What a sad day for America and for all Americans. My heart goes out to those soldier's parents and families, "the solemn pride that must be theirs, to lay so costly a sacrifice on the altar of freedom". The effort and scope of the Kabul airlift is a historic one. Its somewhere between the Berlin Airlift of 1948-49 and Dunk…
What a sad day for America and for all Americans. My heart goes out to those soldier's parents and families, "the solemn pride that must be theirs, to lay so costly a sacrifice on the altar of freedom". The effort and scope of the Kabul airlift is a historic one. Its somewhere between the Berlin Airlift of 1948-49 and Dunkirk 1940, but it is even more noble as it is about saving non combatants/civilians. I am only comforted by the fact that as we leave, sacrifices are being made to protect and evacuate as many American and Afghani civilians as we can. There is a lot of pride and honor in that. A marine hoisting an infant above the crowd and above barbed wire. The faces from Ramstein's tarmac of our Army Nurses smiling through masks, handing out bottles of water, welcoming Afghani refugees. The stories of Afghan babies being born on transport planes. Amongst the pain, these are all things to feel some pride for.
While the new terror isis-k is a serious problem, I am more concerned about the terror afoot at our own doorstep. Throughout the South and here in my home state of Idaho, hospitals are full. This week a friend's grandson, not even a year old, reported not eating, not drinking, a fever, then trouble breathing was treated for covid/viral pneumonia at our local ER with an IV, steroids', and monoclonal antibodies. Then also sent home early. There just was not room for him to stay in critical care at the largest hospital in 126 miles. The image of an American baby in the hospital, treated but asked to leave contrasted with the marine hoisting the Afghan baby over the barbed wire in A-stan leaves me with a profound sense of foreboding.
And even as the rationing of care has begun here, and Idaho Covid cases climb, in a straight up curve, just like in Texas and Florida, our Governor Brad Little and Health Director Dave Jeppsen can not even mention to the public, nor even ask citizens for the one simple and short term sacrifice that could help, especially in our schools, they just can not mention nor ask the public to wear a mask. The Republican Pandemic strategy is ignorant, nefarious, and cruel.
Kevin McCarthy is right about something. We should be aware of terror and terrorism. The domestic terror of disease, the terror of not being able to get a hospital bed for grandson with so much fluid in his young lungs he can not breathe, the terror of a loved one dying alone either at home without proper care or rationed care... IN A FIELD HOSPITAL ... or in some TENT... or PARKING GARAGE!
At least in the Army, the families have something the red states do not. At least the families of the fallen have a Commander and Chief and officers, leaders who care enough to acknowledge their sacrifice, their pain, their suffering, and their loss of loved ones. These red state's, as with the Republican party are leaderless, staffed by demagogues, sado-populists, and now clearly bio-terrorists.
"It is nothing short of perfidy to place a higher priority on humoring the kind of people who threaten doctors and nurses than on protecting the health and safety of schoolchildren and their families. Some 1,200 children every day are getting sick with Covid in this state, and Mr. Lee’s response is to tie the hands of the people who are actually trying to help."-Margaret Renkle
Yep. Our military is involved in a humanitarian mission at grave risk to their lives. While at home Republicans are involved in a deadly domestic perfidy, promoting the spread of a bio weapon, domestic terrorism in their quest for power.
Thank you for your perspective Ted. The first time my stepson (then a paratrooper) was sent into the Middle East he was quite young. It was right after 9/11. The conflict left its mark on him. I can tell you the anxiety every time there were reports of roadside bombs we braced ourselves for bad news. He told us after his retirement, he had survived one. l get so angry when I listen to the Republicans who have now decided we should stay there. They play carelessly with lives so they can beat their puny political chests. No,I am beyond angry.
Your welcome MB. I thank your son for his service.
I have many friends whose sons and daughters served in both. One older classmate's from my son's elementary school has a picture of an 18 year old women ( a little girl to me) who died in roadside IED while serving in Iraq. To me, even in her uniform photo, looking sharp and professional, she just looks like a child. I would look at her photo everyday dropping my son off and walking him to his classroom. I notice that others rush by and don't see her photo or don't look at her. I could never look away.
Another friends son that served as a Marine in both I and A and lost his battle to suicide, like so many others around 2010- 2012. And this fear of loss haunts other parents still today. So all these people posting their criticism of President Biden, & warmongering still....do they even know or appreciate the cost that so many are burdened with?
They are also the same that look away from our hospitals and health care workers, claiming masks are somehow an infringement on their freedom. What sacrifice have they offered? So like you, I am angry at Republicans too.
The Trump Republicans, (now basically any registered Republican), are clearly being herded by their basest interests. A DSM 5 category. Instead of supporting the men and women in Afghanistan fighting for our country, they shove political slams at the soldiers’ Commander in Chief. Ironic counterpoint to highlight Desantis blaming Biden for his crimes in leading Florida off the cliff.
I agree that the Republican Party constitutes its very own DSM category;however, I fail to see how 20 years of US involvement in Afghanistan have made the lives of Americans freer, safer, happier, or better in any way.
Perfectly stated. We have become a barbaric third world country. I listened to an interview of an ICU doctor on the most recent Osterholm Update that shocked me. Not only are our health care workers traumatized and exhausted, they are the brunt of angry attacks from their patients/patients’ family members for not doing enough to save them. What kind of cruel upside-down world have we fallen into? How much longer can our health care workers go on? I am not facing their crisis, though financially I am struggling due to work shortage... but the madness of this country and the climate crisis is having its affect on me mentally and emotionally. I am not religious... rather, I am spiritual... and I am back to a regular practice of prayer/positive intent for President Biden, the US, the health care workers, the Afghans, the Haitians, all those who are hurting, the planet, and the creatures we share it with. Maybe we could join forces in that?
Ted, you are spot on. As callous as it sounds, casualties were sadly predictable and expected during the evacuation of Afghanistan. It is no comfort, however, to the families of those lost and to citizens around the globe hoping for a peaceful air lift out of Afghanistan. It is beyond heartbreaking.
The sheer number of people evacuated thus far is a clear cut example of massive logistics success - the US and its allies have undertaken a seemingly impossible mission, performing nothing short of a miracle* with their efforts. And yet, we now have Elise Stefanik making hyperbolic statements about Biden having blood on his hands. Biden!
Right now I'm thinking about Ms Stefanik and her current condition; she's pregnant with her first child. Where is she planning to deliver her baby? Will the hospital she's chosen be overwhelmed by Covid 19 cases? Is she willing to face a potentially tragic outcome for her and her family because of her anti-mitigation stance? As a staunch member of the Trump coalition she has drawn a line in the sand with regards to Covid. It is Stefanik, along with hundreds of other Republican leaders, who know better but continue to promote a deadly stance with regard to Covid. It is they who have the blood of their own nation on their hands. We damn them today, history will damn them forever.
Here's a fitting quote, I think:
"Here’s the smell of the blood still. All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand. “
My brother finally got vaccinated because his buddies required it for an annual get together. Stefanik will have to wear a mask in order to be in hospital. Selfish people.
Ted, in you rage and outrage you give us hope, as we mourn the loss of life at home and abroad. Please keep sharing your wisdom, knowledge and heartfelt sentiment with us.
Ted, thank you. Someone needs to tell the truth. The American Political System is fragile and major cultural fault lines have begun to appear. As I said up thread it is about to collapse. We are observing the tall snowy mountainside just before the avalanche.
Thank you for vividly capturing our plight. Today's letter, your commentary, and the words of others here convey how far America has sunk. But Fern's posting of "Still I Rise" saved me, at least for now, from despair. With an assist from your line: "Let's listen to Nina Simone, end the filibuster, and get on with it."
Michael, I read widely and wonder about the schedule for your neck surgery as Portland has a large surge of covid. I would like to know how your doing. My experience as a caregiving for my husband spurs the concern. Please respond only if it suits you. Salud!
Thanks very much for your concern. Surgery is scheduled for Sept. 22. I had some pre-surgery tests this week at the hospital and was told that the Covid surge shouldn't cause a delay but to stay tuned. If the surgery is scheduled early in the day and there are no complications, I will likely avoid spending the night at the hospital. Must self-isolate at least a week before and get a Covid test a few days ahead of the operation.
A model from Oregon Health and Science University forecasts that statewide COVID-19 hospitalizations will peak on Sept. 6. Also, the availability of ICU and non-ICU beds stands at 8%.
Yes, Ted. The imminent threat Americans face is the terrorism of the Republicans, who deny science, suppress voting by minorities, foment hatred, and encourage militias to tear apart our democracy. We have our own IsisUS.
Hello wonderful Fern. One of my faves by Maya Angelou, a heroine of mine for many years.
I apologize specifically to you today for my comments to agitators and trolls on the forum today. You have counseled me wisely on this in the past. However, I simply am out of touch with being courteous on this day of all days. I am not currently drowning in grief and fury. I am on the crest of a wave of fury and grief today and trust me, I know how to surf it to shore safely. And I am not alone. Suddenly, a line has been crossed for many courteous and responsible citizens in this state. Desantis and his ilk have gotten between the Mama Bear and her Cubs this week. I have been on phone and email all morning. How dare they. Going to meeting right now. A community effort has replaced the school district’s dashboard for Covid school reporting which has been amateurish and misleading. The cases are unbelievable. There is no telling anyone the depth of corruption and treason in the State of Florida. But, it suddenly overnight it became a cry of absolute resolve. And young gens so young or not alive on 9-11 are astounded that President Biden is being mocked and vilified for his empathy and strength. Sound the battle cry.
A Florida judge ruled Friday that Gov. Ron DeSantis’s administration overstepped its authority in restricting school districts from enacting mask mandates after parents sued officials amid a surge in coronavirus infections.
Judge John C. Cooper of Florida’s 2nd Circuit sided with parents from six Florida counties who challenged DeSantis (R) and state education officials in court this week, arguing that the governor’s order infringes on classroom safety guaranteed by the state’s constitution.
In a milestone decision in the heated debate about mask mandates in Florida, Cooper declared that the state cannot require districts to offer voluntary mandates over “the preservation of general welfare,” comparing the masking issue to the difference between the right to drink alcohol and the criminality of drunken driving.
“We don’t have a right to go into a crowded theater and yell fire because we decided it’s our right to do that,” he said
Got this during my meeting. Have kept my phone open to this forum. Thank you for sharing. GREAT news. We’ve already countered previous comments to local media. Pro mask parents and adults are really happy. A few in meeting broke down in tears.
I put on some music on my phone (Freedom by Jon Batiste) and we boogied a happy dance.
I am so glad to see you. Maya arrived when I was feeling as you do. I had put together several different comments before posting, and I thought how dare I add to the darkness. That is when Maya and Langston Hughes came to me, and I went after them. Once their spirit, I felt better.
You are right, I winced when I saw you playing with the devil. Just remember they get points every time they're connected. Think as though you're feeding DeSantis, NO NO NO.
Christine, this life is not easy. Your positive spirit is very important. It is what we need most and need to share most. When we're low, we turn to those we love, our teachers, our bards -- the music that is in our hearts. Salud!
I grew up as the middle child in my fam of seven kids. Often as is the case with middle child or oldest girl(I was both) this one has natural role of peacemaker. And I was….most of the time. My five brothers were adorable rascal rowdy mischief makers and we were definitely an early gang ruling the neighborhood because we usually had the best snacks and best ideas for games. I was a peacemaker but not averse at all to knocking someone’s block off if they crossed the loyalty line or were mean to the underdog. My dad prob got more calls about me than my brothers. Anyway, I learned how to make peace and I learned how to fight. But I always was the first to tilt up my chin and toss my ponytail and admit who started something, why, and who threw the first punch. So there always are two egos within me and rarely does the fighter for justice get more stirred up than it did this morning.
You embody the values of Valarie Kaur of both loving and fighting, as the situation calls for, while holding both. "Tend the wound." 6 minute video. Her writing and podcasts sound much less airy-fairy.
"2019 NAIS People of Color Conference speaker Valarie Kaur, founder of the Revolutionary Love Project, talks about how educators can create communities of care and use love as a force for justice in the world."
I got into her stuff the last time you suggested her. She’s pretty fierce but with a sweeter countenance and delivery than mine. Quite feminine and deceptive. But I know she’d laugh her ass off at my antics because she’d understand from whence they came.
August 26, 2021
What a sad day for America and for all Americans. My heart goes out to those soldier's parents and families, "the solemn pride that must be theirs, to lay so costly a sacrifice on the altar of freedom". The effort and scope of the Kabul airlift is a historic one. Its somewhere between the Berlin Airlift of 1948-49 and Dunkirk 1940, but it is even more noble as it is about saving non combatants/civilians. I am only comforted by the fact that as we leave, sacrifices are being made to protect and evacuate as many American and Afghani civilians as we can. There is a lot of pride and honor in that. A marine hoisting an infant above the crowd and above barbed wire. The faces from Ramstein's tarmac of our Army Nurses smiling through masks, handing out bottles of water, welcoming Afghani refugees. The stories of Afghan babies being born on transport planes. Amongst the pain, these are all things to feel some pride for.
While the new terror isis-k is a serious problem, I am more concerned about the terror afoot at our own doorstep. Throughout the South and here in my home state of Idaho, hospitals are full. This week a friend's grandson, not even a year old, reported not eating, not drinking, a fever, then trouble breathing was treated for covid/viral pneumonia at our local ER with an IV, steroids', and monoclonal antibodies. Then also sent home early. There just was not room for him to stay in critical care at the largest hospital in 126 miles. The image of an American baby in the hospital, treated but asked to leave contrasted with the marine hoisting the Afghan baby over the barbed wire in A-stan leaves me with a profound sense of foreboding.
And even as the rationing of care has begun here, and Idaho Covid cases climb, in a straight up curve, just like in Texas and Florida, our Governor Brad Little and Health Director Dave Jeppsen can not even mention to the public, nor even ask citizens for the one simple and short term sacrifice that could help, especially in our schools, they just can not mention nor ask the public to wear a mask. The Republican Pandemic strategy is ignorant, nefarious, and cruel.
Kevin McCarthy is right about something. We should be aware of terror and terrorism. The domestic terror of disease, the terror of not being able to get a hospital bed for grandson with so much fluid in his young lungs he can not breathe, the terror of a loved one dying alone either at home without proper care or rationed care... IN A FIELD HOSPITAL ... or in some TENT... or PARKING GARAGE!
At least in the Army, the families have something the red states do not. At least the families of the fallen have a Commander and Chief and officers, leaders who care enough to acknowledge their sacrifice, their pain, their suffering, and their loss of loved ones. These red state's, as with the Republican party are leaderless, staffed by demagogues, sado-populists, and now clearly bio-terrorists.
"It is nothing short of perfidy to place a higher priority on humoring the kind of people who threaten doctors and nurses than on protecting the health and safety of schoolchildren and their families. Some 1,200 children every day are getting sick with Covid in this state, and Mr. Lee’s response is to tie the hands of the people who are actually trying to help."-Margaret Renkle
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/23/opinion/covid-masks-students.html
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/02/210224143455.htm
The Republican Pandemic strategy is ignorant, nefarious, and cruel and you forgot, DEADLY. We have our own ISIS-A here in America.
Yep. Our military is involved in a humanitarian mission at grave risk to their lives. While at home Republicans are involved in a deadly domestic perfidy, promoting the spread of a bio weapon, domestic terrorism in their quest for power.
Thank you for your perspective Ted. The first time my stepson (then a paratrooper) was sent into the Middle East he was quite young. It was right after 9/11. The conflict left its mark on him. I can tell you the anxiety every time there were reports of roadside bombs we braced ourselves for bad news. He told us after his retirement, he had survived one. l get so angry when I listen to the Republicans who have now decided we should stay there. They play carelessly with lives so they can beat their puny political chests. No,I am beyond angry.
Your welcome MB. I thank your son for his service.
I have many friends whose sons and daughters served in both. One older classmate's from my son's elementary school has a picture of an 18 year old women ( a little girl to me) who died in roadside IED while serving in Iraq. To me, even in her uniform photo, looking sharp and professional, she just looks like a child. I would look at her photo everyday dropping my son off and walking him to his classroom. I notice that others rush by and don't see her photo or don't look at her. I could never look away.
Another friends son that served as a Marine in both I and A and lost his battle to suicide, like so many others around 2010- 2012. And this fear of loss haunts other parents still today. So all these people posting their criticism of President Biden, & warmongering still....do they even know or appreciate the cost that so many are burdened with?
They are also the same that look away from our hospitals and health care workers, claiming masks are somehow an infringement on their freedom. What sacrifice have they offered? So like you, I am angry at Republicans too.
The Trump Republicans, (now basically any registered Republican), are clearly being herded by their basest interests. A DSM 5 category. Instead of supporting the men and women in Afghanistan fighting for our country, they shove political slams at the soldiers’ Commander in Chief. Ironic counterpoint to highlight Desantis blaming Biden for his crimes in leading Florida off the cliff.
I agree that the Republican Party constitutes its very own DSM category;however, I fail to see how 20 years of US involvement in Afghanistan have made the lives of Americans freer, safer, happier, or better in any way.
Sorry, Penelope, I posted my piece before seeing this.
No apologies needed, Nancy! Say it again!!
Perfectly stated. We have become a barbaric third world country. I listened to an interview of an ICU doctor on the most recent Osterholm Update that shocked me. Not only are our health care workers traumatized and exhausted, they are the brunt of angry attacks from their patients/patients’ family members for not doing enough to save them. What kind of cruel upside-down world have we fallen into? How much longer can our health care workers go on? I am not facing their crisis, though financially I am struggling due to work shortage... but the madness of this country and the climate crisis is having its affect on me mentally and emotionally. I am not religious... rather, I am spiritual... and I am back to a regular practice of prayer/positive intent for President Biden, the US, the health care workers, the Afghans, the Haitians, all those who are hurting, the planet, and the creatures we share it with. Maybe we could join forces in that?
I'm doing the same - after many years.
Pamsy, I am with you! I believe many others are also. Love and Compassion to you all.
Ted, you are spot on. As callous as it sounds, casualties were sadly predictable and expected during the evacuation of Afghanistan. It is no comfort, however, to the families of those lost and to citizens around the globe hoping for a peaceful air lift out of Afghanistan. It is beyond heartbreaking.
The sheer number of people evacuated thus far is a clear cut example of massive logistics success - the US and its allies have undertaken a seemingly impossible mission, performing nothing short of a miracle* with their efforts. And yet, we now have Elise Stefanik making hyperbolic statements about Biden having blood on his hands. Biden!
Right now I'm thinking about Ms Stefanik and her current condition; she's pregnant with her first child. Where is she planning to deliver her baby? Will the hospital she's chosen be overwhelmed by Covid 19 cases? Is she willing to face a potentially tragic outcome for her and her family because of her anti-mitigation stance? As a staunch member of the Trump coalition she has drawn a line in the sand with regards to Covid. It is Stefanik, along with hundreds of other Republican leaders, who know better but continue to promote a deadly stance with regard to Covid. It is they who have the blood of their own nation on their hands. We damn them today, history will damn them forever.
Here's a fitting quote, I think:
"Here’s the smell of the blood still. All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand. “
– Lady Macbeth, Act Five, Scene One.
https://poststar.com/news/local/editorial-stefanik-has-adopted-a-pro-covid-agenda/article_0dd66576-e29c-59e7-85f1-c0797377591e.html
*miracle is a word I rarely use. Its general overuse has relegated it trite.
Elise Stefanik is likely to find the same privileged medical care as did trump and Abbott when they needed special Covid treatment.
Med journals are publishing Articles about Covid affecting abnormalities of placenta development in unvaccinated pregnant women.
Sadly.
100k per monoclonals. I don’t know if that price has come down or not since. Vs a free vaccine.
To be absolutely clear, the quote from Macbeth applies to Stefanik, et al., NOT Biden!
Oh, we know that Fab Daria. It’s so bloody exotic. Perfection.
My brother finally got vaccinated because his buddies required it for an annual get together. Stefanik will have to wear a mask in order to be in hospital. Selfish people.
Ted, in you rage and outrage you give us hope, as we mourn the loss of life at home and abroad. Please keep sharing your wisdom, knowledge and heartfelt sentiment with us.
Ted, thank you. Someone needs to tell the truth. The American Political System is fragile and major cultural fault lines have begun to appear. As I said up thread it is about to collapse. We are observing the tall snowy mountainside just before the avalanche.
If you care to go down this rabbit hole go here: https://media.awakeningtowholeness.net/newusa/
Thank you for vividly capturing our plight. Today's letter, your commentary, and the words of others here convey how far America has sunk. But Fern's posting of "Still I Rise" saved me, at least for now, from despair. With an assist from your line: "Let's listen to Nina Simone, end the filibuster, and get on with it."
Michael, I read widely and wonder about the schedule for your neck surgery as Portland has a large surge of covid. I would like to know how your doing. My experience as a caregiving for my husband spurs the concern. Please respond only if it suits you. Salud!
Thanks very much for your concern. Surgery is scheduled for Sept. 22. I had some pre-surgery tests this week at the hospital and was told that the Covid surge shouldn't cause a delay but to stay tuned. If the surgery is scheduled early in the day and there are no complications, I will likely avoid spending the night at the hospital. Must self-isolate at least a week before and get a Covid test a few days ahead of the operation.
A model from Oregon Health and Science University forecasts that statewide COVID-19 hospitalizations will peak on Sept. 6. Also, the availability of ICU and non-ICU beds stands at 8%.
You have me smiling and that's a good thing. I hope the number of infections come down, too. Thank you, Michael.
edit: you're for your.
Yes, Ted. The imminent threat Americans face is the terrorism of the Republicans, who deny science, suppress voting by minorities, foment hatred, and encourage militias to tear apart our democracy. We have our own IsisUS.
isis-R. Republisis.
You're so smart! Yes!
I’m average. I make up for it by reading a lot.
You made me laugh - I need that.
Peace. We cannot drown in grief and fury. You are brimming with support, knowledge and care.
Hello wonderful Fern. One of my faves by Maya Angelou, a heroine of mine for many years.
I apologize specifically to you today for my comments to agitators and trolls on the forum today. You have counseled me wisely on this in the past. However, I simply am out of touch with being courteous on this day of all days. I am not currently drowning in grief and fury. I am on the crest of a wave of fury and grief today and trust me, I know how to surf it to shore safely. And I am not alone. Suddenly, a line has been crossed for many courteous and responsible citizens in this state. Desantis and his ilk have gotten between the Mama Bear and her Cubs this week. I have been on phone and email all morning. How dare they. Going to meeting right now. A community effort has replaced the school district’s dashboard for Covid school reporting which has been amateurish and misleading. The cases are unbelievable. There is no telling anyone the depth of corruption and treason in the State of Florida. But, it suddenly overnight it became a cry of absolute resolve. And young gens so young or not alive on 9-11 are astounded that President Biden is being mocked and vilified for his empathy and strength. Sound the battle cry.
GREAT NEWS FOR FLORIDA'S CHILDREN AND PARENTS. Please read:
Fla. judge rules DeSantis administration cannot restrict school districts’ mask mandates
A Florida judge ruled Friday that Gov. Ron DeSantis’s administration overstepped its authority in restricting school districts from enacting mask mandates after parents sued officials amid a surge in coronavirus infections.
Judge John C. Cooper of Florida’s 2nd Circuit sided with parents from six Florida counties who challenged DeSantis (R) and state education officials in court this week, arguing that the governor’s order infringes on classroom safety guaranteed by the state’s constitution.
In a milestone decision in the heated debate about mask mandates in Florida, Cooper declared that the state cannot require districts to offer voluntary mandates over “the preservation of general welfare,” comparing the masking issue to the difference between the right to drink alcohol and the criminality of drunken driving.
“We don’t have a right to go into a crowded theater and yell fire because we decided it’s our right to do that,” he said
Got this during my meeting. Have kept my phone open to this forum. Thank you for sharing. GREAT news. We’ve already countered previous comments to local media. Pro mask parents and adults are really happy. A few in meeting broke down in tears.
I put on some music on my phone (Freedom by Jon Batiste) and we boogied a happy dance.
HOORAY!
I am so glad to see you. Maya arrived when I was feeling as you do. I had put together several different comments before posting, and I thought how dare I add to the darkness. That is when Maya and Langston Hughes came to me, and I went after them. Once their spirit, I felt better.
You are right, I winced when I saw you playing with the devil. Just remember they get points every time they're connected. Think as though you're feeding DeSantis, NO NO NO.
Christine, this life is not easy. Your positive spirit is very important. It is what we need most and need to share most. When we're low, we turn to those we love, our teachers, our bards -- the music that is in our hearts. Salud!
I grew up as the middle child in my fam of seven kids. Often as is the case with middle child or oldest girl(I was both) this one has natural role of peacemaker. And I was….most of the time. My five brothers were adorable rascal rowdy mischief makers and we were definitely an early gang ruling the neighborhood because we usually had the best snacks and best ideas for games. I was a peacemaker but not averse at all to knocking someone’s block off if they crossed the loyalty line or were mean to the underdog. My dad prob got more calls about me than my brothers. Anyway, I learned how to make peace and I learned how to fight. But I always was the first to tilt up my chin and toss my ponytail and admit who started something, why, and who threw the first punch. So there always are two egos within me and rarely does the fighter for justice get more stirred up than it did this morning.
Salud to comrades and great poets!
Now, I'll always see you with a ponytail and your chin up. Wonderful capsule of you youth, which still holds true.
You embody the values of Valarie Kaur of both loving and fighting, as the situation calls for, while holding both. "Tend the wound." 6 minute video. Her writing and podcasts sound much less airy-fairy.
"2019 NAIS People of Color Conference speaker Valarie Kaur, founder of the Revolutionary Love Project, talks about how educators can create communities of care and use love as a force for justice in the world."
https://youtu.be/P85WOHJprJw
I got into her stuff the last time you suggested her. She’s pretty fierce but with a sweeter countenance and delivery than mine. Quite feminine and deceptive. But I know she’d laugh her ass off at my antics because she’d understand from whence they came.
Thank you for all you do, Christine—responsible rage.
Thank you Ellie. Perfect description.
My thoughts exactly. Prioritizing not having to wear a mask over lives??? Unbelievable.
This brought tears, Ted. Thank you for your observations.