Another worthwhile Sunday post, Will. The reminder and grounding of the humanity in all these war-friendly political posturings is so necessary, even though your writing connects so viscerally to the pain. I appreciate your not looking away and I appreciate your listening and telling.
And so glad you got to see some hockey and soak up some hockey energy. It's such a winter North Country thing. Visceral joy. I appreciate that story too.
I'm reminded of the quotes from MLK that were in Rex Smith's recent post, especially these words, "We must rapidly begin the shift from a thing-oriented society to a people-oriented society.".
That sounds like one of those facebook things that I saw the other day. It said in words to the effect: We are meant to love people and use things. Our problems stem from loving things and using people. They probably stole it from MLK, but it's a sentiment worth spreading anyway, isn't it.
but complains how he can't afford gas for his half ton pickup that gets 11 miles to the gallon... and no thought of saving for their children's education or the planet....
If someone who drives a giant truck or SUV but doesn't actually use it for work or towing complains about the price of gas to me, I will admit to getting a little dig in by saying, well, you must love paying for gas because look what you bought to drive.
On a tangent: I really believe if the policies that Jimmy Carter put in place (then revoked by one of the worst presidents ever - reagan) were still valid, we would have those same trucks and suv's getting 50 miles per gallon (albeit they would be much smaller vehicles).
If we were using less gas since 1980, even if it was an increase of a mile per gallon a year.. maybe there wouldn't be as many wildfires and hurricanes.
but who cares about the planet, amIright amIright?
If this was an episode of Star Trek, I would fear we might be on our way to becoming the lost civilization that Kirk and Spock tut-tut about as they wander the desolate remains of our planet.
Kirk: "This culture destroyed themselves over the concept of material wealth accumulation."
You know how when one look at his or her notification bell and you see the first line or few words of a response.
When I saw: "If this was an episode of Star Trek" I laughed out loud.
if only we could pretend we are living in an episode of science fiction.. that we could learn from or change the channel if it was too goofy.
It reminds me of a comment that I thought had become cliché by comedians.. that they actually have stopped using of late: "if you said this 10 years ago, no one would believe you!"
Think about all the anger being built up in Ukraine, in Russia, in Gaza, in Israel. In all the other countries too numerous to mention. Or maybe don't, because it's going to keep you up at night if you do.
War is so complex (and so meaningless in so many ways)
I was talking to a young Ukrainian woman who worked a an ice cream place. two summers ago, in late July. She mentioned of US 4th of July fireworks - - > reminding her of the bombing she had fled.
We are very lucky that we don't know war first hand... and it makes it difficult to understands how it affects those who have lived it. Worse - > LIVING it.
I can't wrap my head around what that woman is thinking when she hears hmpy trmPEDO and his ilk talk about no longer supporting Ukraine. Just as no one likes war, most people can see the danger of letting russia or israel (or hamas) commit atrocities
I think she is probably extremely sad to see the same familiar playbook she's seen in her neck of the woods being used here.
And, alas in this country at least, just a hair over most people apparently do not see that danger. As what is happening today of all days clearly shows.
Thank you, Will, You strike and expose a bleeding nerve that too many of us sugar coat with "patriotism" or faith. While people are slaughtered in the name of one or another allegiance, the oligarchs of the world take their chances amassing and enjoying their fortunes, until one or several of their own ilk endeavor to usurp them. Will humans ever learn how to stop this inhuman cycle? Will those of us who think and feel compassion for others, who know the difference between justice and injustice, prevail over this insatiable destructiveness? That is the choice that constantly lies before us. I like to think the majority of humanity will prevail, by example.
Thanks Will for your really insightful column today. I do understand our public disillusionment, however, I still believe it's no excuse for putting the disgusting criminal back in the Whitehouse.
Sometimes we live in the belief that there are 'just' wars. but we need a different word.. a different understanding.
Most would accept the belief we needed to stop Hitler.. we have a harder time understand we *became* Hitler when we put (Japanese-) American in internment camps. Or the fact that many Americans thought what was happening to the Jews.. was not our problem (at best) or not a bad idea (at worst).
We trusted the white (German-) Americans, even while we were calling sauerkraut 'victor cabbage.'
We think that good people do good things. That evil will always be overcome.
..if only it was always true.
To that, tomorrow is Martin Luther King day, not the coronation of a rapist/rapist/criminal.
and hopefully in some church, temple, sangha there is leader who will overcome the evil we are slipping into.
Thanks, Will, for putting a human face on war, and the Afghan/Iraqi conflicts in particular. Peace and caring to Ms. Delong on the loss of her brother and mother
As a student of foreign affairs, I concur with your analysis of the two wars. The inability or unwillingness of the Bush/Cheney administration to listen to its own reputable intelligence led to the Iraq debacle. Instead of keeping the focus on Afghanistan and diverting military resources away from there to Iraq, the conflict in Afghanistan was prolonged.
One of my concerns about the incoming administration is whether it will allow our national intelligence operation to do its work and take the intelligence seriously; or will it manipulate intelligence to accomplish its own partisan agenda.
I doubt that those in the military will benefit from DoD nominee Hegsmith, known for drinking on the job and sexual assault. When GOP politicians say they "support the military", look at who they actually reward and empower. FYI, the same GOP claims to "Back the Blue" and support "law and order" but is in violation of the law ordering that a plaque honoring Capital police who lost their lives in the MAGA assault on Congress, January 6th, 2020, be hung in the Capitol. They refuse to honor and those who suffer injury and death in support of our democracy. But they use them in their campaigns.
I fear the worse with hegseth, the worst thing about this, is how the republicans rolled over.. if there is anyone (and there ARE others to choose from the list of cabinet picks....) who is way to unqualified, it is him.
If anything it seems they should have required him to submit to random alcohol tests
I believe Hegseth's weaknesses were a plus for Trump, making Hegseth easier to control. Also, Trump normalizes womanizing/cheating, which he is notorious for, by making a womanizer/cheater secretary of defense.
Dear Will & Bella - Thanks for the photo - I've admired Will's columns for a long time and was glad to see a photo of you both. I admire you both for not giving up to this most horrendous of diseases - I took a photo w/my camera because I don't get out much anymore @ age 89. God Bless you both and I'll mention you in my prayers when I remember.
Every day I hear about gangs,, terrorists, men with guns killing men with guns, killing women and children....killing people, most of us, who just want to live their lives. Violence and cruelty throughout history...wars throughout history...and how insane our human history is. our human pathology. Tonight at the MLK ceremony someone sang "Imagine" and we all sang about Peace....
Another worthwhile Sunday post, Will. The reminder and grounding of the humanity in all these war-friendly political posturings is so necessary, even though your writing connects so viscerally to the pain. I appreciate your not looking away and I appreciate your listening and telling.
And so glad you got to see some hockey and soak up some hockey energy. It's such a winter North Country thing. Visceral joy. I appreciate that story too.
❤️🩹💔🙏🏻
I'm reminded of the quotes from MLK that were in Rex Smith's recent post, especially these words, "We must rapidly begin the shift from a thing-oriented society to a people-oriented society.".
That sounds like one of those facebook things that I saw the other day. It said in words to the effect: We are meant to love people and use things. Our problems stem from loving things and using people. They probably stole it from MLK, but it's a sentiment worth spreading anyway, isn't it.
Sidenote... I have found, when it comes to quotes... the message is the key
who is credited for it is often just a reappropriation.
(and though never credited (but knowing history as I do) likely something a guy heard his wife say.
😁 You show wisdom, young grasshopper!
not so young
and
not so much hop in my grass anymore ;-)
hmmmm tell that to the magAhole© who believes in family and country
but complains how he can't afford gas for his half ton pickup that gets 11 miles to the gallon... and no thought of saving for their children's education or the planet....
If someone who drives a giant truck or SUV but doesn't actually use it for work or towing complains about the price of gas to me, I will admit to getting a little dig in by saying, well, you must love paying for gas because look what you bought to drive.
On a tangent: I really believe if the policies that Jimmy Carter put in place (then revoked by one of the worst presidents ever - reagan) were still valid, we would have those same trucks and suv's getting 50 miles per gallon (albeit they would be much smaller vehicles).
If we were using less gas since 1980, even if it was an increase of a mile per gallon a year.. maybe there wouldn't be as many wildfires and hurricanes.
but who cares about the planet, amIright amIright?
If this was an episode of Star Trek, I would fear we might be on our way to becoming the lost civilization that Kirk and Spock tut-tut about as they wander the desolate remains of our planet.
Kirk: "This culture destroyed themselves over the concept of material wealth accumulation."
Spock: "Highly illogical, sir."
You know how when one look at his or her notification bell and you see the first line or few words of a response.
When I saw: "If this was an episode of Star Trek" I laughed out loud.
if only we could pretend we are living in an episode of science fiction.. that we could learn from or change the channel if it was too goofy.
It reminds me of a comment that I thought had become cliché by comedians.. that they actually have stopped using of late: "if you said this 10 years ago, no one would believe you!"
ª echoing and parroting Russia/Putin
ª electing a rapist
ª saying 'hitler had good qualities'
not even in Star Trek would you believe it
"highly illogical" indeed
Youth hockey on weekends at the Fire Road rink might be a fun option. Easy to drop in or leave at any time. And it's free!
Good idea. Bella and I spent years watching the Northstars play when Zo was on the team
Think about all the anger being built up in Ukraine, in Russia, in Gaza, in Israel. In all the other countries too numerous to mention. Or maybe don't, because it's going to keep you up at night if you do.
War is so complex (and so meaningless in so many ways)
I was talking to a young Ukrainian woman who worked a an ice cream place. two summers ago, in late July. She mentioned of US 4th of July fireworks - - > reminding her of the bombing she had fled.
We are very lucky that we don't know war first hand... and it makes it difficult to understands how it affects those who have lived it. Worse - > LIVING it.
I can't wrap my head around what that woman is thinking when she hears hmpy trmPEDO and his ilk talk about no longer supporting Ukraine. Just as no one likes war, most people can see the danger of letting russia or israel (or hamas) commit atrocities
I think she is probably extremely sad to see the same familiar playbook she's seen in her neck of the woods being used here.
And, alas in this country at least, just a hair over most people apparently do not see that danger. As what is happening today of all days clearly shows.
I contend if you voted for hmpy trmPEDO you are:
ª dumb and ignorant
ª ust plain willingly ignorant
ª have way to much hate in you to make cognitive choices
and with the young woman.. I think the response might (sadly) not be much deeper than: "what the f is wrong with you people"
Thank you. Finally, this important story is being told. We need to look at what we have done if we are ever to go forward with peace and humility.
Thank you, Will, You strike and expose a bleeding nerve that too many of us sugar coat with "patriotism" or faith. While people are slaughtered in the name of one or another allegiance, the oligarchs of the world take their chances amassing and enjoying their fortunes, until one or several of their own ilk endeavor to usurp them. Will humans ever learn how to stop this inhuman cycle? Will those of us who think and feel compassion for others, who know the difference between justice and injustice, prevail over this insatiable destructiveness? That is the choice that constantly lies before us. I like to think the majority of humanity will prevail, by example.
Thanks Will for your really insightful column today. I do understand our public disillusionment, however, I still believe it's no excuse for putting the disgusting criminal back in the Whitehouse.
Happy Sunday!
Thank you Will for reaching out to me and keeping my family in your thoughts
Sometimes we live in the belief that there are 'just' wars. but we need a different word.. a different understanding.
Most would accept the belief we needed to stop Hitler.. we have a harder time understand we *became* Hitler when we put (Japanese-) American in internment camps. Or the fact that many Americans thought what was happening to the Jews.. was not our problem (at best) or not a bad idea (at worst).
We trusted the white (German-) Americans, even while we were calling sauerkraut 'victor cabbage.'
We think that good people do good things. That evil will always be overcome.
..if only it was always true.
To that, tomorrow is Martin Luther King day, not the coronation of a rapist/rapist/criminal.
and hopefully in some church, temple, sangha there is leader who will overcome the evil we are slipping into.
Just think, what would the world be, if we did the right thing.* Like spending money on:
ª research into disease (from Alzheimer to Mental Health
ª making sure no child goes to bed hungry (with a focus on healthy and nutritious)
ª saving the planet
ª affordable housing
ª pristine national parks
ª affordable education (not just college, we need repair people)
Maybe it is not the 'right thing' but I believe most people would say they want those things, over tax breaks for the ultra wealthy
* btw, right thing: elon musk does not need more money or a tax break
Thanks, Will, for putting a human face on war, and the Afghan/Iraqi conflicts in particular. Peace and caring to Ms. Delong on the loss of her brother and mother
As a student of foreign affairs, I concur with your analysis of the two wars. The inability or unwillingness of the Bush/Cheney administration to listen to its own reputable intelligence led to the Iraq debacle. Instead of keeping the focus on Afghanistan and diverting military resources away from there to Iraq, the conflict in Afghanistan was prolonged.
One of my concerns about the incoming administration is whether it will allow our national intelligence operation to do its work and take the intelligence seriously; or will it manipulate intelligence to accomplish its own partisan agenda.
Thanks, also, for the reminder to “live in the moment!”
Yes. Easier said than done
I doubt that those in the military will benefit from DoD nominee Hegsmith, known for drinking on the job and sexual assault. When GOP politicians say they "support the military", look at who they actually reward and empower. FYI, the same GOP claims to "Back the Blue" and support "law and order" but is in violation of the law ordering that a plaque honoring Capital police who lost their lives in the MAGA assault on Congress, January 6th, 2020, be hung in the Capitol. They refuse to honor and those who suffer injury and death in support of our democracy. But they use them in their campaigns.
I fear the worse with hegseth, the worst thing about this, is how the republicans rolled over.. if there is anyone (and there ARE others to choose from the list of cabinet picks....) who is way to unqualified, it is him.
If anything it seems they should have required him to submit to random alcohol tests
I believe Hegseth's weaknesses were a plus for Trump, making Hegseth easier to control. Also, Trump normalizes womanizing/cheating, which he is notorious for, by making a womanizer/cheater secretary of defense.
perhaps...
What seemed to be the case the first time is even the qualified cabinet members didn't make it very long
BUT, they all seem to be doing fairly well after getting the boot.
It is unbelievable to me how much a republican can fail and still be considered a panel expert on fox or any other cable show
=====
I do think you are giving hmpy trmPEDO too much credit for 'thinking'
Dear Will & Bella - Thanks for the photo - I've admired Will's columns for a long time and was glad to see a photo of you both. I admire you both for not giving up to this most horrendous of diseases - I took a photo w/my camera because I don't get out much anymore @ age 89. God Bless you both and I'll mention you in my prayers when I remember.
Thank you, Carl
Every day I hear about gangs,, terrorists, men with guns killing men with guns, killing women and children....killing people, most of us, who just want to live their lives. Violence and cruelty throughout history...wars throughout history...and how insane our human history is. our human pathology. Tonight at the MLK ceremony someone sang "Imagine" and we all sang about Peace....