Hell yeah, Clint. Sadly everything has boiled up to me hating this July 4th more than any other. But your post was thoughtful, and hopeful where it needed to be. It made me a little less grumpy. Although if I see one more gas guzzling monster truck speeding on the highway with 2 American flags flying, I still might lose it.
Oh, MrsGreen, I feel you so. I unplugged from the “news” cycle and focused on spending time with friends this weekend. My patience wears thin for Chump and all these damn Cybertrucks. Both are public nuisances and eye sores! :-p Cheers, my dears!
Brian. Total respect for your thoughts put for all to see/agree/disagree/commiserate. Coming from 🏴🇬🇧 democratic socialism runs through my soul. I'm unapologetic about my beliefs/thoughts. Socialism isn't Communism, period. Helping/advocating for your fellow humans, and all other natural inhabitants of planet Earth as you would wish to receive from them is a strong mantra to live by. 🫂🫂 and Cheers DougT 🏴🇬🇧
Total respect reflected right back at ya, Dear Doug! I will never, ever understand how so many Americans don’t know the difference between socialism and communism. And can’t see the few socialistic things we actually have: mainly police and fire. Words are hard and most people are dumb (here at least) in my experience. Afraid of new vocabulary because they don’t own a dictionary. :-p Cheers, my dears!
What an eloquent and thoughtful essay, well balanced, and true. I still believe in the potential of capitalism to do good things in our world. I don’t mind if somebody is successful and makes a lot of money, but I also want to see them use those resources to help others and to advance opportunities for the many. The very basic application of this would be in the treatment of the very employees who helped you achieve your own success. Are you listening Walmart and Amazon?
Thanks, Bob. What I personally like about Democratic Socialism is it still allows for capitalism to thrive in most areas. But basic human needs are taken care of. Looking back in history, so many of the robber barons became philanthropists later in life so the history books didn’t just write about their greed and excess. Hopefully the billionaire class develops some kind of morals if not shame for their immense power and privilege. Cheers, my dears!
Clint, I didn't realize you are an historian. Excellent overview of done deal vs experiment. I like the idea of "democratic socialism." Also, I think I am just going to bury my head in the sand and call life in the U.S. a success? Fondly, Michael
Oh, Michael…you’re a sweetheart. I’m far from a historian, but I did once have a history teacher who was as smart as he was handsome. I paid close attention to every word he said. I wonder if I realized I was learning through my infatuation. As for burying your head in the sand, I feel you. I have to unplug from the “news” multiple times a day. Cheers!
Nicely expressed. Passionate without (quite) shouting. It's hard to not see once you've seen it: the body politic has entered serious clusterf*** territory. The first step to improving a situation is to identify what has gone wrong. The next steps are to identify possible paths to improvement. In between? Implementing improvements? Dang! That's not asking much! I expect a rather bumpy ride from here to there, as pushing the steering wheel toward the correct direction, much less controlling it, will take some doing.
Thanks, Clarke! It’s hard (for me anyway) to not scream at the clown car pileup blocking the way for any real progress. Alas, the show must go on. So I’m doing my best to counter-program and not get too lost in the sauce. It’s not even noon here and I’m ready for a drink. Or an edible. :-p As for righting the course, I agree with you wholeheartedly. We’ve got a long way to go. But I’m pretty sure we can make it happen. Cheers!
Thank you, Clint, for such a thoughtful and powerful piece. Beautiful in its simplicity and clarity. It's difficult to have hope these days, but maybe the spark is still there somewhere. And thank you for your montages and all of your other writing.
Much appreciated, Tim. I’m trying to channel my vitriol into writing that sparks hope in myself. Happy Fourth to you and yours. Thank you for brightening my day!
We’ve discussed my lack of religion, but I’m all for everyone getting “right with Jesus” even if they don’t believe in him. Personally I’m all for living under “good orderly direction,” but to each his or her own. As for the pledge, did you know “under God” wasn’t added until 1954, as a reaction to the “Red Scare.” If you’re interested in reading more, here’s an article I found about it: https://www.history.com/articles/pledge-allegiance-under-god-schools
🌈 👏
🌈🤟
Failed before it began
Parts of it…for sure. Cheers, Ian!
Hell yeah, Clint. Sadly everything has boiled up to me hating this July 4th more than any other. But your post was thoughtful, and hopeful where it needed to be. It made me a little less grumpy. Although if I see one more gas guzzling monster truck speeding on the highway with 2 American flags flying, I still might lose it.
Oh, MrsGreen, I feel you so. I unplugged from the “news” cycle and focused on spending time with friends this weekend. My patience wears thin for Chump and all these damn Cybertrucks. Both are public nuisances and eye sores! :-p Cheers, my dears!
Brian. Total respect for your thoughts put for all to see/agree/disagree/commiserate. Coming from 🏴🇬🇧 democratic socialism runs through my soul. I'm unapologetic about my beliefs/thoughts. Socialism isn't Communism, period. Helping/advocating for your fellow humans, and all other natural inhabitants of planet Earth as you would wish to receive from them is a strong mantra to live by. 🫂🫂 and Cheers DougT 🏴🇬🇧
Total respect reflected right back at ya, Dear Doug! I will never, ever understand how so many Americans don’t know the difference between socialism and communism. And can’t see the few socialistic things we actually have: mainly police and fire. Words are hard and most people are dumb (here at least) in my experience. Afraid of new vocabulary because they don’t own a dictionary. :-p Cheers, my dears!
What an eloquent and thoughtful essay, well balanced, and true. I still believe in the potential of capitalism to do good things in our world. I don’t mind if somebody is successful and makes a lot of money, but I also want to see them use those resources to help others and to advance opportunities for the many. The very basic application of this would be in the treatment of the very employees who helped you achieve your own success. Are you listening Walmart and Amazon?
Great job Clint and thank you.
Thanks, Bob. What I personally like about Democratic Socialism is it still allows for capitalism to thrive in most areas. But basic human needs are taken care of. Looking back in history, so many of the robber barons became philanthropists later in life so the history books didn’t just write about their greed and excess. Hopefully the billionaire class develops some kind of morals if not shame for their immense power and privilege. Cheers, my dears!
Brilliant piece, young man!
Why thank you, Dennis. A belated Happy Fourth and cheers to you! 🌈✌️
Clint, I didn't realize you are an historian. Excellent overview of done deal vs experiment. I like the idea of "democratic socialism." Also, I think I am just going to bury my head in the sand and call life in the U.S. a success? Fondly, Michael
Oh, Michael…you’re a sweetheart. I’m far from a historian, but I did once have a history teacher who was as smart as he was handsome. I paid close attention to every word he said. I wonder if I realized I was learning through my infatuation. As for burying your head in the sand, I feel you. I have to unplug from the “news” multiple times a day. Cheers!
Nicely expressed. Passionate without (quite) shouting. It's hard to not see once you've seen it: the body politic has entered serious clusterf*** territory. The first step to improving a situation is to identify what has gone wrong. The next steps are to identify possible paths to improvement. In between? Implementing improvements? Dang! That's not asking much! I expect a rather bumpy ride from here to there, as pushing the steering wheel toward the correct direction, much less controlling it, will take some doing.
Thanks, Clarke! It’s hard (for me anyway) to not scream at the clown car pileup blocking the way for any real progress. Alas, the show must go on. So I’m doing my best to counter-program and not get too lost in the sauce. It’s not even noon here and I’m ready for a drink. Or an edible. :-p As for righting the course, I agree with you wholeheartedly. We’ve got a long way to go. But I’m pretty sure we can make it happen. Cheers!
Thank you, Clint, for such a thoughtful and powerful piece. Beautiful in its simplicity and clarity. It's difficult to have hope these days, but maybe the spark is still there somewhere. And thank you for your montages and all of your other writing.
Happy 4th.. Take good care of yourself.
Much appreciated, Tim. I’m trying to channel my vitriol into writing that sparks hope in myself. Happy Fourth to you and yours. Thank you for brightening my day!
We’ve discussed my lack of religion, but I’m all for everyone getting “right with Jesus” even if they don’t believe in him. Personally I’m all for living under “good orderly direction,” but to each his or her own. As for the pledge, did you know “under God” wasn’t added until 1954, as a reaction to the “Red Scare.” If you’re interested in reading more, here’s an article I found about it: https://www.history.com/articles/pledge-allegiance-under-god-schools