Lovely article Lee. I can relate to holding two things at once. Being an American has been very confusing the last several years. I continue to return to the idea that the veil has lifted and you can’t unsee what is now seen. Hopefully the embers will cool soon for you guys. 🔥
Canada has always seemed like a utopia to me, which I didn't realize until I read I Can Hold Two Things. The impression started during the Vietnam war. Men being able to escape to Canada to avoid the draft meant it was a country that somehow understood civility more than the United Sates. And "United States" has now become a misnomer.
I also never thought much about being an American before 2017 and beyond 4th of July celebrations. Now, I'm filled with disgust and shame at what America has become. Interesting that you describe Canada as a country that says "sorry" about everything because we don't seem to apologize for anything. Personally, it's to the point where I have mock apologies prepared in my head in case I travel to Europe and meet people from other countries. And in this country the un-United States I feel that I have to silently identify myself as a "safe" white person in crowds maybe with something akin to a fallout shelter symbol. Yet I do know that emanating peace is the way to communicate that safety.
Emanating peace doesn't seem to be much but it takes years of grounding and surrender to cultivate peace. And sometimes in life, the acts that seem like nothing mean everything.
What wonderful insight, Maryellen. I can only hope your un-United States can return to its former glory. The rebuilding of bridges (or even opening of them) will be a long and heavy job. My hope is that there will be someone up to the task of leading the country out of the mess.
My hope for the US is for the social democrats to be less apologetic and more show-not-tell and inclusive, like Mamdani in NYC. I truly hope this (m*g*) is the last bitter gasp of a dying patriarchy. It's so gobsmackingly rife with corruption and cruelty, it has to be the end of it.
Lovely article Lee. I can relate to holding two things at once. Being an American has been very confusing the last several years. I continue to return to the idea that the veil has lifted and you can’t unsee what is now seen. Hopefully the embers will cool soon for you guys. 🔥
Thank you, Candy. Fortunately, I am optimistic that "this too shall pass," and we might even come out better for the experience. xo
I loved this post so much.
Thank you, Cat, that's high praise coming from you! xo
Canada has always seemed like a utopia to me, which I didn't realize until I read I Can Hold Two Things. The impression started during the Vietnam war. Men being able to escape to Canada to avoid the draft meant it was a country that somehow understood civility more than the United Sates. And "United States" has now become a misnomer.
I also never thought much about being an American before 2017 and beyond 4th of July celebrations. Now, I'm filled with disgust and shame at what America has become. Interesting that you describe Canada as a country that says "sorry" about everything because we don't seem to apologize for anything. Personally, it's to the point where I have mock apologies prepared in my head in case I travel to Europe and meet people from other countries. And in this country the un-United States I feel that I have to silently identify myself as a "safe" white person in crowds maybe with something akin to a fallout shelter symbol. Yet I do know that emanating peace is the way to communicate that safety.
Emanating peace doesn't seem to be much but it takes years of grounding and surrender to cultivate peace. And sometimes in life, the acts that seem like nothing mean everything.
What wonderful insight, Maryellen. I can only hope your un-United States can return to its former glory. The rebuilding of bridges (or even opening of them) will be a long and heavy job. My hope is that there will be someone up to the task of leading the country out of the mess.
The Obama’s remain a beacon of hope and have created a frequency of civility that will grow stronger over time. I truly thank God for them.
My hope for the US is for the social democrats to be less apologetic and more show-not-tell and inclusive, like Mamdani in NYC. I truly hope this (m*g*) is the last bitter gasp of a dying patriarchy. It's so gobsmackingly rife with corruption and cruelty, it has to be the end of it.
Yes, there are other beacons of hope besides the Obamas. And social democracy is a big part of the answer to chip away at the crumbling patriarchy 🙏