MAKE YOUR BED by ADMIRAL WILLIAM H. RAVEN

  1. CHAPTER ONE: START YOUR DAY WITH A TASK COMPLETED

New men entering the Navy were taught from day 1 how to make your bed right away. With all the problems associated with war, it was daily life that provided a sense of structure. Nothing can replace the strength and comfort of one’s faith, but sometimes the simple act of making your bed can give you the lift you need to start your day and provide you the satisfaction to end it right. 

2. CHAPTER TWO: YOU CAN’T GO IT ALONE

William Raven falling out of the airplane as the leader of the Seals, his parachute did not work.. His compatriots somehow circled him in the air and essentially saved him, albeit he was injured and hospitalized. He had always felt invincible, but now you know that “you cannot paddle the boat alone”.

3. CHAPTER THREE: ONLY THE SIZE OF YOUR HEART MATTERS

While becoming a Naval Seal going through the ins and outs of training, he could see a thin man in Vivian clothes as he continued to gaze at the photos on the wall. It made him feel good about himself knowing that he was clearly stronger. Then Lt Huth stood up and motioned him to come into the office and he said to me, “Tommy was the last SEAL Medal of Honor recipient from Vietnam. He smiled back, shook his hand and laughed. Tom had on successive nights gone deep behind enemy lines to rescue two downed airmen. This was Tom Norris who, on another mission, was shot in the face by North Vietnamese forces and left for dead only to be rescued by a Petty officer. Yet, Tom who battled back from his injury was accepted into the FBI first Hostage Rescue Team. This quiet, reserved, humble man was one of the toughest SEALS in the long history of the Teams.

4. CHAPTER FOUR: LIFE’S NOT FAIR—DRIVE ON!

Moki Martin was training as a military Air Force officer. As others, he participated in training exercises to support the goals of whatever he will be called upon. He was training with others on bicycles when he and another collided. They were hospitalized but his paralysis never allowed him to use his legs. For the pastrami 35 years, he has been in a wheelchair with no complaints. In fact, he became an accomplished painter. He fathered a beautiful girl and founded the Super Frog  Triathalon.The common people and the great men and women are all defined how they deal with life’s unfairness: Helen Keller, Nelson Mandela, Stephen Hawking, and Moki Martin.,

5. CHAPTER FIVE—FAILURE CAN MAKE YOU STRONGER

After swimming in the ocean waters, calisthenics, I became stronger. When I came out of the water with my partner, we were told by the officer, “You embarrassed them!”. In July 1983, I experienced a tough moment, quit and enjoy civilian life or weather the storm. I was given an opportunity to deploy overseas. I took advantage of the opportunity. I learned that past failures had strengthened, no one is immune from mistakes. True leaders learn from mistakes. 

6. CHAPTER SIX — YOU MUST DARE GREATLY

In Iraq in 2004, I was with a group to conduct a rescue mission. They came at night unexpectedly. The risk was calculated. Throughout my career, I always respected the SAS motto: “Who Dares Wins”. Life is a struggle and the potential for failure, or hardship, or embarrassment will never achieve their potential. Without pushing your limits, without occasionally sliding down the rope headfirst, without daring greatly, you will never know what is truly possible in your life.

7. CHAPTER SEVEN — STAND UP TO THE BULLIES

Saddam Hussein, the former president of Iraq, sat at the edge of an old Army cot clad only in an orange jumpsuit.  Having been captured twenty-four hours earlier, he was now a prisoner of the United States. As  I opened the door to allow new Iraqi  leaders into the room, he remained seated with a smirk.   Still fearful of the dictator, I grabbed a chair as he began to talk.  No one had the courage to challenge him. If the purpose of the meeting was to show Saddam that he no longer in power—it had failed. He no longer had power.

Thirty days later, I transferred him to  a proper military police unit and a year later they hanged him for his crimes  

Bullies are all the same. They thrive on fear and intimidation. 

In life, you have to have courage within.

8. CHAPTER EIGHT—RISE TO THE OCCASION

“If you want to change the world … be your very best in the darkest moments!!”

 Learning how to dive the basic SCUBA was part of the basic SEAL training.  As I watched the fog encircle te Air Base in Afghan, another dark moment as an aircraft was coming in with the remains of a fallen warrior.  This was a Ramp Ceremony. When the ceremony ended, tears fled. It was the darkest moment.

At some point we all confront a dark moment in life. If not the passing of a loved one, then something else that crushes your spirit and  leaves you wondering about your future. Inn that dark moment, reach deep inside yourself and be your very best.

AUTOCRACY, INC. “THE DICTATORS WHO WANT TO RUN THE WORLD” by ANNE APPLEBAUM

   Anne sharply deals with autocracies. It does not take much reading of history  to understand the term. One is aware of Putin, the chief autocrat that I am aware of. Surely, China’s dictator, Xi Jinping is comparable. But there are others in Asia, South America, and now the United States is threatened by the potential disaster President of the United States, Donald J. Trump!!!

I cannot say that I learned anything that I did not know. What always intrigues me is the ability to communicate with written words. I write whatever I want, but I never cease amazing those who write detailed history so clearly.  

THE ANXIOUS GENERATION by JONATHAN HAIDT

 Jonathan was a professor in social psychology at the  University of Pennsylvania.  He focused on moral and political psychology. He lays out the facts about the epidemic of teen mental illness and investigates thr nature of childhood, including why children need play and independent explorations to mature into competent, mature thriving adults. He provides a dozen instances where neurological development is mired by circumstances, e.g., sleep deprivation, addiction, loneliness, social contagion, social comparison,and perfectionism. 

In short, raising children is problematic especially in today’s evironment, e.g., internet, social media, etc.

Letter to President Biden July 11, 2004

45 Glades Rd.          

Scituate , MA 02066

July 11, 2024

                                                                                                                                                     

 Dear Mr. President,

There has never been a more intelligent and devoted leader of our nation. Your life has been involved in national and international issues effecting the lives of fellow human beings. You have recognized the dignity of all humans regardless of color or intelligence. Your efforts to address poverty is well known to the world. 

However, at the age of 81, you are showing the problems of how the brain functions. You are supported by the teleprompter that allows you to share information that you want the public to hear. However, conversations with many reporters demonstrate how difficult it is to articulate what want to share with the public. This is by no means unusual with age but it would be a disaster for our nation and for your deserved reputation as one of the greatest presidents of the United States.

Your reputation would even be more pronounced if you shared with lthe public that you wanted to ensure that the next four years would not only avoid the possibility of a dictatorship of Donald Trump, but give the nation that opportunity to declare how you have been one of the best presidents in history. Surely your potential defeat would be a disaster! Your history would up negatively. But your helping an alternative to face Trump would be a triumph.

Please consider retiring as one of the best presidents ever!

Edward J. Toomey

DISCOVER VERSUS DEFEND MODE

 Reading books often educate but, at times, it helps to articulate what you experience.

People (and dogs) who are highly sociable go through life in a discovery mode are happier, more sociable are happier and more eager for experiences. Conversely,  people who are in defensive mode are more defensive and anxious and have rare moments of safety.

My life has always been a persistent series of opportunities to chat with people. In my 86 years, it has always been a privilege to talk with others. Sometimes, the conversation is simple, e.g., “what a beautiful day”, or political, e.g., “what do you think of the implications of Trump being president again”, or “what are your thoughts about global warming?”

One aspect of my life is share thoughts with people I meet. I would like to think that I am informative to some, a source of information or happiness to others. Sometimes people laugh at my comments.

I am always in the discover mode!

WHEN YOU SEE MY MOTHER, ASK HER TO DANCE by JOAN BAEZ

 I have so enjoyed her singing until she quit in recent years (I still listen to her music online). Her music touches your heart. This book is essentially her sharing personal thoughts about life and the people she knows. It is an easy and heartwarming read. Her life has been great and has made people happy.

TRUE GRETCH by GRETCHEN WHITMER

 I have read all sorts of news by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. The news consistently reported her efforts to not only sustain her state but to improve the distribution of weath and kindness. I have written to her that I promote her to think about running for the President of the United States.  Not only is she sincere and focused on all, she is also realistic dealing with issues effecting the public. She is honest when any initiative did not result as intended. Amazing is her sense of humor that affects so many.

The book captures all that is relevant to understanding her. I have written to her a few times about the impact she would have on our nation if she were the next President of the USA!!!!

THE VISION OF THE PAST by Pierre Teilard deChardin

 I have read his books in the past, but I re-read them occasionally. I first read the books of this Jesuit while in the seminary ON MY OWN (was not in our classrooms).  His understanding of our place in Mother Earth not only made a difference then, but always. His (and later Sr. Ilia DeLio) writings of knowing.God’s presence in all (not just organized religion) made a huge difference in my life. I am aware of the presence of God whenever I am not concentrating on anything else. He was born May1, 1881 in France and died on April 10, 1955 in New York. His writings were not accepted by the Jesuits and he was buried in their cemetery without any more than a stick in the ground!! They neither published his work nor shared it vocally with others.  Later his writings were discovered and eventually published. From time-to-time I read his books in a state of thankfulness. My life was made different because of his writings. 

THE MEANING AND PRACTICE OF FAITH by REV. DIARMUID O’MURCHU

 I have read many books about understanding God as more than a great person, a person recognized differently by Christians, Jews, Islams, etc. In fact, many picture God as a body. All the books started by the Jesuit Pierre Theilhard deChardin and St. Ilia Delio remain in my library. This is the first book by Diarmuid O’Murcho that I have read (will read more).

He empowers individuals with a renewed responsibility to resolve life’s questions with a growing wisdom that can be checked, challenged and validated in spiritual group process. 

The bottom line is being aware of presence of God in all you do, think and talk. How to share your understanding may take time but the growth of being aware of the Divine makes not only one’s life better but also those you talk with.

WHITE POVERTY by REVEREND DR. WILLIAM J BARBERII

 The author is virtually a saint by virtue his allegiance to the Divine in spike of his recognizing that people of color are deprived of justice by white people. The book focuses on who are poor in America.  He writes about the lies that prevent us from seeing the pain of poor white families who have been offered little more than the “whiteness” and angry social media posts to sustain them in an economy the costs of housing, healthcare, and education have skyrocketed while wages have stagnated for all but the rich. 

THE SITUATION ROOM by GEORGE STEPHONOPOLIS

 Until I read this book, I was vaguely informed of the President’s Situation Room where his loyal assistants of all sorts would gather to discuss vital political issues at the moment. One of important characteristics of the room is that the participants never shared the discussions with the public. Obviously this makes sense. The public should not be informed of ins and outs of the discussion. The public would eventually get the bottom line that was agreed upon. 

In addition, I was able to recollect many of the issues that effected this nation and the world. 

In short, the book serves as a history of the Situation Room since it was established in1961. 

THE CALL TO SERVE (Life of President George Herbert Walker Bush) by JON MEACHAM

 This is a detailed capture of the life of President Bush. What made the book more entertaining were the number of photos that spelled out his life. 

THE AGE of GRIEVANCE by FRANK BRUNI

 The twists and turns of American politics are unpredictable. Americans think that they are losing because others are winning. The authors surely captures the dichotomy which is evident in virtually all  avenues. It can reference politics, sex, males vs females etc. 

Needless to say, it is not an easy read but surely does justice to our bewildering experiences  

COMING HOME by BRITTNEY GRINER

 I have been aware of her for a long time by virtue of her athletic ability in basketball, one of my favorites (I was a member of the Brockton High School Championship in 1944). She clearly was unique in size (6.6). 

Her narrative was about her WNBA trip to Russia. When arriving, the investigators noted cannabis oil in her luggage. She was arrested and sentenced to prison. Her nightmare is captured in her story as well as the eventual news.

One could feel the tears about living in such a nightmare. 

SMALL ACTS of COURAGE by ALI VELSHI

Small acts of courage matter. This experience of Ali Velshi taps into 125 years of family history from South Africa to Kenya, then Canada and then the United States. He shares the impossible journeys and becoming citizens as they come. Ali Velsi now has his own MSNBC program.

VETERANS DAY

 I have always treasured the veterans who served our nation and the world.  Admittedly, as a priest, I hated violence and prayed that everyone would see each other as their brother and sister, regardless of their color or intelligence. I became more convinced that all the world, all the universe is holy. However, I also served as Chief Executive Officer of the Veterans Affairs and became so aware of the injuries associated with the defense of those who want to destroy others for no other reason than that they want what others had. I surely became a true lover of those who served in the military.

My good fortune was becoming a loved friend of a war hero. Jeff Hackman did much in serving to protect those in need when faced with violence against others. He unfortunately was a victim of those who were making war. He was injured. Fortunately, he has done extremely well. Jeff never questioned his duty and always responded to opportunities to serve. 

I am so fortunate that I consider him a brother. 

THE UNFINISHED LOVE STORY by DORIS KEARNS GOODWIN

 Dick and Doris Goodwin were married for forty-two years and married to American history even longer. In his twenties, Dick was one of the brilliant young men of President John F. Kennedy’s New Frontier. In his thirties, he both named and helped design President Lyndon B, Johnson’s Great Society and was a speechwriter and close adviser to Senator Robert F, Kennedy. Doris Kearny was a twenty-four-year-old graduate student when selected as a White House Fellow. She worked directly for Johnson and later assisted in his memoir. 

Over the years, with humor, anger, frustration, and in the end, a growing understanding. Dick and Doris had argued over the achievements and failings of the leaders they served and observed, debating the progress and unfinished promises of the country they both loved 

The Goodwins’ last great adventure involved finally the more than three hundred boxes of diaries, documents, and memorabilia that Dick had saved for more than fifty years.  They soon realized they had before an unparalleled personal time capsule of the 1960’s, illuminating pub and private moments of a decade when individuals were powered by the conviction they could make a  difference; a time, like today, marked by struggles for racial and economic justice; a time when lines were drawn and loyalties tested.

Their expedition gave Dick’s last years renewed purpose and determination. It gave Doris the opportunity to connect and reconnect with participants and witnesses of pivotal moments of the 1960’s. And it  them both an opportunity to make fresh assessments of the central figures of  the time —John F. Kennedy, Jacqueline Kennedy, Martin Luther King  Jr., Robert Kennedy, and especially yndon Johnson, who greatly impacted both the it lives  The voyage of remembrance brought unexpected discoveries, forgiveness, and the renewal of old dreams, reviving the hope that the youth of today will carry forward this  unfinished love story with America.

SAY MORE by JEN PSAKI

 Jen Psaki has been one of the best political reporter that utilized her history of involvement in political issues effecting her, her family, and neighbors. She had an insight to what was right and when she was puzzled by circumstances, she used it as an opportunity to learn what would be helpful to others. 

I first knew her when she was conducting White House Briefings during the first two years of Biden’s administration. After that, I always look forward to Sunday and Monday to watch Inside with Jen Psaki. She always articulates the issues, the current political arguments, and her approach to the right thing to do!

Her writing is so similar to her articulation that I could hear her voice as she related so many circumstances impacting the nation. 

The book is great for reporting history (I remember much), articulating the issues and the impact on the administration. 

THE INTERNATIONALISTS by ALEXANDER WARD

 This is a detailed history of President Biden’s first 2 years of addressing the issues impacting the failure of Afghanistan and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.  It spells out the detailed decisions made which were problematic then and still a major question in history. Surely i would not have wanted to make the decision to leave such a disastrous situation 

WE ARE FREE to CHANGE the WORLD by LINDSEY STONEBRIDGE

 It was an amazing experience to read in  such detail about the history of Hannah Arendt.  She was born in 1906 as a Jewish lady from Prussia who immigrated to the United States. She taught in many colleges and wrote many books. She wrote about power and terror and about freedom. She died in 1975 after contributing much to understanding democracy. 

THE AGE OF REVOLUTION by FAREED ZAKARIA

 Fareed is an amazing writer of historical and current political issues. He generally has a column daily and a hour on Sunday of CNN. His books are always articulate and detailed. I am amazed at his referencing so many statements of historical politicians voicing their understanding of reality.

This book starts in the 1600 hundreds and steadily proceeds to the present. In all instances, he zeroes in on specific issues infringing the political stand of those who often suffer the consequences of the outcomes. The idea that the government should focus on what helps the majority, helps the nation to progress from static and self destructive laws is true. The examples of such issues are taxes, insurances, law and order, gun control. The problem is the major disagreements, e.g., the MAGA Republicans and the Democrats 

Fareed clearly focuses on the need to bridge the gaps dividing a nation or dividing one nation from others. Differences are understandable, but violent reactions are inhospitable 

I always admire Fareed’s detailed manuscripts. 

WE DON’T KNOW OURSELVES by FINTAN O’TOOLE

 The author wrote a personal history of his experience of Ireland. He went from being a conservative Catholic to one to embraced a nation that is actually new to me. I am Irish by virtue of my mother, an Irish immigrant.  While she never said anything about her heritage, I was unable to press her since she died when I was 13.  I then became a token Irishman until I learned from a movie many years later that if you were not the first born male or married one, you could not survive in Ireland. You had to leave. But the movie indicated that you could never talk about Ireland without crying. So I got the reason why my mother never shared the beauty of Ireland. 

I have read many books about Ireland but this was most different. For sure, the author’s experience is most different. Admittedly there is much humor, but many episodes of sexual episodes that frequented his experience, the anger among many, the political chaos only contributed to a new understanding of modern Ireland. 

The author, a professor at Princeton University, captures a moment in Ireland that I never knew. It is why I read history books. 

THE ISRAELI-PALESTIAN CONFLICT by Peter Schwartzman

 The conflict never seems to have an ending. The book allows the reader to launch through the conflict that remains to this day.

At this moment, I am saddened by Netanyahu’s refusal to promote two state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict. 

THE SPLENDID AND THE VILE by Erik Larson

The author captures the history of WW II. I have read all sorts of reports and this one is one of the best. It is amazing that I, a 86 year old, remembers the end of the war. I was only 8 years old, but I recall the historic celebrations in my hometown, Brockton,MA. And then, the city exploded building houses for the veterans. 

The book was surely a winner.

AMAZING TO SEE ONE’S GRANDAUGHTER IN HER HIGH SCH

 We always treasure our experiences with our children and now grandchildren. We were particularly glad that we went WINTER DANCE CONCERT at the Milton Academy.  Mika Louise was our highlight as she danced in and out with her cohorts vibrating with the music. I love music and this met all my hopes.  Mika is making the most of her educational history at Milton Academy. It surely is a step forward to opportunities that will benefit her and others,

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KASIE HUNT, THE GREATEST POLITICAL REPORTER IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

 I read the Boston Globe, NY Times, Washington Post, BBC, Foreign Affairs, and the Economist.  Yet, to listen it Kasie talk about all that is going on, including the potential disaster election coming up, gives me vibrant appreciation of her ability to talk with others about of that is facing the world. I know no one with the clarity of diction, the understanding of the situation and laws pertinent to the issues under discussion than Kasie Hunt.

GOD SAVE TEXAS by LAWRENCE WRIGHTF

 I have always had difficulty understanding Texas. Politically, I have problems with Go Abbot. However this book plows through the nightmare of this homogenous state will all sorts of people coming to Texas from all over. Texas is geographically huge and the state is open, apart from the major problems surrounding the border.  

I am glad that I read and I am very glad that I finished it!

SAY NOTHING by PATRICK RADDEN KEEFE

 The author accomplished an awesome review of the Northern Ireland conflict. As a decedent of the Irish nation, I became aware of the struggles between the Catholics and Protestants in Nothern Ireland. I learned much but admittedly, I was overwhelmed by the author who is a Bostonian. He had committed four years of research, seven trips to Northern Ireland and interviews with more than 100 people. He sought collaborations of information provided. One of the sources of information was Gerry Adams of Boston College. What is so strange is that even though he denied that he was a member of the IRA.  

THE HUNDRED YEARS’ WAR on PALESTINE (RASHID KALIDI)

 I have “forever” read about the problems between Israel and Palestine. Even today (Feb. 2024), the ongoing conflict continues with no prospect of peace. This book reports the history between 1917 and 2017 (the problems in 2024 are the same, albeit worse from my perspective.  

From my personal perspective that God loves all and is not discriminating. We may not “like” someone, but there is no need to be friendly. We are so primitive. The book makes anyone cry at the anger, hatred, and killing of others.

I am glad that I read the book and surety happy I have finished reading it.

THE WISDOM OF PLAGUES by DONALD J. McNEIL Jr

 Donald McNeil spent 25 years covering pandemics throughout the world. The book clearly identifies the need of being aware of the reality that viruses exist and the need to understand the implications. He delves into the reality of how citizens respond to not only the viruses but to the advice of the health workers.

The book is quite repetitive in the sense that the advice given to anyone anywhere is being aware of with whom you are physically close to, of the health care reporters, of the news of what is happening throughout the world. A virus loves to move.

ROMNEY by McKAY COPPINS

 Mitt Romney was always an interesting person in my life. I was struck by his sincerity in his Mormon religion. He was clearly a believer whose behavior epitomized the best in humanity.

The author clearly captures his dedication that embedded his sharp Republican political voice. While he achieved many important roles in the Mormon Temple in Massachusetts, his political achievements, e.g., Governor of Massachusetts, he was unable to achieve his goal as President.

The author captures in extreme amount of quotations the ends and outs of his dialogue with family, especially his loving wife, about what to do or what went wrong. He seemed to never understand the possibility that his understanding of God and country was a problem to many.

The author is surely to be credited for providing an understanding of Mitt Romney.

ENOUGH by CASSIDY HUTCHINSON

 Cassidy Hutchinson was a member of the Trump administration. Since she was so intelligent, she was promoted several times to higher positions. Trump’s reaction to his loss mystified her. She had been so dedicated to him that it was so difficult to believe that he would reject an national election. But after more unbelievable instances, she started to shiver with the prospects that her political life would cease. And then the moment when she was asked to testify at the congressional meeting about the Trump’s claim of a fraudulent election. She shivered at the prospect, but due to her allegiance to the US Constitution, she was strong enough to be publicly interviewed. Her interview was so strong partially because it came from someone who supported Trump.

While I thoroughly enjoyed her literary report that was so detailed, the most important aspect that she was not re-elected in a state that was served by her elder generations, including her father who was a former Vice-President. It was unbelievable except for my knowing how Trumpian supporters are destroying so much of what our nation is, a nation that stands on the Constitution. 

If all Republicans were like her, I would not be anxious of the 2024 election!!!

THE ACCIDENTAL PRESIDENT

 A.J.Baime provided a detailed biography of the four months of Harry Truman’s being the President of the United States. It was amazing that he was so engrained in every step of Truman’s step from a gentleman of Missouri with a beloved wife, Bess, who came from Kansas City, Missouri with no college degree, no money to own his home, never served as a mayor and yet he became the President of the United States!! And his career was unbelievable especially when you consider his becoming President itself was unexpected.

In summary, Franklin Roosevelt was president for four terms. His polio developed over time eventually requiring him to be in a wheel chair. During the fourth term, there was a need of Roosevelt to identify a new vice-president. Unexpectedly, he ended up picking Truman who would never expected the turn of events. Roosevelt’s death and his becoming President was the most significant moment. But the turn of events in the next four months was clearly unbelievable. 

The book detailed all the events of WWII! Anyone would benefit from reading the details of his first four months.  

MY TAKING:

I have lived my life trying to be helpful to others whenever possible. I have succeeded as such in my 86 years: successful high school student and athlete, 8 years in the seminary and then a priest followed by a career in the Veterans Administration when my good fortune, I was there were computers were invented, and, lo and behold, I ended up as the CEO for Mental Health in New England.  So, I have succeeded as best that I could. I never missed an opportunity. Needless to say, this was nothing compared to what Harry Truman did! 

The point: always LIVE IN THE MOMENT! Never know what will happen. Surely Harry never expected the events that occurred when he became President when Roosevelt died!

STANDING MY GROUND

 I was informed daily about the events of January 6!!  All the news channels photographers captured the awesome attack on the Capital of the United States. It was both awesome and scary to think this event was actually happening. The Capital Police were noted both in their defense of the US Capital but also the awesome attacks against members of the Capital Police.

Harry Dunn, one of the police leaders and a victim of some of the attacks does justice to the experience and implications for our democracy.  His writing is similar to a novel because it is so interesting, but so bewildering because it captured the reality of the events and the ramifications for his personal life for time beyond.

To think that our nation is now up to considering the Trump, the person in charge of all the disaster because he could not accept defeat in the election, is now the leading candidate for the Office of the President of the United States in 2024.

I read the book feeling the anxiety and anguish of these distinguished Capital Police who were threatened and injured only because they were protecting our national capital. While I was always moved by the events as they occurred, his accurate reiteration revived those feelings and my appreciation for those who serve our nation. 

FASCISM IN AMERICA by RACHEL MADDOW

I have been a regular consumer of Raschel Maddow’s ABC news program. I have always been impressed with her clear articulation of complicated subjects  with the ability to identify the exact details pertinent to the subject matter.

Her book at Fascism in America was so helpful, but for me, was also unbelievable that I was as ignorant of fascism in America since I read virtually everything from the Boston Globe, NY Times, Washington Post, BBC, Foreign Affairs, Economist, etc. As an 86 year old, I grew up in Brockton, MA, delivered news papers, spent 8 years in the seminary, five years in a Catholic Doctorate program, 2 years in a Master’s Program in Social Work, and years as the CEO of Mental Health in the New England Veterans Administration, and to think that I was unaware of fascism in America as reported by Rachel is amazing.

I was clear about the Nazis in WWII, the problems associated with the destructive anger and killing of the Jews. I was aware of Pearl Harbor. But I was unaware of fact that Nazism continues even in the United States. It surely is a good example of why there is a need to read.

I am thankful that I live in an area of Massachusetts that is all friendly and helpful to one another. But I am concerned that our present political is prone to being a bed for the likes of fascism and other political groups that are angered by political dialogue seeking what is possible for the many.

CURRENT PRESIDENTIAL RACE: 2024

 The author captures the politicians who have been considered extreme left wing of the Democratic Party: Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. In general, they shared the same perspective that the government should focus on those who need. 

I have been personally a supporter.  I still support the need of the rich to be taxed somewhat similar to what they were taxed in the time of President Roosevelt, i.e., about 40% that then now 4%. The rich absorb so much and the poor have so little. The rich not only have the means to be happy with their resources but also purchase additional awesome houses elsewhere to assure that they will be happy while the poor struggle. 

I still have those views! However, I am aware that the prospects of adopting those values is beyond the pale. The upcoming 2024 election may result in a nightmare. For me as a old person, I will be spared. But I fear for the children, grandchildren and those to come.

THE REBELS

 The author captures the politicians who have been considered extreme left wing of the Democratic Party: Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. In general, they shared the same perspective that the government should focus on those who need. 

I have been personally a supporter.  I still support the need of the rich to be taxed somewhat similar to what they were taxed in the time of President Roosevelt, i.e., about 40% that then now 4%. The rich absorb so much and the poor have so little. The rich not only have the means to be happy with their resources but also purchase additional awesome houses elsewhere to assure that they will be happy while the poor struggle. 

I still have those views! However, I am aware that the prospects of adopting those values is beyond the pale. The upcoming 2024 election may result in a nightmare. For me as a old person, I will be spared. But I fear for the children, grandchildren and those to come.

OATH AND HONOR

Liz Cheney has come from a long, long history of family members dedicated to our Constitution. All the members served our nation as public services. All members are bonafide Republicans. Liz Cheney was a great leader in the House of Representatives. This history was surely tested by Trump’s refusal to accept the results of the 2020 election.

Liz’s dedication to our Constitution is exemplary of a good citizen!!

She details not only her personal history but the history of the events following the uprising attack by Donald J Trump!! He not only denied the vote by he attacked any personal involved in the election count. He denied every bit of it and persuaded an attack on all those who followed the Constitution even his Vice President, Mike Pence who honored the vote while the US Capital was under attack.  

I surely both honor her as a patriot buy also as a person. She always has been a genuine Republican which meant that she understood that Trump is not the sane. He was a world that only exists in his mind,  It feels some hopeless thinking he could be nominated far less elected again.

Liz provides all the rationale to identify those who protect our democracy.