My mother was born in Proskurov, Ukraine, in 1918. In 1919, a Cossack pogrom killed 1,600 Jews in her village. She and her mother hid behind a cow in a barn, and were protected by the cow who was shot instead of them. A year of so later, they and their family were helped to come to America by my mother’s uncle Alexander Shluger, who worked at the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society. Arriving on July 4th in NY Harbor, and seeing the fireworks, my mother cried in terror “the Cossacks! the Cossacks!” Proskurov is now known as Khelmenystyi. My mother’s family were treated there as Trump wishes to treat immigrants today, and like he wants to let Putin treat the people of Ukraine today - like vermin. There is no bottom to the evil of Trump, to the shame and disgrace he brings to this nation.
She had PTSD left over from the Cossacks, what a story of the unbounded hate that mankind cannot deny, it’s always been active somewhere and it’s no better now.
Proposal for a meme: Hitler would never wear a crown adorned with human skin but Trump would:"IT MAKES GOOD TELEVISION" he would tweet...
...Trump would especially proudly preen with it on if the skin were skin grafts of his ex-supporters... and the skin grafts were fashioned into penises...because:"IT WOULD MAKE GOOD TELEVISION"
...for the purpose of "late night drinking binges" ...the name for this meme would be: "uncircumcision"... aka "putting skin back on the corona(the anatomical name of the male crown)"...
...aka "an unthinkable punishment for an unthinkably cruel administration for their unthinkable crimes"
...would be shown a video of Hitler refusing such a crown and Trump saying:"I'll wear it for the cameras because it MAKES GOOD TELEVISION... but I'll never admit I knew it had human skin on it"
This is beautiful Steven: Thank you for including it;
“”The spikes in Lady Liberty’s crown were meant to symbolize rays of sun emanating out to the world. She is holding a tablet inscribed with the date America asserted its independence, July 4, 1776. At her foot, there is a broken shackle and chains representing the end of slavery in America. And the bronze plaque with Emma Lazarus’ famous poem, “The New Colossus,” was attached to her stone pedestal in 1903: Give me your tired, your poor/Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.””
My Italian grandfather and his Aunt were recorded at Ellis Island. We saw their names on records there. I have always held our Democracy dear even as a 10 year old.
Our love for our country must prevail and we must protect our Democracy.
My heartfelt thanks to you and others here who continue to strive to illuminate Truth.
Amercian ShaSo disgusting, hypocritical and morally wrong. For shame USA.”
May be an image of 4 people and beard
“After Trump's disgraceful behavior at the White House today with President Zelensky, major world players just came out to defend Ukraine and Zelensky:
- Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk: “Dear Zelensky, dear Ukrainian friends, you are not alone.”
- President of Lithuania Gitanas Nausea: “Ukraine, you’ll never walk alone.”
- Denmark Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen: “Dear Zelensky, Denmark proudly stands with Ukraine and the Ukrainian people.”
- French President Emmanual Macron: “There is an aggressor: Russia. There is a people being aggressed: Ukraine. We were all right to help Ukraine and sanction Russia three years ago and to continue doing so. We, that’s the Americans, the Europeans, Canadians, Japanese, and many others. Thank you to all those who have helped and continue to do so. And respect to those who, from the beginning, have been fighting. Because they are fighting for their dignity, their independence, for their children, and for the security of Europe.”
- President of Moldova Maia Sandu: “The truth is simple. Russia invaded Ukraine. Russia is the aggressor. Ukraine defends its freedom—and ours. We stand with Ukraine.”
- Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson: “Sweden stands with Ukraine. You are not only fighting for your freedom but also for all of Europe’s. Slava Ukraini! ”
- Incoming German Chancellor Friedrich Mer: “Dear Volodymyr @zelenskyyua, we stand with #Ukraine in good and in testing times. We must never confuse aggressor and victim in this terrible war. (FM)”
- Croatia’s Prime Minister Andrej Plenković: “Croatia knows from its own experience that only a just peace can last. The Croatian Government stands firm in its belief that Ukraine needs such a peace - a peace that means sovereignty, territorial integrity, and a secure Europe.”
- Finland’s Prime Minister @PetteriOrpo: “Finland and the Finnish people stand firmly with Ukraine. We will continue our unwavering support and work towards a just and lasting peace.”
- Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal: “We stand united with @ZelenskyyUa and Ukraine in our fight for freedom. Always. Because it is right, not easy.”
- Ireland’s Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris: “Ukraine is not to blame for this war brought about by Russia’s illegal invasion. We stand with Ukraine.“
- Latvia’s President Edgars Rinkevics: “Ukraine is a victim of the Russian aggression. It fights the war with the help from many friends and partners. We need to spare no effort for just and lasting peace. Diplomacy sometimes is the art of the impossible in difficult circumstances. Latvia stands with Ukraine”
- Prime Minister of the Netherlands Dick Schoof: ”The Netherlands supports Ukraine as firmly as ever. Now more than ever. We want a lasting peace and an end to the war of aggression started by Russia. For Ukraine and its people, and for Europe.”
- Prime Minister of Luxembourg Luc Friedsen: “Luxembourg stands with Ukraine. You are fighting for your freedom and a rules based international order. ”
The West and Europe stands with the heroic Zelensky. Trump sides with Putin. What has our nation become?”
Every one of them is important and I thank them so much, let history record this correctly. Maybe a a brass plaque when Ukraine is whole again and Russia has disappeared completely. That will be a wonderful day EU has been so much better educated US (easy to quantify is half dum bells.
Thank you so much for sharing this. Reading through it, I have so many conflicting feelings. On one hand, it’s inspiring to see that the world is filled with thoughtful, literate leaders. On the other hand, I am envious that we are burdened with a selfish, greedy spoiled brat who grew up without restrictions on his behavior. And shame that we were unable to stop it from happening. The US is a huge, wealthy, educated country. It is embarrassing to have allowed such a creature to have access to the best of our institutions and achievements.
This is devastating to me and my family. My husband is French…and my kids are part French, as a result. My in laws were the most wonderful people on the planet. My father-in-law was part of the French resistance in various ways. I spent lots of time there in professional development. You might say that France mirrored and fed my creative understanding of myself and the world. Being there on and off my entire life changed my life. We still have cherished relatives there. Sometimes I don’t know where my American self ends and the French self begins. I am always on a razor’s edge where my sensibilities and loyalties lie during this autocratic shift in American politics. And yet, the American in me fiercely defends the things that really matter…democracy, inclusion and yes, diversity. These things are a part of my American experience. But kindness, tolerance and open-mindedness are fast disappearing here, and ignorance and conspiracy theories are replacing them. In short, what I thought were American values; the things that brought proud tears to my eyes when I said the Pledge of Allegiance, are evaporating. I am desperate to hold on to those feelings, but they are disappearing from my emotional vocabulary.
My father, born in Paris, came to America, NYC, 1921, alone as a 17 year old boy to find a better life. He worked hard, studied to become an engineer and became the Chief Engineer of the beautiful St Regis Hotel for his entire career. His name is on the wall at Ellis Island, Fernand Antoine Roullet. He met my mother, Nancy Ponzini, who was from Italy. She was a talented seamstress, living and working near Cherry Street in lower Manhattan. They married and had two daughters, my sister and me.
It was the true American story of Europeans coming to America to find success and freedom. I am a French citizen. We all love the United States and cherish its values. May they live forever!!!! American the Beautiful!!
By coincidence I just a few days ago read the Wiki entry on the St. Regis Hotel - because I was reading the Wiki about the film Notorious, and it mentioned Alfred Hitchcock lived there for a time. What an impressive building!
I don't know what to say to my Dutch friend. He is the third generation to tend the Dutch grave at an American cemetery of the uncle I never knew, killed in WWII. Marco loves the US and has visited every year, including me on his tour last year. He left Meta for fear of reprisals and let me know a secure chat to stay connected. I don't know what to do or say. This morning what I feel is deep grief. Underneath that is fear.
I am so glad for his friendship and his service to my family and the US, tending this grave in gratitude for the US role in liberating the Netherlands. I take heart in our mutual bonds of gratitude, a mirror of so many European ties of blood and heart that cannot be destroyed by the mad men wreaking havoc. I hold on to those as flames of hope and promise.
My family came to North America long before Ellis Island, even before New York. My ancestors came from Holland to found New Amsterdam Colony in 1624. The original house still exists as a museum in Brooklyn. https://wyckoffmuseum.org/
Very interesting! My paternal French Huguenot ancestors (Monfort) also arrived in New Amsterdam from Holland in the 1600’s for a new life, having fled religious persecution. I’ve noticed the Wyckoff surname often in my genealogy research.
Perhaps we were neighbors in this early historical time of America. 🇺🇸
Genealogy research is a hobby of mine. On both my maternal and paternal side, I can trace lineage back to nine Mayflower passengers - to Passamaquoddy and Mi'kmaq natives, and to German Jews who escaped the Holocaust, to Scots and Irish who escaped the Clearances and famines -
My bloodline is wholly American - from Natives to Immigrants. I have ancestors that fought in every war this country has been in. I worked in US gov't Intelligence. I took that oath - "against all enemies, foreign and domestic" and that oath NEVER expires.
I just never thought I'd have to fight the actual US gov't as the domestic enemy...
My paternal grandparents were born in Italy. Both came thru Ellis Island in the early part of the 20th century. And as Italians, they were relegated to the low wage jobs that "real Americans' wouldn't do. The more things change...
My grandmother came here from an area of Russia near Ukraine at the age of 16…alone in the early 1900s. She arrived at Ellis Island. Her older brother - the eldest of 8 children. They fled to escape the pogroms. He met her and they settled in Passaic, NJ. She met my grandfather who came here from Russia as well. One of her brothers introduced them. After they married, they opened up a bridal/tuxedo rental/photography business which was a huge success. Her parents eventually came to the USA with their eldest daughter, husband and her 3 daughters. They all stayed in my grandparents apt. - 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom - 9 people! But they made it work for awhile. It was family.
I came here from Europe in 1949, aged two. Not through Ellis Island, but Philadelphia, on a freighter. My father hired as the ship's doctor, with his wife and two young daughters. My ties to my European homeland are a huge part of my identity. As I wrote in the forward to my book, "I left Norway as a young child, not of my own volition, and my deepest gratitude goes first to my parents, who worked hard, even as we were becoming Americans, to prevent our Norwegian language and traditions from withering and dying on the hot prairies of western South Dakota."
I am devastated, as are my Norwegian family. My cousin saying, "For the first time I am ashamed of my dual citizenship." I am just grateful that my brother, a Vietnam vet, did not live to see these days. He was so proud of the fact that he was the "native born" American in our family. The rest of us all naturalized. These days I think often of the strength of my grandmother, who lived the dark days of the Nazi occupation of Norway, her three sons all captive in German concentration camps. I weep often for both of my beloved countries.
I am still just grieving this rupture. My grandparents (maternal and paternal) were Germanic people who came to America from the Ukraine area at the turn of the last century. My whole moral universe has been built on a foundational belief that my country was on the right side. That is clearly no longer true, and I simply do not know what to do with my pain.
I was born in Paris in 1946. My dad had been a political prisoner arrested by the Gestapo. He was freed by the Americans from a camp in Plansee, Austria. He was a brilliant economist and became one of the Marshall plan french negotiators, his reverence for the Americans was limitless.
I arrived here in my twenties and spent practically all my life as an American. Ukraine is heartbreaking
This government is not who we are, or rather we choose to be kind. We can be anything, but we choose compassion.
My mother was born in Proskurov, Ukraine, in 1918. In 1919, a Cossack pogrom killed 1,600 Jews in her village. She and her mother hid behind a cow in a barn, and were protected by the cow who was shot instead of them. A year of so later, they and their family were helped to come to America by my mother’s uncle Alexander Shluger, who worked at the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society. Arriving on July 4th in NY Harbor, and seeing the fireworks, my mother cried in terror “the Cossacks! the Cossacks!” Proskurov is now known as Khelmenystyi. My mother’s family were treated there as Trump wishes to treat immigrants today, and like he wants to let Putin treat the people of Ukraine today - like vermin. There is no bottom to the evil of Trump, to the shame and disgrace he brings to this nation.
Thank you for sharing this.
She had PTSD left over from the Cossacks, what a story of the unbounded hate that mankind cannot deny, it’s always been active somewhere and it’s no better now.
Proposal for a meme: Hitler would never wear a crown adorned with human skin but Trump would:"IT MAKES GOOD TELEVISION" he would tweet...
...Trump would especially proudly preen with it on if the skin were skin grafts of his ex-supporters... and the skin grafts were fashioned into penises...because:"IT WOULD MAKE GOOD TELEVISION"
...for the purpose of "late night drinking binges" ...the name for this meme would be: "uncircumcision"... aka "putting skin back on the corona(the anatomical name of the male crown)"...
...aka "an unthinkable punishment for an unthinkably cruel administration for their unthinkable crimes"
What's the intended audience for such a meme?
Anyone googling:"How do we stop Trump?"...
...would be shown a video of Hitler refusing such a crown and Trump saying:"I'll wear it for the cameras because it MAKES GOOD TELEVISION... but I'll never admit I knew it had human skin on it"
This is beautiful Steven: Thank you for including it;
“”The spikes in Lady Liberty’s crown were meant to symbolize rays of sun emanating out to the world. She is holding a tablet inscribed with the date America asserted its independence, July 4, 1776. At her foot, there is a broken shackle and chains representing the end of slavery in America. And the bronze plaque with Emma Lazarus’ famous poem, “The New Colossus,” was attached to her stone pedestal in 1903: Give me your tired, your poor/Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.””
My Italian grandfather and his Aunt were recorded at Ellis Island. We saw their names on records there. I have always held our Democracy dear even as a 10 year old.
Our love for our country must prevail and we must protect our Democracy.
My heartfelt thanks to you and others here who continue to strive to illuminate Truth.
💙💙🇺🇸💙💙
Amercian ShaSo disgusting, hypocritical and morally wrong. For shame USA.”
May be an image of 4 people and beard
“After Trump's disgraceful behavior at the White House today with President Zelensky, major world players just came out to defend Ukraine and Zelensky:
- Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk: “Dear Zelensky, dear Ukrainian friends, you are not alone.”
- President of Lithuania Gitanas Nausea: “Ukraine, you’ll never walk alone.”
- Denmark Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen: “Dear Zelensky, Denmark proudly stands with Ukraine and the Ukrainian people.”
- French President Emmanual Macron: “There is an aggressor: Russia. There is a people being aggressed: Ukraine. We were all right to help Ukraine and sanction Russia three years ago and to continue doing so. We, that’s the Americans, the Europeans, Canadians, Japanese, and many others. Thank you to all those who have helped and continue to do so. And respect to those who, from the beginning, have been fighting. Because they are fighting for their dignity, their independence, for their children, and for the security of Europe.”
- President of Moldova Maia Sandu: “The truth is simple. Russia invaded Ukraine. Russia is the aggressor. Ukraine defends its freedom—and ours. We stand with Ukraine.”
- Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson: “Sweden stands with Ukraine. You are not only fighting for your freedom but also for all of Europe’s. Slava Ukraini! ”
- Incoming German Chancellor Friedrich Mer: “Dear Volodymyr @zelenskyyua, we stand with #Ukraine in good and in testing times. We must never confuse aggressor and victim in this terrible war. (FM)”
- Croatia’s Prime Minister Andrej Plenković: “Croatia knows from its own experience that only a just peace can last. The Croatian Government stands firm in its belief that Ukraine needs such a peace - a peace that means sovereignty, territorial integrity, and a secure Europe.”
- Finland’s Prime Minister @PetteriOrpo: “Finland and the Finnish people stand firmly with Ukraine. We will continue our unwavering support and work towards a just and lasting peace.”
- Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal: “We stand united with @ZelenskyyUa and Ukraine in our fight for freedom. Always. Because it is right, not easy.”
- Ireland’s Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris: “Ukraine is not to blame for this war brought about by Russia’s illegal invasion. We stand with Ukraine.“
- Latvia’s President Edgars Rinkevics: “Ukraine is a victim of the Russian aggression. It fights the war with the help from many friends and partners. We need to spare no effort for just and lasting peace. Diplomacy sometimes is the art of the impossible in difficult circumstances. Latvia stands with Ukraine”
- Prime Minister of the Netherlands Dick Schoof: ”The Netherlands supports Ukraine as firmly as ever. Now more than ever. We want a lasting peace and an end to the war of aggression started by Russia. For Ukraine and its people, and for Europe.”
- Prime Minister of Luxembourg Luc Friedsen: “Luxembourg stands with Ukraine. You are fighting for your freedom and a rules based international order. ”
The West and Europe stands with the heroic Zelensky. Trump sides with Putin. What has our nation become?”
Feminist News
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Every one of them is important and I thank them so much, let history record this correctly. Maybe a a brass plaque when Ukraine is whole again and Russia has disappeared completely. That will be a wonderful day EU has been so much better educated US (easy to quantify is half dum bells.
Thank you so much for sharing this. Reading through it, I have so many conflicting feelings. On one hand, it’s inspiring to see that the world is filled with thoughtful, literate leaders. On the other hand, I am envious that we are burdened with a selfish, greedy spoiled brat who grew up without restrictions on his behavior. And shame that we were unable to stop it from happening. The US is a huge, wealthy, educated country. It is embarrassing to have allowed such a creature to have access to the best of our institutions and achievements.
This is devastating to me and my family. My husband is French…and my kids are part French, as a result. My in laws were the most wonderful people on the planet. My father-in-law was part of the French resistance in various ways. I spent lots of time there in professional development. You might say that France mirrored and fed my creative understanding of myself and the world. Being there on and off my entire life changed my life. We still have cherished relatives there. Sometimes I don’t know where my American self ends and the French self begins. I am always on a razor’s edge where my sensibilities and loyalties lie during this autocratic shift in American politics. And yet, the American in me fiercely defends the things that really matter…democracy, inclusion and yes, diversity. These things are a part of my American experience. But kindness, tolerance and open-mindedness are fast disappearing here, and ignorance and conspiracy theories are replacing them. In short, what I thought were American values; the things that brought proud tears to my eyes when I said the Pledge of Allegiance, are evaporating. I am desperate to hold on to those feelings, but they are disappearing from my emotional vocabulary.
💕
My father, born in Paris, came to America, NYC, 1921, alone as a 17 year old boy to find a better life. He worked hard, studied to become an engineer and became the Chief Engineer of the beautiful St Regis Hotel for his entire career. His name is on the wall at Ellis Island, Fernand Antoine Roullet. He met my mother, Nancy Ponzini, who was from Italy. She was a talented seamstress, living and working near Cherry Street in lower Manhattan. They married and had two daughters, my sister and me.
It was the true American story of Europeans coming to America to find success and freedom. I am a French citizen. We all love the United States and cherish its values. May they live forever!!!! American the Beautiful!!
By coincidence I just a few days ago read the Wiki entry on the St. Regis Hotel - because I was reading the Wiki about the film Notorious, and it mentioned Alfred Hitchcock lived there for a time. What an impressive building!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Regis_New_York
I don't know what to say to my Dutch friend. He is the third generation to tend the Dutch grave at an American cemetery of the uncle I never knew, killed in WWII. Marco loves the US and has visited every year, including me on his tour last year. He left Meta for fear of reprisals and let me know a secure chat to stay connected. I don't know what to do or say. This morning what I feel is deep grief. Underneath that is fear.
I am so glad for his friendship and his service to my family and the US, tending this grave in gratitude for the US role in liberating the Netherlands. I take heart in our mutual bonds of gratitude, a mirror of so many European ties of blood and heart that cannot be destroyed by the mad men wreaking havoc. I hold on to those as flames of hope and promise.
We stand with Ukraine to defend democracy. I wrote a poem about the brave Ukrainians and Zelensky called “Freedom’s Light”. Slava Ukraini! https://democracydefender2025.substack.com/p/zelensky-ukraine-freedoms-light
My family came to North America long before Ellis Island, even before New York. My ancestors came from Holland to found New Amsterdam Colony in 1624. The original house still exists as a museum in Brooklyn. https://wyckoffmuseum.org/
Very interesting! My paternal French Huguenot ancestors (Monfort) also arrived in New Amsterdam from Holland in the 1600’s for a new life, having fled religious persecution. I’ve noticed the Wyckoff surname often in my genealogy research.
Perhaps we were neighbors in this early historical time of America. 🇺🇸
Genealogy research is a hobby of mine. On both my maternal and paternal side, I can trace lineage back to nine Mayflower passengers - to Passamaquoddy and Mi'kmaq natives, and to German Jews who escaped the Holocaust, to Scots and Irish who escaped the Clearances and famines -
My bloodline is wholly American - from Natives to Immigrants. I have ancestors that fought in every war this country has been in. I worked in US gov't Intelligence. I took that oath - "against all enemies, foreign and domestic" and that oath NEVER expires.
I just never thought I'd have to fight the actual US gov't as the domestic enemy...
Isn’t that horrible, TK? it must bring you great pain. It does to me, just reading what you wrote.
My paternal grandparents were born in Italy. Both came thru Ellis Island in the early part of the 20th century. And as Italians, they were relegated to the low wage jobs that "real Americans' wouldn't do. The more things change...
My parents arrived here from Poland & Germany in August 1949 after surviving 5 years in a slave labor camp.
They always encouraged us to travel
Every trip to Europe has enriched us
Then our children traveled, and now our grandson spent spring 2024 studying in Florence and visited almost every country in Europe
He knows and loves freedom and he will pass that on to his children
If we do not learn from history, we are doomed to repeat it.
Too many Americans are failing to see we are in critical danger.
Trump is not a president.
He is a tyrant on a revenge crusade against everyone he perceives has wronged him-ever!
His betrayal of Ukraine and his betrayal of US should force articles of impeachment or invoking the 25th amendment
Please get the word out and tell people to tell their elected officials to REMOVE TRUMP NOW
My grandmother came here from an area of Russia near Ukraine at the age of 16…alone in the early 1900s. She arrived at Ellis Island. Her older brother - the eldest of 8 children. They fled to escape the pogroms. He met her and they settled in Passaic, NJ. She met my grandfather who came here from Russia as well. One of her brothers introduced them. After they married, they opened up a bridal/tuxedo rental/photography business which was a huge success. Her parents eventually came to the USA with their eldest daughter, husband and her 3 daughters. They all stayed in my grandparents apt. - 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom - 9 people! But they made it work for awhile. It was family.
My grandmother came from Ukraine as well. All of my ancestors came from Eastern Europe and their stories are similar to yours.
100% European ancestry. I stand with Ukraine and against authoritarianism.
I came here from Europe in 1949, aged two. Not through Ellis Island, but Philadelphia, on a freighter. My father hired as the ship's doctor, with his wife and two young daughters. My ties to my European homeland are a huge part of my identity. As I wrote in the forward to my book, "I left Norway as a young child, not of my own volition, and my deepest gratitude goes first to my parents, who worked hard, even as we were becoming Americans, to prevent our Norwegian language and traditions from withering and dying on the hot prairies of western South Dakota."
I am devastated, as are my Norwegian family. My cousin saying, "For the first time I am ashamed of my dual citizenship." I am just grateful that my brother, a Vietnam vet, did not live to see these days. He was so proud of the fact that he was the "native born" American in our family. The rest of us all naturalized. These days I think often of the strength of my grandmother, who lived the dark days of the Nazi occupation of Norway, her three sons all captive in German concentration camps. I weep often for both of my beloved countries.
I am still just grieving this rupture. My grandparents (maternal and paternal) were Germanic people who came to America from the Ukraine area at the turn of the last century. My whole moral universe has been built on a foundational belief that my country was on the right side. That is clearly no longer true, and I simply do not know what to do with my pain.
You’re not alone, my grandparents also came from Ukraine in the late 1890s….I feel your pain!
How beautiful Steven
And the little photo..
I was born in Paris in 1946. My dad had been a political prisoner arrested by the Gestapo. He was freed by the Americans from a camp in Plansee, Austria. He was a brilliant economist and became one of the Marshall plan french negotiators, his reverence for the Americans was limitless.
I arrived here in my twenties and spent practically all my life as an American. Ukraine is heartbreaking
This government is not who we are, or rather we choose to be kind. We can be anything, but we choose compassion.