The year I graduated from high school in W. Illinois, the Kent State and Jackson State student shootings occurred. It was turbulent times, origin of much of the culture war of our times. In 1972 I listened to the people even my fellow college students, it became obvious Nixon would win in a landslide. He captured a true mandate, not this eked (funded by billions, court assisted) victory. How could people vote for Nixon? His secret plan for Vietnam meant an equal number of Americans died after 1968 as during Johnson's administration. The toll on the Vietnamese was immense, after the 1972 election the Christmas bombings. History has revealed he interfered with peace negotiations with North Vietnam. The Anna Chennault Affair prevented a peace treaty before the 1968 election. No one had paid attention to the Watergate incident before his 1972 victory. Newspaper columnists wrote of the incoming Imperil Presidency. Yet, somehow out the hubris and corruption of the Nixon administration they created their own downfall. It seemed like the fall of Syria a long struggle, then collapse came quickly near the end. We have all been in despair. I suffer from the loss of belief in Americans. I understand your feelings, even though we live in different generational universes. I recorded my commentary local NPR thought it too hot to play in MAGA Land -- https://shiresteve.substack.com/p/gratitude-at-thanksgiving Trudge on; it is a hike and those who hold to ethics, moral values, and ideals must continue to place one foot after another.
You aren't alone! We are living in uncharted times, people have been told lies for so long from the incoming president that people believe the lies are the truth. To me they have become brain washed, for lack of a better term, and have lashed out at the very problem that he has created while he points fingers blaming others. You care, you have a great passion for the vision of everything our Country can and should be. What has frustrated me is people no longer seek the truth. They take the lazy way out and listen to media outlets that spread lies and false information and they believe they are the gospel. When you try to correct them they get furious, angry, loud and start blaming everyone other then who created the problem in the first place. I'm amazed when they lose the election was rigged, because they were told is was, and when they win they don't question anything. I used to try and correct them but was been a waste of time and breathe. The Republican way has become create a problem, identify we have a problem and in turn make the problem while pointing their fingers at any one that has spoken out against their poor decisions. It isn't easy to identify those that truly care for the country they all knots in their stomachs and a confused look on their faces. Hang tough the truth always wins. You are a good person and it reflects in your writing. The world needs more K.L.'s!!!!
I am an elderly Iowan who has lived in Canada for some years after working across the world. I was (and still am) deeply upset by the election results. Three days after the election I went to a wedding in Michigan between a first generation Hindu American and an Afghan refugee. There were about 40 young people between the ages of 25 and 35 there, friends of theirs from across America. Several different ethnicities of origin, but a significant number of white American young people. I was able to talk with many of them in some depth. They were all open, curious, and respectful of differences. I found profound hope in that group of young Americans.
A quote I find helpful: “What seems to be a breaking down of civilization may well be the breaking up of old forms by life itself”.
I produce the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat. One of our participants sent me a link to your column and suggested you might be a good candidate to come to the retreat. The dates are September 28-October 1. The website is https://www.okobojiwritersretreat.com
If this looks like something you’d like to do, I have a scholarship available for a young, emerging writer. You are a good fit for this gift, if you’d like to come.
The year I graduated from high school in W. Illinois, the Kent State and Jackson State student shootings occurred. It was turbulent times, origin of much of the culture war of our times. In 1972 I listened to the people even my fellow college students, it became obvious Nixon would win in a landslide. He captured a true mandate, not this eked (funded by billions, court assisted) victory. How could people vote for Nixon? His secret plan for Vietnam meant an equal number of Americans died after 1968 as during Johnson's administration. The toll on the Vietnamese was immense, after the 1972 election the Christmas bombings. History has revealed he interfered with peace negotiations with North Vietnam. The Anna Chennault Affair prevented a peace treaty before the 1968 election. No one had paid attention to the Watergate incident before his 1972 victory. Newspaper columnists wrote of the incoming Imperil Presidency. Yet, somehow out the hubris and corruption of the Nixon administration they created their own downfall. It seemed like the fall of Syria a long struggle, then collapse came quickly near the end. We have all been in despair. I suffer from the loss of belief in Americans. I understand your feelings, even though we live in different generational universes. I recorded my commentary local NPR thought it too hot to play in MAGA Land -- https://shiresteve.substack.com/p/gratitude-at-thanksgiving Trudge on; it is a hike and those who hold to ethics, moral values, and ideals must continue to place one foot after another.
You aren't alone! We are living in uncharted times, people have been told lies for so long from the incoming president that people believe the lies are the truth. To me they have become brain washed, for lack of a better term, and have lashed out at the very problem that he has created while he points fingers blaming others. You care, you have a great passion for the vision of everything our Country can and should be. What has frustrated me is people no longer seek the truth. They take the lazy way out and listen to media outlets that spread lies and false information and they believe they are the gospel. When you try to correct them they get furious, angry, loud and start blaming everyone other then who created the problem in the first place. I'm amazed when they lose the election was rigged, because they were told is was, and when they win they don't question anything. I used to try and correct them but was been a waste of time and breathe. The Republican way has become create a problem, identify we have a problem and in turn make the problem while pointing their fingers at any one that has spoken out against their poor decisions. It isn't easy to identify those that truly care for the country they all knots in their stomachs and a confused look on their faces. Hang tough the truth always wins. You are a good person and it reflects in your writing. The world needs more K.L.'s!!!!
I am an elderly Iowan who has lived in Canada for some years after working across the world. I was (and still am) deeply upset by the election results. Three days after the election I went to a wedding in Michigan between a first generation Hindu American and an Afghan refugee. There were about 40 young people between the ages of 25 and 35 there, friends of theirs from across America. Several different ethnicities of origin, but a significant number of white American young people. I was able to talk with many of them in some depth. They were all open, curious, and respectful of differences. I found profound hope in that group of young Americans.
A quote I find helpful: “What seems to be a breaking down of civilization may well be the breaking up of old forms by life itself”.
Keep breathing and look for others to work with.
Keep being the thoughtful young man you are. Write those narratives and entertain us. We need some light in this world. Be that light.
I produce the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat. One of our participants sent me a link to your column and suggested you might be a good candidate to come to the retreat. The dates are September 28-October 1. The website is https://www.okobojiwritersretreat.com
If this looks like something you’d like to do, I have a scholarship available for a young, emerging writer. You are a good fit for this gift, if you’d like to come.
My email is juliegammack @ mac. Com
Well written. I am hopeful you can allow yourself to step back and focus on more things that bring you some pleasure and less anguish.