Thank you for mentioning this. Many of my fellow Americans need to learn that such civilization is possible. I experienced it in Africa, New Zealand, and, even occasionally, here.
I am so impressed at Colonel Grant's generosity and generosity of spirit to say yes and make it happen, aftter 5 hard-fought years. What an inspiring story to hear on this Easter morning, a part of history I did not know or remember. Thank you so much, Professor.
I remember learning about Grant’s generosity (particularly about “forty acres and a mule”) as a child, but the impact now is much stronger. How sad that the party of Lincoln (and Grant) has stooped so low. To call it “conservative” does a terrible disservice to the word. The Republican Party is currently radical at best, borderline criminal might be more accurate.
I wonder if you remember what 40acres and a mule means to Indigenous Peoples whose land was stolen by the US Govt in dishonest treaties so that white people could have 40 acres and a mule?
If cruelty were criminal...wait! sometimes it is. Can't say I really want us monitored by "morality police". However, it would be a wonderful Easter miracle if the cruel indifference of so many current Republicans could be transformed into compassion.
Sorry to disagree on this April morning, but civility, decency and tolerance for others’ opinions exist every day in these United States (although as I write that last I question whether I am as tolerant of some other views as I should be.). You see it walking down the street, in stores and in factories, in churches p, mosques and synagogues. I’ll bet you see it in your neighbors and co-workers and, I hope, among your friends. It is the secret to democracy, to the United States.
Demo racy rests on opposing sides to agree to disagree peacably by non violent vote counting means, and work bipartisanly where possible. Jon is right though in there being a massive social climate to preserve and promote safety opportunity and mutual service.
Yes. Many regressives are empowered to have very loud mouths and are receiving an out-sized representation in the media, so the US looks worse than it is on a finely granular level. Most Americans are still civil most of the time.
Here in Houston Tx, I am preparing to attend a community of faith that is extremely diverse across race, gender, background. Our cities are diverse and tend toward progressive. Texas, like USA, is currently dominated by the rural and exurban voters whose representatives have been able to establish the rules. But, I have faith.
I'm pretty sure that the majority of people are inclined to be relatively decent to others. There is a minority of true sociopaths. However, we have -- largely through inattention -- bought into a sociopathic system of exchange, which makes functional sociopaths of all of us, whether we want to be, or not. And that system of exchange is called capitalism.
Lan Long ago I experienced years of ‘civilization’ in Egypt, Chile, and the United States. Today I can’t speak for the first two countries, but ‘civilization’ in the United States is definitely an endangered species.
Darwin would be surprised by this reversal of evolution.
Just like kids go through periods of disorganization as they move from one phase of development to another, so do societies. It may look like devolution when we're in it, but I predict that society's response to the MAGAs (and now de Satanists), will result in a much more compassionate, equitable, tolerant society once all the dust settles.
Stephen I was born during the Great Depression. My mother was British so, for us, WW II began in September, 1939. Hope commenced late in 1942 and the sun began to shine for me somewhat later.
I share your faith in hope--witness Abraham Lincoln. Jon Meacham's THE SOUL OF AMERICA records the ups-downs-then ups of our country. So far we have had more ups than downs. My hope is for the country that I wish for my grand kids.
And over 150 years later, it's still the working men and women of America that must win the everlasting battle with wealth and privilege. The 1% and their seditionist and racist allies must still fool the rural poor into supporting them in their battle to own, and dominate the country.
Pope wrote that 'Hope springs eternal in the human breast, man NEVER IS but always TO BE blest.' We must not heed the second part of that rhymed couplet, which perpetually postpones the blessing. (Think of a blessing as a gift, deserved or not, from the Creator.) Pope then continued his thought with these words, 'The soul, uneasy, and confin’d from home, rests and expatiates in a life to come,' which seem to suggest religious belief as a way for that hope to be realized. Be that as it may, 'the working men and women of America,' when they cease being duped, can make that hope into a reality.
I have to say that after surviving these last few years, even if I were in the Trump camp or an avowed "I'm above politics" independent, at this point I would be at least curious as to what is actually going on. And I would, like Grant, put on my dirty coat, do my duty as a citizen, AND FIND OUT! The facts have been exposed and proven, it is all right there for anyone who cares to make the effort to see. So American citizens who are still hiding behind their "ignorance" no longer have an excuse. Easter is all about hope and rebirth so today I'm celebrating with hope that those Americans will finally do the work and do the right thing!
My thoughts exactly. This is lesson for today. And yes, it is an everlasting battle because so many with wealth think that somehow that makes them more deserving of what ever is on offer. Last night we were discussing "Justice" Thomas and his dear wealthy friend, a collector of Nazi memorabilia with statues of dictators outside. My neighbor observed that but he was worth billions and I say, he is still a wing nut fascist. And i do wonder if his money is the result of hard work or opportunism and crooked dealings.
According to what I’ve read, Harlan Crow inherited his wealth. No brow sweating for him. His father, Trammel Crow, built an enormous real estate company in Dallas, TX that was once our country’s largest landlord. Harlan took over the company in 1988.
So many champions of hard work and bootstrap-lifting are actually members of the Lucky Sperm Club. Even if they did not inherit great wealth, most were born to circumstances that made success a likely outcome. As the saying goes, "born on third base and think they hit a triple." Except for Donald Trump, who was born on third base and thinks he built the stadium. And invented baseball as well.
Good ole white boy in the early 1900s buys cheap land stolen from Indigenous Peoples from his good ole white boy buddies and accumulates wealth that no other persons other than good ole white boys can. Son take the intergenerational wealth and with the help of his good ole white boy buddies builds an empire of wealth off of the poor and middle class. And those categories have exponentially increased in number for the past 70yrs making this good ole white boy a billionaire which he covets for himself and other 1% ers. Intergenerational avarice, mysogyny, bigotry and hubris on full display.
Although I would not recognize Vaisakhi if I fell over him, the thought of celebration and rebirth is a welcome one. Thank you for sharing Michael. We do ALL need to recognize and embrace each other's cultural roots.
The small Red state Bible Belt town where I now live has a live - & - let - live attitude re Sexual orientation, religious differences, diversity & whatnot, but I suspect that it's largely a facade that the Evangelical conservatives would take GREAT GLEE in tearing to shreds.
Jesus washed his disciples feet, the lowly task of a servant in biblical times. He told them to do as he did and show LOVE to others, that people would know they were his disciples because of the loving ways they acted. I don't see many evangelicals displaying love, which is extending one's self for the wellbeing of another.
I doubt Lee would have been as generous to Grant in surrender as Grant was to him.
People choose the version of a religion that resonates with their psychology. So, those who choose the "vengeful god" version tell us a lot about their unconscious wishes and fears. They then feel free to unleash them on others.
Thank goodness we never had to find out. Yet somehow, the US Army and Congress chose subsequently to venerate the names of Confederate Generals in names of our country's famous military bases like Hood, and AP Hill. Part of the worship of the "Lost Cause" so popular in the 1920s.
SW Some of America’s top West Pointers before the Civil War were southerners. Ditto with the army before WW II. This contributed to the naming of many army bases for Confederate generals.
In retrospect, this seems bizarre—rather like honoring Aron Burr in Alexander Hamilton’s residence.
Only later did I realize the irony of doing Basic Training at a place (Ft. Bragg) that had been named for a man who, a little more than a century before, would have been determined to kill me for wearing a US Army uniform.
I read some historical account of why these bases were named for Confederate Generals. Congress thought it would help Southerners get over their rancor in losing the Civil War. It was thought to be a harmless peace offering.
I suspect that many of these folks have Bibles, coated with THICK layers of dust, cobwebs, dust bunnies, mouse droppings, & other schmutz because they don't read it, & they rely on their pastor for his often erroneous take on the thing.
Oh, they carry it around on Sunday and Wednesday evening, but read it, Never. We even have complaints that Episcopalians, Lutherans, and others that read every Sunday from the common lectionary are not really reading from Scripture because it not from their King James Translation.
They do in fact listen to their pastor in all things political.
My Lutheran pastor of the past never pushed an agenda of any kind, they have a list of things that they dislike / distrust that would stretch from Earth to Saturn & back again, though.
I saw a mixed - race couple a few days ago. & my homecare person's son - African - American - married a girl from Germany. I wonder how they're received here..... & an acquaintance of mine is marrying his partner.
My "son-in-law" is Canadian. I happen to be visiting his (and my daughter's) patch. I am pretty familiar with Vancouver, an excitingly diverse city. Not without it's problems I gather, but I sense a healthy energy there.
I like that sentiment a lot. I remember reading about Albert Einstein saying that he believed in the God of Spinoza. Poor Baruch caught flak for his " heretical " beliefs. But they have value !
Just got off the phone with our son and his family in Waterloo, Ontario. He is a computer science professor at the University of Waterloo. All 4 now have dual US and Canadian citizenship. The youngest grandchild was born there and she is a very proud Canadian, age 14 and the grandson starts at Trinity College at the University of Toronto next fall. Covid push all to complete their efforts to gain Canadian citizenship so they could be sure to be able to return home after visiting family here in the US. Now Waterloo is a University Town but over the years I have been very impressed with how accepting of everyone they are. Like the US they have a terrible history with First Nation folks (Native Americans) but they are working on these issues. Very positive place to live.
Good to hear of your positive experience. I too celebrate spring - by getting my hands into the Earth - planting peas and lettuce today.
But I find Heather's story today to be less than inspiring. I agree that Grant was the class act despite his tattered appearance. The irony is one for the history books. And it was right to feed the Confederate troops.
I highly recommend Ron Chernow's "Grant". The man who gave us "Hamilton" offers a fascinating study of this very flawed but heroic general/president.
My other thought - something that bothers me a lot: Lee was forgiven. Grant set the tone for what I call "the big mistake". Confederate traitors were pardoned and then in a national insult, President Ford signed a bill reinstating Lee's citizenship. Why?
Lee and his band should have spent years in prison. They perpetrated a horrific war against their own country. They were treated too well. Grant was too nice.
Shouldn't there be a severe punishment for treason and murder? Combine this with Nixon's pardon and Gerald Ford comes across to me as a dangerous fool who set the tone for the tolerance of the intolerable acts of national betrayal. No consequences? And look where we are today. A former President who doesn't see a proper precedent of punishment for impunity and treason. A continuing culture of "Confederate worship".
The Civil War was worse than being invaded by an aggressor nation. It was an unforgivable betrayal.
And those who betrayed the Union were mostly forgiven in an effort to negate their secession and officially preserve the Union. Bill is correct in calling the flawed Reconstruction a 'big mistake' in that it allowed the seceding States to return to their antebellum position, with only three Constitutional Amendments standing in their way, obstacles that State governments might find ways to attack.. They're still doing that in Tennessee and elsewhere. In resolving this challenge, we cannot go back 150 years and undo what was done. We must do so by going forward.
I agree. There should have been severe punishment for treason. Confederate senators were allowed back in the Senate post Civil War! It perpetuated the Confederate worship and This IMO set the course for never ridding your country from racism.
Hello Michael! You and yours there in BC are part of what being "Human" truly means and I celebrate all of that which the people of Canada have accomplished.
Tell us more about your joys there. I relish this!
Sandra - After over 4 years of purgatory, we could ALL use more joy, less discord, hatred, unreasoning anger. Unfortunately the Right Wing loves anger & discord, negativity in general.
I still like "when they go low . . ., but also like it when we all work like dogs to do everything everywhere all at once to make sure we get our folks to the polls. It takes a Village and then some!
" To die is nothing, but to live in defeat & without glory is to die daily " - Napoleon.
Will we live in defeat, to be dominated by domestic terrorists & their adrenaline - fueled actions ? We need to act to be rid of the STAIN of right wing zealotry & corruption.
I invoke Napoleon in these moments, even though he was exiled.
Yes, and Vancouver is where great trauma and addiction work has been done because of Gabor Mate and others and where Dr. Vanessa Andreotti is Dean of Ed -- I'm reading her book for the third time, "Hospicing Modernity" -- such important work shifting how we view change and power and environmental realities in a world that's more about metabolisms than it is about hierarchies!
Recent is "The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture", which he wrote with his son. He's effective and causing some hopeful changes.
…and come to New York City folks; The Big Apple 🍎🍏 We are a gorgeous mix of people, neighborhoods, libraries, theaters, museums, music, dance... ALIVE and full of We The People Love!
The conservatives hate unity, multiculturalism, etc. like Dracula hates sunlight, garlic, holy water & crosses. They're not much for reason or rationality, either.
Inspiring and revealing history. Thank you.
On another note, I write from Vancouver, BC. It’s where people and cultures from around world exist in peace and are celebrated.
It’s halftime at a soccer match and Indian women are dancing on the field to recognize Vaisakhi, the start of Spring. Everyone is cheering.
Thank you for mentioning this. Many of my fellow Americans need to learn that such civilization is possible. I experienced it in Africa, New Zealand, and, even occasionally, here.
I am so impressed at Colonel Grant's generosity and generosity of spirit to say yes and make it happen, aftter 5 hard-fought years. What an inspiring story to hear on this Easter morning, a part of history I did not know or remember. Thank you so much, Professor.
Let's let Lieutenant General Grant have his well-earned rank.
Can't imagine trying to fight a battle while having a migraine!
I remember learning about Grant’s generosity (particularly about “forty acres and a mule”) as a child, but the impact now is much stronger. How sad that the party of Lincoln (and Grant) has stooped so low. To call it “conservative” does a terrible disservice to the word. The Republican Party is currently radical at best, borderline criminal might be more accurate.
I wonder if you remember what 40acres and a mule means to Indigenous Peoples whose land was stolen by the US Govt in dishonest treaties so that white people could have 40 acres and a mule?
If cruelty were criminal...wait! sometimes it is. Can't say I really want us monitored by "morality police". However, it would be a wonderful Easter miracle if the cruel indifference of so many current Republicans could be transformed into compassion.
I remember this story dearly. It’s one of HCR’s favorite! 🙏🏽
It was absolutely the uplifting story we needed to hear again; very moving.
Here ? I thought that civility, reason, polite dissent / discourse, etc. had been put on the endangered species list, at least in the States.
Sorry to disagree on this April morning, but civility, decency and tolerance for others’ opinions exist every day in these United States (although as I write that last I question whether I am as tolerant of some other views as I should be.). You see it walking down the street, in stores and in factories, in churches p, mosques and synagogues. I’ll bet you see it in your neighbors and co-workers and, I hope, among your friends. It is the secret to democracy, to the United States.
Demo racy rests on opposing sides to agree to disagree peacably by non violent vote counting means, and work bipartisanly where possible. Jon is right though in there being a massive social climate to preserve and promote safety opportunity and mutual service.
Yes. Many regressives are empowered to have very loud mouths and are receiving an out-sized representation in the media, so the US looks worse than it is on a finely granular level. Most Americans are still civil most of the time.
In Texas, sadly
Here in Houston Tx, I am preparing to attend a community of faith that is extremely diverse across race, gender, background. Our cities are diverse and tend toward progressive. Texas, like USA, is currently dominated by the rural and exurban voters whose representatives have been able to establish the rules. But, I have faith.
Same here.
Oy.
I'm pretty sure that the majority of people are inclined to be relatively decent to others. There is a minority of true sociopaths. However, we have -- largely through inattention -- bought into a sociopathic system of exchange, which makes functional sociopaths of all of us, whether we want to be, or not. And that system of exchange is called capitalism.
Here's an interesting example of someone who's been fighting the good fight in Wisconsin, realizing that he also needs to rethink how he advocates for social equity - Kirk Bangstad, Minocqua Brewing Company: https://minocquabrewingcompany.com/blogs/news/hate-is-too-great-a-burden-to-bear
I really enjoyed reading this thank you for sharing.
Not everywhere, though we seem to be fighting a rearguard action. A small ray of hope and optimism: https://downeast.com/travel-outdoors/what-every-would-be-mainer-must-know/
WWWCD ? What Would Winston Churchill Do ?
Lan Long ago I experienced years of ‘civilization’ in Egypt, Chile, and the United States. Today I can’t speak for the first two countries, but ‘civilization’ in the United States is definitely an endangered species.
Darwin would be surprised by this reversal of evolution.
Just like kids go through periods of disorganization as they move from one phase of development to another, so do societies. It may look like devolution when we're in it, but I predict that society's response to the MAGAs (and now de Satanists), will result in a much more compassionate, equitable, tolerant society once all the dust settles.
Stephen I was born during the Great Depression. My mother was British so, for us, WW II began in September, 1939. Hope commenced late in 1942 and the sun began to shine for me somewhat later.
I share your faith in hope--witness Abraham Lincoln. Jon Meacham's THE SOUL OF AMERICA records the ups-downs-then ups of our country. So far we have had more ups than downs. My hope is for the country that I wish for my grand kids.
And over 150 years later, it's still the working men and women of America that must win the everlasting battle with wealth and privilege. The 1% and their seditionist and racist allies must still fool the rural poor into supporting them in their battle to own, and dominate the country.
Yet, as Alexander Pope would write; "Hope Springs Eternal". Happy Easter!
Pope wrote that 'Hope springs eternal in the human breast, man NEVER IS but always TO BE blest.' We must not heed the second part of that rhymed couplet, which perpetually postpones the blessing. (Think of a blessing as a gift, deserved or not, from the Creator.) Pope then continued his thought with these words, 'The soul, uneasy, and confin’d from home, rests and expatiates in a life to come,' which seem to suggest religious belief as a way for that hope to be realized. Be that as it may, 'the working men and women of America,' when they cease being duped, can make that hope into a reality.
When they cease being duped...
I have to say that after surviving these last few years, even if I were in the Trump camp or an avowed "I'm above politics" independent, at this point I would be at least curious as to what is actually going on. And I would, like Grant, put on my dirty coat, do my duty as a citizen, AND FIND OUT! The facts have been exposed and proven, it is all right there for anyone who cares to make the effort to see. So American citizens who are still hiding behind their "ignorance" no longer have an excuse. Easter is all about hope and rebirth so today I'm celebrating with hope that those Americans will finally do the work and do the right thing!
My thoughts exactly. This is lesson for today. And yes, it is an everlasting battle because so many with wealth think that somehow that makes them more deserving of what ever is on offer. Last night we were discussing "Justice" Thomas and his dear wealthy friend, a collector of Nazi memorabilia with statues of dictators outside. My neighbor observed that but he was worth billions and I say, he is still a wing nut fascist. And i do wonder if his money is the result of hard work or opportunism and crooked dealings.
According to what I’ve read, Harlan Crow inherited his wealth. No brow sweating for him. His father, Trammel Crow, built an enormous real estate company in Dallas, TX that was once our country’s largest landlord. Harlan took over the company in 1988.
So many champions of hard work and bootstrap-lifting are actually members of the Lucky Sperm Club. Even if they did not inherit great wealth, most were born to circumstances that made success a likely outcome. As the saying goes, "born on third base and think they hit a triple." Except for Donald Trump, who was born on third base and thinks he built the stadium. And invented baseball as well.
Good ole white boy in the early 1900s buys cheap land stolen from Indigenous Peoples from his good ole white boy buddies and accumulates wealth that no other persons other than good ole white boys can. Son take the intergenerational wealth and with the help of his good ole white boy buddies builds an empire of wealth off of the poor and middle class. And those categories have exponentially increased in number for the past 70yrs making this good ole white boy a billionaire which he covets for himself and other 1% ers. Intergenerational avarice, mysogyny, bigotry and hubris on full display.
I wondered if he had inherited it.
Thank you, TMD. Real estate tycoons loom large in the US currently.
Ugh!
Powerful comment there, Craig!
Excellent observation!
Although I would not recognize Vaisakhi if I fell over him, the thought of celebration and rebirth is a welcome one. Thank you for sharing Michael. We do ALL need to recognize and embrace each other's cultural roots.
The small Red state Bible Belt town where I now live has a live - & - let - live attitude re Sexual orientation, religious differences, diversity & whatnot, but I suspect that it's largely a facade that the Evangelical conservatives would take GREAT GLEE in tearing to shreds.
I suspect there's a chasm between the teachings of Jesus and the leanings of your local evangelical leaders, if pressed.
Jesus washed his disciples feet, the lowly task of a servant in biblical times. He told them to do as he did and show LOVE to others, that people would know they were his disciples because of the loving ways they acted. I don't see many evangelicals displaying love, which is extending one's self for the wellbeing of another.
I doubt Lee would have been as generous to Grant in surrender as Grant was to him.
People choose the version of a religion that resonates with their psychology. So, those who choose the "vengeful god" version tell us a lot about their unconscious wishes and fears. They then feel free to unleash them on others.
Thank goodness we never had to find out. Yet somehow, the US Army and Congress chose subsequently to venerate the names of Confederate Generals in names of our country's famous military bases like Hood, and AP Hill. Part of the worship of the "Lost Cause" so popular in the 1920s.
SW Some of America’s top West Pointers before the Civil War were southerners. Ditto with the army before WW II. This contributed to the naming of many army bases for Confederate generals.
In retrospect, this seems bizarre—rather like honoring Aron Burr in Alexander Hamilton’s residence.
Only later did I realize the irony of doing Basic Training at a place (Ft. Bragg) that had been named for a man who, a little more than a century before, would have been determined to kill me for wearing a US Army uniform.
I read some historical account of why these bases were named for Confederate Generals. Congress thought it would help Southerners get over their rancor in losing the Civil War. It was thought to be a harmless peace offering.
Refer to the influence, popularity, and acceptance of the KKK then prevalent.
I suspect that many of these folks have Bibles, coated with THICK layers of dust, cobwebs, dust bunnies, mouse droppings, & other schmutz because they don't read it, & they rely on their pastor for his often erroneous take on the thing.
Oh, they carry it around on Sunday and Wednesday evening, but read it, Never. We even have complaints that Episcopalians, Lutherans, and others that read every Sunday from the common lectionary are not really reading from Scripture because it not from their King James Translation.
They do in fact listen to their pastor in all things political.
My Lutheran pastor of the past never pushed an agenda of any kind, they have a list of things that they dislike / distrust that would stretch from Earth to Saturn & back again, though.
Far too many evangelical leaders are disciples of Jeepers.
More like disciples of Mammon. Serving 2 masters = NO BUENO.
As wide and as deep as the Grand Canyon.
Lets hope that they do not get their desires for your community granted. I for one know some really good people who quietly thrive in red areas.
But they are outnumbered in places with which I am familiar
Yes out numbered but never "Out souled!"
I saw a mixed - race couple a few days ago. & my homecare person's son - African - American - married a girl from Germany. I wonder how they're received here..... & an acquaintance of mine is marrying his partner.
Besides, it’s simply joyful!
Vaisajki is what I’m talking about here.
My "son-in-law" is Canadian. I happen to be visiting his (and my daughter's) patch. I am pretty familiar with Vancouver, an excitingly diverse city. Not without it's problems I gather, but I sense a healthy energy there.
We could take LESSONS from them in the Disunited States of America.
Hope springs eternal Daniel as it surely must!
AMEN TO THAT, Al - from an extremely - lapsed S. Baptist / Episcopalian / Lutheran !
I have tried most of them and found joy with much of religion in general only as it pertains to people of today whom I met along that path.
Joy is the secret no matter how you are introduced to it.
I like that sentiment a lot. I remember reading about Albert Einstein saying that he believed in the God of Spinoza. Poor Baruch caught flak for his " heretical " beliefs. But they have value !
Just got off the phone with our son and his family in Waterloo, Ontario. He is a computer science professor at the University of Waterloo. All 4 now have dual US and Canadian citizenship. The youngest grandchild was born there and she is a very proud Canadian, age 14 and the grandson starts at Trinity College at the University of Toronto next fall. Covid push all to complete their efforts to gain Canadian citizenship so they could be sure to be able to return home after visiting family here in the US. Now Waterloo is a University Town but over the years I have been very impressed with how accepting of everyone they are. Like the US they have a terrible history with First Nation folks (Native Americans) but they are working on these issues. Very positive place to live.
Good to hear of your positive experience. I too celebrate spring - by getting my hands into the Earth - planting peas and lettuce today.
But I find Heather's story today to be less than inspiring. I agree that Grant was the class act despite his tattered appearance. The irony is one for the history books. And it was right to feed the Confederate troops.
I highly recommend Ron Chernow's "Grant". The man who gave us "Hamilton" offers a fascinating study of this very flawed but heroic general/president.
My other thought - something that bothers me a lot: Lee was forgiven. Grant set the tone for what I call "the big mistake". Confederate traitors were pardoned and then in a national insult, President Ford signed a bill reinstating Lee's citizenship. Why?
Lee and his band should have spent years in prison. They perpetrated a horrific war against their own country. They were treated too well. Grant was too nice.
Shouldn't there be a severe punishment for treason and murder? Combine this with Nixon's pardon and Gerald Ford comes across to me as a dangerous fool who set the tone for the tolerance of the intolerable acts of national betrayal. No consequences? And look where we are today. A former President who doesn't see a proper precedent of punishment for impunity and treason. A continuing culture of "Confederate worship".
The Civil War was worse than being invaded by an aggressor nation. It was an unforgivable betrayal.
And those who betrayed the Union were mostly forgiven in an effort to negate their secession and officially preserve the Union. Bill is correct in calling the flawed Reconstruction a 'big mistake' in that it allowed the seceding States to return to their antebellum position, with only three Constitutional Amendments standing in their way, obstacles that State governments might find ways to attack.. They're still doing that in Tennessee and elsewhere. In resolving this challenge, we cannot go back 150 years and undo what was done. We must do so by going forward.
I agree. There should have been severe punishment for treason. Confederate senators were allowed back in the Senate post Civil War! It perpetuated the Confederate worship and This IMO set the course for never ridding your country from racism.
Hello Michael! You and yours there in BC are part of what being "Human" truly means and I celebrate all of that which the people of Canada have accomplished.
Tell us more about your joys there. I relish this!
Love the word "relish" so much, filled with joy!
Sandra - After over 4 years of purgatory, we could ALL use more joy, less discord, hatred, unreasoning anger. Unfortunately the Right Wing loves anger & discord, negativity in general.
I still like "when they go low . . ., but also like it when we all work like dogs to do everything everywhere all at once to make sure we get our folks to the polls. It takes a Village and then some!
" To die is nothing, but to live in defeat & without glory is to die daily " - Napoleon.
Will we live in defeat, to be dominated by domestic terrorists & their adrenaline - fueled actions ? We need to act to be rid of the STAIN of right wing zealotry & corruption.
I invoke Napoleon in these moments, even though he was exiled.
Yes, and Vancouver is where great trauma and addiction work has been done because of Gabor Mate and others and where Dr. Vanessa Andreotti is Dean of Ed -- I'm reading her book for the third time, "Hospicing Modernity" -- such important work shifting how we view change and power and environmental realities in a world that's more about metabolisms than it is about hierarchies!
Thank you Joan - I am not familiar with this author but this will be the next book I’ll read.
Loved Dr. Mate’s book, “In The Realm of Friendly Ghosts,” he gave me hope.
Recent is "The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture", which he wrote with his son. He's effective and causing some hopeful changes.
Thank you so much. I love this.
…and come to New York City folks; The Big Apple 🍎🍏 We are a gorgeous mix of people, neighborhoods, libraries, theaters, museums, music, dance... ALIVE and full of We The People Love!
NY NY! My kind of town! My sister has lived in Manhattan for 40 years. We must get together whenever I go back, Fern.
Yes.
The conservatives hate unity, multiculturalism, etc. like Dracula hates sunlight, garlic, holy water & crosses. They're not much for reason or rationality, either.
I miss it a lot.
Over my 76 years, I have lived in a number of diverse, peaceful and intelligent places in the United States. I call these places... pockets of sanity.
Yes. Diversity is not a threat, if only those fearful people would give it a try.