A guy I grew up with playing music and working odd jobs for his dad is now a hardcore right wing influencer.

His family was very progressive (still are as far as I know) and we lived in a staunchly blue part of the country. Hell, we wrote songs that were hyper critical of the govt and authoritarian systems.

Now he’s screeching to a million plus followers and participating in counter protests as a pro-maga mouthpiece.

I am sure it has to be for money. He was always an egomaniac. Between that and the dopamine hit of a good grift, it has to be. I just can’t resolve in my own heart that he’s truly gone to the dark side.