Yes, Heather, even in Ireland, the world feels a fresher, more optimistic place, without the incessant noise of Trump's delusional tweets, so full of anger, bile and invective. Long may it be so! But the USA, in this time of reflection, needs to take a very deep breath and realise just how close it came to losing what is most precious. I…
Yes, Heather, even in Ireland, the world feels a fresher, more optimistic place, without the incessant noise of Trump's delusional tweets, so full of anger, bile and invective. Long may it be so! But the USA, in this time of reflection, needs to take a very deep breath and realise just how close it came to losing what is most precious. If there is anything to be grateful to the fallen Emperor for, it is a great awakening, beautifully expressed by Amanda Gorman at the inauguration. Staying awake and engaged now is the great challenge to ensure Trump or one of his sycophant's never again bring you to the edge of the precipice.
Yes, Don, at a minimum those of us here know how close we came. Fiona Hill wrote a very convincing article that this was actually a planned coup. Now we must convince other Americans. Personally, the kind things said by European leaders and citizens, such as they’re glad we’re back, make me feel better—that trump didn’t rob us of those friendships with his boorishness with which so many of us were horrified.
Thank you Marcy. We were looking on with dread and pity at how this charlatan, far from draining the swamp, had turned the White House into a sewer. It was a kind of poetic justice that Covid required the peoples house to be given a deep clean after his welcome departure.
I'd be very interested in reading Fiona Hill's article. Can you send a link, please? I wish you a day full of hope and optimism.
Thank you Catherine. Very much appreciated. See my response to Pam Peterson below, who also very kindly sent it to me. Very much appreciated Catherine.
Very well said, Don. During a trip to Ireland 2.5 years ago, we stayed at various B&Bs as we crossed the country. Sensing some uneasiness from innkeepers who were far too polite to inquire (plus not good for business!) we introduced ourselves upon arrival as non trumpsters. Collective sigh of relief from other guests as well. It was a wonderful trip and we didn’t want to go home and as we suspected trump, the madman, was only “warming up”!
Thank you Janet. I'm so glad you had a wonderful time in Ireland. I have been visiting the USA on various lecture tours and engagements for over three decades and wherever I went, be it on the east or west coast, or in the deep south or close to the Canadian border, I found the people courteous, welcoming and generous. It was tragic to see how the lies and toxic rhetoric of Trump had really divided the people. We are all praying that President Biden will be a healer of divisions.
Best wishes, and thank you for your kind words Janet, Don
Another great thing about Heather’s “Letters” is the diverse community of people she has brought together. Folks, such as yourself, who observe, experience, and document events (before they were history) enrich and broaden our collective experience which in turn motivates people to be involved.
Don, we had the very same thing happen during our travels to Germany and Ireland just over 2 years ago. Everyone (especially in Ireland, my favorite country to visit!) was so polite, but invariably, someone would mention trump, and as soon as we denounced him the atmosphere in every B&B was suddenly lighter. Our trip was also wonderful, and I pray we will be able to return in the near future to that beautiful land where a good portion of my heritage lies.
So good to hear this Alexander. I think only in the village of Doonbeg where he has his golf course will you find people waking lyrical about Trump. Though I think he is becoming even more toxic and won't be surprised when it too is announced a failure and he files for bankruptcy. Look forward to welcoming you back to your ancestral home Alexander. Let's meet for a pint to celebrate!
Thank you Pam. It's a powerful and compelling read, especially when she outlines her reasoning as to why she believed what tRump attempted was a coup.
What shocked myself and people in my Covid bubble, as well as friends reaching out on social media, was just how long the Capitol police were left exposed before support eventually arrived, over two hours too late. All the while the 'President' was watching things unfold in the White House and kept his silence, not even reaching out to his Vice President. It was a though he was awaiting news of a culling which would have so shocked the American people he would have had cover to declare a state of emergency.
That interminable delay needs to be investigated and explained. It just didn't happen by accident or incompetence.
Another question I had is since the Capitol was under attach did they take Trump to the bunker? If not, why? But definitely, why did the POTUS NOT ORDER IMMEDIATE HELP?
Thank YOU Syd. An American friend introduced me to Heather's American Letter and I am now addicted to it. I wish you a good day from an absolutely gorgeous clear sky over Dublin.
Don, thank you for joining this remarkable community from your Dublin location. Voices like yours enrich the conversation greatly. Your posts today have been full of insight and also disturbing questions (such as the delay). Amanda Gorman gave us the perfect poem for the day. But also one that will endure and ring down through the years and ages.
Don Mullan, yes, I agree with you. However, consider this: The G7 will have it's next meeting at a resort in impoverished Cornwall in the SW of England. Do you think the Group of 7(US, EU, GB, Germany, France, Italy, Japan) will learn anything about poverty while these rich folks are there? After Brexit, the EU no longer gives to Cornwall.
It's a much broader question than the G7 and Cornwall. Already we are seeing the fault lines exposed by Covid. The bigger question is how will the world emerge from a pandemic that has stopped the incessant rush for material excess. Can we reimagine a fairer and more just world where the wealthy, corporations and conglomerates pay their fair share in taxes which ear used for the common good? Climate Change is the great existential threat. We ignore it to our peril. And in tandem with that, is the unequal distribution of the worlds resources. Africa has the worlds youngest population. In the next 20 years that young population will be a powder keg, and unemployment the detonator. It's a challenge that will not be solved by building walls.
Yes, Heather, even in Ireland, the world feels a fresher, more optimistic place, without the incessant noise of Trump's delusional tweets, so full of anger, bile and invective. Long may it be so! But the USA, in this time of reflection, needs to take a very deep breath and realise just how close it came to losing what is most precious. If there is anything to be grateful to the fallen Emperor for, it is a great awakening, beautifully expressed by Amanda Gorman at the inauguration. Staying awake and engaged now is the great challenge to ensure Trump or one of his sycophant's never again bring you to the edge of the precipice.
Yes, Don, at a minimum those of us here know how close we came. Fiona Hill wrote a very convincing article that this was actually a planned coup. Now we must convince other Americans. Personally, the kind things said by European leaders and citizens, such as they’re glad we’re back, make me feel better—that trump didn’t rob us of those friendships with his boorishness with which so many of us were horrified.
Thank you Marcy. We were looking on with dread and pity at how this charlatan, far from draining the swamp, had turned the White House into a sewer. It was a kind of poetic justice that Covid required the peoples house to be given a deep clean after his welcome departure.
I'd be very interested in reading Fiona Hill's article. Can you send a link, please? I wish you a day full of hope and optimism.
Don Mullan, just in case Marcy didn’t see your request, here’s a link to the Fiona Hill article you requested:
https://www.politico.com/amp/news/magazine/2021/01/11/capitol-riot-self-coup-trump-fiona-hill-457549
Thank you Catherine. Very much appreciated. See my response to Pam Peterson below, who also very kindly sent it to me. Very much appreciated Catherine.
You are most welcome, Don. I see Pam was the first to respond to your request. I greatly appreciate your insights and observations.
that trump didn’t rob us of those friendships Marcy; it sure wasn't for lack of trying!! 😉😐
To you all, we are fortunate that Trump didn't turn us into a fascist country.
Very well said, Don. During a trip to Ireland 2.5 years ago, we stayed at various B&Bs as we crossed the country. Sensing some uneasiness from innkeepers who were far too polite to inquire (plus not good for business!) we introduced ourselves upon arrival as non trumpsters. Collective sigh of relief from other guests as well. It was a wonderful trip and we didn’t want to go home and as we suspected trump, the madman, was only “warming up”!
Thank you Janet. I'm so glad you had a wonderful time in Ireland. I have been visiting the USA on various lecture tours and engagements for over three decades and wherever I went, be it on the east or west coast, or in the deep south or close to the Canadian border, I found the people courteous, welcoming and generous. It was tragic to see how the lies and toxic rhetoric of Trump had really divided the people. We are all praying that President Biden will be a healer of divisions.
Best wishes, and thank you for your kind words Janet, Don
Another great thing about Heather’s “Letters” is the diverse community of people she has brought together. Folks, such as yourself, who observe, experience, and document events (before they were history) enrich and broaden our collective experience which in turn motivates people to be involved.
Don, we had the very same thing happen during our travels to Germany and Ireland just over 2 years ago. Everyone (especially in Ireland, my favorite country to visit!) was so polite, but invariably, someone would mention trump, and as soon as we denounced him the atmosphere in every B&B was suddenly lighter. Our trip was also wonderful, and I pray we will be able to return in the near future to that beautiful land where a good portion of my heritage lies.
So good to hear this Alexander. I think only in the village of Doonbeg where he has his golf course will you find people waking lyrical about Trump. Though I think he is becoming even more toxic and won't be surprised when it too is announced a failure and he files for bankruptcy. Look forward to welcoming you back to your ancestral home Alexander. Let's meet for a pint to celebrate!
Don, here's the Fiona Hill op-ed in Politico....https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2021/01/11/capitol-riot-self-coup-trump-fiona-hill-457549
Thank you Pam. It's a powerful and compelling read, especially when she outlines her reasoning as to why she believed what tRump attempted was a coup.
What shocked myself and people in my Covid bubble, as well as friends reaching out on social media, was just how long the Capitol police were left exposed before support eventually arrived, over two hours too late. All the while the 'President' was watching things unfold in the White House and kept his silence, not even reaching out to his Vice President. It was a though he was awaiting news of a culling which would have so shocked the American people he would have had cover to declare a state of emergency.
That interminable delay needs to be investigated and explained. It just didn't happen by accident or incompetence.
Another question I had is since the Capitol was under attach did they take Trump to the bunker? If not, why? But definitely, why did the POTUS NOT ORDER IMMEDIATE HELP?
I’ve asked that question also, why wasn’t the WH on lockdown? There’s just so much.
Yes, Mark. Pertinent questions that need to be considered. I honestly suspect he was waiting news of a culling.
Don, thank you for this.
Thank YOU Syd. An American friend introduced me to Heather's American Letter and I am now addicted to it. I wish you a good day from an absolutely gorgeous clear sky over Dublin.
Don, thank you for joining this remarkable community from your Dublin location. Voices like yours enrich the conversation greatly. Your posts today have been full of insight and also disturbing questions (such as the delay). Amanda Gorman gave us the perfect poem for the day. But also one that will endure and ring down through the years and ages.
Don Mullan, yes, I agree with you. However, consider this: The G7 will have it's next meeting at a resort in impoverished Cornwall in the SW of England. Do you think the Group of 7(US, EU, GB, Germany, France, Italy, Japan) will learn anything about poverty while these rich folks are there? After Brexit, the EU no longer gives to Cornwall.
It's a much broader question than the G7 and Cornwall. Already we are seeing the fault lines exposed by Covid. The bigger question is how will the world emerge from a pandemic that has stopped the incessant rush for material excess. Can we reimagine a fairer and more just world where the wealthy, corporations and conglomerates pay their fair share in taxes which ear used for the common good? Climate Change is the great existential threat. We ignore it to our peril. And in tandem with that, is the unequal distribution of the worlds resources. Africa has the worlds youngest population. In the next 20 years that young population will be a powder keg, and unemployment the detonator. It's a challenge that will not be solved by building walls.