I am a lifelong lover of America. I grew up in this fandom. I read the more than 260 associated books, listened to the John Philip Sousa score and eagerly awaited each year’s new installment of this thrilling saga.
To me, and millions of other fans, America has long been a story about two things: A grand experiment in self-government and the conviction that, over time, we were becoming less racist.
In 2016, after almost 250 years where we followed that great and heroic adventure, you decided to strike big chunks from that narrative. You took everyone we actually liked — Carrie Fisher, Prince — and introduced the character of President Trump.