Today, the Radical Leftist Puts Down the Megaphone and Picks Up a Shrimp
Yes, it’s true. For one whole Saturday, I am taking a break from shouting about democracy’s downfall, doomscrolling news about Trump, and wondering how the Supreme Court manages to sleep at night. Instead, I’m joining something downright un-American (depending who you ask): a shrimp boil with my extended family, all here to cheer on Purdue football.
If that’s not a radical act of hope, I don’t know what is!
Boiling Shrimp, Not Over Politics
Picture this: a giant pot hissing and steaming with shrimp, corn on the cob, potatoes, and enough Old Bay seasoning to frighten cardiologists nationwide. Relatives have flown in, grandparents have piled into cars, and everyone’s standing around the parking lot table like we’re about to perform some ancient ritual.
And maybe we are. Because in 2025 America, choosing joy is radical. Smacking shrimp tails into a pile while ignoring the latest political meltdown is practically civil disobedience.
Football Fandom: The Great Equalizer
Today, the only thing dividing us won’t be politics—it’ll be Purdue vs USC. Nothing brings a family together like shouting at referees as though they can hear us through the TV. We’ll question play calls, second-guess strategy, and pretend we could do it better if only Coach had called us.
Sure, I’ll sneak in a jab or two. (“That fumble looked like GOP policymaking: sloppy and going nowhere.”) But mostly, it’s about yelling, laughing, and remembering why we actually like each other.
Family from Everywhere, Opinions Too
Our crowd is coming from every corner of the country—Nevada, Tennessee, Indiana, you name it. And yes, they all come with their own politics. Normally, that’s a recipe for fireworks. But today? The only fireworks are cayenne pepper in the boil and the spark of Purdue scoring a touchdown.
You want real unity? Forget campaign rallies. Hand everyone a plate of shrimp, melted butter, and a beer.
Why This Matters
Here’s the deal: our country is messy right now. Anger sells, division is profitable, and social media algorithms practically beg us to hate one another. But I refuse—at least for this Saturday.
Because when I sit at a long table with my family, my fingers dripping with shrimp juice, my heart yelling “Boiler Up!”, I remember something important: we are more than the madness. We are capable of joy, laughter, and love—even if we vote differently.
Your Assignment
So here’s my ask: take your own break. Turn off the cable news. Step out of the Twitter (sorry, X) outrage machine. Host a shrimp boil, grill some burgers, throw on a pot of chili—whatever brings your people together. And if you don’t have Purdue football, pick a team, any team, and yell like your life depends on it.
Because democracy may need us tomorrow. But today? Pass the shrimp.
Julie Bolejack, MBA
P.S. I’m retired and enjoying the hell out of my freedom of speech. People being fired for using theirs is WRONG!!!!!
