Thank you, Father, for capturing this uncertain time so eloquently. It is truly you who pioneer my love and appreciation for this country. While I feel scared about the future marked by uncertainty, I take comfort in seeing that people like you—determined to see a country we love succeed—have paved the way. You remind me and Helena everyday that hope and action, coexisting together creates change, even in the face of fear.
Thank you Eva. No small wonder your father is so proud of his daughters. I would love to hear where you have selected to go to school next year. Lucky place. You will leave your mark.
Thank you, Eva for your action. I applaud your passion and enthusiasm. I am happy that you haven’t given up on the older generations and that you are inspiring your own generation. Keep up the good work. And know that it makes a difference.
Having just turned 80, I am gripped by that very despair you so eloquently expressed. My pride in never having missed voting in an election since I came of age decades ago has been shaken to the core. Was it all a mirage? Why has it proven so easy for the creators of a malevolent program to put in place the perfect puppet, the vengeful and seemingly unstoppable ignorer of the rule of law? Yes, there have been many isolated examples before where justice has been slapped in the face, but the norm still stood. Now the rule of law has been turned inside out, and those still with the power to stop this disaster have ceded power. Why? I keep asking myself, Why was it so easy? Is fear that strong? Is selfishness more powerful than selflessness? Is greed the ultimate power? And so I grieve. Watching is now too painful. Hope? Hope is for the young. What can I do? Support the young and refuse to be silent. Only time will tell, and my grief is magnified by the thought that I probably won't be around long enough to see if this nation will recover its promise.
I am just a number of months behind you, M. Michel. I vividly recall the turbulent times of our teen and young twenties. One of the mantas of the 1960’s was not to trust anyone over thirty. Alas, as we aged out of the <30 yo, a bunch Checked Out from caring with mind altering substances, others Sold Out, many died in Viet Nam or their souls were irreparably altered. Some Baby Boomers did wonderful things to help the world be a better place. tRump is a baby boomer too. What happened ? Our parents were the Greatest Generation. Our grandparents lived through WWI, the Depression and WWII. What happened to the progress of the baby steps toward equality over the past 50 years?
I applaud your daughter, and those with similar determination and optimism who will make the next great generation. Ours appears to have withdrawn into complacency, passivity and individual self interest.
Trump is following Orban’s lead with closing educational institutions, stripping judiciary, declaring war on news outlets ( who fold like a house of cards), Congress which has taken little or no action ( either side), it’s left to…330 million of us!!!! We are loud and proud and my country is where my heart lies.
I will NEVER give in to this slobbering Republican administration!!! If I get (abducted, stolen, snatched, kidnapped) you pick the adjective as it’s for sure NOT deported because at least if you’re deported due process has taken place!!! I would prefer Denmark, Greenland, Portugal if given the choice👩🎤👩🎤💪❤️
Thankyou for your thoughtful words. God didn’t save trump but Satan certainly did. Like my shirt says “the comeback is always stronger than the setback” we will be different but better because democracy will no longer be taken for granted
Thank you so much for this article I have been feeling so sad so sad. This feeling is worsened by living with a Trumper who gleefully dances on the grave of democracy. This is a guy who hasn’t filed taxes in at least 10 years.
My apologies to your daughter for the heavy task we are leaving for her generation to correct our wrongs. It’s sad to think that such a large number of citizens are just plain selfish bigots and agree with the totalitarian government we are now enduring. I used to think that people were just misinformed but not any longer. Their silence speaks volumes .
the callous, self-serving policies of a demented person like Trump.. I am mourning the loss of my faith in a huge portion of the American people, who lack
I refuse to enter a stage of mourning! This democracy is not over. Far from it. Do we have unbelievable challenges? Yes! Have we not had challenges before? Yes- WW1, WW2, Nazi Germany, Jim Crow. We must and will figure out a proper response to today's challenges and will fight however we must to keep our democracy. But to begin to mourn already? I'm not even considering that a possibility!
Tom, thank you for your fight and your optimism. I agree wholeheartedly. I’d also add that we can mourn what’s been lost while still working to build something better.
Positivity and community can be a crucible for meaningful action.
What threw me in the dumps again today was the news that they want to dismantle the original lunch counter from Woolworth’s where those well dressed black young men were repeatedly refused service and removed by the police back in the days before the Civil Rights movement prevailed ( or so we thought). People, students and adults would be distressed if it remained in the Museum. And then “Through the Fog “. Our friends and we used to joke around and say that we were doomed when Trump was elected for the second time but no one is joking anymore. We are doomed - even if we manage to gain some control over this situation in some way. That so many Americans are still thinking that this is the way our country should be ? They are 0k with this ! How do we move forward when they will think we are cramming down their throats an agenda they know will doom them ?
The next generation will be stronger and will rebuild a better democracy. They are bright people who want liberty and social equality. They are not hateful but accepting of all types and races of people. There is hope for America
Agreed! We have a 20 yr old doing the same. It brings tears to my eyes because I wished they’d be using this energy and verve to improve the planet or end suffering but instead they will, as you said be the rebuilders. Bravo!
“All the while deep corrosive currents endured, eating away at our democratic identity—greed, hatred, white supremacy, and fear sharpened and deployed for power.” Well articulated E. Kirschner.
Thank you Elliot for your eloquent message of hope, but it is we, the stumbling, struggling collection of present generations, the sad amalgam of now, who must , together, unite to dispel the dysphoria of our time.
When I consider the demographics of power I look at my generation, the old farts. Those of us somewhat sentimentally called The Boomers. We have been targeted as the first to have our Social Security threatened, the first to watch our 401 k s tank and the first to follow the Greatest Generation. If I threw you off with that last ‘first’ it was purposefully. Unlike the Greatest Generation, we have never stood as a united group against absolute tyranny. Yeah , we had the Vietnam war but we were not united. We now have the money , read that ‘power’, to affect change. Whether we choose to defy tyranny in our own land is , now, the greatest single challenge of our lifetime. As for me, as the age of 77, I’d prefer to be remembered as a member of a generation that, at the very least, defied evil.
Thank you, Father, for capturing this uncertain time so eloquently. It is truly you who pioneer my love and appreciation for this country. While I feel scared about the future marked by uncertainty, I take comfort in seeing that people like you—determined to see a country we love succeed—have paved the way. You remind me and Helena everyday that hope and action, coexisting together creates change, even in the face of fear.
Thahk you Eva. You and Helena inspire ME! I love when people here get to hear your voice. I bet many would welcome a guest column.
What a super idea!
Your are truly an inspiration- to your daughters snd to all of us. Thank you
Thank you Eva. No small wonder your father is so proud of his daughters. I would love to hear where you have selected to go to school next year. Lucky place. You will leave your mark.
Thank you, Eva for your action. I applaud your passion and enthusiasm. I am happy that you haven’t given up on the older generations and that you are inspiring your own generation. Keep up the good work. And know that it makes a difference.
Thank you Eva. Keeping hoping and acting.
"Guest Column - Guest Column - Guest Column...."
...please!
Your father's eloquence has been passed on to you. It is a beautiful thing!
Congratulations to your parents who raised such amazing daughters. I, for one, would love to hear more from you!
You are truly an inspiration - hope does live for the future.
Having just turned 80, I am gripped by that very despair you so eloquently expressed. My pride in never having missed voting in an election since I came of age decades ago has been shaken to the core. Was it all a mirage? Why has it proven so easy for the creators of a malevolent program to put in place the perfect puppet, the vengeful and seemingly unstoppable ignorer of the rule of law? Yes, there have been many isolated examples before where justice has been slapped in the face, but the norm still stood. Now the rule of law has been turned inside out, and those still with the power to stop this disaster have ceded power. Why? I keep asking myself, Why was it so easy? Is fear that strong? Is selfishness more powerful than selflessness? Is greed the ultimate power? And so I grieve. Watching is now too painful. Hope? Hope is for the young. What can I do? Support the young and refuse to be silent. Only time will tell, and my grief is magnified by the thought that I probably won't be around long enough to see if this nation will recover its promise.
You are certainly not alone.
Ah, but the promise will be recovered. Hope is not just for the young but for all of us who draw breath.
I am just a number of months behind you, M. Michel. I vividly recall the turbulent times of our teen and young twenties. One of the mantas of the 1960’s was not to trust anyone over thirty. Alas, as we aged out of the <30 yo, a bunch Checked Out from caring with mind altering substances, others Sold Out, many died in Viet Nam or their souls were irreparably altered. Some Baby Boomers did wonderful things to help the world be a better place. tRump is a baby boomer too. What happened ? Our parents were the Greatest Generation. Our grandparents lived through WWI, the Depression and WWII. What happened to the progress of the baby steps toward equality over the past 50 years?
I applaud your daughter, and those with similar determination and optimism who will make the next great generation. Ours appears to have withdrawn into complacency, passivity and individual self interest.
Trump is following Orban’s lead with closing educational institutions, stripping judiciary, declaring war on news outlets ( who fold like a house of cards), Congress which has taken little or no action ( either side), it’s left to…330 million of us!!!! We are loud and proud and my country is where my heart lies.
I will NEVER give in to this slobbering Republican administration!!! If I get (abducted, stolen, snatched, kidnapped) you pick the adjective as it’s for sure NOT deported because at least if you’re deported due process has taken place!!! I would prefer Denmark, Greenland, Portugal if given the choice👩🎤👩🎤💪❤️
Thankyou for your thoughtful words. God didn’t save trump but Satan certainly did. Like my shirt says “the comeback is always stronger than the setback” we will be different but better because democracy will no longer be taken for granted
Thank you for putting it ALL into words for me...And for HOPE. When the storm passes we will rebuild.
Thank you so much for this article I have been feeling so sad so sad. This feeling is worsened by living with a Trumper who gleefully dances on the grave of democracy. This is a guy who hasn’t filed taxes in at least 10 years.
Then turn him in and walk away!
If he didn't have Stage 4 cancer, I would. This takes a careful approach.
So sorry for your pain. In your caring may you find peace, yah I know it’s hard. God asks a lot but it’s comforting to know that a lot is promised.
Didn’t mean to go all religious on you but , please don’t allow bitterness become his legacy. That’s up to you.
My apologies to your daughter for the heavy task we are leaving for her generation to correct our wrongs. It’s sad to think that such a large number of citizens are just plain selfish bigots and agree with the totalitarian government we are now enduring. I used to think that people were just misinformed but not any longer. Their silence speaks volumes .
This, too, has caused me much grief: to know that millions of Americans can support
the callous, self-serving policies of a demented person like Trump.. I am mourning the loss of my faith in a huge portion of the American people, who lack
I refuse to enter a stage of mourning! This democracy is not over. Far from it. Do we have unbelievable challenges? Yes! Have we not had challenges before? Yes- WW1, WW2, Nazi Germany, Jim Crow. We must and will figure out a proper response to today's challenges and will fight however we must to keep our democracy. But to begin to mourn already? I'm not even considering that a possibility!
Tom, thank you for your fight and your optimism. I agree wholeheartedly. I’d also add that we can mourn what’s been lost while still working to build something better.
Positivity and community can be a crucible for meaningful action.
What threw me in the dumps again today was the news that they want to dismantle the original lunch counter from Woolworth’s where those well dressed black young men were repeatedly refused service and removed by the police back in the days before the Civil Rights movement prevailed ( or so we thought). People, students and adults would be distressed if it remained in the Museum. And then “Through the Fog “. Our friends and we used to joke around and say that we were doomed when Trump was elected for the second time but no one is joking anymore. We are doomed - even if we manage to gain some control over this situation in some way. That so many Americans are still thinking that this is the way our country should be ? They are 0k with this ! How do we move forward when they will think we are cramming down their throats an agenda they know will doom them ?
our friends
Joy comes after mourning if we work for it.
The next generation will be stronger and will rebuild a better democracy. They are bright people who want liberty and social equality. They are not hateful but accepting of all types and races of people. There is hope for America
Agreed! We have a 20 yr old doing the same. It brings tears to my eyes because I wished they’d be using this energy and verve to improve the planet or end suffering but instead they will, as you said be the rebuilders. Bravo!
“All the while deep corrosive currents endured, eating away at our democratic identity—greed, hatred, white supremacy, and fear sharpened and deployed for power.” Well articulated E. Kirschner.
Thank you Elliot for your eloquent message of hope, but it is we, the stumbling, struggling collection of present generations, the sad amalgam of now, who must , together, unite to dispel the dysphoria of our time.
Uniting is not our strong suit at the moment. But let us hope, those of us who have loved our country, that we can get better at it!
Thank you for capturing the grief we feel along with the hope for change. Beautifully written.
Very well said. Thank you
When I consider the demographics of power I look at my generation, the old farts. Those of us somewhat sentimentally called The Boomers. We have been targeted as the first to have our Social Security threatened, the first to watch our 401 k s tank and the first to follow the Greatest Generation. If I threw you off with that last ‘first’ it was purposefully. Unlike the Greatest Generation, we have never stood as a united group against absolute tyranny. Yeah , we had the Vietnam war but we were not united. We now have the money , read that ‘power’, to affect change. Whether we choose to defy tyranny in our own land is , now, the greatest single challenge of our lifetime. As for me, as the age of 77, I’d prefer to be remembered as a member of a generation that, at the very least, defied evil.