A quiet day today, and a quiet night tonight. Would love to predict a quiet week ahead, too, but that seems to me unlikely. Still, let’s take our calm when we can get it. I’ll see you tomorrow.
Deepest gratitude for your fortitude and carrying on in the face of incredible events. Love and blessings to you and yours. And to all the LFAA folks! Yall give me hope and stamina!
Richard Pryor's remarks are poignant and honest. He also manages to be appropriately funny, as in the beginning when he talks about his reaction to being invited to give the talk. I may paraphrase a bit, but he asks, "Why me? ... I'm not the most eloquent person... But I try to be a good person. I try to do my best when I'm trying to do my worst." The rest is truly beautiful. Thanks, Fern.
Thank you, Fern, for the links to these moving and inspirational videos. I was particularly touched by Richard Pryor’s speech: his big heart, genuine humanity and humility, and his respect and appreciation for Civil Rights activists brought tears to my eyes.
Thank you, Fern, for sharing this video on this day, to hear Reverend MLK Jr. explain the practical and moral reasons and value of non-violence in the struggle of Black people for Freedom and Justice. To hear his voice in an extended and rational explanation of non-violence is indeed rare and helpful for the public to understand his strategies and his actions. He and Gandhi were brilliant both in strategy and in deep moral character, both more threatening than weapons and violence. And nonviolence was effective in that it attracted support and activism from the public, Black and White. I’m ever grateful on this day to hear and see Martin Luther King Jr. Indeed a true hero and amazing human being. His courage and strength and intelligence in leading a nonviolent effort more threatening to white supremacy than violence and lethal weapons. His murder was a tragedy on so many levels. We have no Time Machine but nonviolence may have been slow but it was working. That was the threat. Assassination is the tool used against the slow March for Truth and Justice.
Thank you, Fern, for this contribution to the discussion. I watched both videos; we can only imagine how things might have been different if Dr. King had not been assassinated in 1968!
May his soul be at rest.
As others have remarked, Richard Pryor's speech shows how wise he was. He was the best kind of comedian, one who allows us to see ourselves in the light, to see how we look to others and to appreciate where our strengths, and, in particular, our weaknesses lie. May his soul be at rest.
Dear Fern, I watched and listened to the 1967 nbc interview with Doctor King, and was deeply overcome with emotions of joy and wonder....not ecstatic, but so moved to hear the truth told by this wonderful man. THE TRUTH. about the status and being of the scene of racism in his time and ours. (I'm 83, and it was my time, too, but because of the terrible place our country is in, it is still true and so unacknowledged by so many. And I probably wouldn't have discerned it so thoroughly then, as I do now. I am extremely grateful for your. posting of it, and I will send it to as many of my family and friends as I can. You do give us so much with your deep resources and deep thoughts. Thank you immensely ! When I recover a bit more from my reaction, I will watch the Richard Pryor session!
Anna, We keep at it; treasure those that came before, that are held back now and each other. Head up Anna that is the way to move forward. Please accept an sisterly hug.
Thank you, Fern. I was 2 yrs old when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated so my memories are more the kitchen table discussions between my parents and then my secondary school and university years and the move to recognize MLK day. Listening to the speeches and this interview shines the light on how much there is still to do, in those three critical topics.
Thank you, Fern, for the Richard Pryor link. Powerful in its Truth. He manages to entertain his audience with the Truth and a most appropriate brand of humor that captures history and the present, while acknowledging the tragedy and reality of all those who are victims of American Racism. American Racism. That is one of his most important statements. On another note, James Baldwin and many other artists, moved to Europe for many years to escape the American brand of racism and hate. Considering how Black people could fight and die in wars for American freedom and not live free, is another shame on America. Another story that must be told. https://www.discoursemagazine.com/culture-and-society/2021/08/02/what-james-baldwin-can-teach-us-about-the-problem-of-race-in-america-today/amp/
"The Last Word" carried part of Pryor's remarks last night. It still seems incredible that Dr. King was only 39 years old when he was assassinated. Here in west Michigan, the far-right crazies on our county commission have appropriated King's words about "not judging on the color of skin but the content of character" to justify doing away with our county DEI office.
"Crapola" is one of my favorite words! But I suspect the "Santos Story" will be an historic marker. Russian placement of a low level crook and ponzi schemer within our National Government. And the Republicans don't see the problem...
But the rest of us do.
It will be another nail in the coffin of a dead and rotting institution.
Bill “Crapola” as well as “Bullshitsy’ are in my Republican thesaurus. There is a septic tank company in St. John (USVI) that has a slogan that could be the Republican motto: WE’RE #1 IN #2.
You're story and punchline are too good, Keith. It sounds like a perfect rendition of your mature toilet humor. Do you have any of the ones you came up with in adolescence?
You, Joyce White Vance and Dan Rather - “Steady On” are keeping my family informed, educated and you each offer an important perspective. We need you. Thank you. Rest and free your minds whenever you can!
It’s a rainy day here on the coast of Oregon. A Good day to knit and remember those ugly days of Selma and Birmingham. Hard memories but necessary to refocus on moving forward. No matter that there 10 year olds on one side of the Congressional chamber at the moment.
I spent MLK Day writing postcards for the election of Jennifer McClellan to be U.S. House Representative for Virginia's 4th District. Election day is February 21, 2023. I have been following her since she ran for Governor of our state. She lost the primary, so returned to her duties as State Senator. Going forward, I think she will make a great Congresswoman. Go, Jenn!
Thanks HCR--yes, a bit of quiet would be wonderful. For the amusement (?) of this group, a bit of Missouri nonsense that the NY Times picked up yesterday. The (white, male) Ghastly Oligarch Party majority in the Missouri legislature, late last week, voted a new DRESS CODE for members of the legislature. But not all of them. Only the vaginas in the room. Who are now required to COVER THEIR ARMS with additional clothing: a jacket or (reluctantly apparently because it was an amendment to the new regulation that had to be voted on) a cardigan. The clothing requirements for men have not changed. It appears that the right wingnut males of the MO legislature are too distracted by the appearance of female biceps in their midst to do their jobs. https://www.kcur.org/politics-elections-and-government/2023-01-13/the-missouri-house-tightens-its-dress-code-for-women-to-the-dismay-of-democrats
Were these the same guys who went ape-sh** over the idea that they should not be infection vectors for Covid 3 years ago and should instead wear masks to protect themselves and everyone else? Yep. Are these the same legislators who are currently ignoring the fact that MO is dead last in salary levels for teachers, almost dead last when it comes to maternal mortality, almost dead last in addressing the massive numbers of people dying from opioid addiction and the lacing of drugs with fentanyl? You bet. But by golly: women, keep your arms covered! Oh, and preferably wear high heels.
I haven’t seen anything about the response of the women there who were affected by that Taliban decision. Is it a done deal or were the men challenged?
Lengthy article on the dire nature of China's reduced population (year on year). But, I would like to add: Ten thousand years ago humans took up farming on a community scale. The adoption of farming, instead of hunting and gathering, resulted in two autocatalytic impacts:
1. Ever larger human population density.
2. Ever larger deforestation and species decline to support the ever larger human population.
Farming has resulted in the following doom loop cycle: Rising population has resulted in the need for more farming. Ever more farming results in ever more deforestation and species decline. Repeat.
The net outcome of the above farming/population doom loop is massive fossil fuel burn into the atmosphere, massive deforestation and climate change.
The only real way out of the farming/human population doom/extinction loop is? Dramatically reduce human based farming/deforestation and human population.
I grew up on an East Texas farm and while I lived in that area watched logging companies denude the old growth forest that then existed in that area and hand it over to farmers. I did not like it then but did not understand.
Now I do. If you look at google earth you will see the disaster that farming has caused in the formerly forested areas of the USA and the world.
IF we do not take on human population reduction, then, we will extinct ourselves through climate change brought on by the human population/farming doom loop.
Because, it is not true that "Renewables" are going to save us and, anyway, nobody is making a change to renewables except a few people with money to spare to buy a Tesla. We MUST reduce population and it looks like China is leading the way.
I bought, in 2014, a 75 acre farm in NY. I am working mightily to reforest it. Yes, I plow a bit of it. But, I will not cut one tree to expand.
Stop farming expansion now. Stop population growth NOW.
I would think that a healthy, restorative human population target would be around 250 million at most. That is still one heck of a lot of people and....
Massively larger than the Caribou population in Canada now which, no lie, numbers around 250,000 total.
Good grief, I thought I was never going to get through. Kept asking me for a password, then teling me it had sent me a link. Anyway, here I am looking at glacial calm and peace. We've got about 40° outside.
We are extraordinarily fortunate to have Heather as our helms person as our ship of state sails its turbulent course.
The lovely photo reminds me of the lull before the storm or the strange quiet in the eye of a hurricane.
Let’s enjoy it, before the next chaotic storm.
I recall experiencing this sequence as a youth on a schooner in Maine. We made landfall after a harrowing trip around the Cape. With lobsters boiling in the galley, we would make the boat ship shape in the tranquility of Bar Harbor.
Within days we would again be embroiled in fog, high winds, and water echoing off rocks seemingly from 360 degrees. Eventually, with my father’s assured handling, the storm would subside and again we enjoyed silent tranquility.
Fern Being in the boat cockpit with 40 foot waves and hoping that the seas anchor held brought me as close to god as I remember. Then the sea subsided, the winds lessened, and the sun shone. I then left god until another crisis. Between god and Heather, I find greater comfort in the latter.
Deepest gratitude for your fortitude and carrying on in the face of incredible events. Love and blessings to you and yours. And to all the LFAA folks! Yall give me hope and stamina!
Yes! It is helpful and hopeful to have this group!
Back at you!
🐼❤️
I second this comment. Just beginning my am and enjoying the serene photo.
Thank you Heather for a week of telling Letters and for this lovely winter photo.
There is more to learn from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr; more to understand, more to share, more to give
NBC's Rarely Seen 1967 Interview With Dr. Martin Luther King …
https://www.primetimer.com/watch/the-rarely-seen-1967-nbc-news-interview-of-dr-martin-luther-king-jr
Richard Pryor remarks on Martin Luther King birthday at USDA Jan. 14, 1983 -- FULL REMARKS VIDEO
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpukvO4iwQ8
🕯️🕯️🕯️
Fern
Richard Pryor's remarks are poignant and honest. He also manages to be appropriately funny, as in the beginning when he talks about his reaction to being invited to give the talk. I may paraphrase a bit, but he asks, "Why me? ... I'm not the most eloquent person... But I try to be a good person. I try to do my best when I'm trying to do my worst." The rest is truly beautiful. Thanks, Fern.
I felt a beautiful sadness and humble nobility in Richard Pryor.
I felt the same sadness...and I felt the loss again of Richard Pryor and so many others. Thank you for sharing that link.
Yes, that's what it felt like. Thanks Fern.
Thank you, Fern, for the links to these moving and inspirational videos. I was particularly touched by Richard Pryor’s speech: his big heart, genuine humanity and humility, and his respect and appreciation for Civil Rights activists brought tears to my eyes.
Thank you, Fern, for sharing this video on this day, to hear Reverend MLK Jr. explain the practical and moral reasons and value of non-violence in the struggle of Black people for Freedom and Justice. To hear his voice in an extended and rational explanation of non-violence is indeed rare and helpful for the public to understand his strategies and his actions. He and Gandhi were brilliant both in strategy and in deep moral character, both more threatening than weapons and violence. And nonviolence was effective in that it attracted support and activism from the public, Black and White. I’m ever grateful on this day to hear and see Martin Luther King Jr. Indeed a true hero and amazing human being. His courage and strength and intelligence in leading a nonviolent effort more threatening to white supremacy than violence and lethal weapons. His murder was a tragedy on so many levels. We have no Time Machine but nonviolence may have been slow but it was working. That was the threat. Assassination is the tool used against the slow March for Truth and Justice.
Fern, how you found Richard Pryor's remarks from1983 is amazing! I was struck by his speech, and his own humanity as he spoke.
So, too, Dr. King's interview. I particularly liked his counter to the "bootstraps" narrative.
Well done, Fern!
Hello, friend, Lynell. Let's keep MLK in our minds and hearts all year round
It's a deal, Fern!
We're on channel MLK., now. Good going, thank you, Lynell.
Smiley Face!
Thank you Fern for posting this interview. He was an eloquent man that will never be replaced nor forgotten.
Thank you, Fern, for this contribution to the discussion. I watched both videos; we can only imagine how things might have been different if Dr. King had not been assassinated in 1968!
May his soul be at rest.
As others have remarked, Richard Pryor's speech shows how wise he was. He was the best kind of comedian, one who allows us to see ourselves in the light, to see how we look to others and to appreciate where our strengths, and, in particular, our weaknesses lie. May his soul be at rest.
Michael, George Carlin also fits this description. Love his take on pro-life people.
Dear Fern, I watched and listened to the 1967 nbc interview with Doctor King, and was deeply overcome with emotions of joy and wonder....not ecstatic, but so moved to hear the truth told by this wonderful man. THE TRUTH. about the status and being of the scene of racism in his time and ours. (I'm 83, and it was my time, too, but because of the terrible place our country is in, it is still true and so unacknowledged by so many. And I probably wouldn't have discerned it so thoroughly then, as I do now. I am extremely grateful for your. posting of it, and I will send it to as many of my family and friends as I can. You do give us so much with your deep resources and deep thoughts. Thank you immensely ! When I recover a bit more from my reaction, I will watch the Richard Pryor session!
Anna, We keep at it; treasure those that came before, that are held back now and each other. Head up Anna that is the way to move forward. Please accept an sisterly hug.
Good advice, and hug back to you! Do you know who the interviewer was, and what news outlet published it? I would very much like to know.
Anna, The interview with Dr. King for which I provided a link was broadcast on NBC and Sander Vanocur was the interviewer.
Thank you, Fern. I was 2 yrs old when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated so my memories are more the kitchen table discussions between my parents and then my secondary school and university years and the move to recognize MLK day. Listening to the speeches and this interview shines the light on how much there is still to do, in those three critical topics.
I saw a portion of it on "The Last Word" - Pryor's comments made my eyes water and the entire show was inspiring.
Glad, Fern, to have seen the Richard Prryor speech. Never would have seen it otherwise. Heartfelt. Many thanks.
Thank you, Sandra VO. I feel as you do.
Thank you, Fern, for the Richard Pryor link. Powerful in its Truth. He manages to entertain his audience with the Truth and a most appropriate brand of humor that captures history and the present, while acknowledging the tragedy and reality of all those who are victims of American Racism. American Racism. That is one of his most important statements. On another note, James Baldwin and many other artists, moved to Europe for many years to escape the American brand of racism and hate. Considering how Black people could fight and die in wars for American freedom and not live free, is another shame on America. Another story that must be told. https://www.discoursemagazine.com/culture-and-society/2021/08/02/what-james-baldwin-can-teach-us-about-the-problem-of-race-in-america-today/amp/
Terrific article, Irenie. Thanks for posting!
Thank you, Fern.
Thank you, Mary Hardt, for your thoughts, caring, sharing and work on behalf of democracy for all; Salud.
Fern, this means a lot coming from someone that I admire as much as I do you.
Mary, you deserve deep respect. Nothing more to say.
"The Last Word" carried part of Pryor's remarks last night. It still seems incredible that Dr. King was only 39 years old when he was assassinated. Here in west Michigan, the far-right crazies on our county commission have appropriated King's words about "not judging on the color of skin but the content of character" to justify doing away with our county DEI office.
😣
Diversity Equity Inclusion, I see, Ann.
Thank You Fern.
Thanks for sharing this video. Richard Pryor’s speech was eloquent and spoken from the heart..
Thank you, Fern
"Let's take our calm when we can get it." Words to live by. Or maybe that's what I'll proclaim when I feel a siesta coming on.
Love the photo.
Martin Luther King,Jr. a man with Vision and great Courage, who believed in Today and Tomorrow.
“The one who plants trees, knowing that he will never sit in their shade, has at least started to understand the meaning of life.”
- Rabindranath Tagore 🌳
“Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.” Martin Luther King, Jr.
Thank you, Professor Richardson, for helping us understand and focus on History and its meaning for Today and Tomorrow.
.
.
The calm before the Santos crapola and others.
Not news. Just another pathetic GOP liar!!!!!!!!!
These folks might as well just say it: "I am a liar and a cheat. Vote for me!"
"Crapola" is one of my favorite words! But I suspect the "Santos Story" will be an historic marker. Russian placement of a low level crook and ponzi schemer within our National Government. And the Republicans don't see the problem...
But the rest of us do.
It will be another nail in the coffin of a dead and rotting institution.
Bill “Crapola” as well as “Bullshitsy’ are in my Republican thesaurus. There is a septic tank company in St. John (USVI) that has a slogan that could be the Republican motto: WE’RE #1 IN #2.
You're story and punchline are too good, Keith. It sounds like a perfect rendition of your mature toilet humor. Do you have any of the ones you came up with in adolescence?
Fern Your comment makes me flush.
Is that good or bad?
That depends on the state of his, er, (...)
The French have a word for it: "Bof !" with a slight shrug of the shoulders.
Lovely picture!
You, Joyce White Vance and Dan Rather - “Steady On” are keeping my family informed, educated and you each offer an important perspective. We need you. Thank you. Rest and free your minds whenever you can!
It was Dan Rather I turned to, the week the world turned upside down. He wrote, "This is not normal, folks."
Yeah, Heather, sometimes one just needs to take the bliss wherever you can find it. thank you for sharing your newsletter.
It’s a rainy day here on the coast of Oregon. A Good day to knit and remember those ugly days of Selma and Birmingham. Hard memories but necessary to refocus on moving forward. No matter that there 10 year olds on one side of the Congressional chamber at the moment.
Too bad they haven't got a Pelosi to bring them to order.
Fabulous, thank you, Heather!
I spent MLK Day writing postcards for the election of Jennifer McClellan to be U.S. House Representative for Virginia's 4th District. Election day is February 21, 2023. I have been following her since she ran for Governor of our state. She lost the primary, so returned to her duties as State Senator. Going forward, I think she will make a great Congresswoman. Go, Jenn!
https://jennifermcclellan.com/about/
Thanks HCR--yes, a bit of quiet would be wonderful. For the amusement (?) of this group, a bit of Missouri nonsense that the NY Times picked up yesterday. The (white, male) Ghastly Oligarch Party majority in the Missouri legislature, late last week, voted a new DRESS CODE for members of the legislature. But not all of them. Only the vaginas in the room. Who are now required to COVER THEIR ARMS with additional clothing: a jacket or (reluctantly apparently because it was an amendment to the new regulation that had to be voted on) a cardigan. The clothing requirements for men have not changed. It appears that the right wingnut males of the MO legislature are too distracted by the appearance of female biceps in their midst to do their jobs. https://www.kcur.org/politics-elections-and-government/2023-01-13/the-missouri-house-tightens-its-dress-code-for-women-to-the-dismay-of-democrats
Were these the same guys who went ape-sh** over the idea that they should not be infection vectors for Covid 3 years ago and should instead wear masks to protect themselves and everyone else? Yep. Are these the same legislators who are currently ignoring the fact that MO is dead last in salary levels for teachers, almost dead last when it comes to maternal mortality, almost dead last in addressing the massive numbers of people dying from opioid addiction and the lacing of drugs with fentanyl? You bet. But by golly: women, keep your arms covered! Oh, and preferably wear high heels.
Good morning Linda. I had heard about this the other day and honestly thought it was satire. I had looked on the Borowitz Report and The Onion for it.
Absolutely insane, yet throughly expected from this traveling clown show.
I can't wait to see their next installment of the Bullshit Show.
Indeed, Linda--the cliche “You can’t make this stuff up” is nearly a daily feature of Jeff City shenanigans 🤬.
I haven’t seen anything about the response of the women there who were affected by that Taliban decision. Is it a done deal or were the men challenged?
"https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/16/business/china-birth-rate.html?unlocked_article_code=zXKJJl21lDXH0IPDnJMrcXcuQOscAB3kBdYhxvwaFL0rSHYU7QJ0bbezdlTtsoIkIb75Y5K46jw2RJlXUYFZ37CqTENHPjPXsX951XnwiJRDkRXAOefh4xuQDHdGRK1Ms_K3qMJ4R959lXQpo40TsNgsqBFD_51Pa3LfRWg2-AwYKd4Ifa4_4KwA_zvkZmLIl5_XylLyE2e_jv7gKO5ntcFINzc2FaUvA9FDu1befId-tsJRAgq60jSSQsAK23Z2apBNoE2au9OmzS7gcYWDqEioj7vNcncxUPhLq4GnJhcKF6N51BRNTxRUmcKSU6-RdwYZQMsUIAq3ps4&smid=share-url"
Lengthy article on the dire nature of China's reduced population (year on year). But, I would like to add: Ten thousand years ago humans took up farming on a community scale. The adoption of farming, instead of hunting and gathering, resulted in two autocatalytic impacts:
1. Ever larger human population density.
2. Ever larger deforestation and species decline to support the ever larger human population.
Farming has resulted in the following doom loop cycle: Rising population has resulted in the need for more farming. Ever more farming results in ever more deforestation and species decline. Repeat.
The net outcome of the above farming/population doom loop is massive fossil fuel burn into the atmosphere, massive deforestation and climate change.
The only real way out of the farming/human population doom/extinction loop is? Dramatically reduce human based farming/deforestation and human population.
I grew up on an East Texas farm and while I lived in that area watched logging companies denude the old growth forest that then existed in that area and hand it over to farmers. I did not like it then but did not understand.
Now I do. If you look at google earth you will see the disaster that farming has caused in the formerly forested areas of the USA and the world.
IF we do not take on human population reduction, then, we will extinct ourselves through climate change brought on by the human population/farming doom loop.
Because, it is not true that "Renewables" are going to save us and, anyway, nobody is making a change to renewables except a few people with money to spare to buy a Tesla. We MUST reduce population and it looks like China is leading the way.
I bought, in 2014, a 75 acre farm in NY. I am working mightily to reforest it. Yes, I plow a bit of it. But, I will not cut one tree to expand.
Stop farming expansion now. Stop population growth NOW.
Or else.
Sorry guys. We gotta wake up on the off days too.
Truer words were never spoken. An intelligent species would have limited its size long ago. Maybe at a billion? Less?
Bill,
I would think that a healthy, restorative human population target would be around 250 million at most. That is still one heck of a lot of people and....
Massively larger than the Caribou population in Canada now which, no lie, numbers around 250,000 total.
Good number. It might happen for the most brutal and desperate reasons.
Good grief, I thought I was never going to get through. Kept asking me for a password, then teling me it had sent me a link. Anyway, here I am looking at glacial calm and peace. We've got about 40° outside.
That happens to me every now and then. No rhyme or reason that I can figure out.
In Tucson our river is raging, but that is calming because we get out of the way and things will grow.
Thank you, always, for the calm engagement you inspire
We are extraordinarily fortunate to have Heather as our helms person as our ship of state sails its turbulent course.
The lovely photo reminds me of the lull before the storm or the strange quiet in the eye of a hurricane.
Let’s enjoy it, before the next chaotic storm.
I recall experiencing this sequence as a youth on a schooner in Maine. We made landfall after a harrowing trip around the Cape. With lobsters boiling in the galley, we would make the boat ship shape in the tranquility of Bar Harbor.
Within days we would again be embroiled in fog, high winds, and water echoing off rocks seemingly from 360 degrees. Eventually, with my father’s assured handling, the storm would subside and again we enjoyed silent tranquility.
Might this be the pattern of life?
You awakened my senses and anticipation, Keith, with your description of the weather at sea. Thank you.
Fern Being in the boat cockpit with 40 foot waves and hoping that the seas anchor held brought me as close to god as I remember. Then the sea subsided, the winds lessened, and the sun shone. I then left god until another crisis. Between god and Heather, I find greater comfort in the latter.
Have you ever used a blanket and a hot water heater?
Thanks. A nice way to start the day.