First off, my sincere sympathies on the loss of your brother! Next, you're so right in making community where we need to focus. At home and close to home are where we have to get things right. By the way, I'm interested in how you make your own toothpaste, shampoo and laundry soap. I've started recently to use the Yuka app to scan various products and was appalled by how bad so many personal care products are, especially the expensive ones (which I don't buy anyway)! As a result, I'm going to start making my own.
I am always inspired when I read your pieces they are informative, honest and yet sprinkled with hope. My grandmother picked and ate dandelion greens! She was from Italy. I’m sorry for the loss of your brother. Take extra good care of yourself during this difficult time.
Thank you for your ongoing advocacy of human beingness. I too am in some turmoil these days amid urban time, the onslaught of things, and trying to get more offline. Wishing you abundant self-care!
"Trump a knight in shining armour." The present danger is that too many people do see Trump as such. But to read his inaugural speech things are going to get a lot worse. People are so gullible as to believe that when leaders change the system changes.... NO! the same rotten system is there and Trump will exploit it to his heart's desire being the egotistical demagogue he is . He is in a position to do even greater damage than Biden.
Building relations and community is now more critically important than ever as he is a one- person social fragmentation bomb.
People don't want to see him for what he is. He is very dangerous as he is a compulsive liar, constantly blaming and slandering others, constantly flattering himself and claiming victim hood for himself and the crimes of the US. He leads the most powerful empire the earth has ever seen, which has spent the 75 years waging forever wars, killing millions and now blames everybody in the world for America's woes. Its a pathetic slapstick horror show.
Diana, your idea of small, discreet groups is important advice. Many are unaware of the small group of eight Vietnam War activists who staged a burglary of a small regional office of the FBI and liberated records that exposed the 1960s criminal surveillance operation of the agency against peace and civil rights movements. The material was passed along anonymously and used by newspapers to blow the lid off FBI corruption and tear down the reputation of one of the greatest and most cowardly of American criminals, J. Edgar Hoover.
Despite a desperate nationwide investigation, the FBI never knew who did the raid, until 40 years later -- after statute of limitations had long passed -- one of them published a book on it: "The Burglary: The Discovery of J. Edgar Hoover's Secret FBI", by Betty Medsger, one of the activists.
It's a great book filled with important things to learn for such evil times as we now live in.
Originally there were 9 members of the group. One backed out and made threats off ratting them out (I will have a post on the issue of such rats, soon). Despite that, the remaining 8 courageously decided to push ahead. Fortunately, the sleazy turncoat didn't say anything and the raid went off as planned.
One member of the group learned locksmithing so he could quickly pick the office door. Their discipline was amazing. After the raid and distribution of the material, with the exception of the Metsgers, the married couple involved, they voluntarily severed connections to minimize chances of being found out.
These eight (then) very young people are true heroes that will never be taught of in a classroom. Yet more history to learn on our own and pass along to young people today.
Beautifully written, as always. People like you bring beauty to our world and inspire hope for a better tomorrow. I completely agree with your perspective, but I also believe that connecting online and exchanging genuine, thoughtful ideas has its own importance. Your article truly made my day and filled me with positive energy before heading to work. While meeting in person with friends and loved ones is undeniably more meaningful, it doesn’t diminish the value of these virtual connections.
I’m so sorry to hear about your brother, Diane. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Losing someone so close is incredibly difficult—may you find strength, patience, and peace during this time. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Please take care.
Thanks so much! I think it's important to share online too, but maybe to be a little constrained in these times? I dread where we're headed in the western world.
Thanks so much, Carina. I'm still in a kind of denial. I can hear his voice so clearly still. Writing helps. We both paid attention to geopolitical issues and used to discuss them regularly.
Sending comforting thoughts and lots of love 🌹 I feel your pain. I lost my father about 4 years ago now and it still seems like yesterday. Now the only elder I have left living is my Auntie. It’s not easy …
I buy at Amazon, because it's easy for me to order. I'll have to research into it more. I'm in the United States, and I don't support Trump at all. He is wacked in the head. I will as an American ever call the Golf of Mexico, the Golf of America. It sounds stupid. We don't need Pentima Canal either or anything he said. I didn't like him the first time, and my husband and I use to make fun of his stupidity calling covid China virus, telling people to put lights in their bodies and drink bleach. I just can't understand why he'd say such dangerous and crazy things, but soon would learn that he something far worse than a nut and nothing he does is funny. He's a sociopath and everything he does is to start a war with other countries, and to hurt us here in the US.
Trump started no new wars his first time around. What are you talking about? Oh, Panama? Don't worry, that's just an opening negotiating position for Trump. He wants fees lowered, and objects to Chinese management operating the locks. I'll bet you a paycheck there will be no American invasion of Panama.
As for Amazon, it is not a necessity unless you can't find something you NEED anywhere else. I know this happens to people in remote rural area sometimes, but elsewhere it's simply not true. I've successfully boycotted Amazon for many years now; it's not that hard, and usually you can find a better deal elsewhere.
It just takes a little time, that's all. I think it's worth it.
First off, my sincere sympathies on the loss of your brother! Next, you're so right in making community where we need to focus. At home and close to home are where we have to get things right. By the way, I'm interested in how you make your own toothpaste, shampoo and laundry soap. I've started recently to use the Yuka app to scan various products and was appalled by how bad so many personal care products are, especially the expensive ones (which I don't buy anyway)! As a result, I'm going to start making my own.
Hi Diane, thanks for your sympathies. It's hard to fathom for me still that Randy's no longer with us.
The recipes are quite simple. Maybe I should write a post with the recipes in it. I also make my own tempeh.
I'll share them in my next post, when I have a bit more energy.
No rush, Diana! Take care of yourself first!
I am so sorry about your brother. Thank you for your wise words and for holding on to hope in the midst of your grief.
Thanks, Mary. Writing is therapeutic for me, so it's a pleasure to have this platform with lovely people like you giving me emotional support.
I am always inspired when I read your pieces they are informative, honest and yet sprinkled with hope. My grandmother picked and ate dandelion greens! She was from Italy. I’m sorry for the loss of your brother. Take extra good care of yourself during this difficult time.
Thanks a lot, Lois. I'm taking good care of myself, and am glad you enjoyed my post.
Thank you for your ongoing advocacy of human beingness. I too am in some turmoil these days amid urban time, the onslaught of things, and trying to get more offline. Wishing you abundant self-care!
Thanks, Michael. I take very good care of myself, and hope you do too.
sending love as you mourn your brother in this strange world
Thanks so much, Jan.
"Trump a knight in shining armour." The present danger is that too many people do see Trump as such. But to read his inaugural speech things are going to get a lot worse. People are so gullible as to believe that when leaders change the system changes.... NO! the same rotten system is there and Trump will exploit it to his heart's desire being the egotistical demagogue he is . He is in a position to do even greater damage than Biden.
Building relations and community is now more critically important than ever as he is a one- person social fragmentation bomb.
I agree, Robert. And it makes me think it would be good for all of us to sow division in their ranks when we can. Two can play at this game.
People don't want to see him for what he is. He is very dangerous as he is a compulsive liar, constantly blaming and slandering others, constantly flattering himself and claiming victim hood for himself and the crimes of the US. He leads the most powerful empire the earth has ever seen, which has spent the 75 years waging forever wars, killing millions and now blames everybody in the world for America's woes. Its a pathetic slapstick horror show.
Diana, your idea of small, discreet groups is important advice. Many are unaware of the small group of eight Vietnam War activists who staged a burglary of a small regional office of the FBI and liberated records that exposed the 1960s criminal surveillance operation of the agency against peace and civil rights movements. The material was passed along anonymously and used by newspapers to blow the lid off FBI corruption and tear down the reputation of one of the greatest and most cowardly of American criminals, J. Edgar Hoover.
Despite a desperate nationwide investigation, the FBI never knew who did the raid, until 40 years later -- after statute of limitations had long passed -- one of them published a book on it: "The Burglary: The Discovery of J. Edgar Hoover's Secret FBI", by Betty Medsger, one of the activists.
It's a great book filled with important things to learn for such evil times as we now live in.
Originally there were 9 members of the group. One backed out and made threats off ratting them out (I will have a post on the issue of such rats, soon). Despite that, the remaining 8 courageously decided to push ahead. Fortunately, the sleazy turncoat didn't say anything and the raid went off as planned.
One member of the group learned locksmithing so he could quickly pick the office door. Their discipline was amazing. After the raid and distribution of the material, with the exception of the Metsgers, the married couple involved, they voluntarily severed connections to minimize chances of being found out.
These eight (then) very young people are true heroes that will never be taught of in a classroom. Yet more history to learn on our own and pass along to young people today.
Here's a link to a good NPR story on the book and raid and bungling FBI response: https://www.npr.org/2014/01/07/260302289/the-secret-burglary-that-exposed-j-edgar-hoovers-fbi
Your advice on self-sufficiency and community support is important.
Resist
Persist
Don't be complicit!
Thanks for this amazing story, Mark. What courageous people! And what a difference they made.
My deepest heartfelt condolences Diana. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Love you ♥️
Ah, thanks, Najwan. Randy was a pretty special guy, and I'm going to miss him.
Beautifully written, as always. People like you bring beauty to our world and inspire hope for a better tomorrow. I completely agree with your perspective, but I also believe that connecting online and exchanging genuine, thoughtful ideas has its own importance. Your article truly made my day and filled me with positive energy before heading to work. While meeting in person with friends and loved ones is undeniably more meaningful, it doesn’t diminish the value of these virtual connections.
I’m so sorry to hear about your brother, Diane. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Losing someone so close is incredibly difficult—may you find strength, patience, and peace during this time. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Please take care.
Thanks so much! I think it's important to share online too, but maybe to be a little constrained in these times? I dread where we're headed in the western world.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Please accept my condolences🌹
Wishing you all the peace and comfort possible.🙏
Thanks so much, Carina. I'm still in a kind of denial. I can hear his voice so clearly still. Writing helps. We both paid attention to geopolitical issues and used to discuss them regularly.
Sending comforting thoughts and lots of love 🌹 I feel your pain. I lost my father about 4 years ago now and it still seems like yesterday. Now the only elder I have left living is my Auntie. It’s not easy …
Thanks Carina. Sending you comforting thoughts as well. I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your father.
Thank you 🤍
I’m sorry to hear about the loss of your brother Diana. I hope you are taking care of yourself. ❤️
Thanks, Eleanor. I'm taking care of myself for sure. I'm still numb. It isn't real yet.
So beautiful. I appreciate so much in this piece! Also I would add, in addition to your accurate read on Poli, Jagmeet Singh is a member of the WEF
I hope the leadership of the NDP changes by the time there's an election. There are some good people in the party.
Outstanding Diana. All of it. Thank you!
Thanks, Val.
There are so many changes happening, many of them meant to be overwhelming. I'm moving this year also, and it will be challenging.
Best of luck with your move, Elsie.
I buy at Amazon, because it's easy for me to order. I'll have to research into it more. I'm in the United States, and I don't support Trump at all. He is wacked in the head. I will as an American ever call the Golf of Mexico, the Golf of America. It sounds stupid. We don't need Pentima Canal either or anything he said. I didn't like him the first time, and my husband and I use to make fun of his stupidity calling covid China virus, telling people to put lights in their bodies and drink bleach. I just can't understand why he'd say such dangerous and crazy things, but soon would learn that he something far worse than a nut and nothing he does is funny. He's a sociopath and everything he does is to start a war with other countries, and to hurt us here in the US.
It's not like you've had much of a choice, Dawn. I would have voted for Jill Stein, but she got so few votes overall.
Trump started no new wars his first time around. What are you talking about? Oh, Panama? Don't worry, that's just an opening negotiating position for Trump. He wants fees lowered, and objects to Chinese management operating the locks. I'll bet you a paycheck there will be no American invasion of Panama.
As for Amazon, it is not a necessity unless you can't find something you NEED anywhere else. I know this happens to people in remote rural area sometimes, but elsewhere it's simply not true. I've successfully boycotted Amazon for many years now; it's not that hard, and usually you can find a better deal elsewhere.
It just takes a little time, that's all. I think it's worth it.
Right on, sister!
"Everyone doing what they can is enough to do everything that needs to be done." Dartwill Aquila