Nov 12, 2023·edited Nov 12, 2023Liked by Mark Dolan
Interesting essay here about how one of the most important elections may be behind us: https://www.slowboring.com/p/veterans-day-rerun-the-most-important - doesn't mean we should lose hope, but means we now have to work much harder to defend democracy. I felt distressed about the 2016 outcome at the time, but I certainly didn't see a literal putsch coming, so I underestimated how bad it would be.
It's not mainly about political parties anymore, it's more about pro-democracy versus anti-democracy (though yes, one party has more anti-democracy extremists than the other). We've put ourselves in a hole and have to climb out - I'm somewhat reminded of the pit scene from The Dark Knight Rises. (He does get out of the pit, but it's super-difficult and requires herculean effort.)
Well, if you need any bolstering, my father has been saying much of the same about crossroads (different words) to me for several years. He grew up Russian-Jewish under Stalin and spent much of his life in exile from the Soviet Union. I've learned a lot from him, and I don't think it's naive to be concerned. There's a lot he sees from within Russia now that most of us in places that might feel safer can't always conceive of.
The rabbit hole awaits. You’ve skimmed the surface well. Just enough to tantalize a deeper conversation over tea or zoom. There is more division in the world yet many communities coming together. I am trying on your optimism hoping the sleeves aren’t too long.
This is such a consequential, deeply thoughtful piece, Mark. I do think America is at a crossroads in history and many would rather not face it. Those seeking to sweep troubling events like marching neo-Nazis and synagogue shootings aside with comments like "yeah, but" are only encouraging those who would destroy that beautiful experiment that is American democracy.
This is a thought provoking history based opinion piece inspired by recent events and the upcoming election. Well worth reading carefully to gleen it’s wisdom.
"Yeah, but." Brilliant.
Interesting essay here about how one of the most important elections may be behind us: https://www.slowboring.com/p/veterans-day-rerun-the-most-important - doesn't mean we should lose hope, but means we now have to work much harder to defend democracy. I felt distressed about the 2016 outcome at the time, but I certainly didn't see a literal putsch coming, so I underestimated how bad it would be.
It's not mainly about political parties anymore, it's more about pro-democracy versus anti-democracy (though yes, one party has more anti-democracy extremists than the other). We've put ourselves in a hole and have to climb out - I'm somewhat reminded of the pit scene from The Dark Knight Rises. (He does get out of the pit, but it's super-difficult and requires herculean effort.)
You pulled lots of large concepts together into one place. Thank you.
Well, if you need any bolstering, my father has been saying much of the same about crossroads (different words) to me for several years. He grew up Russian-Jewish under Stalin and spent much of his life in exile from the Soviet Union. I've learned a lot from him, and I don't think it's naive to be concerned. There's a lot he sees from within Russia now that most of us in places that might feel safer can't always conceive of.
The rabbit hole awaits. You’ve skimmed the surface well. Just enough to tantalize a deeper conversation over tea or zoom. There is more division in the world yet many communities coming together. I am trying on your optimism hoping the sleeves aren’t too long.
Big decisions and big consequences indeed! Thank you for this, Mark.
This is such a consequential, deeply thoughtful piece, Mark. I do think America is at a crossroads in history and many would rather not face it. Those seeking to sweep troubling events like marching neo-Nazis and synagogue shootings aside with comments like "yeah, but" are only encouraging those who would destroy that beautiful experiment that is American democracy.
This is a thought provoking history based opinion piece inspired by recent events and the upcoming election. Well worth reading carefully to gleen it’s wisdom.