Thanks for another big shot of Agape right in the Heart, Bill. All of your posts are beautiful examples of “setting a tone that is elevated - hauling us out of the depravity of Republican hate and deception.”
It's so much nicer to wake up and read a piece like yours, Bill. Just what I needed to start the day. I'll be out shoveling in a bit. But looking out my front window, it appears one or both of my neighbors was out earlier (they're both early risers) and used their snowblower to clear the lower end of my driveway (my snowblower is out of commission). Time to treat them to a night on the town.
Bill, much needed reminder to act from compassion rather than hate, especially since there is so much reason to hate their destruction of what we value. I’m reminded of Navalny’s example, and how challenging it was to read his decision to return to certain capture, out of an abundance of love for his country. That’s a hard lesson to internalise.
I loved the picture of Sophie and her mentors. My husband Dave has been tamping down, wearing snowshoes, an area in the back yard so that Ellie can relieve herself before bedtime without sinking. During the blizzard last night she was up to her neck in snow as she went down the deck stairs. She was delighted to come back inside! Best to Sophie!
However, there is a large segment of the American people, perhaps more than 50%, who are addicted to hate, love to hate, and would be happy to promote violence against me and you given even a slight chance.
Just watch some video from the March to Selma along the Edward Pettis bridge sometime if you want to see how Americans love to hate. If you think things have changed, think again.
Look up the number or lynching's that occurred from 1890 to 1965 in America, especially the south. That was not a rare event. That was a Sunday after church common activity for fun right here in America.
Read the 1619 Book Project Bill. Best book of my life. Real American history.
So, don't be too hard on Trump. He is a product/symptom of who we are as Americans and MANY Americans love Trump more than they love their own families.
I wish I could give him a pass but he's had untold opportunities in his life where he could have made a positive difference and didn't take them. Yes, he had a racist father - so did I - that does not excuse him. He's been his own man and as such must take responsibility for what he's done. And there isn't enough time left on this planet for him to be able to make amends.
Mike, I think you are right on all points except one. My guess is that the hard core completely irretrievable haters are less than 30%. There are a larger group that waffle around the middle...many who dont even pay attention...who feel the pain caused by this chaos and might realign. Somebody like Talarico might resonate with them.
As to Trump. You are right. He didn't start the hating. But he got it "trending" as the "ultimate influencer".
Trump's a short timer. We should ready for who is next. He won't be so clumsy and demented.
Thanks for another big shot of Agape right in the Heart, Bill. All of your posts are beautiful examples of “setting a tone that is elevated - hauling us out of the depravity of Republican hate and deception.”
Amen, Governor Pritzker. That was beautiful.
"Love Train" by the O'Jays is classic and timeless (even if those fashions and hairstyles are not!). Great song.
It's so much nicer to wake up and read a piece like yours, Bill. Just what I needed to start the day. I'll be out shoveling in a bit. But looking out my front window, it appears one or both of my neighbors was out earlier (they're both early risers) and used their snowblower to clear the lower end of my driveway (my snowblower is out of commission). Time to treat them to a night on the town.
Thanks, Bill!
Bill, much needed reminder to act from compassion rather than hate, especially since there is so much reason to hate their destruction of what we value. I’m reminded of Navalny’s example, and how challenging it was to read his decision to return to certain capture, out of an abundance of love for his country. That’s a hard lesson to internalise.
I loved the picture of Sophie and her mentors. My husband Dave has been tamping down, wearing snowshoes, an area in the back yard so that Ellie can relieve herself before bedtime without sinking. During the blizzard last night she was up to her neck in snow as she went down the deck stairs. She was delighted to come back inside! Best to Sophie!
Really, really well done Bill, and J.B. scores just as high. I'll add this thought to the musical inspirations: https://youtu.be/YUaxVQPohlU?si=zNwXeY2n1Xi-nHdh
Yes, Bill, I am tired of hate.
However, there is a large segment of the American people, perhaps more than 50%, who are addicted to hate, love to hate, and would be happy to promote violence against me and you given even a slight chance.
Just watch some video from the March to Selma along the Edward Pettis bridge sometime if you want to see how Americans love to hate. If you think things have changed, think again.
Look up the number or lynching's that occurred from 1890 to 1965 in America, especially the south. That was not a rare event. That was a Sunday after church common activity for fun right here in America.
Read the 1619 Book Project Bill. Best book of my life. Real American history.
So, don't be too hard on Trump. He is a product/symptom of who we are as Americans and MANY Americans love Trump more than they love their own families.
But they hate everyone else.
I wish I could give him a pass but he's had untold opportunities in his life where he could have made a positive difference and didn't take them. Yes, he had a racist father - so did I - that does not excuse him. He's been his own man and as such must take responsibility for what he's done. And there isn't enough time left on this planet for him to be able to make amends.
Mike, I think you are right on all points except one. My guess is that the hard core completely irretrievable haters are less than 30%. There are a larger group that waffle around the middle...many who dont even pay attention...who feel the pain caused by this chaos and might realign. Somebody like Talarico might resonate with them.
As to Trump. You are right. He didn't start the hating. But he got it "trending" as the "ultimate influencer".
Trump's a short timer. We should ready for who is next. He won't be so clumsy and demented.