There are more than 60,000 Americans buried in France who were killed in action fighting against tyranny that threatened peace everywhere in the world.
For MAGA, Americanism is a logo like a sports team. They wear the team cap and wave the team pennant.
My dad was a WW2 veteran. I wasn't but I understood the sacrifice. My offspring understood the sacrifice their grandparents endured. We're now several generations away from the 60,000 Americans buried in France that Steve refers to. The only sacrifice half of our fellow citizens understand is the proverbial high price of eggs. Combine that with four years of well funded, carefully crafted and orchestrated "It's Biden's Fault" and a population too self absorbed and spoiled to understand the benefits of democracy and the threat of fascism.
In reflecting on your comment that Maga looks at America as a "sports team," it dawned on me that the most important sentence in Antoine de St. Exupery's letter was, "They were made to feel solidarity with all humanity," in reference to what motivated Americans to fight in WWII.
Extreme wealth inequality throughout the world needs to end, just as it must end in our own country, if we are ever to hope for a stable world capable of beginning to heal the wounds inflicted on the environment and ourselves and other species by human greed and callousness. Ultimately, the question is, can we become moral enough, can we learn to care enough, to see that we are all in this together and overcome the fear and hatred of others born of nationalism and extremist religious views?
The Musks, Bezoses, Trumps, Zuckerbergs, assorted Russian and other oligarchs using government to extract wealth from the general population to feed their hunger for money, power and control must end.
Anthony, I agree it must end. But human nature being what it is, and there have been psychology and social psychology studies that support this, it won't end. There is never enough for these kinds of people. And never too high a cost for everyone else not in their exclusive club. And, it's pathetic and infuriating.
And MAGA voters do their bidding loudly and proudly. If they ever realize how much they've been played, we might find our way back. I'm not holding my breadth.
We are an entitled, prosperous country that only sees ourselves and the world in our own self interest. Trump represents the values of America: transactional opportunism. At least 49.9%. This is who we are.
Well said Gar. My father too was a World War II veteran, running the naval hospital in Okinawa. He came to love the native Okanawans, and see firsthand the devastation brought onto them by a different -but not too different- poisonous cult that led Japan at the time. He came home from the war an Eisenhower Republican, but his eyes opened up in his 80s as he saw the crumbling of the Republican ethos. He wouldn’t recognize the MAGA trolls (and their parents, the Rush Limbaugh dittoheads) that roam the countryside today and I am happy for him that he has passed. But his example is definitely a beacon for me that the good can survive the bad.
Re. your statement at the end of the letter from Antoinne de Saint-Etupery....."Rise Up"
In the heart of RED MAGA country in Calif lies Placer County. Yesterday, 2/17/25, I chose to participate in the national protest against the Trump/Musk/Vance coup d'etat scheduled for noon at the County Courthouse. Having participated in Placer politics at the shoe leather level since moving here from another RED enclave in Calif. 50 years ago I expected the usual sad cluster of 10 to 30 stalwart progressive activists.
My heart skipped a beat when I saw the usually empty parking lot and side streets surrounding the historic and magnificent Placer County Courthouse completely full.
More to the point.... as I walked up out of the lot I became aware that all four corners of the intersection were jammed with people. Virtually all were chanting pithy slogans, and the variety of clever and creative signs were both hilarious and to the point. All in attendance were having a great time. It was like a huge party. Only one police officer was in evidence, hatless, chatting with people, and reminding us to stay on the sidewalk.
Having been involved in public protests since my undergrad years in the '60s I believe I can trust my crowd estimates. I believe I counted no fewer than 2-3000 participants.
I attended a protest yesterday in Greensboro, NC noon EST. We had almost an identical experience. I'm not good at estimating crowd size but it may have been 300? Women, men, all colors, babies and very old people. I know because I'm one. That size was made up for by the boisterous chants and activity of the crowd. As motorists waited at the busy intersection, some waved and honked in allegiance. There were very few who had the courage to show their disdain. It was exhilerating and gave my spirit a lift. If its the end folks, I want to go down FIGHTING! Peace all!
I’m 71 and afraid for my country for the first time. But my fear is local. I’m afraid of America. Afraid of my fellow citizens. Afraid for my grandsons future. I’m angry I’m afraid
We should all be afraid! It means we are really paying attention. It means our minds and hearts still work. Be afraid AND let some spark in that fear ignite courage.
I'm 73, I went to a protest. Do not be afraid, look them in the eye and say We Wont Go back! Then get out there and do something. Trust me, you will feel better moving!
Michelle: Got it. Please use the energy of your genuine fear to move you into action: attend, engage, speak out, be seen. You can be the change you seek to see.....
Advice and compassion are two different things, and for the most part, the responses to our friend Michelle, who expressed a serious encounter with fear, were sympathetic and simply hope filled. I wasn’t going to leave her dangling.
And, you are right Julianne, that one should not ignore other people’s truths or tell them to just suck it up, but I will never hold back an empathic response if I think it will help create a little light in someone’s particularly dark day. And people sharing on a large post like this should probably expect a range of responses.. including silence.
It’s a balancing act, communicating via comment jottings on an intimate level with strangers as we go through a massive crisis. I think we do a damn good job of being open, honest, respectful… and compassionate.
My uncle fought the long slog there, which included the Battle of the Bulge and the liberation of Buchenwald. He died in the care of the Army at the VA Hospital in East Orange and is buried in New Jersey. I wish I felt otherwise, but looking back, I see history’s ruins of nations that thought they were great.
Well, you've done it Steve. I was one who left last year over the political tempest in what turned out to be a teacup. But reading one my my favorite airplane guys (I have my father's First Editions of "Wind Sand and Stars" and "Flight to Arras" in my library and my most recent book is about the war Saint Ex was on his way to join). That letter is certainly very timely and on-the-nose accurate (sadly).
I've had the privilege over the past 50 years of knowing and writing about the guys he writes about in the letter, and it tears me up to think what they would think (none of them are here now) about what we have done to ourselves and their legacy.
That was quite an October night. We all make mistakes and I do forgive Steve. His knowledge and writing are impeccable. Glad he is still putting it down.
Powerful post, Steve. In terms of envisioning what that oppositional movement could and likely should look like, there is but one clear way to resist, challenge, subvert and defeat the unjust, fascist -- and increasingly totalitarian -- regime that half of Americans voted to enable by dint of empowering Nazi-mimicking Trump-Musk. Lamentably but realistically, that is not by relying on the mostly psychologically intimidated, morally inert and unimaginative opposition of Congress and the courts but rather by quickly organizing, mobilizing and deploying ultimate power in the face of tyranny -- the power of the people to withdraw their consent and precipitate regime collapse through strategic nonviolent action, utilizing many of hundreds of specific, historically tested methods, signally including noncooperation, sustained mass protest, civil disobedience, boycotts, etc., culminating in a general strike.
In terms of providing sheer revelation, instant motivation and realistic hope, nothing quite matches the compelling 2011 cinematic explanation of nonviolent power, its leading expert and exponent, the late Dr. Gene Sharp -- widely known as the Machiavelli or von Clausewitz of nonviolent struggle -- and its theory, practical dynamics and historical examples:
There could not be a more exigent and galvanizing motivator right now to complement all the powerful writing, here and elsewhere, than watching this film. I strongly urge you, Steve, and everyone here to watch this film now and distribute the link as widely as possible.
Join, we must! I swore a solemn oath in September of 1967 when I joined USN ROTC. You know that oath. I resigned, as did not want to follow an unlawful order to participate in an undeclared war of aggression.
I live by that oath forever!
I was awakened every night during my childhood by the screams of my father when his cockpit burst into flames as he pushed away the canopy with shot away controls. 1944 on the Yangtze River. CAVG of the AVG. (FLYING TIGERS)
The only night my father slept outside with us children, I awoke as the sun rose to see him, eyes wide open, waiting for another Japanese air raid over his platoon on the Solomon Islands.
I have not felt this type of ideology in some time. I believe this is what Kamala was running on as opposed to the fear and greed promoted by Trump and manifested in MAGA. I want to part of the push back, but I am concerned about the depth of these roots of selfish manifestations of Trump and company as well as the deep deep well of financial support.
“And do not suppose that this is the end. This is only the beginning of the reckoning. This is only the first sip, the first foretaste of a bitter cup which will be proffered to us year by year unless by a supreme recovery of moral health and martial vigour, we arise again and take our stand for freedom as in the olden time.” - Winston Churchill, remarks on the Munich Agreement, 1938
Thank you for your service to our country with your skills of weaving the past into the present so we have the resolve to create a future for all of humanity. It seems there are many who might benefit from the legacy of our fathers who fought gallantly for us. These lessons are a testament of that which has no price integrity and honor.
Government is not reason; it is not eloquent; it is force. Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master.
Experience has taught us that it is much easier to prevent an enemy from posting themselves than it is to dislodge them after they have got possession, and when the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.
As Mankind becomes more liberal, they will be more apt to allow that all those who conduct themselves as worthy members of the community are equally entitled to the protections of civil government. I hope ever to see America among the foremost nations of justice and liberality.
The time is near at hand which must determine whether Americans are to be free men or slaves.
After being thoroughly inspired by this, I envisioned Musk ridiculing it. Trump tearing it up after one paragraph thoroughly confused by it. Vance arguing its irrelevance in his pseudo intellectual way (Yale must be proud!). Sad.
I don’t look at the platforms that President Musk posts on, but a friend told me he posted that Americans are parasites for relying on government programs. His word: parasites.
Indeed, living off the avails of government funding to build up his companies. At some point when the dust has settled and you have a functioning government, a comprehensive audit of all of his funding should be undertaken.
Another quote by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry author of “The Little Prince” (“Le Petit Prince”) is: “Only with his heart can a man see rightly.”
Yesterday I saw a window decal on a Trump supporters vehicle… (Spelled out)… “F___k your feeling, we don’t care - TRUMP”, posted visibly for all to see. Does this individual say this to their child, to their mother, to their spouse, neighbor, waiter, bank teller? I am confounded at the brutish, insensitivity that has been embraced by so many. Thank you Steve, for your intelligent, well researched, sane words.
Once again, your essay is filled with a heroic message that resonates with every freedom-loving American. Protests are increasing even though major media play down or completely fail to report them. How seriously do you think Trump, Vance an Musk pay attention to these protests, and, if they grow too large, will Trump call out police, national guard, military to contain them and arrest protesters? Why do they care what the public thinks, as long as they control certain judiciary entities and the Supreme Court?
How long can effective pressure be applied without media support and, so far, it’s failure to expose the truth?
"What does it mean to be an American?"
For MAGA, Americanism is a logo like a sports team. They wear the team cap and wave the team pennant.
My dad was a WW2 veteran. I wasn't but I understood the sacrifice. My offspring understood the sacrifice their grandparents endured. We're now several generations away from the 60,000 Americans buried in France that Steve refers to. The only sacrifice half of our fellow citizens understand is the proverbial high price of eggs. Combine that with four years of well funded, carefully crafted and orchestrated "It's Biden's Fault" and a population too self absorbed and spoiled to understand the benefits of democracy and the threat of fascism.
In reflecting on your comment that Maga looks at America as a "sports team," it dawned on me that the most important sentence in Antoine de St. Exupery's letter was, "They were made to feel solidarity with all humanity," in reference to what motivated Americans to fight in WWII.
Extreme wealth inequality throughout the world needs to end, just as it must end in our own country, if we are ever to hope for a stable world capable of beginning to heal the wounds inflicted on the environment and ourselves and other species by human greed and callousness. Ultimately, the question is, can we become moral enough, can we learn to care enough, to see that we are all in this together and overcome the fear and hatred of others born of nationalism and extremist religious views?
The Musks, Bezoses, Trumps, Zuckerbergs, assorted Russian and other oligarchs using government to extract wealth from the general population to feed their hunger for money, power and control must end.
Elon Musk referred to protesters today as "spoiled cry babies" who ought to be jailed. Nope, no fascism there.
Clearly, he doesn't own a mirror.
Anthony, I agree it must end. But human nature being what it is, and there have been psychology and social psychology studies that support this, it won't end. There is never enough for these kinds of people. And never too high a cost for everyone else not in their exclusive club. And, it's pathetic and infuriating.
I have to agree. We will likely "greed and hate" each other to our extinction.
And MAGA voters do their bidding loudly and proudly. If they ever realize how much they've been played, we might find our way back. I'm not holding my breadth.
We are an entitled, prosperous country that only sees ourselves and the world in our own self interest. Trump represents the values of America: transactional opportunism. At least 49.9%. This is who we are.
Well said Gar. My father too was a World War II veteran, running the naval hospital in Okinawa. He came to love the native Okanawans, and see firsthand the devastation brought onto them by a different -but not too different- poisonous cult that led Japan at the time. He came home from the war an Eisenhower Republican, but his eyes opened up in his 80s as he saw the crumbling of the Republican ethos. He wouldn’t recognize the MAGA trolls (and their parents, the Rush Limbaugh dittoheads) that roam the countryside today and I am happy for him that he has passed. But his example is definitely a beacon for me that the good can survive the bad.
Chaos.
Mr. Schmidt:
Re. your statement at the end of the letter from Antoinne de Saint-Etupery....."Rise Up"
In the heart of RED MAGA country in Calif lies Placer County. Yesterday, 2/17/25, I chose to participate in the national protest against the Trump/Musk/Vance coup d'etat scheduled for noon at the County Courthouse. Having participated in Placer politics at the shoe leather level since moving here from another RED enclave in Calif. 50 years ago I expected the usual sad cluster of 10 to 30 stalwart progressive activists.
My heart skipped a beat when I saw the usually empty parking lot and side streets surrounding the historic and magnificent Placer County Courthouse completely full.
More to the point.... as I walked up out of the lot I became aware that all four corners of the intersection were jammed with people. Virtually all were chanting pithy slogans, and the variety of clever and creative signs were both hilarious and to the point. All in attendance were having a great time. It was like a huge party. Only one police officer was in evidence, hatless, chatting with people, and reminding us to stay on the sidewalk.
Having been involved in public protests since my undergrad years in the '60s I believe I can trust my crowd estimates. I believe I counted no fewer than 2-3000 participants.
Hi Steve Barber,
I attended a protest yesterday in Greensboro, NC noon EST. We had almost an identical experience. I'm not good at estimating crowd size but it may have been 300? Women, men, all colors, babies and very old people. I know because I'm one. That size was made up for by the boisterous chants and activity of the crowd. As motorists waited at the busy intersection, some waved and honked in allegiance. There were very few who had the courage to show their disdain. It was exhilerating and gave my spirit a lift. If its the end folks, I want to go down FIGHTING! Peace all!
Agreed.
I will rather die on my feet then live on my knees
Poignant.
Fantastic. Thank you for sharing your terrific experience.
That is really good news. Thank you for your presence there.
I’m 71 and afraid for my country for the first time. But my fear is local. I’m afraid of America. Afraid of my fellow citizens. Afraid for my grandsons future. I’m angry I’m afraid
We should all be afraid! It means we are really paying attention. It means our minds and hearts still work. Be afraid AND let some spark in that fear ignite courage.
I'm 73, I went to a protest. Do not be afraid, look them in the eye and say We Wont Go back! Then get out there and do something. Trust me, you will feel better moving!
Best advice - act and get involved. Wartime mentality
Michelle: Got it. Please use the energy of your genuine fear to move you into action: attend, engage, speak out, be seen. You can be the change you seek to see.....
Just let people say they are afraid without giving advice.
Advice and compassion are two different things, and for the most part, the responses to our friend Michelle, who expressed a serious encounter with fear, were sympathetic and simply hope filled. I wasn’t going to leave her dangling.
And, you are right Julianne, that one should not ignore other people’s truths or tell them to just suck it up, but I will never hold back an empathic response if I think it will help create a little light in someone’s particularly dark day. And people sharing on a large post like this should probably expect a range of responses.. including silence.
It’s a balancing act, communicating via comment jottings on an intimate level with strangers as we go through a massive crisis. I think we do a damn good job of being open, honest, respectful… and compassionate.
Onward.
Understood.
My uncle fought the long slog there, which included the Battle of the Bulge and the liberation of Buchenwald. He died in the care of the Army at the VA Hospital in East Orange and is buried in New Jersey. I wish I felt otherwise, but looking back, I see history’s ruins of nations that thought they were great.
Well, you've done it Steve. I was one who left last year over the political tempest in what turned out to be a teacup. But reading one my my favorite airplane guys (I have my father's First Editions of "Wind Sand and Stars" and "Flight to Arras" in my library and my most recent book is about the war Saint Ex was on his way to join). That letter is certainly very timely and on-the-nose accurate (sadly).
I've had the privilege over the past 50 years of knowing and writing about the guys he writes about in the letter, and it tears me up to think what they would think (none of them are here now) about what we have done to ourselves and their legacy.
That was quite an October night. We all make mistakes and I do forgive Steve. His knowledge and writing are impeccable. Glad he is still putting it down.
Welcome back!
Steve
Powerful post, Steve. In terms of envisioning what that oppositional movement could and likely should look like, there is but one clear way to resist, challenge, subvert and defeat the unjust, fascist -- and increasingly totalitarian -- regime that half of Americans voted to enable by dint of empowering Nazi-mimicking Trump-Musk. Lamentably but realistically, that is not by relying on the mostly psychologically intimidated, morally inert and unimaginative opposition of Congress and the courts but rather by quickly organizing, mobilizing and deploying ultimate power in the face of tyranny -- the power of the people to withdraw their consent and precipitate regime collapse through strategic nonviolent action, utilizing many of hundreds of specific, historically tested methods, signally including noncooperation, sustained mass protest, civil disobedience, boycotts, etc., culminating in a general strike.
In terms of providing sheer revelation, instant motivation and realistic hope, nothing quite matches the compelling 2011 cinematic explanation of nonviolent power, its leading expert and exponent, the late Dr. Gene Sharp -- widely known as the Machiavelli or von Clausewitz of nonviolent struggle -- and its theory, practical dynamics and historical examples:
“How to Start a Revolution”: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=EKnoUbDIpjo (1 hour and 22 minutes in length)
There could not be a more exigent and galvanizing motivator right now to complement all the powerful writing, here and elsewhere, than watching this film. I strongly urge you, Steve, and everyone here to watch this film now and distribute the link as widely as possible.
Pertinent. Will have to look at it. Thank you.
🙏💪🏼
Join, we must! I swore a solemn oath in September of 1967 when I joined USN ROTC. You know that oath. I resigned, as did not want to follow an unlawful order to participate in an undeclared war of aggression.
I live by that oath forever!
I was awakened every night during my childhood by the screams of my father when his cockpit burst into flames as he pushed away the canopy with shot away controls. 1944 on the Yangtze River. CAVG of the AVG. (FLYING TIGERS)
The only night my father slept outside with us children, I awoke as the sun rose to see him, eyes wide open, waiting for another Japanese air raid over his platoon on the Solomon Islands.
I have not felt this type of ideology in some time. I believe this is what Kamala was running on as opposed to the fear and greed promoted by Trump and manifested in MAGA. I want to part of the push back, but I am concerned about the depth of these roots of selfish manifestations of Trump and company as well as the deep deep well of financial support.
I love The Little Prince and I love your long essays. They're literate and moral, respect history aand what is good about humanity.
Thank you Steve.
“And do not suppose that this is the end. This is only the beginning of the reckoning. This is only the first sip, the first foretaste of a bitter cup which will be proffered to us year by year unless by a supreme recovery of moral health and martial vigour, we arise again and take our stand for freedom as in the olden time.” - Winston Churchill, remarks on the Munich Agreement, 1938
Thank you for your service to our country with your skills of weaving the past into the present so we have the resolve to create a future for all of humanity. It seems there are many who might benefit from the legacy of our fathers who fought gallantly for us. These lessons are a testament of that which has no price integrity and honor.
Government is not reason; it is not eloquent; it is force. Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master.
Experience has taught us that it is much easier to prevent an enemy from posting themselves than it is to dislodge them after they have got possession, and when the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.
As Mankind becomes more liberal, they will be more apt to allow that all those who conduct themselves as worthy members of the community are equally entitled to the protections of civil government. I hope ever to see America among the foremost nations of justice and liberality.
The time is near at hand which must determine whether Americans are to be free men or slaves.
— George Washington
Thank you for this quote. It’s no wonder my father had a bust of Washinton in the library.
After being thoroughly inspired by this, I envisioned Musk ridiculing it. Trump tearing it up after one paragraph thoroughly confused by it. Vance arguing its irrelevance in his pseudo intellectual way (Yale must be proud!). Sad.
Oh dear, Yale is far from proud.
I don’t look at the platforms that President Musk posts on, but a friend told me he posted that Americans are parasites for relying on government programs. His word: parasites.
He could not have amassed the fortune he did without being the biggest blood-sucking parasite of all time. What a hateful little turd he is.
Indeed, living off the avails of government funding to build up his companies. At some point when the dust has settled and you have a functioning government, a comprehensive audit of all of his funding should be undertaken.
Correct, I saw a post about that.
I wouldn’t trust the guy to walk my dog, but here we are.
Another quote by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry author of “The Little Prince” (“Le Petit Prince”) is: “Only with his heart can a man see rightly.”
Yesterday I saw a window decal on a Trump supporters vehicle… (Spelled out)… “F___k your feeling, we don’t care - TRUMP”, posted visibly for all to see. Does this individual say this to their child, to their mother, to their spouse, neighbor, waiter, bank teller? I am confounded at the brutish, insensitivity that has been embraced by so many. Thank you Steve, for your intelligent, well researched, sane words.
No doubt the sentiments of many good evangelical "Christians." Hypocritical s.o.b.'s.
Steve,
Once again, your essay is filled with a heroic message that resonates with every freedom-loving American. Protests are increasing even though major media play down or completely fail to report them. How seriously do you think Trump, Vance an Musk pay attention to these protests, and, if they grow too large, will Trump call out police, national guard, military to contain them and arrest protesters? Why do they care what the public thinks, as long as they control certain judiciary entities and the Supreme Court?
How long can effective pressure be applied without media support and, so far, it’s failure to expose the truth?
As long as it takes.