Thanks, Ed. Love the interview. I glean from it even more of Heather's personality and way of thinking than when she spoke here in Portland to a large audience earlier this year.
It is an honor to read "one of the country's leading public intellectuals" every day! And to be a member of your community. What a difference you have made in my life and my choices. E.g. I'm a committed post card writer and phone banker because I get the stakes so much better than I ever did. Thank you Heather, and thank you Ed for the article link!
"In terms of the way that we remember our history, maybe it’s time to recognize that the people who are keeping America alive are its marginalized peoples and its newcomers who recognize our dream in a way that those of us who have come to be somewhat blasé about it no longer do." Heather Cox Richardson
I have been developing this idea in my mind for a while now as I read recently written American history books by Heather and others. As I reflect on the Civil Rights movement, Black Lives Matters, Native American movements & protests, marriage equality, LGBTQ, as well as the killings and destruction of various churches, mosques and synagogues, there is quite a difference between those who have been marginalized, yet still believe in America's ideals and those who have much, who don't want to be inconvenienced nor taxed - their minds nor their wallets - to discuss and shore up democracy, equality, security and happiness nation wide.
The same goes for religion. The marginalized are the truly faithful and forgiving.
While I don't think this applies in all cases, I think it is so important. Has anyone studied or have theories about why marginalized people are able to retain their faith in America when many who have been able to partake of its benefits all their lives do not?
Thank you, Ed. I’m forwarding it to friends who, like me, adore her. HCR’s patriotism and scholarly knowledge, along with her ability to bring sense to complicated issues, bring me to my knees.
Just read the BC article last night. The “why” of “Letters....” was so clear. The importance of “accessible” demonstrates a critical point. A level playing field is key. The letters we read and rely on everyday are never condescending, there for everyone to easily understand, unadorned with the noise and rancor that are tearing us apart. They should be required reading for people of all stripes.
Just read it. The words that come to mind after thinking about Heather Cox Richardson are authentic, dedicated and patriotic (in the purest sense of the word). An explainer and defender of democracy. How lucky we are.
The bonus feature is that by finding HCR on Substack, I now have enough really intelligent material to read without using any of the algorithmic nightmares. I deactivated FB sometime ago. Just did the same with Twitter last week - for obvious reasons. None of the other social media platforms interest me. It's all here on Substack.
But....I did create a Mastodon account out of curiosity. Not sure if I will be a regular user. A little complex. But the first person who popped up on the page was Robert Reich! So there is that.
Just to be clear, one thing Gretchen and I are thankful for this year, as in the past, is the informed, gracious, sometimes exciting essays of Heather Cox Richardson. Hooray! Ed Hillard, Palo Alto, CA
When I count up the people I am grateful for this Thanksgiving, you are way, way up on the list. You have educated, inspired, and strengthened me through your Letters.
Sleep well! Thank you for sharing Buddy’s photo and thank you for sharing it. As always, thank you for all you letters and observations. Wishing you ease of finishing your manuscript. Happy early Thanksgiving!
Dear Heather, every day I want to write and thank you for your precise, on the dime comments and perspectives. You keep us updated to the latest information cradled in history that gives us a nuanced perspective.
I am also glad that you realize when you need to take the night off but leave us with a magnificent picture to contemplate in a part of the world that seems more serene than much of our settled landscapes.
I was so happy to hear of your recent wedding and know that he must be a very special person to cherish and share your life together.
thank you Jen, I appreciate your words. I'm new to posting and 46 likes doesn't make much sense to me. Your words do. Heather did respond with a like however. Glad it reached her. Every day I am thankful for her.
https://youtu.be/W4ga_M5Zdn4 To everything, turn, turn, turn by the wonderful BYRDS! Have a great night, sweet dreams to you, Heather and Buddy and thank you for the beautiful image of the seasons changing,.....
The source of inspiration of the Byrds - > Ecclesiastes 3:1 I'm not by any means a bible thumper. I do however find in it's pages masterful treatise's regarding the unchangeable nature of human kind, regardless of education, position, etc. Cheers Elisabeth !
I also recall the Byrds' "The Bells of Rhymney", "All will be well, if, if, if, if say the. Green Bells of Cardiff" & their version of "My Back Pages".
This is the first time I've copied a link here, or pretty much anywhere, so hopefully this is the video of My Back Pages. Love this song. 'I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now.' Sung by Dylan, Young, Harrison, Petty, Clapton...
Yes, thank you, Wendy. This was really great to watch and hear. I also loved how there were no flashing lights/embellished background. Just pure voices and instruments coming from heartfelt places
Thank you so much, Wendy. Memory Lane. I saw Bob Dylan about 20 years ago in a packed California Concert Hall. I, too, was so much younger then. And even younger now.
Your observations which come to me each night on the west coast about 10 pm help me drift off to sleep secure in the knowledge that superb people like you are anchoring basic people like me.
Buddy, the light in your photo is beautiful; the orange glow as the sun rises casts a magical spell. Reality in America is flashing distress signals.
That you are almost finished with your manuscript, HRC, as the season turns means that Americans will be blessed by a book imbued with a deep sense of the country's condition. That is our condition, the people's condition, whether we know it or not. Many of us do feel the weight of it.
Thank you, HCR, for your clear vision and concern.
Whoa!! Killer image of Buddy’s….flawless in every way. Wish I could say this was one of mine!! You two never cease to amaze….
We got our first snow this afternoon and now it’s blowing pretty good out there tonight; here “it” comes. Buddy’s gear is all in and you’re wrapping up the new book…other storms may rage further afield, but you guys are going into winter in fine form. Cheers from the next bay over……so much for which to be thankful!
Nice article in BC Magazine. You may not speak for your employer, but they are clearly proud to have you:)
https://www.bc.edu/content/bc-web/sites/bc-magazine/fall-2022-issue/features/history-s-first-draft.html
Thanks, Ed. Love the interview. I glean from it even more of Heather's personality and way of thinking than when she spoke here in Portland to a large audience earlier this year.
It is an honor to read "one of the country's leading public intellectuals" every day! And to be a member of your community. What a difference you have made in my life and my choices. E.g. I'm a committed post card writer and phone banker because I get the stakes so much better than I ever did. Thank you Heather, and thank you Ed for the article link!
So well said, Chaplain!
Thank you, Ashley!
Thanks, Ed.
Great article!!
"In terms of the way that we remember our history, maybe it’s time to recognize that the people who are keeping America alive are its marginalized peoples and its newcomers who recognize our dream in a way that those of us who have come to be somewhat blasé about it no longer do." Heather Cox Richardson
I have been developing this idea in my mind for a while now as I read recently written American history books by Heather and others. As I reflect on the Civil Rights movement, Black Lives Matters, Native American movements & protests, marriage equality, LGBTQ, as well as the killings and destruction of various churches, mosques and synagogues, there is quite a difference between those who have been marginalized, yet still believe in America's ideals and those who have much, who don't want to be inconvenienced nor taxed - their minds nor their wallets - to discuss and shore up democracy, equality, security and happiness nation wide.
The same goes for religion. The marginalized are the truly faithful and forgiving.
While I don't think this applies in all cases, I think it is so important. Has anyone studied or have theories about why marginalized people are able to retain their faith in America when many who have been able to partake of its benefits all their lives do not?
I think the opposite of their faith in America would be despair. They need to believe and strive for the promises so many of us take for granted.
Yes, that makes sense. Yet so many seem to have not just taken the promises for granted but actively disbelieve in them.
Thanks for the link. Great read.
Thank you, Mr. Nuhfer for the link. I particularly enjoyed hearing Heather Cox Richardson speak on the BC Magazine podcast linked in the article.
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1143224/11543305
Thanks so much for this--I was hoping to find it!
That was wonderful! Thanks for the link.
Thank you so much for the link, Ed.
Thank you, Ed. I’m forwarding it to friends who, like me, adore her. HCR’s patriotism and scholarly knowledge, along with her ability to bring sense to complicated issues, bring me to my knees.
Thanks for the link, Ed! Heather is so humble, always so refreshing.
This is a great article. Thank you so much for posting the link!
Just read the BC article last night. The “why” of “Letters....” was so clear. The importance of “accessible” demonstrates a critical point. A level playing field is key. The letters we read and rely on everyday are never condescending, there for everyone to easily understand, unadorned with the noise and rancor that are tearing us apart. They should be required reading for people of all stripes.
Just read it. The words that come to mind after thinking about Heather Cox Richardson are authentic, dedicated and patriotic (in the purest sense of the word). An explainer and defender of democracy. How lucky we are.
The bonus feature is that by finding HCR on Substack, I now have enough really intelligent material to read without using any of the algorithmic nightmares. I deactivated FB sometime ago. Just did the same with Twitter last week - for obvious reasons. None of the other social media platforms interest me. It's all here on Substack.
But....I did create a Mastodon account out of curiosity. Not sure if I will be a regular user. A little complex. But the first person who popped up on the page was Robert Reich! So there is that.
I haven’t tried it yet because quite a few say it’s complicated. That’s all I need...more barriers and complications in my life!
It is complicated, for sure. I can't really recommend it. Too bad...
BC's "Mona Lisa"
Saw this on Twitter a week or so ago..and yes, it was a really nice article. Glad I caught it.
Just to be clear, one thing Gretchen and I are thankful for this year, as in the past, is the informed, gracious, sometimes exciting essays of Heather Cox Richardson. Hooray! Ed Hillard, Palo Alto, CA
When I count up the people I am grateful for this Thanksgiving, you are way, way up on the list. You have educated, inspired, and strengthened me through your Letters.
Sleep well! Thank you for sharing Buddy’s photo and thank you for sharing it. As always, thank you for all you letters and observations. Wishing you ease of finishing your manuscript. Happy early Thanksgiving!
Dear Heather, every day I want to write and thank you for your precise, on the dime comments and perspectives. You keep us updated to the latest information cradled in history that gives us a nuanced perspective.
I am also glad that you realize when you need to take the night off but leave us with a magnificent picture to contemplate in a part of the world that seems more serene than much of our settled landscapes.
I was so happy to hear of your recent wedding and know that he must be a very special person to cherish and share your life together.
In admiration and appreciation
What Beth said! Thanks for speaking my heart!
thank you Jen, I appreciate your words. I'm new to posting and 46 likes doesn't make much sense to me. Your words do. Heather did respond with a like however. Glad it reached her. Every day I am thankful for her.
💙
https://youtu.be/W4ga_M5Zdn4 To everything, turn, turn, turn by the wonderful BYRDS! Have a great night, sweet dreams to you, Heather and Buddy and thank you for the beautiful image of the seasons changing,.....
The source of inspiration of the Byrds - > Ecclesiastes 3:1 I'm not by any means a bible thumper. I do however find in it's pages masterful treatise's regarding the unchangeable nature of human kind, regardless of education, position, etc. Cheers Elisabeth !
Yes, the words are from the bible - and Pete Seeger wrote the song (and recorded it, as did many other...).
Pete Seeger & Judy Collins – Turn, Turn, Turn (1966)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qURAnrk30ng
That song became an anthem for those protesting the war in Viet Nam.
I was one of those.
I was not an active protester but you are my people.
Me too.
And I…
Still is
Me 4.
This is powerful. Takes me back, makes me cry. Gratitude to you and all who share and who feel… we are human and it’s good to be reminded.
The best
Thank you, thank you, Elisabeth. I love this song.
“… a time to every purpose…”
My favorite. The Byrds are great energy. It is Pete Seeger’s song and goes way back in time. Those were the days… at least for music.
Thank you Irenie.
I also recall the Byrds' "The Bells of Rhymney", "All will be well, if, if, if, if say the. Green Bells of Cardiff" & their version of "My Back Pages".
https://youtu.be/rGEIMCWob3U
This is the first time I've copied a link here, or pretty much anywhere, so hopefully this is the video of My Back Pages. Love this song. 'I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now.' Sung by Dylan, Young, Harrison, Petty, Clapton...
Yes, thank you, Wendy. This was really great to watch and hear. I also loved how there were no flashing lights/embellished background. Just pure voices and instruments coming from heartfelt places
Thank you so much, Wendy. Memory Lane. I saw Bob Dylan about 20 years ago in a packed California Concert Hall. I, too, was so much younger then. And even younger now.
Thank you Wendy, good one :)
I was older Then!
So much Younger now.
Such a wonderful song. Loved it then and still do.
Thank you over and over for who you are & what you do. Happy Thanksgiving❣️
Just thank you for all your eye openings and groundings.
Thank you both, and sweet dreams!
J M W Turner eat your heart out!
That looks so ethereal; a very cool photo!
Your observations which come to me each night on the west coast about 10 pm help me drift off to sleep secure in the knowledge that superb people like you are anchoring basic people like me.
Happy Thanksgiving from a loyal and grateful reader.
Your husband’s photography is spectacular!
Absolutely gorgeous!
Buddy, the light in your photo is beautiful; the orange glow as the sun rises casts a magical spell. Reality in America is flashing distress signals.
That you are almost finished with your manuscript, HRC, as the season turns means that Americans will be blessed by a book imbued with a deep sense of the country's condition. That is our condition, the people's condition, whether we know it or not. Many of us do feel the weight of it.
Thank you, HCR, for your clear vision and concern.
Whoa!! Killer image of Buddy’s….flawless in every way. Wish I could say this was one of mine!! You two never cease to amaze….
We got our first snow this afternoon and now it’s blowing pretty good out there tonight; here “it” comes. Buddy’s gear is all in and you’re wrapping up the new book…other storms may rage further afield, but you guys are going into winter in fine form. Cheers from the next bay over……so much for which to be thankful!
Thanks for this lovely post, Peter (from one gifted capturer of life to another)!
Thanks to you and Buddy for giving me a view into your world!