Beginning today's Letter with Ukraine and Putin's war against it and Democracy wherever it lives; then filling the center with the tug of war between Democracy here and the Republican Party; the struggles in Iran and China; returning to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with the rules-based international order still holding, and, finally, ba…
Beginning today's Letter with Ukraine and Putin's war against it and Democracy wherever it lives; then filling the center with the tug of war between Democracy here and the Republican Party; the struggles in Iran and China; returning to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with the rules-based international order still holding, and, finally, back to our country's continuing struggle to maintain and improve Democracy; the Letter had circled the wagons. There could not have been a better way for it to end 2022 than with Congressman John Lewis (D-GA), who almost died in his quest to protect the right to vote. He spoke directly to us when he wrote before passing: ‘Democracy is not a state. It is an act, and each generation must do its part.’
Amen.
Thank you, Heather Cox Richardson and LFAA subscribers, for your wisdom, fortitude, caring spirit, humor and friendship. Happy New Year!
Thank you, Fern, for being a lead supporter, comment-maker and amplifier.
I love the way this group rallies, elaborates, encourages!
This is the second thing I read each morning after the daily lesson from “A Course in Miracles.”
It all fits together.
Democracy is a miracle we must all guard and lift up. Reading LFAA each morning, sharing it, sharing and reading the comments, keeps us on task, connected, bolstered for the job ahead: to play our own part in protecting and preserving Democracy as voters, activists, vocal members of our own community.
We are blessed to belong and to be given this daily insight into the historical traumas that beg for correction -- amends and resources to the Native American people whose lands we stole, whose people we killed and enslaved, and the kidnapped and enslaved Africans on whose backs this country’s wealth was built.
I am grateful HCR won’t let us forget these facts; that she continues to illuminate them.
Let’s not forget the exploitation of the Chinese. The building of the western portion of the trans continental railroad would likely never have been completed without their labor. Chinese laborers were not just those already here but many were brought over directly from China to work on the project. They endured less pay, racial discrimination, performed more dangerous aspects of the project, and denied simple amenities such as meals and tents than their white counterparts. After the completion of the trans continental railroad their contribution was left unacknowledged in history even as late as 1969.
I am 88 years old. In my small country school I learned about the transcontinental railroad, including the Chinese workers and what they suffered. Our public schools teach less and less about who we are as a nation. As many texts come out of Texas, a few years ago I read that Jefferson’s name was to be dropped from texts. Founding Fathers were human beings, influenced by their times. They need to be studied to understand how we can use their wisdom and profit from their mistakes to improve the democracy they left us. What FL and TX want to eliminate from libraries is what is necessary if we are to continue to move forward.
To all who would care to join me, the organization for which I work, PACEs Connection (for positive and adverse childhood experiences) is deep into our second year of our Historical Trauma in America Series. George T — our webinars take the generational trauma of the US by region, and last year’s look at CA and the NW had a detailed account of that exploitation as well as others. We also go into Japanese internment, theft lands and disregard for culture and way of life for Hawaiians and peoples of Alaska and other regions and territories. Virginia Witmer, we try to right those blatant lies.
With gratitude for starting my morning with yours and Fern's comments. Also thanks to Heather for an excellent round up of the year, both good and bad. Once again the party of death shows its colors. An excellent 2023 to Heather and Buddy and all who share their wisdom and courage here with their posts.
Fern & Carey, I for one in this growing “classroom”, am grateful for your summations of Professor Heather Richardson’s daily doses of history past and history occurring. For me it shines a light on where we seem to be headed and gives a much needed boost in moral in the effort to protect and support our Democracy, our view of human rights- where it has faltered and why we protect it so fiercely. Wishing everyone good health and good cheer in 2023. We did make another trip around the sun.
Happy New Year, Fern! When you are able to summarize an amazing letter with such clarity, you illustrate how we (all of us this time) can make a difference. Count yourself in the "wisdom, fortitude, caring spirit, humor, and friendship" category. Brava!
Good tape linking causes for 'dangerous' counties in the South. Thank you Miselle. It's helpful to give readers a idea of the subject being addressed in a link. Wishing you a caring and healthy '23!
Thank you Fern McBride for your wisdom and for adding and expanding HCR’s daily knowledge and wisdom. You let us know every day, we’re in this world, this struggle and the beauty, together.
Irenie, I think that it was yesterday, when a subscriber thought you wrote a comment that I posted. Some folks may think we're twins. That's a good thing, isn't it Irenie!
Big smile, Fern. Yes, it’s absolutely a good thing. A compliment. As a good friend, tells me, we're sisters from another mother. What an amazing family. Happy New Year Sis’.
L’Chaim to my Sisters. What we share is forever and priceless. How to find kindred spirits is within the realm of miracles. And thank you, Heather Cox Richardson for making it so. You, too, are our sister. ☮️❤️
Yes, Fern, I agree. I would like to comment about John Lewis last two sentences: 'Democracy is not a state. It is an act, and each generation must do its part.' Last night, I found a channel on TV that is showing re-runs of The West Wing from years ago. In the episode last night, one character in the West Wing said to another character, "What do you call a leader who has no followers?" The other man didn't respond, but the first gave his answer, "A man walking." I think that ties in well with the final part of the Lewis quote about each generation must do its part.
Salud FERN & Community: "1930s` New Deal" ... "1960s` Great Society" ... I know there is much Citizen work to done in the years ahead but, I am looking for guiding points on the Horizon -------------- "2020s' ..." ?
Fern, your words and wisdom are always welcome and appreciated. Thanks for being such an integral part of the LFAA community. Best wishes for the New Year.
Beginning today's Letter with Ukraine and Putin's war against it and Democracy wherever it lives; then filling the center with the tug of war between Democracy here and the Republican Party; the struggles in Iran and China; returning to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with the rules-based international order still holding, and, finally, back to our country's continuing struggle to maintain and improve Democracy; the Letter had circled the wagons. There could not have been a better way for it to end 2022 than with Congressman John Lewis (D-GA), who almost died in his quest to protect the right to vote. He spoke directly to us when he wrote before passing: ‘Democracy is not a state. It is an act, and each generation must do its part.’
Amen.
Thank you, Heather Cox Richardson and LFAA subscribers, for your wisdom, fortitude, caring spirit, humor and friendship. Happy New Year!
Thank you, Fern, for being a lead supporter, comment-maker and amplifier.
I love the way this group rallies, elaborates, encourages!
This is the second thing I read each morning after the daily lesson from “A Course in Miracles.”
It all fits together.
Democracy is a miracle we must all guard and lift up. Reading LFAA each morning, sharing it, sharing and reading the comments, keeps us on task, connected, bolstered for the job ahead: to play our own part in protecting and preserving Democracy as voters, activists, vocal members of our own community.
We are blessed to belong and to be given this daily insight into the historical traumas that beg for correction -- amends and resources to the Native American people whose lands we stole, whose people we killed and enslaved, and the kidnapped and enslaved Africans on whose backs this country’s wealth was built.
I am grateful HCR won’t let us forget these facts; that she continues to illuminate them.
Peace and happy new year, friends in truth.
Let’s not forget the exploitation of the Chinese. The building of the western portion of the trans continental railroad would likely never have been completed without their labor. Chinese laborers were not just those already here but many were brought over directly from China to work on the project. They endured less pay, racial discrimination, performed more dangerous aspects of the project, and denied simple amenities such as meals and tents than their white counterparts. After the completion of the trans continental railroad their contribution was left unacknowledged in history even as late as 1969.
I am 88 years old. In my small country school I learned about the transcontinental railroad, including the Chinese workers and what they suffered. Our public schools teach less and less about who we are as a nation. As many texts come out of Texas, a few years ago I read that Jefferson’s name was to be dropped from texts. Founding Fathers were human beings, influenced by their times. They need to be studied to understand how we can use their wisdom and profit from their mistakes to improve the democracy they left us. What FL and TX want to eliminate from libraries is what is necessary if we are to continue to move forward.
Absolutely! Pardon my oversight.
To all who would care to join me, the organization for which I work, PACEs Connection (for positive and adverse childhood experiences) is deep into our second year of our Historical Trauma in America Series. George T — our webinars take the generational trauma of the US by region, and last year’s look at CA and the NW had a detailed account of that exploitation as well as others. We also go into Japanese internment, theft lands and disregard for culture and way of life for Hawaiians and peoples of Alaska and other regions and territories. Virginia Witmer, we try to right those blatant lies.
With gratitude for starting my morning with yours and Fern's comments. Also thanks to Heather for an excellent round up of the year, both good and bad. Once again the party of death shows its colors. An excellent 2023 to Heather and Buddy and all who share their wisdom and courage here with their posts.
Carey, Your message rings with our mission and good spirit. Thank you for this music-like harmony of love and responsibility.
Fern & Carey, I for one in this growing “classroom”, am grateful for your summations of Professor Heather Richardson’s daily doses of history past and history occurring. For me it shines a light on where we seem to be headed and gives a much needed boost in moral in the effort to protect and support our Democracy, our view of human rights- where it has faltered and why we protect it so fiercely. Wishing everyone good health and good cheer in 2023. We did make another trip around the sun.
We Did! Thank You Pat!
Happy New Year, Fern! When you are able to summarize an amazing letter with such clarity, you illustrate how we (all of us this time) can make a difference. Count yourself in the "wisdom, fortitude, caring spirit, humor, and friendship" category. Brava!
You get only love from me, Ally.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNekAAwhfQA
Ally, thought you might enjoy this latest from "Beau of the Fifth column"
I had to search in the letters to find a link for you, so this isn't applicable to yours or Fern's comments, just fyi.
This is great, thank you!
Good tape linking causes for 'dangerous' counties in the South. Thank you Miselle. It's helpful to give readers a idea of the subject being addressed in a link. Wishing you a caring and healthy '23!
Great summary of a great summary. 2022 was quite a roller-coaster ride - happy new year!
Thank you, Mitchell. Your New Year's greeting prompted a happy smile, right back at you!
Fern, your words eloquently spoke what was in my heart to comment. Thank you for putting them together so much better than I could.
And thank you professor for your continuing gifts this year of hope mixed with sobering reality.
Happy New Year!
Yes, you could and have, Carol Guenther 💓.
Thank you Fern McBride for your wisdom and for adding and expanding HCR’s daily knowledge and wisdom. You let us know every day, we’re in this world, this struggle and the beauty, together.
Irenie, I think that it was yesterday, when a subscriber thought you wrote a comment that I posted. Some folks may think we're twins. That's a good thing, isn't it Irenie!
Big smile, Fern. Yes, it’s absolutely a good thing. A compliment. As a good friend, tells me, we're sisters from another mother. What an amazing family. Happy New Year Sis’.
My two best informed sisters, along with Lynell! L’ Chaim in bringing in the New Year! May we experience peace and joy. ☮️🎊🥰
L’Chaim to my Sisters. What we share is forever and priceless. How to find kindred spirits is within the realm of miracles. And thank you, Heather Cox Richardson for making it so. You, too, are our sister. ☮️❤️
Shalom Aleichem, Sis Marlene.
Yes, Fern, I agree. I would like to comment about John Lewis last two sentences: 'Democracy is not a state. It is an act, and each generation must do its part.' Last night, I found a channel on TV that is showing re-runs of The West Wing from years ago. In the episode last night, one character in the West Wing said to another character, "What do you call a leader who has no followers?" The other man didn't respond, but the first gave his answer, "A man walking." I think that ties in well with the final part of the Lewis quote about each generation must do its part.
Salud FERN & Community: "1930s` New Deal" ... "1960s` Great Society" ... I know there is much Citizen work to done in the years ahead but, I am looking for guiding points on the Horizon -------------- "2020s' ..." ?
2023...Will not be easy, but WE the PEOPLE will KEEP it FREE.
FERN, I have used your phrase already in 2023, ""WE the PEOPLE will KEEP it FREE."
All of Us This Time!!
YES!!!
Like your edit MaryPat.🕯
Fern, your words and wisdom are always welcome and appreciated. Thanks for being such an integral part of the LFAA community. Best wishes for the New Year.
Oh, Mim, your message is dear. Wishing you a healthy '23, rich in discovery and love.
Thank you, Fern for your comments!
Thank you for your comments, replies, support and warmth, Sharon.
And Thank You Fern!!