As a journalist, it’s my duty to share all sides of the human story without bias, diving deep into what makes individuals and groups tick. With that in mind, and in light of recent events of several prominent left-wing politicians and figures receiving pipe bombs in their mail, I’ve decided to ask the tough question: How are the bombs feeling in all of this?
I went deep into the heart of pipe bomb country to find out.
UPDATE: I learned after starting this piece that there is no specific “pipe bomb” country, as they can be made literally anywhere. So I went to rural Arkansas because I have a romantic notion about that area and always wanted to visit.
When I first met P-1301, it looked like an ordinary pipe bomb packed with explosives, but it’s more than that.
“People associate me with death and destruction, but I’m really just an ordinary, easy-to-identify-with bomb,” it told me as we rode through the backwoods of idyllic Arkansas to its humble home. I felt nervous each time we went over a bump, but the bomb’s good-natured humor and down-to-earth attitude really put me at ease.
“As I was growing up – I mean, being assembled, I wasn’t sure if I’d have much of a future,” it said. “I was feeling so much pressure; I felt like I could explode at any minute. But the current political climate has given me a lot of hope. I just pray the media doesn’t let the actions of a few bad apples paint us pipe bombs in a bad light.”
P-1301’s rustic abode is modest and clearly home to a family of hard-working, working-class working workers (they weren’t home at the time, as they were busy working). The place is humble, but clearly full of love, hope, and working-class values.
Neighbor Kathy Lindon doesn’t feel that way.
“It’s a fucking bomb. It is literally designed to explode and kill people. I don’t feel comfortable living next to a literal ticking time bomb.”
“See, that’s a common misconception about me,” P-1301 explained. “Pipe bombs don’t tick.”
Clearly, P-1301 faces misinformation and discrimination every day, but it won’t let that hate bring him down.
“I was put on this earth for a reason. I am part of the American story, infused with innovation and determination. Once I find my purpose, I’m going to go out with a bang.”
