I find myself experiencing a sick thrill in the face of overwhelming odds. It must be the addict in me, or perhaps a capitulation to the apocryphal Chinese curse “May you live in interesting times.” But it’s clear we are in for one hell of a street fight. At the beginning of. Aimé Césairé’s Cahier, he rails against “ the flunkies of order, and the cockchafers of hope.” I also find it increasingly difficult to trust in the dominant narratives, but actions speak volumes.
Great writing, Andrew. Thanks again again for your hard work.
I was reminded of McFly's story recently during a live production performance. I appreciate the revisit and your thoughts in this piece about his role in the people's psyche, Andrew. Hope you're well this week? Cheers, -Thalia
Good to know my essay was in sync with your thoughts, Thalia. Thanks so much for reading and sharing your response. Yes, all is well with me, and I trust you’re doing well too. Best wishes!
Beautifully articulated, Andrew. I'm with you 100 percent. Things are moving extraordinarily fast in the wrong direction politically. It's hard to stay optimistic, but vital to do so.
Yes, it’s absolutely vital to do so, Deborah. It’s good to know we’re on the same page, but I’m not surprised. Thanks for taking the time to read and share your reaction to my passionate take on the current situation. Much appreciated.
One of the best things I've read by you, or anyone. I have the same dream. I want to wake up and have it be November 2000 with the Florida "butterfly ballot" replaced by something comprehensible. Imagine how that one little fix could have changed US history.
However, our present will be someone else's past. Let's do everything we can to fix things now so that future thinkers won't have to wish what we wish now. I'm not losing hope.
So glad to hear that you’re not losing hope either. It’s so important not to give in to despair.
Those of us who remember Bush v. Gore know all too well that the court broke along partisan lines—long before anyone went nuclear. As a result we got fake weapons of mass destruction and the Iraq War. Some would say it was really Dick Cheney who won that election.
Water under the bridge, I know. But history is a great teacher for those who pay attention and remember. It’s good to know you do. Thanks so much for reading and sharing your thoughtful and encouraging remarks. I’m really glad you liked the essay. It means a lot to me.
Hoping that your optimistic spirit is contagious and results in an election result that will make some of the court's ruling moot...at least until the next Trumpian comes along.
I fell asleep wondering how this egregious ruling will be changed. Not in my lifetime, I’m afraid. But if we use our collective wisdom and talents, with this brilliant piece as inspiration, and sound the alarm to prevent this man from ever getting access to the Oval Office again, we will thwart this court and preserve our democracy in the one way left to us. I urge everyone to speak out against this ruling, this court, and this candidate while we still have any rights left. Thank you for this warning bell, Andrew.
Thanks for reading and weighing in. No President who respects our history or democracy would ever abuse the office under this expansion of power. But we certainly know of one who has and would do so again if given the chance. We cannot allow that to happen.
BRILLIANT. And thank you. Yesterday I read a line in Leif Enger's new book (about a dystopian near-future America that hits a little TOO close to the bone--but in spite of that carries a message like yours--of hope--of not giving up)--Anyway the line is this: "As enemies go, despair has every ounce of my respect." Which is precisely why we can't "let it win" by giving into it....
Oh, I like that quote a lot. And I agree with it. Thanks so much for reading and for sharing this insight. And thanks also for appreciating the hopefulness of my message today. I really appreciate it.
I find myself experiencing a sick thrill in the face of overwhelming odds. It must be the addict in me, or perhaps a capitulation to the apocryphal Chinese curse “May you live in interesting times.” But it’s clear we are in for one hell of a street fight. At the beginning of. Aimé Césairé’s Cahier, he rails against “ the flunkies of order, and the cockchafers of hope.” I also find it increasingly difficult to trust in the dominant narratives, but actions speak volumes.
Great writing, Andrew. Thanks again again for your hard work.
The flunkies of order! Thanks for taking the time to read and share your incisive and intriguing insights, Bradley. Much appreciated.
I was reminded of McFly's story recently during a live production performance. I appreciate the revisit and your thoughts in this piece about his role in the people's psyche, Andrew. Hope you're well this week? Cheers, -Thalia
Good to know my essay was in sync with your thoughts, Thalia. Thanks so much for reading and sharing your response. Yes, all is well with me, and I trust you’re doing well too. Best wishes!
Beautifully articulated, Andrew. I'm with you 100 percent. Things are moving extraordinarily fast in the wrong direction politically. It's hard to stay optimistic, but vital to do so.
Yes, it’s absolutely vital to do so, Deborah. It’s good to know we’re on the same page, but I’m not surprised. Thanks for taking the time to read and share your reaction to my passionate take on the current situation. Much appreciated.
One of the best things I've read by you, or anyone. I have the same dream. I want to wake up and have it be November 2000 with the Florida "butterfly ballot" replaced by something comprehensible. Imagine how that one little fix could have changed US history.
However, our present will be someone else's past. Let's do everything we can to fix things now so that future thinkers won't have to wish what we wish now. I'm not losing hope.
So glad to hear that you’re not losing hope either. It’s so important not to give in to despair.
Those of us who remember Bush v. Gore know all too well that the court broke along partisan lines—long before anyone went nuclear. As a result we got fake weapons of mass destruction and the Iraq War. Some would say it was really Dick Cheney who won that election.
Water under the bridge, I know. But history is a great teacher for those who pay attention and remember. It’s good to know you do. Thanks so much for reading and sharing your thoughtful and encouraging remarks. I’m really glad you liked the essay. It means a lot to me.
Sad but so true. What a mess!
Hoping that your optimistic spirit is contagious and results in an election result that will make some of the court's ruling moot...at least until the next Trumpian comes along.
What a mess indeed! I’m hoping for the same. Thanks for taking the time to read and share your encouraging thoughts. Much appreciated!
I fell asleep wondering how this egregious ruling will be changed. Not in my lifetime, I’m afraid. But if we use our collective wisdom and talents, with this brilliant piece as inspiration, and sound the alarm to prevent this man from ever getting access to the Oval Office again, we will thwart this court and preserve our democracy in the one way left to us. I urge everyone to speak out against this ruling, this court, and this candidate while we still have any rights left. Thank you for this warning bell, Andrew.
Thanks for reading and weighing in. No President who respects our history or democracy would ever abuse the office under this expansion of power. But we certainly know of one who has and would do so again if given the chance. We cannot allow that to happen.
Exactly.
Thank you.
BRILLIANT. And thank you. Yesterday I read a line in Leif Enger's new book (about a dystopian near-future America that hits a little TOO close to the bone--but in spite of that carries a message like yours--of hope--of not giving up)--Anyway the line is this: "As enemies go, despair has every ounce of my respect." Which is precisely why we can't "let it win" by giving into it....
Oh, I like that quote a lot. And I agree with it. Thanks so much for reading and for sharing this insight. And thanks also for appreciating the hopefulness of my message today. I really appreciate it.