Philosophies and beliefs evolve into religious, political and social systems, frequently combining. In every instance, with every “ism,” sect or split amongst them, each comes to create order, rules they commit to abide by.

The most successful recognize the rights of the others to have differences of opinion and policy, and to self-govern by their own rules. When fair rules erode or collapse due to their enforcers’ refusals to adapt, or are ignored, order is threatened, predominantly in regards to human rights. And there are figures who arise from time to time who override or eventually overthrow the rules.

I doubt that Bill Watterson, creator of Calvin and Hobbes, thought he was describing what’s happening in our country when he created “Calvinball.” An internet site describes: “In Calvin and Hobbes, Calvinball is a game with no fixed rules; instead the rules are made up and changed on the fly, often in the midst of play.”

Pay attention, listen and observe a cornucopia of ever-streaming examples. Whether in internal or international relationships: Welcome to the rules of “Trumpball.”

Carl Scheiman
Damariscotta