When I wrote my children’s novel, “Annabel Pickering and the Sky Pirates,” I dedicated the book to Ross Ulbricht. This may seem like an odd choice for a children’s book, but I believe it is important for children to start thinking about these things at a young age. If for no other reason than that most of them are being bombarded with pro-state propaganda every day of their lives.

When I did this, I really did not have a lot of hope that Ross would ever be free. But I felt the need to do something, to show support where I could.

Today, seeing the image of Ross walking free for the first time in eleven years, I feel as if a weight has lifted off of me. Maybe off of many of us. I am under no illusion that Donald Trump’s presidency will save us, and I am well aware that the institution he represents is still the enemy of the people. But this is a very very good thing.

So right now, I am going to be happy for Ross, and especially happy for his mother, and worry about all of that other stuff later.

Welcome back to the world, Ross. You’ve been missed.