Stefanik ran a campaign ad on replacement theory, had a social post with an extreme far right white nationalist slogan, was silent on the Buffalo racist mass killings. The woman is a white nationalist and panders to them. Why would anyone ever believe her concern about antisemitism is legit?
The way we think about foreign policy is often based in being realistic, in Realism. Henry Kissinger was a big Realism guy. The failure of being realistic is that often the only possible solutions are rejected out of hand because they aren’t “realistic”.
In 2001 we rushed to war because negotiating with the terrorist Taliban wasn’t a realistic way to “git bin Laden,” but by 2020 Trump sent Pompeo to negotiate a surrender and withdrawal from Afghanistan with those same terrorists. It was unimaginable 20 years ago that the USA would negotiate surrender to terrorists but we ended up doing it, so maybe negotiation wouldn’t have really been so unrealistic at the start in order to hold the international criminal behind the 9/11 attacks accountable.
The attacks in Israel of 10/7 have been called “Israel’s 9/11.” Like 9/11 it was an act of terrorism, a criminal act, not an act of war. The only valid response to crime is to seek justice through police and legal action. Such action would require a tremendous effort of international diplomacy - so it is seen as unrealistic.
But there are other examples we can look to. Ireland’s Sinn Fein seems a close analogy to Hama. It had a military wing that committed atrocities and a political wing that advocated for political aims. It took a hundred years but eventually all sides came to the conclusion the Zombie mindset of back and forth violence needed to end. In South Africa, again a place that seems relevant as what was another apartheid state, the racist government was taken down and a system of justice was established focusing on truth and reconciliation.
Neither of those cases seemed realistic, instead we find extreme violence and destruction, propaganda and lies, hate and anger to be realistic answers to resolving crime.
I hit “Like” but that doesn’t really feel right. I ever so sadly agree with what you said. And we can extrapolate that same narrow mindset of realism out towards all the other huge, apparently unsolvable problems facing the world. We can’t do anything about climate change because gas prices would go up. We can’t do anything about plastic pollution because reduce and reuse is so inconvenient.
I am reminded of visiting my husband’s aunt in Los Angeles, way back in the 80’s. I was aware, even as a young Northeasterner, that California had a water supply problem, and when her lawn sprinklers came on I said, “Wow, I’m surprised they let you water the lawn like that when there’s a water shortage.” She looked at me, baffled, and said “What water shortage?” She had no idea where her water came from. As long as it came out of the tap, there was no problem as far as she was concerned. We humans are so often like that. There is no problem until it becomes a problem for us.
Again-hypocrisy. Wouldn't it be nice if Stefanik would aim that disgust at her own MAGA group of haters? She will never do that of course because they are her road to the White House.
Thanks again, Will, for your transparency and the continuing reminders of what it is to live with someone with Alzheimer’s, and especially for reminding us of what love is!
I was happy to finally meet you last Tuesday at Ken’s book event.
My MIL had Alzheimers and stayed with us until she died of a stroke at 92. It's like going down a big set of stairs. Continue to enjoy where you two are right now as best you can. And may your holiday be joyful.
You just can't tell by observing someone or, as in your case, Will, a couple, are living with. Thank you for continuing to remind us what it is like to be constantly aware of how difficult it is to just keep things on track. Adding your descriptions of Ringo, and pictures, are a sweet addition to a really heart rending truth.
Your loving patience with Bella, and your finding joy when and where you can, and the real difficulties and fears always touch me--it is the honesty there. As does your honesty and clear seeing about Stefanik--your and my anger at the hypocrisy and our fear of how she and those that lie have harnassed their words and their power to do harm. Integrity, honesty, and caring on one side, and on the other willful lies, self righteousnesss, attacks on wrong targets, and the desire for power...Thank you, Will
Will, have you considered putting an apple airtag or some such device, into Bella’s pocket when going out? I can’t even imagine your fear when losing sight of her.
I hope you are getting support as a caregiver for a person with Alzheimer's disease. It is a grueling task. The Alzheimers Association should be able to help you and give hints and suggestions for caregivers. I worked in the Alzheimers program for several years, only to discover it ran rampant in my father's generation on my Italian side. (My parents were divorced.) Four of the six siblings would die of the disease, including my father. Please ask for support!
Stefanik ran a campaign ad on replacement theory, had a social post with an extreme far right white nationalist slogan, was silent on the Buffalo racist mass killings. The woman is a white nationalist and panders to them. Why would anyone ever believe her concern about antisemitism is legit?
Her credibility is nonexistent.
Shame on NY21 for re-electing this woman.
1) I despise pos_tKKK
2) but one can't lump everyone together.
NY21 might be the most red district, but if democrats voted at the rate of republicans.. there is a good chance she would not be elected.
If the media covered her by pointing out her lack of policy and love of lies, it might be a different election
3) even if it wasn't, the fact is, not everyone in ny21 supporters her
God bless your mom.
The way we think about foreign policy is often based in being realistic, in Realism. Henry Kissinger was a big Realism guy. The failure of being realistic is that often the only possible solutions are rejected out of hand because they aren’t “realistic”.
In 2001 we rushed to war because negotiating with the terrorist Taliban wasn’t a realistic way to “git bin Laden,” but by 2020 Trump sent Pompeo to negotiate a surrender and withdrawal from Afghanistan with those same terrorists. It was unimaginable 20 years ago that the USA would negotiate surrender to terrorists but we ended up doing it, so maybe negotiation wouldn’t have really been so unrealistic at the start in order to hold the international criminal behind the 9/11 attacks accountable.
The attacks in Israel of 10/7 have been called “Israel’s 9/11.” Like 9/11 it was an act of terrorism, a criminal act, not an act of war. The only valid response to crime is to seek justice through police and legal action. Such action would require a tremendous effort of international diplomacy - so it is seen as unrealistic.
But there are other examples we can look to. Ireland’s Sinn Fein seems a close analogy to Hama. It had a military wing that committed atrocities and a political wing that advocated for political aims. It took a hundred years but eventually all sides came to the conclusion the Zombie mindset of back and forth violence needed to end. In South Africa, again a place that seems relevant as what was another apartheid state, the racist government was taken down and a system of justice was established focusing on truth and reconciliation.
Neither of those cases seemed realistic, instead we find extreme violence and destruction, propaganda and lies, hate and anger to be realistic answers to resolving crime.
I hit “Like” but that doesn’t really feel right. I ever so sadly agree with what you said. And we can extrapolate that same narrow mindset of realism out towards all the other huge, apparently unsolvable problems facing the world. We can’t do anything about climate change because gas prices would go up. We can’t do anything about plastic pollution because reduce and reuse is so inconvenient.
I am reminded of visiting my husband’s aunt in Los Angeles, way back in the 80’s. I was aware, even as a young Northeasterner, that California had a water supply problem, and when her lawn sprinklers came on I said, “Wow, I’m surprised they let you water the lawn like that when there’s a water shortage.” She looked at me, baffled, and said “What water shortage?” She had no idea where her water came from. As long as it came out of the tap, there was no problem as far as she was concerned. We humans are so often like that. There is no problem until it becomes a problem for us.
Again-hypocrisy. Wouldn't it be nice if Stefanik would aim that disgust at her own MAGA group of haters? She will never do that of course because they are her road to the White House.
Bella is lucky to have your love. Wishing strength to you both.
Oh Will, you've broken my heart even before I've finished my coffee. Love to you both, and Ringo, too.
Thanks again, Will, for your transparency and the continuing reminders of what it is to live with someone with Alzheimer’s, and especially for reminding us of what love is!
I was happy to finally meet you last Tuesday at Ken’s book event.
Shalom!
It was great seeing you at the event Don.
My MIL had Alzheimers and stayed with us until she died of a stroke at 92. It's like going down a big set of stairs. Continue to enjoy where you two are right now as best you can. And may your holiday be joyful.
Great writing! So well said.
You just can't tell by observing someone or, as in your case, Will, a couple, are living with. Thank you for continuing to remind us what it is like to be constantly aware of how difficult it is to just keep things on track. Adding your descriptions of Ringo, and pictures, are a sweet addition to a really heart rending truth.
Your loving patience with Bella, and your finding joy when and where you can, and the real difficulties and fears always touch me--it is the honesty there. As does your honesty and clear seeing about Stefanik--your and my anger at the hypocrisy and our fear of how she and those that lie have harnassed their words and their power to do harm. Integrity, honesty, and caring on one side, and on the other willful lies, self righteousnesss, attacks on wrong targets, and the desire for power...Thank you, Will
“Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely!” Lord Acton
Will, have you considered putting an apple airtag or some such device, into Bella’s pocket when going out? I can’t even imagine your fear when losing sight of her.
Typical Stefanik. She rides on the high road after everyone else's catastrophe.
I hope you are getting support as a caregiver for a person with Alzheimer's disease. It is a grueling task. The Alzheimers Association should be able to help you and give hints and suggestions for caregivers. I worked in the Alzheimers program for several years, only to discover it ran rampant in my father's generation on my Italian side. (My parents were divorced.) Four of the six siblings would die of the disease, including my father. Please ask for support!
Oh my goodness Will, that had to have been terrifying!
Beautiful column, Will. I hold you and Bella in my prayers.
I totally agree Ken