I'm engaged with your posts for many reasons. Your excellent writing, your lessons in history, your observations. But what I'm learning the most about is you and your personal history . . . and I love that.
I loved the whole piece and my comments would merely be echoes of comments already made by others. But I did want to highlight two statements that really struck me: “But the low point made it clear we’d grown too comfortable, let down our guard.
In fairness, all of America let down its guard — at least the part of America that believes in democracy, equality and liberty for all.” And “I can’t just relax and celebrate progress because I’ve seen how quickly and violently it can be reversed.”
I think you hit the nail on the head with those statements.
In the last few decades, we as a nation, thinking that progress was trending in the right direction (even if at times erratic and maddeningly slow) let down our collective guards and, tragically, we are seeing how quickly and violently that progress can be reversed. Present times have proven to us that the the old saw that eternal vigilance is the price of liberty is spot on.
Rick, thank you for reinforcing those points. I did not enjoy writing that the LGBTQs let down our guard, and felt only the tiniest comfort in writing that at least we weren't alone. But I guess I'll take even the tiny comforts.
Great piece. Have not been to Chanute but a good friend and neighbor is from there, and her late artist brother Robert Blunk also recognized for his work and years of teaching there. Greatness is seeded in many unlikely places. Your writing is so very fine.
Happy Pride month. Look at that, from one day, the last Sunday of the month, to the entire month. Now, that's progress.
I thought I would have to stop reading after that story of the 21-year-old in Wyoming. Horrible people in the world.
I thought I would have to stop reading when I noticed Kansas. Yet, here is Governor Kelly recognizing June 2nd as the day to celebrate Gilbert Baker, the creator of the gay flag. Impressive. Thank you, Governor Kelly.
The struggles are real. We have an evil administration trying to turn back the hands of all the progress made here in America. I read recently that they plan to bulldoze the Statue of Liberty. Damn them.
My hope lies in the people-we, the people, can never be defeated.
I'm engaged with your posts for many reasons. Your excellent writing, your lessons in history, your observations. But what I'm learning the most about is you and your personal history . . . and I love that.
This means a lot, Denice. Thank you. 🙏🏻❤️
I loved the whole piece and my comments would merely be echoes of comments already made by others. But I did want to highlight two statements that really struck me: “But the low point made it clear we’d grown too comfortable, let down our guard.
In fairness, all of America let down its guard — at least the part of America that believes in democracy, equality and liberty for all.” And “I can’t just relax and celebrate progress because I’ve seen how quickly and violently it can be reversed.”
I think you hit the nail on the head with those statements.
In the last few decades, we as a nation, thinking that progress was trending in the right direction (even if at times erratic and maddeningly slow) let down our collective guards and, tragically, we are seeing how quickly and violently that progress can be reversed. Present times have proven to us that the the old saw that eternal vigilance is the price of liberty is spot on.
Rick, thank you for reinforcing those points. I did not enjoy writing that the LGBTQs let down our guard, and felt only the tiniest comfort in writing that at least we weren't alone. But I guess I'll take even the tiny comforts.
Your writing gives me hope. Mahalo
Obrigada, Terry.
Great piece. Have not been to Chanute but a good friend and neighbor is from there, and her late artist brother Robert Blunk also recognized for his work and years of teaching there. Greatness is seeded in many unlikely places. Your writing is so very fine.
Thank you so much, Michael. Here's to Chanute!
No Place Like Home - Still one of my favorite books and documentaries. So grateful for your contribution to this important piece of KS history, C.J.!
And so grateful to you, Cathy, for everything you do to support everything that's good about Kansas.
I meant to also say, "Westboro Church seems ancient, yet they are lurking as I type."
yep
Happy Pride month. Look at that, from one day, the last Sunday of the month, to the entire month. Now, that's progress.
I thought I would have to stop reading after that story of the 21-year-old in Wyoming. Horrible people in the world.
I thought I would have to stop reading when I noticed Kansas. Yet, here is Governor Kelly recognizing June 2nd as the day to celebrate Gilbert Baker, the creator of the gay flag. Impressive. Thank you, Governor Kelly.
The struggles are real. We have an evil administration trying to turn back the hands of all the progress made here in America. I read recently that they plan to bulldoze the Statue of Liberty. Damn them.
My hope lies in the people-we, the people, can never be defeated.
Carry on!
Thank you Lynda! And yes. Onward.
Super! Once again, extremely well put together and posted! Onward!
Thanks Mom.
Thanks for sharing your perspective and experiences, and putting them out in the world.
Thank you for reading and sharing, Marcel.
What an exuberant photo!
Love your writing, thank you!❤️
Much love and gratitude to you, Kelly. 🙏🏻 ❤️ 🌻
Tears. Laughter.
Joy. Sorrow. Happiness. Grief. Gains. Losses. Struggles. Victories. Ecstacy. Misery. Crying. Dancing.
Love. Life. Death.
Through it all: stories.
Tell the stories.
SILENCE=DEATH
As always, you have the right words my brother. Love you.