Wishing you the happiest of Thanksgivings, Steven. I am grateful to you for standing strong against the travesty to come. If we don’t give up, we’ll win in the end.
My gratitude over where I am in life is a big reason I have so much anger at what has happened. My personal story as the grandson of immigrants who never were literate in English for their entire lives, were laborers who suffered privations, then reared my parents and that second generation to use the opportunities presented by America, where even ethnic minorities could improve their lot in life through education and hard work, to where I and my progeny are now: educated, comfortable financially, own our own homes, have more than enough, damn good lives. To see these selfish, evil, bigoted, greedy, racist, xenophobic, misogynists trying to destroy the very fabric of America which has been so good to me and my family, and my peers of similar background, enrages me beyond words. The stereotypical American dream is being murdered by these hateful types who do not want socioeconomic mobility, or even freedom, for anyone else. Their abuse of power is against what our system stands for. My disdain for those who support this terrible descent into neofascism by dint of their own myopia, resentments, gullibility, or simple ignorance is enormous. It is difficult to not let this disgust overwhelm me. So on this Thanksgiving I will focus on my good fortune, and the endless fight for what is good and right in this country that I love and appreciate.
Thank you, thank you. I share your rage and a similar family history. Thank you for putting my feelings of outrage and disgust into words. Let us protect the American dream for others.
My wife and our friends of the same ilk often muse that it would be much easier to be conservatives who are selfish and unconcerned about the plights and journeys of others less privileged. Then we wouldn't feel outrage, grief, and regret to see how MAGA is ruining the American Dream of opportunity and equality.
My brother fits into the category of cruel people you describe. I've been crying a lot this evening because I severed ties with him, at long last, today. He has been a leader of the "christian" nationalists, but I just found out today that he published (under a pseudonym) a how-to guide for neo-Nazis. I am sick at heart. Going to try not to cry tomorrow. Won't be with family, only friends, so no one will know.
I’m so sorry. Don’t let it crush your soul. Sadly, members of those movements are all related to others - often innocent bystanders. This knowledge has removed the weight of ambivalence about maintaining a connection from you. It’s OK to grieve for what might have been as long as it does not pull you down.
As you regroup, please surround yourself with the safety of your trusted family & friends. Let them help sustain you. 🫶
I understand your anguish but I more so respect your strength and resolve to reject the cruelty of your blood relative. We cannot choose our families but we can choose who we surround ourselves with. Take heart today knowing you are a kind, compassionate and accepting person.
Back at you, Steven. Our family has much to be thankful for. Interesting to note that the corporate media is now saying we have a great economy. Gosh, just happened overnight. It's a miracle!
If these short-term types pile into the markets or the cryptoverse and think trump is gonna make 'em rich, I hope they find out the hard way that he a) lies incessantly, and b) doesn't know WTF he's talking about.
Thank you Steven. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. Will try to have a peaceful Thanksgiving dinner at our home with some family members who are Trumpers, but most who are not. I am still thankful to be an American. Our work shall continue. God bless.
I so appreciate your analysis and insights of politics, always in the context of history. I’m thankful for your empathy and encouragement that we can get through a likely dark period.
I am indeed giving thanks to our America, America community as well as all of the “Substackers” who read and comment on each other’s expression of our intense love for our country as well as for each other. Yeah, even the ones who mistakenly made the incorrect vote. Happy Thanksgiving to all
Thank you for keeping us grounded. There are so many unknowns and those are causing anxiety and worry--not just for us but for our children and grandchildren.
Being from Western North Carolina, where we are still recovering from the devastation of hurricane Helene, I have learned to be thankful for the simple things. Turn on the water and get clean water I can drink. Flip a switch, and the lights come on. And I am reminded that hundreds of millions on this planet will never have those things.
I am originally from the Western Carolinas and one of my friends lives in Hendersonville. He just was able to get back into his home a couple of weeks ago. To add to his misery, his lovely 93 year old mom passed away just last week. When it rains…
I live in Hendersonville. My heart goes out to your friend, especially on the loss of his mom. Deepest sympathies. The town is getting some back to normal - roads cleared and downtown back in business. But in many neighborhoods, the ruined furniture still sits on the curbs. Piles of chopped up trees that fell across the roads still Iike the highways. But we are Hendersonville-strong. The spirit of resilience is strong, and everybody is reaching out to help those who need it. Be proud of your home town.
Steven, From Canada’s Capital, I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving and I hope that we will remain good friends, neighbors and close allies during the difficult times ahead. Thank you for your insights and knowledge that feed my mind on a regular basis.
Thank you Christine, as I do to the US. My father had dual citizenship, but after serving in the Canadian army as a young man, had lost it, unbeknownst to him. It was traumatic for him, as he had plans to move my mom, sibs and me to California, but was refused a visa. Most of my Murphy cousins are in the US, DNA matches having confirmed our close relationship.
That’s how I connected with Canadian cousins, and met people I might not have known otherwise. It was the best thing I’ve experienced in a good long time. Best wishes to you!
Thank you for thinking of others in these times. You are a wise gentleman of grace. Dignity and ethics and doing service for common good will always lead us to joy. Many may feel doing good work makes one weak, but even Mr. Roger's told us we could find always find the helpers. Those with faith and knowledge will look toward light and those walking in joy.
“More immediately, I hope you will experience a happy and peaceful Thanksgiving with family and friends. Eat too much, laugh hard, swap sentimental stories, hug your loved ones, remember the reasons in your own life to be thankful. Do it even if your cranky uncle or wayward cousin is a Trump voter and is determined to lord it over you.”
Happy Thanksgiving. Thank you especially for not giving up.
Wishing you the happiest of Thanksgivings, Steven. I am grateful to you for standing strong against the travesty to come. If we don’t give up, we’ll win in the end.
My gratitude over where I am in life is a big reason I have so much anger at what has happened. My personal story as the grandson of immigrants who never were literate in English for their entire lives, were laborers who suffered privations, then reared my parents and that second generation to use the opportunities presented by America, where even ethnic minorities could improve their lot in life through education and hard work, to where I and my progeny are now: educated, comfortable financially, own our own homes, have more than enough, damn good lives. To see these selfish, evil, bigoted, greedy, racist, xenophobic, misogynists trying to destroy the very fabric of America which has been so good to me and my family, and my peers of similar background, enrages me beyond words. The stereotypical American dream is being murdered by these hateful types who do not want socioeconomic mobility, or even freedom, for anyone else. Their abuse of power is against what our system stands for. My disdain for those who support this terrible descent into neofascism by dint of their own myopia, resentments, gullibility, or simple ignorance is enormous. It is difficult to not let this disgust overwhelm me. So on this Thanksgiving I will focus on my good fortune, and the endless fight for what is good and right in this country that I love and appreciate.
Thank you, thank you. I share your rage and a similar family history. Thank you for putting my feelings of outrage and disgust into words. Let us protect the American dream for others.
My wife and our friends of the same ilk often muse that it would be much easier to be conservatives who are selfish and unconcerned about the plights and journeys of others less privileged. Then we wouldn't feel outrage, grief, and regret to see how MAGA is ruining the American Dream of opportunity and equality.
Easier in one way, but morally decrepit in another way -- that on some level (hopefully!) feels crappy.
Don’t worry, we’re not copping out. We just ruefully laugh at not giving a shit about others being easy
My brother fits into the category of cruel people you describe. I've been crying a lot this evening because I severed ties with him, at long last, today. He has been a leader of the "christian" nationalists, but I just found out today that he published (under a pseudonym) a how-to guide for neo-Nazis. I am sick at heart. Going to try not to cry tomorrow. Won't be with family, only friends, so no one will know.
Let his cruelty motivate greater compassion toward others. Hang in there.
Thank you. I'm trying.
I’m so sorry. Don’t let it crush your soul. Sadly, members of those movements are all related to others - often innocent bystanders. This knowledge has removed the weight of ambivalence about maintaining a connection from you. It’s OK to grieve for what might have been as long as it does not pull you down.
As you regroup, please surround yourself with the safety of your trusted family & friends. Let them help sustain you. 🫶
Thank you, Ann. You express it so well: the weight of ambivalence has finally been lifted.
Sorry. But he made his choice. Now you’ve made yours
I understand your anguish but I more so respect your strength and resolve to reject the cruelty of your blood relative. We cannot choose our families but we can choose who we surround ourselves with. Take heart today knowing you are a kind, compassionate and accepting person.
Thank you, Marta.
Back at you, Steven. Our family has much to be thankful for. Interesting to note that the corporate media is now saying we have a great economy. Gosh, just happened overnight. It's a miracle!
It’s predictable isn’t it? Yep happened overnight 😔
If these short-term types pile into the markets or the cryptoverse and think trump is gonna make 'em rich, I hope they find out the hard way that he a) lies incessantly, and b) doesn't know WTF he's talking about.
Thank you Steven. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. Will try to have a peaceful Thanksgiving dinner at our home with some family members who are Trumpers, but most who are not. I am still thankful to be an American. Our work shall continue. God bless.
Nicely stated, Steven.
As always I also cherish your insights and wisdom. For this I am Grateful.
And, thanks for such a positive outlook for all that ails us.
Thanks to you, and yours.
I so appreciate your analysis and insights of politics, always in the context of history. I’m thankful for your empathy and encouragement that we can get through a likely dark period.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and those you hold dear
I am indeed giving thanks to our America, America community as well as all of the “Substackers” who read and comment on each other’s expression of our intense love for our country as well as for each other. Yeah, even the ones who mistakenly made the incorrect vote. Happy Thanksgiving to all
Thank you Steven. May your Thanksgiving be calm and encouraging, as you are to us.
Thank you for keeping us grounded. There are so many unknowns and those are causing anxiety and worry--not just for us but for our children and grandchildren.
Being from Western North Carolina, where we are still recovering from the devastation of hurricane Helene, I have learned to be thankful for the simple things. Turn on the water and get clean water I can drink. Flip a switch, and the lights come on. And I am reminded that hundreds of millions on this planet will never have those things.
I am originally from the Western Carolinas and one of my friends lives in Hendersonville. He just was able to get back into his home a couple of weeks ago. To add to his misery, his lovely 93 year old mom passed away just last week. When it rains…
I live in Hendersonville. My heart goes out to your friend, especially on the loss of his mom. Deepest sympathies. The town is getting some back to normal - roads cleared and downtown back in business. But in many neighborhoods, the ruined furniture still sits on the curbs. Piles of chopped up trees that fell across the roads still Iike the highways. But we are Hendersonville-strong. The spirit of resilience is strong, and everybody is reaching out to help those who need it. Be proud of your home town.
I love that, Dawn and thank you for your condolences to my friend.
Steven, From Canada’s Capital, I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving and I hope that we will remain good friends, neighbors and close allies during the difficult times ahead. Thank you for your insights and knowledge that feed my mind on a regular basis.
CAM, I hope for this too, hold my connections in Canada very dear and can’t imagine losing that. 👍🏻
Thank you Christine, as I do to the US. My father had dual citizenship, but after serving in the Canadian army as a young man, had lost it, unbeknownst to him. It was traumatic for him, as he had plans to move my mom, sibs and me to California, but was refused a visa. Most of my Murphy cousins are in the US, DNA matches having confirmed our close relationship.
That’s how I connected with Canadian cousins, and met people I might not have known otherwise. It was the best thing I’ve experienced in a good long time. Best wishes to you!
Best wishes and a Happy Thanksgiving.
May your Thanksgiving be calm, the same calm you give to us every day.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Thank you for thinking of others in these times. You are a wise gentleman of grace. Dignity and ethics and doing service for common good will always lead us to joy. Many may feel doing good work makes one weak, but even Mr. Roger's told us we could find always find the helpers. Those with faith and knowledge will look toward light and those walking in joy.
Thanks again for the encouragement!
And “ditto”
Excerpt from Steven’s words:
“More immediately, I hope you will experience a happy and peaceful Thanksgiving with family and friends. Eat too much, laugh hard, swap sentimental stories, hug your loved ones, remember the reasons in your own life to be thankful. Do it even if your cranky uncle or wayward cousin is a Trump voter and is determined to lord it over you.”
————-
Me, too