Throughout history, individuals—regardless of their character—have consistently demonstrated an uncanny ability: the tendency to exaggerate moderation into the realm of absurdity. Why settle for balance when one can embrace extremism?
Consider the landscape of modern society: rampant public and private debt, inflated NASDAQ stock prices, an overwhelming federal register, and even face tattoos. From all corners, individuals are driven by fear and blinded by greed, showing up each day ready to dive headfirst into the chaos.
Take Greater Los Angeles as a prime example. In the early 20th century, a fervor for rapid development ensued, paving the way for an unsettling transformation.
The prevailing logic seemed clear: if a bit of concrete was beneficial, then covering every inch of land in it would be even better. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers joined this mission, extending the blanket application of concrete to the city’s rivers and creeks, rarely considering the long-term implications.
Fast forward several decades, and enterprising artists found these oversized concrete waterways to be the perfect canvas for their graffiti. Armed with spray paint, they expressed their art with fervor. Meanwhile, many locals view this graffiti as an eyesore, longing for a time when the city’s landscape was not marred by such extremes.
The New Puritans
When the 17th-century Puritans sought to ban boxing, gambling, dancing, and other forms of entertainment, they were merely extending their initial mission to “purify” the Church of England. Unfortunately, their efforts frequently veered into absurdity.
In 1660, the Puritans of the Massachusetts Bay Colony executed several Quakers on Boston Common for simply being who they were. Today, Mary Dyer stands as a historical reminder, with a statue commemorating the past’s absurdities.
Yet, the lessons from history often fall on deaf ears. Today’s new Puritans are pushing cultural boundaries even further.
With fervent devotion and shaky principles, they attempt to eliminate past and present prejudices, treating life as if it were a golf game where everyone’s score should be adjusted. These new puritans believe they can socially engineer a world that is inherently fair. They decide who should receive favor and who should bear the burdens of blame.
As a result, social discourse—complete with legally recognized non-binary gender options—has become ensnared in a chaotic mess. Dividing people has become a serious endeavor for these new puritans, one that brooks no humor. Indeed, satirical commentary and light-heartedness have become taboo subjects, punishable by social ostracism.
The Onslaught of Criticism
James Riley is no average individual; he’s astute and runs a thriving business, Riley’s Farm in Oak Glen, California. Here, visitors can pick their own fruit, engage in educational activities about history, enjoy dinner theater, and even partake in historically-themed overnight experiences.
But several months ago, Riley found himself unwittingly at the center of controversy. Known for his integrity, he has never instigated violence or threatened anyone. However, during the height of the Stormy Daniels saga, he made the “mistake” of tweeting the following:
“What is this country coming to if a girl can’t even use her bosoms to smack customers and then sue the president for unwanted sexual advances? #StormyDaniels.”
Now, did this provoke a chuckle or incite outrage? For Elizabeth Adams, it elicited disgust, leading her to label his tweets as “racist, homophobic, misogynistic, and obnoxious.” Following her lead, a mob of new puritans quickly joined the fray, with Deana Olson declaring she would no longer bring her children to Riley’s Farm.
Riley responded with characteristic composure. He remarked:
“It is both amusing and sad that some people’s sensibilities are so delicate that they feel they cannot tolerate opinions that vary even slightly from their own, and further, that they feel the need to attempt to destroy those who differ with them. … But that seems like a lot of work, and it doesn’t sound like the sort of tolerance they claim to be seeking. We here on Riley’s Farm will continue the far more profitable, worthwhile, constructive, and fun pursuits of making people happy.”
Three Cheers for James Riley!
Recently, we journeyed along the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, moving from the Angeles National Forest to the San Bernardino National Forest. Finally, we ascended to the mile-high village of Oak Glen, escaping the suffocating concrete of Southern California.
In this charming enclave, we encountered no stoplights or drive-thrus; the countryside remained untouched by billboards, power lines, or graffiti. Just a winding mountain road surrounded by apple orchards gracing the rolling hills.
“There are LOTS of apples on the trees right now,” Riley invited us, “and the maples are turning a brilliant red.”
We spent the day picking apples with the kids, enjoying roasted corn, sipping sarsaparilla, and watching the sun dip below the horizon from a rustic wooden chair. As night fell, we were treated to a feast, theater, and energetic barn dances—festivities the new puritans would surely disapprove of.
Among savory dishes like pumpkin soup, steak, baked beans, and apple pie—along with steaming hot apple cider—the Riley’s Farm Theatre Company brought Washington Irving’s classic, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, to life.
We met a host of characters, from the awkward Ichabod Crane to the brawny Brom Bones and the charming Katrina Van Tassel. But the evening was just getting started…
There were pumpkin carving contests, seed spitting competitions, apple bobbing, and pie-eating contests. As night embraced us, a lively line dance preceded the entrance of the headless horseman, striking terror into Ichabod as he raced down the farm path into the darkness.
After a night filled with merriment, and with full bellies, we bid farewell to Riley and descended back to the flatlands below.
Sincerely,
MN Gordon
for Economic Prism
