I definitely will, Steve. Thank you. I hope you saw a long message I just posted on your other article about "Blasphemy on the Mall." As Reverend Barber has often said, this is the pure definition of blasphemy.
Here's my long post -- apologies for the length, but I felt that our two days playing tourist in Washington this week spoke volumes, especially now that I have more information about that ridiculous, rededicate 250 nonsense I saw blasted all over our National Mall (see last para.) Blasphemy On The Mall -- that's exactly what it should be called and will be called.
Dear Steve and Friends, We played tourist this week in Washington, which is always fun. We visited the African American History Museum (yes, it's still there!) Husband had never been; I was there when it first opened 10 years ago. It's still magnificent. I'm not sure exactly what has been removed, but I was keenly aware that the photo of Emmet Till that had been next to his casket was gone, replaced by a tiny replicated version from Life or Jet Magazine hanging on a wall. When I inquired as to its whereabouts, a young guard told me it was removed "because people were too upset due to the horrific nature of the photo." He hesitated for just a moment and then went on to say, "But, that's the reason his mother wanted the open casket in the first place." Of course, that young guard was right and we proceeded to have a solemn conversation about this most tragic event.
I also thought of you, Steve, when we visited the National Archives and the Rotunda which contain our original Founding Documents. The Archives has added two new galleries, just opened 2 weeks ago. These galleries are highly interactive and contain wonderful exhibits and short videos that provide an in-depth examination of The Founding Documents. The galleries also exhibit many government documents on immigration, technology, and other topics. There's a video of our Presidents reading parts of the Founding Documents at various events, starting with JFK to the present. When tRump appeared on the video, I uttered quietly, "No way, I'm watching him" to which another man standing close by said "Best one ever." I controlled myself and continued walking away.
Despite the throngs of tourists, it was especially refreshing and inspiring to hear the many school children discussing the Founding Documents. So, for locals like me as well as visitors, be sure to visit. I recommend timed entry tickets ($1 each) so you can scoot right past that long line.
Now, the bad news. On our way home, we could not find the Smithsonian Metro station (we came in at Federal Triangle.) The Smithsonian Metro sits right in the middle of the National Mall and is not easy to find on a good day. Though I've used it countless times over many years, it was literally impossible to find on Friday. Why? The entire National Mall was a damn construction site. Trucks, scaffolding, tents, and gates everywhere keeping people off the Mall. Fake, imposing structures seemed everywhere, supposedly to mimic the architectual beauty of many of the original monuments and museums on the Mall. Immediately I realized that tRump must have his hand in this awful mess and thought this must be part of his 250th anniversary gimmicks. Later that evening I read the NPR report about the WH-created national prayer event on the Mall this very weekend, with the headline "all but one speaker being Christian." Awful. The whole thing = blasphemy.
Still, I'm not going to let tRump and his minions ruin things completely - on Memorial Day, we plan to visit the WWII Memorial again and hope they let me ring the bell as I did once before in memory of my father's service as a WWII Army 1st Lt. (Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Silver Star.)
One additional comment -- The National Guard is still hanging around the Metro stations with seemingly absolutely nothing to do. They are chatting with each other and on their cell phones. We saw them earlier this year during the NO KINGS rally on March 28 doing the same thing -- nothing. What a complete waste.
Magnificent account of our nation within the long wide vista of our history. Beautifully written, honoring American history with the real ring of Truth. So very important are your words in this monstrously fake and phony time we are currently living through.
As an after thought and possible suggestion, I think the Nero collection should perhaps reflect the way Trump really looks--obese,, sickly and mean---rather than to recall the handsome athletic elegance of even a Roman Emperor like Nero.
If mankind is to survive, the 21st century must become the century of national and economic reform. Nationalism must give way to globalism. Pride in one's nation's culture, society, and values is fine. But we must recognize that war can no longer be tolerated as its destructive consequences have become too great, including the real possibility of the extinction of homo sapiens as a result of nuclear war. An international body must be developed with economic tools to sanction any nation which threatens any other. The peoples of the world must learn to respect, not only tolerate, the religions, cultures, and societies of all other peoples. All must come to understand the interconnectedness of everything including other species and the broader environment. We must learn that cruelty toward other people and species winds up harming ourselves. Finally, the grotesque division between the "have's" and "have-nots" within all nations and among nations must end, with all assured basic needs will be provided for before any individual, anywhere, is allowed to amass a fortune.
I fully agree that “the youngsters” have to start taking over the governance of our country. I am at an age I don’t want to admit to, but I’ll tell you I know I just don’t have “it“ anymore. We have to have a whole lot of people who will step in and reverse the current situations. There is a whole lot of hurting going on and it will continue so long as these seniors fail to do what needs to be done. A more important thing is to VOTE as if our lives depend on it – – it does!
The detail that lands hardest for me is that Roosevelt was 42. The youngest man to ever assume the presidency.. thrust into it not by election but by an anarchist's bullet... and he immediately redefined what the office could be. Trust-busting, conservation, the Square Deal. He didn't inherit the 20th century, he authored it. What Schmidt is gesturing at here is something worth sitting with: the hinge moments of American history almost never announce themselves. McKinley was supposed to recover. Roosevelt was supposed to stay a footnote. The midnight ride is a reminder that the direction of everything can change in 40 miles of dark road. I've been writing about exactly these kinds of structural pivot points... the ones that shape the present without most people noticing... If that's the kind of analysis you're looking for.. Check out what I made. It's my passion piece and it compared Roosevelt TO Trump and the need for power with purpose in modern times. If you're a fan of Teddy, you'll love this. I'll put it in the comments below
I reviewed this article written about the pre-amble to the Constitution. I think it puts into context the background of how "In Order to Create a More Perfect Union" was conceived. I think Roosevelt embodied the spirit behind this in many respects: https://jcldusafa.org/index.php/jcld/article/view/285/395
This is excellent. I wrote about Teddy Roosevelt a bit over a week ago. He was a complex and sometimes contradictory person, but he embodied character and courage. His 3 “Cs” of corporate regulation, consumer protection, and conservation of the environment were incredibly important for Americans. His “square deal” was the beginning Unfortunately Trump is dismantling and destroying every one of them. Just as today he is destroying any semblance of the Separation of Church and State with the National Idolatry Service today.
The thirst for power like greed becomes insatiable like a malignant cancer Since the 1980's during the Reagan years of dominance the Nazi Republicans decided it was their time to flip the script of Democratic dominance but they knew because of unpopular policies eg reducing the social safety net, lowering taxes for the wealthy and corporations, reducing/elimination of federal control over the states, that the only solution was to rig the electoral system in their favor, at that time gerrymandering
But over at the DOJ a fella named Roberts had another idea Seeing what the VRA had done to the Nazi's ability to control the power dynamic he and his Federalist Society buddies decided that the judicial solution would be to declare that racism was over and the VRA had to go
Now fast forward to today and one can see the result of the rise to power by the fascist Republicans Not only was it labeled legitimate to illegally rig the 2016 and 2024 elections(abundant circumstantial evidence supporting such statements) for the betterment of American society but it was necessary with a malignant narcissist candidate like Cheeto to head a fascist takeover of the government What may have been "cute judicial manipulation" by GW gradually grew over the decades to frank obsession and thirst for power and need to retain it
And voila!! The trifecta achieved!! Now with the governmental levers of power in hand it's time to make hay The antidemocratic Roberts Court as it will go do in the history books is merely a symptom as often the case in these situations of a greater sickness in an organization like the Nazi....and I don't use that word lightly.....party aka CNPP(Christian Nationalist Pedo Party) What WE the People are witnessing is an organizational thirst/lust for power and survival like a cancer that has gone out of control and metastasized and WE the People must stop it
Hey steve. I'm a University of Delaware grad and I grew up in South jersey. I've met you before and think you're great. I would love it if you read my piece that I rode on the very similar topic with Teddy
I definitely will, Steve. Thank you. I hope you saw a long message I just posted on your other article about "Blasphemy on the Mall." As Reverend Barber has often said, this is the pure definition of blasphemy.
Here's my long post -- apologies for the length, but I felt that our two days playing tourist in Washington this week spoke volumes, especially now that I have more information about that ridiculous, rededicate 250 nonsense I saw blasted all over our National Mall (see last para.) Blasphemy On The Mall -- that's exactly what it should be called and will be called.
Dear Steve and Friends, We played tourist this week in Washington, which is always fun. We visited the African American History Museum (yes, it's still there!) Husband had never been; I was there when it first opened 10 years ago. It's still magnificent. I'm not sure exactly what has been removed, but I was keenly aware that the photo of Emmet Till that had been next to his casket was gone, replaced by a tiny replicated version from Life or Jet Magazine hanging on a wall. When I inquired as to its whereabouts, a young guard told me it was removed "because people were too upset due to the horrific nature of the photo." He hesitated for just a moment and then went on to say, "But, that's the reason his mother wanted the open casket in the first place." Of course, that young guard was right and we proceeded to have a solemn conversation about this most tragic event.
I also thought of you, Steve, when we visited the National Archives and the Rotunda which contain our original Founding Documents. The Archives has added two new galleries, just opened 2 weeks ago. These galleries are highly interactive and contain wonderful exhibits and short videos that provide an in-depth examination of The Founding Documents. The galleries also exhibit many government documents on immigration, technology, and other topics. There's a video of our Presidents reading parts of the Founding Documents at various events, starting with JFK to the present. When tRump appeared on the video, I uttered quietly, "No way, I'm watching him" to which another man standing close by said "Best one ever." I controlled myself and continued walking away.
Despite the throngs of tourists, it was especially refreshing and inspiring to hear the many school children discussing the Founding Documents. So, for locals like me as well as visitors, be sure to visit. I recommend timed entry tickets ($1 each) so you can scoot right past that long line.
Now, the bad news. On our way home, we could not find the Smithsonian Metro station (we came in at Federal Triangle.) The Smithsonian Metro sits right in the middle of the National Mall and is not easy to find on a good day. Though I've used it countless times over many years, it was literally impossible to find on Friday. Why? The entire National Mall was a damn construction site. Trucks, scaffolding, tents, and gates everywhere keeping people off the Mall. Fake, imposing structures seemed everywhere, supposedly to mimic the architectual beauty of many of the original monuments and museums on the Mall. Immediately I realized that tRump must have his hand in this awful mess and thought this must be part of his 250th anniversary gimmicks. Later that evening I read the NPR report about the WH-created national prayer event on the Mall this very weekend, with the headline "all but one speaker being Christian." Awful. The whole thing = blasphemy.
Still, I'm not going to let tRump and his minions ruin things completely - on Memorial Day, we plan to visit the WWII Memorial again and hope they let me ring the bell as I did once before in memory of my father's service as a WWII Army 1st Lt. (Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Silver Star.)
One additional comment -- The National Guard is still hanging around the Metro stations with seemingly absolutely nothing to do. They are chatting with each other and on their cell phones. We saw them earlier this year during the NO KINGS rally on March 28 doing the same thing -- nothing. What a complete waste.
Magnificent account of our nation within the long wide vista of our history. Beautifully written, honoring American history with the real ring of Truth. So very important are your words in this monstrously fake and phony time we are currently living through.
As an after thought and possible suggestion, I think the Nero collection should perhaps reflect the way Trump really looks--obese,, sickly and mean---rather than to recall the handsome athletic elegance of even a Roman Emperor like Nero.
I could not agree more Naomi, if he’s depicted at all, it should be as the fat diaper wearing POS that he is in real life. 💩
If mankind is to survive, the 21st century must become the century of national and economic reform. Nationalism must give way to globalism. Pride in one's nation's culture, society, and values is fine. But we must recognize that war can no longer be tolerated as its destructive consequences have become too great, including the real possibility of the extinction of homo sapiens as a result of nuclear war. An international body must be developed with economic tools to sanction any nation which threatens any other. The peoples of the world must learn to respect, not only tolerate, the religions, cultures, and societies of all other peoples. All must come to understand the interconnectedness of everything including other species and the broader environment. We must learn that cruelty toward other people and species winds up harming ourselves. Finally, the grotesque division between the "have's" and "have-nots" within all nations and among nations must end, with all assured basic needs will be provided for before any individual, anywhere, is allowed to amass a fortune.
A game-show idiot who couldn't handle Joan Rivers is yakking to Xi Jinping.
Cringe.
I fully agree that “the youngsters” have to start taking over the governance of our country. I am at an age I don’t want to admit to, but I’ll tell you I know I just don’t have “it“ anymore. We have to have a whole lot of people who will step in and reverse the current situations. There is a whole lot of hurting going on and it will continue so long as these seniors fail to do what needs to be done. A more important thing is to VOTE as if our lives depend on it – – it does!
Wisdom is knowing when it is time to step away from the reigns of power. Every generation must face its rendezvous with history.
The detail that lands hardest for me is that Roosevelt was 42. The youngest man to ever assume the presidency.. thrust into it not by election but by an anarchist's bullet... and he immediately redefined what the office could be. Trust-busting, conservation, the Square Deal. He didn't inherit the 20th century, he authored it. What Schmidt is gesturing at here is something worth sitting with: the hinge moments of American history almost never announce themselves. McKinley was supposed to recover. Roosevelt was supposed to stay a footnote. The midnight ride is a reminder that the direction of everything can change in 40 miles of dark road. I've been writing about exactly these kinds of structural pivot points... the ones that shape the present without most people noticing... If that's the kind of analysis you're looking for.. Check out what I made. It's my passion piece and it compared Roosevelt TO Trump and the need for power with purpose in modern times. If you're a fan of Teddy, you'll love this. I'll put it in the comments below
This is the prologue to the series that followed called the three trumps but this is a deep dive on the Teddy Roosevelt and what he did that was so great. https://uncomfortable.rxansmithmedia.com/p/power-with-purpose-prologue-part-0?r=5xf1q5
I reviewed this article written about the pre-amble to the Constitution. I think it puts into context the background of how "In Order to Create a More Perfect Union" was conceived. I think Roosevelt embodied the spirit behind this in many respects: https://jcldusafa.org/index.php/jcld/article/view/285/395
Steve,
This is excellent. I wrote about Teddy Roosevelt a bit over a week ago. He was a complex and sometimes contradictory person, but he embodied character and courage. His 3 “Cs” of corporate regulation, consumer protection, and conservation of the environment were incredibly important for Americans. His “square deal” was the beginning Unfortunately Trump is dismantling and destroying every one of them. Just as today he is destroying any semblance of the Separation of Church and State with the National Idolatry Service today.
All the best and watch your six,
Steve Dundas
Power And SCOTUS
The thirst for power like greed becomes insatiable like a malignant cancer Since the 1980's during the Reagan years of dominance the Nazi Republicans decided it was their time to flip the script of Democratic dominance but they knew because of unpopular policies eg reducing the social safety net, lowering taxes for the wealthy and corporations, reducing/elimination of federal control over the states, that the only solution was to rig the electoral system in their favor, at that time gerrymandering
But over at the DOJ a fella named Roberts had another idea Seeing what the VRA had done to the Nazi's ability to control the power dynamic he and his Federalist Society buddies decided that the judicial solution would be to declare that racism was over and the VRA had to go
Now fast forward to today and one can see the result of the rise to power by the fascist Republicans Not only was it labeled legitimate to illegally rig the 2016 and 2024 elections(abundant circumstantial evidence supporting such statements) for the betterment of American society but it was necessary with a malignant narcissist candidate like Cheeto to head a fascist takeover of the government What may have been "cute judicial manipulation" by GW gradually grew over the decades to frank obsession and thirst for power and need to retain it
And voila!! The trifecta achieved!! Now with the governmental levers of power in hand it's time to make hay The antidemocratic Roberts Court as it will go do in the history books is merely a symptom as often the case in these situations of a greater sickness in an organization like the Nazi....and I don't use that word lightly.....party aka CNPP(Christian Nationalist Pedo Party) What WE the People are witnessing is an organizational thirst/lust for power and survival like a cancer that has gone out of control and metastasized and WE the People must stop it
Repeal the filibuster and expand SCOTUS
Hey steve. I'm a University of Delaware grad and I grew up in South jersey. I've met you before and think you're great. I would love it if you read my piece that I rode on the very similar topic with Teddy
https://uncomfortable.rxansmithmedia.com/p/power-with-purpose-prologue-part-0
Where is the recording with the Doc?
Maybe Trump should paint Constitution Avenue red--like his cheap neckties.
Find out what Trump is saying and doing, and go in the opposite direction immediately. You will prosper, and how.
thank you for this! I have shared with several people
Beautifully conceived and written!