Thank you. Being a Swede of 77 years neither I, my family or practically any compatriot have been touched by war since 1809. We have no stories like yours to tell. Does that make us lucky, blessed, innocent, gullible or shallow?
Thank you for this, David. A long-term perspective is what’s needed to get us through the next however-many years.
My father did not have to escape the holocaust, but he was a poor child of immigrants and served in the US Army towards the tail end of WWII. He went on to live a happy if modest life, and is still with us and quite angry and sad about where the USA seems to be heading after all the progress that’s been made over the years. But still, even with all of the depredations the new administration has planned, some progress will persist. It’s up to us to protect what we can until the next cycle of advancement.
This is the best post I’ve read of many good ones by Mr. Rothkopf since subscribing to “Need to Know” six weeks ago. It’s personal without a trace of boastfulness, subtly funny, thoughtful, and, to use a word universally proscribed by English teachers, “Interesting.” And I’m certain it’s truthful, too, despite including a pretty amazing claim that he has watched a movie pretty much every day of his adult life. Judging by this Comments section, everyone who read it was better off for the experience.
Thank you for such an important and thoughtful season. I really hope we are all able to meet the moment that is coming like a tsunami… and be courageous, despite our fears, and resist the authoritarian oligarchy that awaits us.
I am a witness of the same family history and your personal sentiment. In fact, my father born in Aug 1921 in Austria was likely on the same ship in 1939 headed for America.
Your words are powerful. Keep writing. We’ve got to get this right for America.
One is forgiven to argue both sides of our readiness. In the end, each of us is in charge of our hearts, our courage, our readiness. The yes is an inside job. Politics is where we show our real values when situations are fluid and complex. Values are an anchor to lead us to the next right thing. Don't confuse willingness with ability. Too many complain about their powerlessness when in fact no one is. "I can't," most often is "I'm not willing". It's inconvenient to stand in the storm and we must to be sure take rest when needed, yet we must always be honest about our willingness-as when we are willing, we will decide to get ready for the moment.
What an epic post. I am struck by the history, hardship and honor that is part of your family’s legacy. Moreover, the character that was born into the bones of each of your ancestors. I consider a great privilege to have been able to share a part of your family’s history and as such to know better who you are as a subscriber.
I hope, in my lifetime, we will be able to tell a much better ending to this part of our journey through history.
It’s truly sad how fragile our democracy and decency has become. Each day I scratch my head at the greed and callousness of those in power as if there’s never enough money or power for them. I’m appalled by what passes for political discourse, especially on the right. Worst yet are the people who vote for these demagogues who want to tear everything down.
We’ve seemed to have lost most of what made this country great and special, most notably our sense of kindness, decency, and looking out for each other, especially those who need help.
I’m a lifelong science fiction fan and I envision the hordes at the gates of the rich and powerful tearing down the gated communities and taking their retribution. Sadly, I think we move ever closer to this chilling reality.
Let’s strive to keep what generosity and decency we have left and fight the abuses while we can.
OK, I was a puddle by the end of this but now hope is rising out of that puddle like a geyser -- a fledgling geyser, but a geyser nonetheless. In recent years I've sometimes been overwhelmed with anger at the people -- mostly white, middle-class-and-up people -- who didn't realize the country was in trouble till Trump was elected the first time. I come from the white middle-class-and-up, but I also came out as a lesbian in the mid-1970s so I've seen a few things that others of my cohort missed. By the end of the 1970s, I'd also learned to pay close attention to Black women, and of all the many things I learned in my first three decades that might be the most important. But the stories of my peers whose seniors survived the Holocaust are right up there. This is the strength and determination we can draw on if we have the courage to do so. Now I'm off to tend that fledgling geyser and help it grow.
Thank you. Being a Swede of 77 years neither I, my family or practically any compatriot have been touched by war since 1809. We have no stories like yours to tell. Does that make us lucky, blessed, innocent, gullible or shallow?
As Buckaroo Banzai once said, no matter where you go, there you are. We really can’t hide so must persevere.
Thank you for this, David. A long-term perspective is what’s needed to get us through the next however-many years.
My father did not have to escape the holocaust, but he was a poor child of immigrants and served in the US Army towards the tail end of WWII. He went on to live a happy if modest life, and is still with us and quite angry and sad about where the USA seems to be heading after all the progress that’s been made over the years. But still, even with all of the depredations the new administration has planned, some progress will persist. It’s up to us to protect what we can until the next cycle of advancement.
This is the best post I’ve read of many good ones by Mr. Rothkopf since subscribing to “Need to Know” six weeks ago. It’s personal without a trace of boastfulness, subtly funny, thoughtful, and, to use a word universally proscribed by English teachers, “Interesting.” And I’m certain it’s truthful, too, despite including a pretty amazing claim that he has watched a movie pretty much every day of his adult life. Judging by this Comments section, everyone who read it was better off for the experience.
Thank you for writing this. I think your analysis is 100% correct.
Thank you!
So touching, powerful, intimate; and familiar to this 77 year old Jew. You made me cry…one of your best pieces. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Thank you for such an important and thoughtful season. I really hope we are all able to meet the moment that is coming like a tsunami… and be courageous, despite our fears, and resist the authoritarian oligarchy that awaits us.
*a thoughtful essay
I am a witness of the same family history and your personal sentiment. In fact, my father born in Aug 1921 in Austria was likely on the same ship in 1939 headed for America.
Your words are powerful. Keep writing. We’ve got to get this right for America.
Sometimes the most powerful act of resistance is surviving.
Great great read and such good food for thought. #imaresistor
Beautifully written and strikes at the terrible dilemma we face as citizens of our once beloved country.
One is forgiven to argue both sides of our readiness. In the end, each of us is in charge of our hearts, our courage, our readiness. The yes is an inside job. Politics is where we show our real values when situations are fluid and complex. Values are an anchor to lead us to the next right thing. Don't confuse willingness with ability. Too many complain about their powerlessness when in fact no one is. "I can't," most often is "I'm not willing". It's inconvenient to stand in the storm and we must to be sure take rest when needed, yet we must always be honest about our willingness-as when we are willing, we will decide to get ready for the moment.
What an epic post. I am struck by the history, hardship and honor that is part of your family’s legacy. Moreover, the character that was born into the bones of each of your ancestors. I consider a great privilege to have been able to share a part of your family’s history and as such to know better who you are as a subscriber.
I hope, in my lifetime, we will be able to tell a much better ending to this part of our journey through history.
Your strength to churn out these messages inspires me. thanks.
It’s truly sad how fragile our democracy and decency has become. Each day I scratch my head at the greed and callousness of those in power as if there’s never enough money or power for them. I’m appalled by what passes for political discourse, especially on the right. Worst yet are the people who vote for these demagogues who want to tear everything down.
We’ve seemed to have lost most of what made this country great and special, most notably our sense of kindness, decency, and looking out for each other, especially those who need help.
I’m a lifelong science fiction fan and I envision the hordes at the gates of the rich and powerful tearing down the gated communities and taking their retribution. Sadly, I think we move ever closer to this chilling reality.
Let’s strive to keep what generosity and decency we have left and fight the abuses while we can.
OK, I was a puddle by the end of this but now hope is rising out of that puddle like a geyser -- a fledgling geyser, but a geyser nonetheless. In recent years I've sometimes been overwhelmed with anger at the people -- mostly white, middle-class-and-up people -- who didn't realize the country was in trouble till Trump was elected the first time. I come from the white middle-class-and-up, but I also came out as a lesbian in the mid-1970s so I've seen a few things that others of my cohort missed. By the end of the 1970s, I'd also learned to pay close attention to Black women, and of all the many things I learned in my first three decades that might be the most important. But the stories of my peers whose seniors survived the Holocaust are right up there. This is the strength and determination we can draw on if we have the courage to do so. Now I'm off to tend that fledgling geyser and help it grow.