What was it like before?

 It is a reality today in 2025, that we think of what was it like before the current regime came into power. Was it really freedom ? Was it really better? I think the best way to show it is in March 2016 prior to the November elections there was an event and it was great to be participate in. 

The event was a local comic con and it brought dozens if not thousand of people from all over the world to our little patch of dirt. 

It was fun, 

It was an experience of faith, freedom and self expression. 

There was electricity in the air and hope for a future. 

Some of the events were foretelling of a story that needed to be told and how that story connected people from all different backgrounds. How costume design and ethos weaved people together like threads into a tapestry that was amazing. 

I can't begin to tell you the general sense of safety and hope. I could try to scratch the surface of genuine fun people had and exploration wasn't just a word it was a destination. Finding out new worlds or figuring out how to fix your costume? It happened freely and passionately. 

Self Expression was encouraged and applauded. Unique ideas, costumes, and stories were shared without judgement and the faith that tomorrow would be better was like water from the faucet you just turned it on. 

Before this regime took people off the streets without cause or due process. Before this regime punished freedom of speech. Before this regime took away democracy for all. There was hope, faith and humanity.