27 Comments
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Yvonne McCarthy's avatar

Holy shit. It could happen, without this particular ending. Contemplation of the incompetence is making my head explode. JFC. Are we doomed, or not? When I read your stuff it shakes my brain like a dog with a toy. It's terrifying and exhilarating at the same time. Good piece. Thanks.

Tom Joad's avatar

Not doomed. But not fine either. Somewhere in the middle, which is where we've always been, which is the part nobody puts in the brochure.

I love the ending. Not everyone does. That feels right to me,sometimes the funniest thing and the most terrifying thing are the same thing and you just have to let them both be true at once.

Glad it shook something loose. That's the whole point.

Patris's avatar

Took me back to the work and pace of books I read decades ago and came to believe had stopped being written.

Don’t stop. Thanks..

Tom Joad's avatar

Thank you!! That is a wonderful thing to say!! I also loosely based this on a 60’s movie It’s a Mad Mad World. I loved the energy of that movie.

Patris's avatar

That entire decade, when I think of it, was chaotic - and I remember seeing that movie back then - in many ways it captured the feeling. Old school saying keep steady - new school saying hell no.

Lady Libertea's avatar

This was exceptional and it took me way too long to understand this had not in fact actually happened. It had me gripping the edge of my seat. Great work!

Tom Joad's avatar

Thank you!!

opposablethumbs's avatar

Same!

Claude Errera's avatar

This is why I subscribe. I’m a little annoyed at how much credit some of the characters get, but maybe that’s just my bitterness showing through. The storytelling is fantastic. And the optimism shines through even with the absurdly dark subject matter. Thanks.

Tom Joad's avatar

I wanted this one to be a little more light hearted. Just glad you read!!

Bo Ganz's avatar

Bravo! Your insight into these morons is borderline supernatural.

On a personal note, I am curious about your addition of ‘Scottsbluff’ to your byline. My Dad grew up there and that hardscrabble existence shaped his worldview- I wonder if that’s true you too. That aside, congratulations on your great work!

Tom Joad's avatar

Yep Scottsbluff born and bred!! Thanks for reading!!

Leo thee Lemon's avatar

“That is us, we are the wolves“That is us, we are the wolves” because they work as a teams. Slide nine had me laughing and then the sun tzu quote on the next slide. 😂

Tom Joad's avatar

I bet this is pretty close to Pete😀

Leo thee Lemon's avatar

You only forgot the words epic fury and possibly him kicking the air while saying hell yeah. I enjoyed this a lot.

Steven Fay's avatar

Your writing has the air of authenticity, the sense that "this could really happen," yet tinged with the hope that there will be responsible adults at hand to steer things right if/when the unthinkable is set in motion.

Tom Joad's avatar

Luckily I write fiction.

Valence's avatar

Going dark and deep.

Pure absurdity

And yet you call this scenario , improbable end of the world, “lighthearted”

Not to worry.

Have another, pigs breath.

Tom Joad's avatar

I wanted the 60’s Mad Mad Mad World feel. A lot of characters moving through the story all at once.

Margaret J Park, M.Div. writer's avatar

Your best yet. One note: the room doesn't win. It simply gets different people.

Agent of Chaotic Respite's avatar

I swear that your writing, Good Sir, has me reading far faster than would any Evelyn Wood training. Bravo and kudos. 😎✌️

Tom Joad's avatar

Good ‘ol Evelyn Wood- lol. I almost forgot about her.

Agent of Chaotic Respite's avatar

I am nothing if not a repository of obsolete and useless trivia. 😉

Tom Joad's avatar

The best kind!!

Jim S's avatar

Thank You Tom

Lori LeClaire's avatar

I would love to know what this article is about. Did these things happen or are you attempting to write a novel? I get the literary device you use for intrigue… but wtf? Is this shit true? Forgive me if I’m daft.

Lori LeClaire's avatar

Also, what exactly did the laminated card say?