Telegram: An oxygen mask

short, sweet, and full of life

Dear friends,

I was informed of the attempted assassination of Trump after a lovely dinner in Miami last night. But to my disappointment - mostly to folks giving up the ship.

Lots of “this is over now” - “Trump got the election.” It was baffling to me how many people were giving up on themselves - because that was not my first hot take.

It was hard to sleep last night. I was anxious that so many people gave up so quickly. I called my dad and cried. I cried because people were giving up. Calling my dad was a key decision I made because the man has a delusional sense of spirit and optimism that truly is legendary, and I like to think- I have that, too, and got it from him. I also called my dad because he is my dad, and when the plane feels like it’s crashing, the rules are - once you have your oxygen mask on - then you can give it to others. Those rules are usually directed at parents for their kids.

Turns out Michael Monaco for sure had his oxygen mask on, and he then put mine on. He set me real straight. “It ain’t over till it’s over, kid. Are you kidding me? They know they don’t have this election because of abortion. I just talked to my Trumper female friend, who told me she is voting for the Democrat. You don’t know how big that is. Kid- don’t cry. You can be angry - but not sad. Not sad. This is not over, trust me, kid.” *all in New Jersey accent*

It felt good to cry. To get it out. It also felt great to hear that. I think in hard times, we go through waves of losing hope, and the measurement of our success will be resilience. So, with a fresh, deep breath of oxygen into my system, I went back into my home, put on a face mask (literally a honey face mask), a hair mask, my favorite robe, and put my favorite show on. I confirmed my plans to go to a Copia America watch party later, and I made my weekly to-do list. Today is my oxygen mask day.

It seems to be working so well that I opened up this laptop to write this unexpected “Telegram” to you. I have enough oxygen to give to you now.

So I am sending you this telegram to let you know - I am going to give it to you straight: This is over when you decide it is. So, if you decide this is over, then it is, and you will have been a part of it, you will have let them win. That is how it works - and for 15-30 minutes this morning, I almost did that. But I’m back bitches. I wouldn’t be Bianca f*cking Monaco if I let them get the best of me. And I won’t let them get you.

I learned something today - how we choose to commiserate with each other - it matters. We need to look around and feel supported, focused, and hopeful. We cannot go into this with despair. We can be the change we are asking for - other others of the system- of parties, etc. We need to speak up and say - it ain’t over, kid. Not if I have anything to say about it!

So, with my refreshed breath of air - I am letting you know I took the alternative route: I decided to stay focused on the fact that a national abortion ban is on the ballot and every election thus far that has had abortion on the ballot has swayed to the left. We have the numbers; we just need them to show up at the polls - it’s that simple. I am choosing to believe in myself - and now you.

Every inch matters. You can do things to make a difference. I am so powerful. You are so powerful. We deserve everything we want and more.

There are good things in this world, and they are worth fighting for - and we can do it together.

Love, Bianca f*cking Monaco

Don’t ever forget