A conservative critique of Spider Robinson's Callahan's Crosstime Saloon highlights the liberal fantasy of escapism and lack of accountability.

Callahan's Crosstime Saloon: A Conservative's Take on Sci-Fi Escapism

Imagine a place where the rules of reality bend, where time and space are mere suggestions, and where the most bizarre characters gather to share their tales. Welcome to Callahan's Crosstime Saloon, a fictional bar created by author Spider Robinson in the 1970s. Set in a cozy Long Island tavern, this series of short stories revolves around the eccentric patrons who frequent the saloon, each with their own extraordinary stories and problems. But why should we care about a fictional bar from decades ago? Because it serves as a perfect metaphor for the liberal fantasy world where anything goes, and accountability is as rare as a unicorn.

Callahan's Crosstime Saloon is a place where the impossible becomes possible, much like the liberal dream of a utopian society where everyone gets along, and resources are infinite. In the saloon, patrons are encouraged to share their woes and receive unconditional support, no matter how outlandish their stories may be. This mirrors the liberal tendency to embrace every sob story without question, often at the expense of logic and reason. It's a world where feelings trump facts, and everyone gets a participation trophy just for showing up.

The saloon's owner, Mike Callahan, is a benevolent figure who listens to everyone's problems and offers sage advice. He's the kind of leader liberals dream of—one who provides endless empathy without demanding personal responsibility. In the real world, however, leaders need to make tough decisions and hold people accountable for their actions. But in Callahan's world, accountability is as elusive as a coherent policy proposal from a left-wing politician.

The patrons of Callahan's Crosstime Saloon come from all walks of life, including aliens, time travelers, and mythical creatures. This diverse cast of characters is a nod to the liberal obsession with diversity for diversity's sake. In the saloon, it doesn't matter who you are or where you come from; everyone is welcome. While diversity is undoubtedly a strength, it should not come at the cost of meritocracy and common sense. In the real world, qualifications and abilities should matter more than ticking diversity boxes.

One of the recurring themes in the Callahan stories is the idea of healing through shared experiences and empathy. While empathy is undoubtedly important, it should not be used as a substitute for action and results. Liberals often prioritize feelings over tangible outcomes, leading to policies that sound good on paper but fail in practice. In the saloon, problems are solved through camaraderie and understanding, but in the real world, we need practical solutions and accountability.

The saloon's patrons often engage in pun-filled conversations and wordplay, which can be entertaining but also serves as a distraction from the real issues at hand. This mirrors the liberal tendency to focus on trivial matters and virtue signaling rather than addressing the root causes of societal problems. It's easy to get lost in clever wordplay and forget that real change requires hard work and tough decisions.

In the end, Callahan's Crosstime Saloon is a fascinating exploration of human nature and the power of storytelling. However, it's also a cautionary tale about the dangers of living in a fantasy world where accountability is nonexistent, and feelings reign supreme. While it's fun to escape into a world where anything is possible, we must remember that in the real world, actions have consequences, and not every problem can be solved with a hug and a pun.