Hey Roland, Nice to meet you. This is a long response it seems.
It's now 10:00 am, and I started at 6:30 am, but have had plenty of rewrites so as to keep this reasonably short and entertaining/informative as yours is.
First, I'm soon to be 70, and would be outwardly characterized as a WASP, though my internal character is a product of bei…
Hey Roland, Nice to meet you. This is a long response it seems.
It's now 10:00 am, and I started at 6:30 am, but have had plenty of rewrites so as to keep this reasonably short and entertaining/informative as yours is.
First, I'm soon to be 70, and would be outwardly characterized as a WASP, though my internal character is a product of being a Navy brat, college degreed, long time married with two daughters, and a 43 year governmental career. First a 28 year career in the Army, 2 year stint in the 70s with Carnation Sales force in San Leandro, and upon military retirement, 14 years in county government in Washington State.
As a youth, lived in Florida, California, Hawaii. Went to high school and junior college in Modesto, transferred to UC Davis in 1971 for last two years. Had gotten my "Greetings letter" as a sophomore, entered ROTC to "evade" the draft. Got an 18 months scholarship which incurred a 4 obligation on active duty. The four years ended up being 28, 2 of it reserve, and I retired in 2001.
Had a successful Army career. Got promoted on time, got to command at all levels, got to serve on staffs at the National/International level, went to key Army schools that are more "open" to differing points of view than many liberal or conservative big name colleges, etc. In short, can't complain.
Upon retirement, went to work in county government in Washington State (blue state). On state and national elections, one county leaned Republican, the other Democrat. At the local level, both parties had representation on the Board of Commissioners. My job was Director level, one point being a County Administrator, so I had the opportunity to see party politics.
Add to this mix is I married the rancher's daughter. Her parents were first generation American, family came from the Netherlands. Very conservative, Republicans. (My family was Democrat but we never discussed politics due to Dad's Navy career and politics wasn't discussed in military communities or around the table.) So my education came from college and my in-laws dealings with the rising regulations regarding ag, etc. Then I went in the Army, and politics was off in the distance.
Being in the military, I lived with, served with, and served under people of color and women. We all have biases, but I will say that I've focused on checking mine because I know systematic racism exists, see it being countered with promotion floors for people of color and women, while in the Army. Some would say the cop out was everyone's green. But, at some point it becomes true. I didn't care what they looked like or what their gender was, I cared if they put their talent to work as part of the team. And, I made sure that my evaluation reports reflected their best qualities so they'd be competitive. And, I can honestly say, that they most of them had highly successful careers and I only a part of it.
It is based on this background I make my comments. In high school and college I debated. Here I was forced to present evidence. In my Army career, you had to present facts and analysis, as I had to in local government when developing policy positions for commissioners that would have to be translated into county codes.
Some lessons I learned in the military that have guided me well.
1) The first report is always wrong and unless challenged gets a life of its own. Thus, I have an aversion to blatant sound bites that are either outright lies or misdirection. Case in point, Republicans can only win elections through gerrymandering and voter suppression. All I'm asking is the evidence is that proves it.
The issue of voter suppression is a bit more complicated and warrants research. Why is there a spate of bills being introduced across the country? It's easy to point the finger and say Republican legislators are trying stop people from voting versus trying to fix loops holes or clarify legislation to ensure election integrity. Why is Trump able to promote the Big Lie? Why was Pennsylvania in the news? My take is that Democrats circumvented the legislature, went to court and eventually the State Supreme Court ruled that votes could be counted if received by 5 pm on Friday regardless of postmark time and date. The US Supreme Court agreed the votes could be counted, but those ballots had to meet the state law regarding postmark. If you're a Republican legislator, how would you feel/react. But, the way the statement constantly resonates here bothers me and I feel someone has to challenge it. I could be totally wrong, but Group Think without any challenges don't work for me.
2) Respect the individual and their opinion. They probably know something you don't.
In the early 1980s, the Army adopted a set of values. One of them is Respect. I may not agree with your opinion, but, I shouldn't attack you with insults for that point of view. For example to say that the 74 million Americans who voted for Trump are QAnon believers, or they support voter suppression, or whatever is pure .... Where's the respect in that? But, to call out Trump and those engaged in criminal insurrection is a fact. To be angry with them is a fact. To have distain with them is a fact because we saw it happen or there is evidence to the same.
3. Equality means a level playing field and the rules need to apply to all equally. You can't change them in the middle of the game. While the discussion about filibustering is warranted, it's ridiculous to claim Republicans are ignoring the "people's" will for using the very same tools Democrats used l during the Trump Administration's effort to get legislation passed that people wanted, i.e. a stimulus round two starting in July.
4. The mark of good leader isn't the fact they have a problem, but how they solve the problem. Which is why I think President Biden will regarded as a great leader in the future. He gets it. He's built a team of qualified and experience people who know how government works - politically and administratively. It's going to be rough going but he needs people like this group to help.
HCR and others can help by focusing on what President Biden asked Americans to do - end this uncivil war.
Political polarization is real. And, its gotten worse since the 1990s. Both parties and social media, despite its good intentions, are to blame.
While people are angry and want to vent is understandable, at some point it nothing more than reinforcing a hatred that I saw in Bosnia. There is a time to stop, let it go, move forward. Dems have a golden opportunity ahead. They aren't going to win votes by calling Republicans GQP, ignorant, etc. Look how deplorables worked out for Hillary.
Roland I apologize for this long email. I've written and rewritten it several times. Need to stop.
Thanks for sharing your insights and background. It helps me. I hope this helps you see where I'm coming from as well.
Finally, what rural California community do you live in?
I am very pleased with your response. Just the fact that we are talking tells me you are a person of substance and character. So far, I see places where we put different priorities on certain items, but I see no points of disagreement. None.
I read and reread your letter several times. Suffice to say you have my complete respect. I should mention, to your first point about the first draft being always wrong, that this forum is populated with a lot of experienced, grounded people. A lot of old fogeys like you and me. This is not a flaky group, not by a long shot. Your presence here is proof enough, but you should see some of the backgrounds that these people have. It’s impressive. Just in passing, I’ll mention that there is an author here who has written 40+ books on World War II history and the military. That is not an isolated example. Lots of historians, teachers, smart solid people. Less experienced people too, but excellent character and good values offsets the inexperience. I like them. And I like you. I have high standards, so those words do not come easily out of my mouth. I don’t just like everybody who agrees with me, it doesn’t work that way. I actually don’t like most people, for example truck drivers and office people. I love them, they’re humans, we’re in the same boat, we are cut from the same cloth, but that doesn’t mean I like them. I have rarely been disappointed here. Just saying. You won’t find much lockstep, knee-jerk liberalism here.
You don’t have to apologize, at least not to me, for the length of your letter. After all, I was the one who said “damn I wish I had your original letter that you deleted.“ Thank you very much for the full report, I do appreciate the time, 3 1/2 hours is a long writing block.
The only thing in your letter that gave me a slight pause is your request to know what city I live in. I haven’t shared that online. If I were speaking or writing with you privately, I’d be happy to tell you, but I’m not ready to share that with the whole online world.
So you’re a Navy kid and an Aggie. You said Florida California and Hawaii, so I have to assume maybe Pensacola, San Diego, and Pearl Harbor, something like that. I didn’t know the Navy had anything in Modesto, the closest thing I can think of is Mare Island, now closed, and Lemoore NAS, that’s a long way from Modesto. I’ve seen most of the western states professionally, so there’s hardly a town I don’t know until you get into Nebraska or Texas.
I deliver food, and my company has contracts with the military. We deliver to the commissaries on all the military bases in California and into Nevada and Arizona, including everything in the San Diego area.
My dad was too young to serve in the German military, but he joined the US Army after coming here and then was stationed in Germany of course, you could see that coming. The German-born man kept being stationed back there. He was a civilian, a banker, when our family moved there, that was my teens.
Current events and politics:
I am ignorant about the details of the filibuster. My wife and a lot of more informed people here on HCR and op-ed journalists have strong opinions, but I plead ignorance.
I also know almost nothing about gerrymandering except what I have read in news articles, so I’ve never done any real research. I have heard about democratic election manipulation, but only hearsay, like JFK in Richard Daley’s Chicago. Everything I have read in the past few years about gerrymandering benefits the old order society, the status quo, which these days is the Republicans. I have not seen a gerrymandering story in the news in the 21st Century, or a story about voter suppression legislation, which does not target people of color or the younger generation that tends to vote Democratic. In other words, I have yet to see reports of a gerrymandered state that benefits a Democratic Party voting machine. The gerrymandering in California that was eliminated after the 2010 census was all favoring Republican hegemony. When that artificial construct was removed, and fair district lines were established, within 8 years even Orange County went blue, although they’ve gone back to purple now in 2020.
Is there evidence of gerrymandering and voter suppression which benefits not the Republicans but the Democrats? If so, I haven’t seen it. Just saying.
“. . . the way the statement constantly resonates here bothers me and I feel someone has to challenge it. I could be totally wrong, but Group Think without any challenges don't work for me.”
Well, welcome to the club. If this was a Group Think environment with clique mentality, I’d be long gone. There happens to be a lot of agreement, perhaps that looks at first glance like groupthink or cult think. But these people, the lion’s share, are far too deeply educated and experienced to just go along with what somebody else says because it sounds acceptable. You’ve heard the expression “herding cats.” That’s why I like this group: independent thinkers.
Final thought: respect. Ending the uncivil war. TPJ getting his buttons pushed by you is a first. I had not seen that happen to him, so your spat with him got my attention. He is the life of the party, great sense of humor, smart as a whip, incredibly well read. Everybody being civil and courteous with everybody else here is the norm. Not always, mind you, but the norm. Your tiff stands out because it’s uncommon.
The hatred you saw in Bosnia is certainly not evident in this group. Far from it. On the contrary, I have been in dozens of discussions about bridging the divide. People are highly highly conscious of that here.
Not long ago, Jim Mattis became a hero. I bought a book and read it. I have a character in my sci-fi future-society brighter-world story project based in part on Jim. You are the only person I know who is a military veteran in that mold. If you don’t mind, I would like to use you occasionally to help develop that character in my story. I like realism. I’ve read a fair amount of Tom Clancy, but I have zero experience in the military. So having you as a reference source would be very helpful, if you are so inclined.
OK, I said I like you, now we’re just learning about the details. Thanks again for the long letter and for investing all that time, I learned a hell of a lot about you, and I like everything I’m reading.
Enjoy your day, hope your wife and kids are doing well.
Roland, glad I the post didn't bore you or turn you off.
From what I seen in the group is exactly how you describe it. Educated, articulate, concerned. And, right now, I get the anger with Republicans. Hell I'm helping to paddle the boat in my own way, as you are. Maybe a better analogy for the First report, and more fitting is the Russian Proverb that Reagan used, "Trust, but verify." That's all.
It was because of the statements about how Republicans win elections that caused me to verify. Went to the Brennan Justice Center and they're a good resource on gerrymandering if you're so inclined to look. But, it's not as prevalent as its being touted here. The fact that HR1 is calling for independent commissions is a huge step in the right direction. It will set up other issues that need to be addressed. But, I don't want to delve into them here.
As for voter suppression, on the surface one can argue that these bills are targeted at young people, people of color, etc. The stories reported on the cable commentary networks (in alpha order - CNN, Fox, MSNBC, maybe some others) are the ones who make the claims about voter suppression and voter fraud, etc. Which is why I rarely watch them now to get a flavor of the BS being spread. Mind you, not all of it is BS, but when I hear something that doesn't resonate, I check it out. Personally, I think what Georgia does in limiting polling places where people are required to stand in line for hours is appalling, immoral, and unjustifiable. But you have to respect and give credit to those who stood and waited.
Group think - point well taken.
I read TPJ's other comments. Many times I agree, some I don't. What the hey, who died and said I know it all. I enjoy reading it because it gives me a different perspective. Frankly, I was surprised at his response, especially the part that its history and Dems are better today. That may we be, but like you and I saw in Germany visiting Dachau, if you don't keep that history to the forefront, its soon forgotten, and abuses begin again.
Which is why I like reading HCR's material when she references history. As I understand it, she's an expert on the history of the Republican Party. Haven't read her book, but do enjoy how she's laid out the Party's change since the election of Reagan. Important stuff to remember.
Finally, you're a writer too. Sci-fi. I do historical mysteries, mystery suspense, some thriller. Will be glad to give you a perspective of a "military mindset" but the good news life changes and so do people in the military.
And I'll ask for a favor in return. I've been working on a book about German POWs in the US during World War 2. Have read tons of material and some personal diaries, etc. The intent of my story is reflect why Germans followed Hitler and saw him as the "savior" so to speak. But I don't feel I'm getting the German character's attitudes correct. Would you be willing to read a sample chapter or two and give me your perspective and what your grandmother, dad might say?
Thanks for asking about the wife and kids. We're all doing well. Hopefully, your family is well too.
And thanks for being a truck driver. It is part of the nation's lifeline and people tend to forget the important role you serve. It is as critical to day as the railroads were in WW2. Infact, I hazard to guess you wouldn't be allowed to serve in the military in a crisis due to your importance to keeping the goods moving. Hope that made sense.
Larry: A history reading suggestion to get a feel of the pre-Civil War society as well as during the War for both North and South, including politics, economy, society etc is "Battle Cry of Freedom" by Dr James McPherson. It's a comprehensive look @ those times.
Yes of course, Larry, that makes perfect sense to me. I understand completely. I’d be happy to read your German POW material and give you their (likely) perspective. I think you would find it valuable, based on what you’ve told me. I’m probably an unusual resource, because I can tune in and let you know how the Germans experienced it. I live near a military base that had a German POW facility: I’ll mention it later. If you want to exchange email addresses, you can either leave your address here, or click on my profile picture to go to my Substack page and subscribe to it. That way I would get your email address privately, without anyone else seeing. If you post it here, of course I’ll get it but it would potentially be accessible to someone rummaging around. When I get your email address I’ll send you a quick email and you can send me the POW stuff you want me to review.
Right now, the conversation we are having is not likely to be found by most people, they would have to dig to even know that we were having a conversation. But if Substack ever produces a search feature, for example searching on your name or my name, everything we are now posting might become easily accessible. So I don’t suggest posting an email address here unless you feel comfortable giving it to the world. Yes my family is doing well right now, thank goodness. OK talk to you soon.
I’m in the middle of something right now for my story project, not quite ready to read German POW material, but I will definitely get back to you. Be patient with me if you would be so kind. In the mean time, here’s one of the other 2 on-line places I spend time. Lucian Truscott just posted this article and of course I thought of you. Enjoy.
2) You can disparage 45 all you want. I wholeheartedly think he betrayed the country, that he was instrumental in inciting much of the white supremacist behavior, and that he's into this for himself, more than the country. Look at his branding issue. I share your sentiments exactly.
3) I was in Scouting, but never got beyond 1st Class. More power to you.
Please do not apologize for the long post. I am a writer, I get into things intensely and deeply. I take a long time to write. I do this because I love it. And I love reading what you have written. It’s all music to my ears.
Hey Roland, Nice to meet you. This is a long response it seems.
It's now 10:00 am, and I started at 6:30 am, but have had plenty of rewrites so as to keep this reasonably short and entertaining/informative as yours is.
First, I'm soon to be 70, and would be outwardly characterized as a WASP, though my internal character is a product of being a Navy brat, college degreed, long time married with two daughters, and a 43 year governmental career. First a 28 year career in the Army, 2 year stint in the 70s with Carnation Sales force in San Leandro, and upon military retirement, 14 years in county government in Washington State.
As a youth, lived in Florida, California, Hawaii. Went to high school and junior college in Modesto, transferred to UC Davis in 1971 for last two years. Had gotten my "Greetings letter" as a sophomore, entered ROTC to "evade" the draft. Got an 18 months scholarship which incurred a 4 obligation on active duty. The four years ended up being 28, 2 of it reserve, and I retired in 2001.
Had a successful Army career. Got promoted on time, got to command at all levels, got to serve on staffs at the National/International level, went to key Army schools that are more "open" to differing points of view than many liberal or conservative big name colleges, etc. In short, can't complain.
Upon retirement, went to work in county government in Washington State (blue state). On state and national elections, one county leaned Republican, the other Democrat. At the local level, both parties had representation on the Board of Commissioners. My job was Director level, one point being a County Administrator, so I had the opportunity to see party politics.
Add to this mix is I married the rancher's daughter. Her parents were first generation American, family came from the Netherlands. Very conservative, Republicans. (My family was Democrat but we never discussed politics due to Dad's Navy career and politics wasn't discussed in military communities or around the table.) So my education came from college and my in-laws dealings with the rising regulations regarding ag, etc. Then I went in the Army, and politics was off in the distance.
Being in the military, I lived with, served with, and served under people of color and women. We all have biases, but I will say that I've focused on checking mine because I know systematic racism exists, see it being countered with promotion floors for people of color and women, while in the Army. Some would say the cop out was everyone's green. But, at some point it becomes true. I didn't care what they looked like or what their gender was, I cared if they put their talent to work as part of the team. And, I made sure that my evaluation reports reflected their best qualities so they'd be competitive. And, I can honestly say, that they most of them had highly successful careers and I only a part of it.
It is based on this background I make my comments. In high school and college I debated. Here I was forced to present evidence. In my Army career, you had to present facts and analysis, as I had to in local government when developing policy positions for commissioners that would have to be translated into county codes.
Some lessons I learned in the military that have guided me well.
1) The first report is always wrong and unless challenged gets a life of its own. Thus, I have an aversion to blatant sound bites that are either outright lies or misdirection. Case in point, Republicans can only win elections through gerrymandering and voter suppression. All I'm asking is the evidence is that proves it.
The issue of voter suppression is a bit more complicated and warrants research. Why is there a spate of bills being introduced across the country? It's easy to point the finger and say Republican legislators are trying stop people from voting versus trying to fix loops holes or clarify legislation to ensure election integrity. Why is Trump able to promote the Big Lie? Why was Pennsylvania in the news? My take is that Democrats circumvented the legislature, went to court and eventually the State Supreme Court ruled that votes could be counted if received by 5 pm on Friday regardless of postmark time and date. The US Supreme Court agreed the votes could be counted, but those ballots had to meet the state law regarding postmark. If you're a Republican legislator, how would you feel/react. But, the way the statement constantly resonates here bothers me and I feel someone has to challenge it. I could be totally wrong, but Group Think without any challenges don't work for me.
2) Respect the individual and their opinion. They probably know something you don't.
In the early 1980s, the Army adopted a set of values. One of them is Respect. I may not agree with your opinion, but, I shouldn't attack you with insults for that point of view. For example to say that the 74 million Americans who voted for Trump are QAnon believers, or they support voter suppression, or whatever is pure .... Where's the respect in that? But, to call out Trump and those engaged in criminal insurrection is a fact. To be angry with them is a fact. To have distain with them is a fact because we saw it happen or there is evidence to the same.
3. Equality means a level playing field and the rules need to apply to all equally. You can't change them in the middle of the game. While the discussion about filibustering is warranted, it's ridiculous to claim Republicans are ignoring the "people's" will for using the very same tools Democrats used l during the Trump Administration's effort to get legislation passed that people wanted, i.e. a stimulus round two starting in July.
4. The mark of good leader isn't the fact they have a problem, but how they solve the problem. Which is why I think President Biden will regarded as a great leader in the future. He gets it. He's built a team of qualified and experience people who know how government works - politically and administratively. It's going to be rough going but he needs people like this group to help.
HCR and others can help by focusing on what President Biden asked Americans to do - end this uncivil war.
Political polarization is real. And, its gotten worse since the 1990s. Both parties and social media, despite its good intentions, are to blame.
While people are angry and want to vent is understandable, at some point it nothing more than reinforcing a hatred that I saw in Bosnia. There is a time to stop, let it go, move forward. Dems have a golden opportunity ahead. They aren't going to win votes by calling Republicans GQP, ignorant, etc. Look how deplorables worked out for Hillary.
Roland I apologize for this long email. I've written and rewritten it several times. Need to stop.
Thanks for sharing your insights and background. It helps me. I hope this helps you see where I'm coming from as well.
Finally, what rural California community do you live in?
Have a great day.
Hi Larry!
I am very pleased with your response. Just the fact that we are talking tells me you are a person of substance and character. So far, I see places where we put different priorities on certain items, but I see no points of disagreement. None.
I read and reread your letter several times. Suffice to say you have my complete respect. I should mention, to your first point about the first draft being always wrong, that this forum is populated with a lot of experienced, grounded people. A lot of old fogeys like you and me. This is not a flaky group, not by a long shot. Your presence here is proof enough, but you should see some of the backgrounds that these people have. It’s impressive. Just in passing, I’ll mention that there is an author here who has written 40+ books on World War II history and the military. That is not an isolated example. Lots of historians, teachers, smart solid people. Less experienced people too, but excellent character and good values offsets the inexperience. I like them. And I like you. I have high standards, so those words do not come easily out of my mouth. I don’t just like everybody who agrees with me, it doesn’t work that way. I actually don’t like most people, for example truck drivers and office people. I love them, they’re humans, we’re in the same boat, we are cut from the same cloth, but that doesn’t mean I like them. I have rarely been disappointed here. Just saying. You won’t find much lockstep, knee-jerk liberalism here.
You don’t have to apologize, at least not to me, for the length of your letter. After all, I was the one who said “damn I wish I had your original letter that you deleted.“ Thank you very much for the full report, I do appreciate the time, 3 1/2 hours is a long writing block.
The only thing in your letter that gave me a slight pause is your request to know what city I live in. I haven’t shared that online. If I were speaking or writing with you privately, I’d be happy to tell you, but I’m not ready to share that with the whole online world.
So you’re a Navy kid and an Aggie. You said Florida California and Hawaii, so I have to assume maybe Pensacola, San Diego, and Pearl Harbor, something like that. I didn’t know the Navy had anything in Modesto, the closest thing I can think of is Mare Island, now closed, and Lemoore NAS, that’s a long way from Modesto. I’ve seen most of the western states professionally, so there’s hardly a town I don’t know until you get into Nebraska or Texas.
I deliver food, and my company has contracts with the military. We deliver to the commissaries on all the military bases in California and into Nevada and Arizona, including everything in the San Diego area.
My dad was too young to serve in the German military, but he joined the US Army after coming here and then was stationed in Germany of course, you could see that coming. The German-born man kept being stationed back there. He was a civilian, a banker, when our family moved there, that was my teens.
Current events and politics:
I am ignorant about the details of the filibuster. My wife and a lot of more informed people here on HCR and op-ed journalists have strong opinions, but I plead ignorance.
I also know almost nothing about gerrymandering except what I have read in news articles, so I’ve never done any real research. I have heard about democratic election manipulation, but only hearsay, like JFK in Richard Daley’s Chicago. Everything I have read in the past few years about gerrymandering benefits the old order society, the status quo, which these days is the Republicans. I have not seen a gerrymandering story in the news in the 21st Century, or a story about voter suppression legislation, which does not target people of color or the younger generation that tends to vote Democratic. In other words, I have yet to see reports of a gerrymandered state that benefits a Democratic Party voting machine. The gerrymandering in California that was eliminated after the 2010 census was all favoring Republican hegemony. When that artificial construct was removed, and fair district lines were established, within 8 years even Orange County went blue, although they’ve gone back to purple now in 2020.
Is there evidence of gerrymandering and voter suppression which benefits not the Republicans but the Democrats? If so, I haven’t seen it. Just saying.
“. . . the way the statement constantly resonates here bothers me and I feel someone has to challenge it. I could be totally wrong, but Group Think without any challenges don't work for me.”
Well, welcome to the club. If this was a Group Think environment with clique mentality, I’d be long gone. There happens to be a lot of agreement, perhaps that looks at first glance like groupthink or cult think. But these people, the lion’s share, are far too deeply educated and experienced to just go along with what somebody else says because it sounds acceptable. You’ve heard the expression “herding cats.” That’s why I like this group: independent thinkers.
Final thought: respect. Ending the uncivil war. TPJ getting his buttons pushed by you is a first. I had not seen that happen to him, so your spat with him got my attention. He is the life of the party, great sense of humor, smart as a whip, incredibly well read. Everybody being civil and courteous with everybody else here is the norm. Not always, mind you, but the norm. Your tiff stands out because it’s uncommon.
The hatred you saw in Bosnia is certainly not evident in this group. Far from it. On the contrary, I have been in dozens of discussions about bridging the divide. People are highly highly conscious of that here.
Not long ago, Jim Mattis became a hero. I bought a book and read it. I have a character in my sci-fi future-society brighter-world story project based in part on Jim. You are the only person I know who is a military veteran in that mold. If you don’t mind, I would like to use you occasionally to help develop that character in my story. I like realism. I’ve read a fair amount of Tom Clancy, but I have zero experience in the military. So having you as a reference source would be very helpful, if you are so inclined.
OK, I said I like you, now we’re just learning about the details. Thanks again for the long letter and for investing all that time, I learned a hell of a lot about you, and I like everything I’m reading.
Enjoy your day, hope your wife and kids are doing well.
Roland
Roland, glad I the post didn't bore you or turn you off.
From what I seen in the group is exactly how you describe it. Educated, articulate, concerned. And, right now, I get the anger with Republicans. Hell I'm helping to paddle the boat in my own way, as you are. Maybe a better analogy for the First report, and more fitting is the Russian Proverb that Reagan used, "Trust, but verify." That's all.
It was because of the statements about how Republicans win elections that caused me to verify. Went to the Brennan Justice Center and they're a good resource on gerrymandering if you're so inclined to look. But, it's not as prevalent as its being touted here. The fact that HR1 is calling for independent commissions is a huge step in the right direction. It will set up other issues that need to be addressed. But, I don't want to delve into them here.
As for voter suppression, on the surface one can argue that these bills are targeted at young people, people of color, etc. The stories reported on the cable commentary networks (in alpha order - CNN, Fox, MSNBC, maybe some others) are the ones who make the claims about voter suppression and voter fraud, etc. Which is why I rarely watch them now to get a flavor of the BS being spread. Mind you, not all of it is BS, but when I hear something that doesn't resonate, I check it out. Personally, I think what Georgia does in limiting polling places where people are required to stand in line for hours is appalling, immoral, and unjustifiable. But you have to respect and give credit to those who stood and waited.
Group think - point well taken.
I read TPJ's other comments. Many times I agree, some I don't. What the hey, who died and said I know it all. I enjoy reading it because it gives me a different perspective. Frankly, I was surprised at his response, especially the part that its history and Dems are better today. That may we be, but like you and I saw in Germany visiting Dachau, if you don't keep that history to the forefront, its soon forgotten, and abuses begin again.
Which is why I like reading HCR's material when she references history. As I understand it, she's an expert on the history of the Republican Party. Haven't read her book, but do enjoy how she's laid out the Party's change since the election of Reagan. Important stuff to remember.
Finally, you're a writer too. Sci-fi. I do historical mysteries, mystery suspense, some thriller. Will be glad to give you a perspective of a "military mindset" but the good news life changes and so do people in the military.
And I'll ask for a favor in return. I've been working on a book about German POWs in the US during World War 2. Have read tons of material and some personal diaries, etc. The intent of my story is reflect why Germans followed Hitler and saw him as the "savior" so to speak. But I don't feel I'm getting the German character's attitudes correct. Would you be willing to read a sample chapter or two and give me your perspective and what your grandmother, dad might say?
Thanks for asking about the wife and kids. We're all doing well. Hopefully, your family is well too.
And thanks for being a truck driver. It is part of the nation's lifeline and people tend to forget the important role you serve. It is as critical to day as the railroads were in WW2. Infact, I hazard to guess you wouldn't be allowed to serve in the military in a crisis due to your importance to keeping the goods moving. Hope that made sense.
Chat soon.
Larry: A history reading suggestion to get a feel of the pre-Civil War society as well as during the War for both North and South, including politics, economy, society etc is "Battle Cry of Freedom" by Dr James McPherson. It's a comprehensive look @ those times.
Barbara, thanks. Read it some time ago when I was in the Army and at the War College for a class. Really enjoyed it.
Yes of course, Larry, that makes perfect sense to me. I understand completely. I’d be happy to read your German POW material and give you their (likely) perspective. I think you would find it valuable, based on what you’ve told me. I’m probably an unusual resource, because I can tune in and let you know how the Germans experienced it. I live near a military base that had a German POW facility: I’ll mention it later. If you want to exchange email addresses, you can either leave your address here, or click on my profile picture to go to my Substack page and subscribe to it. That way I would get your email address privately, without anyone else seeing. If you post it here, of course I’ll get it but it would potentially be accessible to someone rummaging around. When I get your email address I’ll send you a quick email and you can send me the POW stuff you want me to review.
Right now, the conversation we are having is not likely to be found by most people, they would have to dig to even know that we were having a conversation. But if Substack ever produces a search feature, for example searching on your name or my name, everything we are now posting might become easily accessible. So I don’t suggest posting an email address here unless you feel comfortable giving it to the world. Yes my family is doing well right now, thank goodness. OK talk to you soon.
Roland
Signed up on your substack page
I’m in the middle of something right now for my story project, not quite ready to read German POW material, but I will definitely get back to you. Be patient with me if you would be so kind. In the mean time, here’s one of the other 2 on-line places I spend time. Lucian Truscott just posted this article and of course I thought of you. Enjoy.
https://luciantruscott.substack.com/p/tucker-carlson-should-shut-the-hell
Not a problem. Not ready to send it now as I'm working a couple of projects myself. Also, I joined your substack page. Should have my email.
Roland, couple more things.
1) Like you, I vote the candidate than the Party.
2) You can disparage 45 all you want. I wholeheartedly think he betrayed the country, that he was instrumental in inciting much of the white supremacist behavior, and that he's into this for himself, more than the country. Look at his branding issue. I share your sentiments exactly.
3) I was in Scouting, but never got beyond 1st Class. More power to you.
Again, sorry for the long post.
Please do not apologize for the long post. I am a writer, I get into things intensely and deeply. I take a long time to write. I do this because I love it. And I love reading what you have written. It’s all music to my ears.