When several of my friends share a link, I will read it. This morning it was this article. I have no doubt that Trump's plan is to "become tremendously, and untraceably, rich, by looting any coffers that come within reach." The possibility of a coup? I needed my dad's opinion on that. I emailed him a link to the article and asked for his thoughts. This is what he wrote back: "Magdalen, Well, it is scary stuff. But even if completely true and not exaggerated, remember, this is a big country--a huge geography and a huge population--for any 'coup' to subdue--and a majority of the people who voted, voted for Hillary--and half or more of those who voted for Trump are not his loyal base. Also remember (if you are fearful), we have a big military with strong traditions. Of all Federal institutions, the military was the earliest to be integrated--and today is the most thoroughly integrated. Professional soldiers of the highest rank and of many diverse backgrounds in this country take great pride in the oath they take to protect the Constitution--not the president--they are duty bound to defy any order that they deem to be unlawful. Trump is playing with fire--and in my opinion he is going to get himself burned if not hung (metaphorically speaking) and no private security force of 'hired guns' is going to save him. Hopefully it doesn't come to 'coups' either from within or without. We do have checks and balances in this country, and ways of deposing dictators short of civil war--Jefferson Davis, Hughey Long, General MacArthur, Joe McCarthy, Richard Nixon, and a few others found this out. But in the end, Trump and his little 'inner circle' will be up against 'the American people'. If they think on some level the people 'will get tired of protesting'--they should think again--and when congress and the courts join the protest, THEY will be backed by our military--not the other way around. Dad" I exhale as I read his words. I believe them. I am grateful for my dad. Grateful for those who serve. Still grateful to be an American. (Even with Canada winking at me from across the lake.) I've been feeling a need to read some real stories to balance all the theory (of why Trump was elected, of what he will do). I appreciated today when a rugby friend shared this video along with her family story:
"My paternal grandfather came to the USA after serving with the British Merchant Marines during WWI. He was born in Japan and liked it here so he stayed. He opened a restaurant and married a fifth generation German American. They had 4 children, one would go on and serve in the Korean War as an interpreter for the USA army. On December 7, 1941 the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor and the events that would unfold would forever define my life. Of the events the one that sticks out most for me is when my grandmother (a natural born citizen) lost her citizenship because she refused to divorce my grandfather.... they were in love no less. I grew up knowing all this, knowing not only did my ancestors struggle to be with the ones they loved but that I myself would struggle as well for different reasons. I fear for what the repercussions will be in light of recent hasty actions. It has been nearly 3/4 of a century and I am 2 generations removed and yet it has shaped my life, my career as a history teacher and my desire for equality for all in a country that has fostered the dreams of many." I've also been thinking of and collecting family stories. How did I come to be (educated, rural, hard-working, liberal...)? How did our ancestors weather the hardest times? (binding together, snapping beans...) And I started a list of books I want to read. A Hope More Powerful than the Sea is at the top, followed by some on this list of "Books to Help Kids Understand What It's Like to Be a Refugee." What's your story? What are you reading? UPDATE: My newsfeed brought me these story-based articles today and I'm so appreciative.
0 Comments
|
AuthorsMagdalen Dale and Kaite Sweval grew up a layer apart, overlapping and paralleling. Belonging to the shores of Lake Superior and yet not quite belonging. Laughing and dreaming on the bench outside the ferry booth as Mag passed the time and Kaite chose her time. Left to explore as soon as they could. And then as adults returned home, perhaps to their surprise. But glad to have each other... ‘cause we know there is strength in the differences between us and comfort where we overlap. Archives
All
|