Having been deluged with endless news reports of bombing innocent civilians in Syria, multiple climate change disasters occurring simultaneously, oil bomb trains exploding, fracking wells exploding, the insane blabber of Donald Trump, African-Americans being shot down in their home town streets, Latino and Muslim Americans being targeted for violence and deportation, corporations making huge profits from huge pollution, and a conservative majority on the Chico City Council that was bought by local Super PACs, I sometimes feel myself dragged down and in need of some laughter and encouragement for a change.

When the news has gotten so depressing that the rein of George W. Bush starts to look like the good old days, what’s a bummed-out activist to do? Go see Jim Hightower that’s what!

KZFR brought Jim Hightower, progressive political commentator and humorist to the Chico Women’s Club last Thursday night to aid in the recovery of this discouraged blogger, activist and citizen photojournalist. Hightower, who “has spent four decades battling The Powers That Be on behalf of the Powers That Ought To Be – consumers, working families, environmentalists, small businesses, and just-plain-folks,” speaks a healing blend of satirical outrage and laughter that lightens the load and revives the effort to carry on.  Plus, he’s just so darned cute.

Jim Hightower, “America’s #1 Populist” takes on the “Congress Critters.”

Hightower was joined by local comedy team, Liz Merry and Aaron Standish and by Bay Area political satirist, Will Durst. Judging by the crowd that filled the Women’s Club that night, I saw that there were many other activists besides me who were in need of just such an evening of encouragement as well.

Here are some of the highlights:

Liz Merry, demonstrates the hold-your-nose-and-vote technique.

Aaron Standish doing a really good “Bernie Sanders.”

Liz Merry as the liberal hippy and Aaron Standish as the 2nd Amendment, right-winger.

Aaron Standish, Liz Merry, Jim Hightower and Will Durst, goofin’ off backstage.

Rick Anderson, KZFR General Manager (orange hat), joins in on the fun backstage.