How’s the Water?

Good evening, All American Amy here, broadcasting live.

If the water around you feels warmer than it used to…
you’re already sensing what I’m about to say.

“Most people don’t notice the moment things change.
They notice the moment they’re affected.”

America didn’t fall all at once.

It simmered.

For decades, we were the frog in the pot.

Most empires are.

We weren’t special—just arrogant enough to think we were exempt.

People felt something was off.
You could hear it in conversations with friends, coworkers, even strangers.

But most waved it away.
“Us? No way.”
“America? That could never happen here.”

It was easier to be polite than honest.

Easier to be agreeable than alert.

While we focused on not offending, ideas took root—
in schools, institutions, politics, and culture—
that quietly redefined what mattered.

We were told what was acceptable to say,
what was right to believe,
and eventually what was allowed to be questioned.

Privacy faded.

Speech narrowed.

Reality bent.

They took our greatest strength—

the idea of many becoming one—
and fractured it.

The melting pot became something to apologize for instead of defend.

The shift was subtle at first.

Easy to ignore.

Until it wasn’t.

By the time people noticed,
it wasn’t theory anymore.

It was personal.

And by then…

the water was already boiling.

Check the temperature.

Sierra Tango… “Stand TRUE.”

This is All American Amy—signing off.