Hi folks: Four nights of the Republican National Convention combined with prepping for the start of next week’s classes have just about done me in. I actually want to write about the question of who gets to commit violence in our society, but if I start now it’ll be another 4:00 morning, and I just can’t do it.
So, Trump Campaign 2020 Slogan is Keep America Great. It’s on hats, t-shirts, flags, posters, buttons ... even on Republicans lips ... but it seems the Trump Campaign neglected to acquire the KeepAmericaGreat.com domain so ... the Biden Campaign bought it.
Yes, they did. So, please enjoy a visit to the www.KeepAmericaGreat.com domain and learn about all Donald Trump’s Broken promises.
That is going to make Trump absolutely crazy and as Rachel Maddow says ... Best Thing in the World Today.
I absolutely love it. Every time I see one of those hats I will encourage them to visit this website. I am considering getting business cards with this website on it and handing them out to people I see in these hats.
If you wrote only TWO newsletters a week, you would still be a shoo-in for the Nobel Peace Prize, okay? Please rest – you're a precious resource, Heather.
After sharing HCR’s post each day, I scroll through FB to see what people are saying. I noticed today how many posts (understandably) are written in opposition to the current President and his Administration. There’s satisfaction in venting about the daily, even hourly outrages, but it occurs to me that doing so only enlarges Trump’s image in people’s psyches. In focusing on the terrible, we fail to promote the good; when we rage against Trump’s name and actions, we neglect to advocate what and who — democracy, the rule of law (as opposed to militia-led “law and order”), recognition of our shared humanity, etc. — we are for. For the common good to be served, it’s important to focus on the common good, and right now to elevate the conversation and promote the best alternative to the fear-mongerers.
As a fellow human doing a lot of 4am mornings these past 6 months I hereby give you total blanket permission to not work til 4am tonight or any night in the future, and total immunity from any repercussions of not staying up that late.
Eagerly await your reflections on committing violence. Good for taking off this evening. Good luck with the return to teaching, in whatever mode BC is using. Your students are some of the luckiest people on the earth!!! The country seems to be at a breaking point/turning point as more and more uncalled for violence is rained daily on Black Americans going about their lives. (I had the privilege of hearing Cory Booker at a private event two days ago---so inspiring in speaking in what we need to do as people and country [truth; love; care for the other;......] but he also spoke about "the talk" that all Black parents have with their children and the fear---especially driving. He's been stopped, etc etc etc.) A lasting comment from him: As we look at the election, don't stir around trying to solve some "big problem"; tackle something practical that you can DO (write letters; support Stacy Abrams voter project; etc.) Every bit, no matter how small, counts. It nudged (actually shoved me) to get involved. I'm voicing fear about the election, dirty tricks, etc but just talking---what I need to do is just DO something that takes action. Off the couch/out of the office chair. Onward ------
You don’t have to apologize for taking care of yourself, or taking a break. Thanks for tuning into the RNC so we didn’t have to! Now, please get the rest you need.
Rest assured, we all have to take time off. I do hope you get a good nights rest for you have certainly earned it.
I have to share, when you mention who gets to commit violence in our society, it got me to thinking. My first though was well, to protect yourself should allow you to commit violence. But then it is an act in response to yet an initial act of violence. Well what started that first act of violence that you wanted to protect yourself from? Perhaps it started from someone who wanted something that wasn’t theirs? Your land, spouse, children? So they started violence because of the need to be in control or power?
My second thought was committing violence to stop others for doing something you deem is wrong, like acts of cruelty to another human or other form of life. So again, violence seems to be in response to violence. And once again, the initial act seems to be a reflection of someone wanting power or control.
So, do we conclude that it is ok to commit an act of violence to stop those who want power and control?
Is it possible that the need for power and control is the reason for violence in the first place? Maybe we need to figure out how to eradicate that desire for power. Then there would never be the question of who gets to commit violence in our society.
Your question about who gets to commit violence is central to the paradox of democracy. And perfect examples of that paradox that are mere days old.
I have been on a multi-day road trip and as we were traversing Ohio I saw a small sign next to the highway (like you see when a non-profit cleans up the road) from the “Socialist gun owners of America.” That started me thinking about the different treatment of Tamir Rice, the 12 year old African American boy playing with a toy gun compared to the treatment Given by Kenosha police to the 17 year old white supremacist who may have shot and killed people. A case study on “minors with guns — real and fake” could be very interesting.
Best Thing Ever.
So, Trump Campaign 2020 Slogan is Keep America Great. It’s on hats, t-shirts, flags, posters, buttons ... even on Republicans lips ... but it seems the Trump Campaign neglected to acquire the KeepAmericaGreat.com domain so ... the Biden Campaign bought it.
Yes, they did. So, please enjoy a visit to the www.KeepAmericaGreat.com domain and learn about all Donald Trump’s Broken promises.
That is going to make Trump absolutely crazy and as Rachel Maddow says ... Best Thing in the World Today.
I absolutely love it. Every time I see one of those hats I will encourage them to visit this website. I am considering getting business cards with this website on it and handing them out to people I see in these hats.
Please check out the site.
Pass this along to all who will appreciate it.
www.KeepAmericaGreat.com
Sleep and feel all the thousands of virtual hugs surrounding you with thanks, appreciation and love
Sleep well. We all appreciate what you are doing - it’s a bright spot of truth and decency in a pretty dark time in this country. God Bless.
If you wrote only TWO newsletters a week, you would still be a shoo-in for the Nobel Peace Prize, okay? Please rest – you're a precious resource, Heather.
After sharing HCR’s post each day, I scroll through FB to see what people are saying. I noticed today how many posts (understandably) are written in opposition to the current President and his Administration. There’s satisfaction in venting about the daily, even hourly outrages, but it occurs to me that doing so only enlarges Trump’s image in people’s psyches. In focusing on the terrible, we fail to promote the good; when we rage against Trump’s name and actions, we neglect to advocate what and who — democracy, the rule of law (as opposed to militia-led “law and order”), recognition of our shared humanity, etc. — we are for. For the common good to be served, it’s important to focus on the common good, and right now to elevate the conversation and promote the best alternative to the fear-mongerers.
I don’t know how you sustain this...
As a fellow human doing a lot of 4am mornings these past 6 months I hereby give you total blanket permission to not work til 4am tonight or any night in the future, and total immunity from any repercussions of not staying up that late.
Eagerly await your reflections on committing violence. Good for taking off this evening. Good luck with the return to teaching, in whatever mode BC is using. Your students are some of the luckiest people on the earth!!! The country seems to be at a breaking point/turning point as more and more uncalled for violence is rained daily on Black Americans going about their lives. (I had the privilege of hearing Cory Booker at a private event two days ago---so inspiring in speaking in what we need to do as people and country [truth; love; care for the other;......] but he also spoke about "the talk" that all Black parents have with their children and the fear---especially driving. He's been stopped, etc etc etc.) A lasting comment from him: As we look at the election, don't stir around trying to solve some "big problem"; tackle something practical that you can DO (write letters; support Stacy Abrams voter project; etc.) Every bit, no matter how small, counts. It nudged (actually shoved me) to get involved. I'm voicing fear about the election, dirty tricks, etc but just talking---what I need to do is just DO something that takes action. Off the couch/out of the office chair. Onward ------
The quality of your work is stellar. Please take all the rest you need, it is well deserved.
You don’t have to apologize for taking care of yourself, or taking a break. Thanks for tuning into the RNC so we didn’t have to! Now, please get the rest you need.
Rest assured, we all have to take time off. I do hope you get a good nights rest for you have certainly earned it.
I have to share, when you mention who gets to commit violence in our society, it got me to thinking. My first though was well, to protect yourself should allow you to commit violence. But then it is an act in response to yet an initial act of violence. Well what started that first act of violence that you wanted to protect yourself from? Perhaps it started from someone who wanted something that wasn’t theirs? Your land, spouse, children? So they started violence because of the need to be in control or power?
My second thought was committing violence to stop others for doing something you deem is wrong, like acts of cruelty to another human or other form of life. So again, violence seems to be in response to violence. And once again, the initial act seems to be a reflection of someone wanting power or control.
So, do we conclude that it is ok to commit an act of violence to stop those who want power and control?
Is it possible that the need for power and control is the reason for violence in the first place? Maybe we need to figure out how to eradicate that desire for power. Then there would never be the question of who gets to commit violence in our society.
Thanks for reading my wondering thoughts.
Whatever keeps you healthiest and happiest. We are so privileged to have you as a teacher!
Your excellent writing is part of my daily ritual, just like watering my crops.
She who sleeps and dreams away, awakes to write another day...😴💗
Your question about who gets to commit violence is central to the paradox of democracy. And perfect examples of that paradox that are mere days old.
I have been on a multi-day road trip and as we were traversing Ohio I saw a small sign next to the highway (like you see when a non-profit cleans up the road) from the “Socialist gun owners of America.” That started me thinking about the different treatment of Tamir Rice, the 12 year old African American boy playing with a toy gun compared to the treatment Given by Kenosha police to the 17 year old white supremacist who may have shot and killed people. A case study on “minors with guns — real and fake” could be very interesting.
I second the emotion. We are so lucky to have you in our lives. Sleep deep. Sleep well.