these events for the sake of recognition alone. So then, is it a righteous attempt to infiltrate the post-truth, way-too-online, right-leaning gen z crowd, hoping to pill them with leftist ideas or is it a capitulation to the temporary conquerors of American electoral politics? The rational, naive side of me wants to believe the former, but then again, the promise of fame and relevance is a hell of a drug. Some of us may agree that a conversation with a heroin addict is just about as enlightening as a conversation with an LA or NYC bohemian scenester. But damn, has everyone and their mother gone this way so quickly after a decisive election defeat? Is there anyone out there who wouldn’t sacrifice their aura points to stand for something principled without having to send mixed signals for fear of alienating their moronic brain rotted fan base? I mean.. You know the culutral discourse is desperate, dire when even Matthew Donovan & Neoliberal Hell are warming up to people like Lucian Wintrich (look him up, he’s fuckin’ retarded). Whatever. That’s fine. I get it. I understand. But I am also prepared for the pre-scripted justifications that they may give to anyone who is curious about their motivations. For instance.. I am highly skeptical that there is anything Matthew or Crumps or Ana could say to Steve Bannon (even if they got the hypothetical facetime with him) at this juncture in history that will influence his perspective. So why even attend the NYCYR Gala?? Boredom? Drink tickets? A free meal (Matthew, I know they weren’t serving anything vegan there)? Occam’s Razor and Nick Dove’s photographs indicate to me that their motivations were primarily driven by an insatiable need for accumulating status and social capital. Fame ‘Trumps’ political principles. It always has and it always will. I’m mildly disappointed but I’m not surprised. Having been privy to hours of conversations with a lot of these people, during which they are literally mapping out their next target(s) for social conquest, it seems fairly damning. Ultimately, no one of sound mind should really give a fuck either way, but it is food for thought. In a social climate where principles are clearly secondary to IG follower counts, substack subs, and internet celebrity, curious and based people start to ask questions. It’s doubtful that anyone who asks the right questions will receive any substantive answers. But we shall see.