Brie, and followers. I promised I would write on my page, but I have not had time. I am sorry. I grew up believing the propaganda too. I enlisted and served in the US Navy for four years from 1985-1989, honorable discharge.I was a cook, "we" were not at war... Or so I thought. The disillusionment began before I was discharged. No VA benefits, No GI Bill. "You're not eligible." I found out that a person cannot sue the federal government for breach of contract. I was taught about the US government involvement in Central America during the time I was in. I learned about how evil George Bush, Sr was. I have always loved history, and the floodgates opened. So, even before I got out, I began protesting. We blocked munitions trains at Concord Naval Weapons Station. Until my friend got run over by a train... Intentionally. He lived, and became outspoken. My mind could not accept what I had witnessed. That they would actually try to kill us! Over the years, I learned a lot more atrocities inside these borders and worldwide. I know now that military personnel serve the government, not the people of the country. Without realistic service to the country, the same is true for Congress. In the last year I have been punished severely by the feds for speaking out. Democracy in the US is a fallacy. Sure I'm pissed, but I'm really just really sad.
My life has not been that neat. I spent 2 weeks in Hong Kong in 1991. But I have no idea how many days in Canada. My Uncle moved there in 1964 and we spent a few summers there visiting
Attributed to Samuel Johnson, the phrase "patriotism is the last refuge of scoundrels" was an early favourite of mine, and remains apropos to this day.
Perhaps that matter of intent applies. And other circumstances and conditions as well. No, the abuse of principle does not negate principle. Yes, the term has been used by scoundrels.
Hi Brie - thank you for this excellent synopsis of the current situation. We here in Britain endured 15 years of right wing Tory rule - including Lying Boris 'Britain Trump'. We were denied opportunities to have democratic elections, even when the Queen died and Truss 'The Lettuce' took power. But whe we did finally get an election, we, the people, took the opportunity for regime change at last. Starmer is still not a leader I would choose, but he's not a Tory at least. That's the thing, once Right Wing Authoritarian politics get a grip and people become divided; it becomes pernicious and really hard to change. Financial markets LIKE leaders who are complete bastards and billionaires. They keep the country divided. That was the true purpose of 'Brexit'. Trump is perpetrating an 'Amexit' but because you guys do everything bigger and better, he's not cutting himself off from his neighbours, but the entire world! Don't quit on your Country, work on breaking down the divisions and from what I can see, the country is uniting absolutely behind getting rid of Demented Donold and his Musky MAGAts. Stay strong.
Is that a joke? The fact that Brexshit, (manipulated by Farage and all the Tory MPs with investments in the US) was not not a lesson to you and the others supporting Reform, astounds me. I think Clacton has learnt it's lesson anyway. Reform AND the Tories are puppets to the USA. I'm happy to read in the news this morning that Starmer and Macron are confronting Trump. The UK needs to stand with Europe.
That's a nice sentiment, just a little late in the game, sorry to say so. I hope you will start to get a wider view of the world and its history, now that the current administration has done the unthinkable: changing sides. As a foreigner and immigrant to Canada from The Netherlands, I watched from next door the events you selected as milestones in your post. My first thought was with 9/11 that with this action and shocking and well palnned assault on the US and the twin towers, buildings representatiing the wealth and ruthless business principles of the USA, that it should be able to shake the USA out its lethargy and look more critical at its government based on business as usual, its military actions around the world, its presumptuous attitudes about the world, and then change direction. After the failure of Viennam, I had expected that, too. But no, learning from past mistakes seemed impossible. That did not happen. Instead, a siege mentality took hold and "patriotism" among Americans, alas. You are right, it is NOT the best country of the world, far from it. I can mention easily 20 other countries that are much better, more democratic and better to live in for all its residents. I hope that a bit of introspection among Americans will follow soon, now that USA is losing or ditching its friends. Good luck. Yes, do not bow, but be certain what you want instead for your country.
Ditto on patriotism, Sir, and I agree with everything you say. The instinct to abandon my country is foreign and unwelcome; free elections and free speech are *absolutely* two of my favorite parts about living here. If he takes them away, if he messes with chunks of them to work in his favor (which he's absolutely signalled his intention to do), there does come a point one asks oneself this question.
Perhaps I need to learn more about RFK JR... The concern from the medical world was clear, but my concern was more toward Russ Vought and Kash Patel. Vought is brilliant, I just don't agree with the unitary executive theory or Project 2025. Kash is a "I would do anything for you Donald" person, and the FBI is supposed to be for the American People.
Spot on about Ukraine. Let's hope tariffs do incent lower tariffs from partners, I just wonder what price we've paid for this method.
Canada makes me mad too. They've been great neighbors.
DOGE makes me mad because it's one of the few things he could have had bipartisan support on... The vast majority of the country woulda been on board with measured layoffs and waste reduction... Idk what on Earth the benefit of this method is, and I'm convinced Musk has taken every bit of data he can for himself.
Brie, and followers. I promised I would write on my page, but I have not had time. I am sorry. I grew up believing the propaganda too. I enlisted and served in the US Navy for four years from 1985-1989, honorable discharge.I was a cook, "we" were not at war... Or so I thought. The disillusionment began before I was discharged. No VA benefits, No GI Bill. "You're not eligible." I found out that a person cannot sue the federal government for breach of contract. I was taught about the US government involvement in Central America during the time I was in. I learned about how evil George Bush, Sr was. I have always loved history, and the floodgates opened. So, even before I got out, I began protesting. We blocked munitions trains at Concord Naval Weapons Station. Until my friend got run over by a train... Intentionally. He lived, and became outspoken. My mind could not accept what I had witnessed. That they would actually try to kill us! Over the years, I learned a lot more atrocities inside these borders and worldwide. I know now that military personnel serve the government, not the people of the country. Without realistic service to the country, the same is true for Congress. In the last year I have been punished severely by the feds for speaking out. Democracy in the US is a fallacy. Sure I'm pissed, but I'm really just really sad.
Beautiful
My life has not been that neat. I spent 2 weeks in Hong Kong in 1991. But I have no idea how many days in Canada. My Uncle moved there in 1964 and we spent a few summers there visiting
You speak for many of us.
I feel sad for you, and for the world. But ffs, how come the U.S.law has allowed this to happen? It doesn't make sense!
Attributed to Samuel Johnson, the phrase "patriotism is the last refuge of scoundrels" was an early favourite of mine, and remains apropos to this day.
Perhaps that matter of intent applies. And other circumstances and conditions as well. No, the abuse of principle does not negate principle. Yes, the term has been used by scoundrels.
Take care and keep safe!
Hi Brie - thank you for this excellent synopsis of the current situation. We here in Britain endured 15 years of right wing Tory rule - including Lying Boris 'Britain Trump'. We were denied opportunities to have democratic elections, even when the Queen died and Truss 'The Lettuce' took power. But whe we did finally get an election, we, the people, took the opportunity for regime change at last. Starmer is still not a leader I would choose, but he's not a Tory at least. That's the thing, once Right Wing Authoritarian politics get a grip and people become divided; it becomes pernicious and really hard to change. Financial markets LIKE leaders who are complete bastards and billionaires. They keep the country divided. That was the true purpose of 'Brexit'. Trump is perpetrating an 'Amexit' but because you guys do everything bigger and better, he's not cutting himself off from his neighbours, but the entire world! Don't quit on your Country, work on breaking down the divisions and from what I can see, the country is uniting absolutely behind getting rid of Demented Donold and his Musky MAGAts. Stay strong.
I'd say, in the USA they do everything bigger and not better, but worse.
Is that a joke? The fact that Brexshit, (manipulated by Farage and all the Tory MPs with investments in the US) was not not a lesson to you and the others supporting Reform, astounds me. I think Clacton has learnt it's lesson anyway. Reform AND the Tories are puppets to the USA. I'm happy to read in the news this morning that Starmer and Macron are confronting Trump. The UK needs to stand with Europe.
Thanks for the great articles, all my French support to you! You got yourself a new subscriber, keep going the good work!
We each have our roles..
But be aware, and cautious-
Plan.
Communities you trust..trusted communication..and gather resources.
That's a nice sentiment, just a little late in the game, sorry to say so. I hope you will start to get a wider view of the world and its history, now that the current administration has done the unthinkable: changing sides. As a foreigner and immigrant to Canada from The Netherlands, I watched from next door the events you selected as milestones in your post. My first thought was with 9/11 that with this action and shocking and well palnned assault on the US and the twin towers, buildings representatiing the wealth and ruthless business principles of the USA, that it should be able to shake the USA out its lethargy and look more critical at its government based on business as usual, its military actions around the world, its presumptuous attitudes about the world, and then change direction. After the failure of Viennam, I had expected that, too. But no, learning from past mistakes seemed impossible. That did not happen. Instead, a siege mentality took hold and "patriotism" among Americans, alas. You are right, it is NOT the best country of the world, far from it. I can mention easily 20 other countries that are much better, more democratic and better to live in for all its residents. I hope that a bit of introspection among Americans will follow soon, now that USA is losing or ditching its friends. Good luck. Yes, do not bow, but be certain what you want instead for your country.
Ditto on patriotism, Sir, and I agree with everything you say. The instinct to abandon my country is foreign and unwelcome; free elections and free speech are *absolutely* two of my favorite parts about living here. If he takes them away, if he messes with chunks of them to work in his favor (which he's absolutely signalled his intention to do), there does come a point one asks oneself this question.
It’s amusing that you think this actually is patriotism-
That’s the point..
It’s not.
It’s being called out for the lie it is.
That’s not abandoning the idea-that’s very clear that this ‘patriotism’ is not patriotism.
Thought it was pretty clearly referring to the article and how it’s ’patriotic’ folks who sold our country to Russia-
Ya know-the ones who have called themselves patriotic for decades while calling the others communists..
How it’s clearly not ‘patriotism’ just because they use the word.
We know now that the election was rigged by Musk. tRump has even admitted it.
Perhaps I need to learn more about RFK JR... The concern from the medical world was clear, but my concern was more toward Russ Vought and Kash Patel. Vought is brilliant, I just don't agree with the unitary executive theory or Project 2025. Kash is a "I would do anything for you Donald" person, and the FBI is supposed to be for the American People.
Spot on about Ukraine. Let's hope tariffs do incent lower tariffs from partners, I just wonder what price we've paid for this method.
Canada makes me mad too. They've been great neighbors.
DOGE makes me mad because it's one of the few things he could have had bipartisan support on... The vast majority of the country woulda been on board with measured layoffs and waste reduction... Idk what on Earth the benefit of this method is, and I'm convinced Musk has taken every bit of data he can for himself.