Wow,Nicole. I don’t know where and how you find the words to express your thoughts so clearly and honestly during this complicated time in our history, but you nailed it again. I relate to what you’re feeling. I’m frustrated that I feel I can’t/shouldn’t talk about my concerns with people I’ve known for years because “we don’t talk about politics”. It feels dishonest and shallow. Not sure I can, or want to, keep playing this game pretending everything is just fine when it’s not.
Thank you for your kindness, Judy. I sometimes wish I could just hold my tongue... but here we are. I believe we can be kind and challenging at the same time. I hope.
Niclole, no weltschmerz! Too world weary. Time for" Hangen sie hart" (sorry, no umlauts in email), time to hang tough, dig heels in and fire back to Congressmen in volume, make signs bearing the unmistakable message that axe murdering our government here and abroad will not be tolerated. Demand explanations, justifications, be prepared with refutations, they abound. Energy, not malaise. Hang Tough! Chris Britton
I grew up in Buffalo, would go across the border on a weekly basis, and I am deeply ashamed of the Trump team’s thuggery, ignorance, needless pugnaciousness and horrible manners. I love Canada and Canadians. And I know “O Canada” by heart. Most beautiful anthem in the world.
Your post and the comments I am reading give me hope....hope that the good and wise will prevail over this dangerous, very real threat to freedom and democracy. Thank you for your willingness to speak up againt hateful rhetoric and bullying.
That's my hope, too, Marguerite: "that the good and wise will prevail." It feels so dark right now, but I believe that this evil is being perpetrated by a very vocal minority. But I do also believe that it's time for us to get vocal--even if it's scary. Thanks for commenting.
Thank you for speaking truth to power! And everyone... use the app 5 CALLS to call your congressmen every day and tell them what you want and that you are a voter in Iowa. It makes a difference!
Oh, my God! I do not even know how to reply. Ich habe riesige (I have huge) Weltschmerz. My heart goes out to you that you had to endure that encounter. That anyone has to endure such an encounter. Thank you for being brave enough to post this.
Thank you for putting into words what I feel. This is all so wrong; I feel so overwhelmed.
And while ALL of trump's plans are wrong...Canada - the 51st state???? They are our friends! I live in Syracuse, NY. Myself, many family members and friends have visited Canada many times. My husband and I honeymooned in Canada as did one of our daughters. I wish I could contact other countries and say "This is not who we are." I have to believe that and I have to believe that we will prevail.
I did not vote for Trump and completely agree with your assessment. Thank you for caring as well. You have inspired me to write something on my platform about this as well.
Nicole, I’m right with you on this. You are not alone.
I am a NW Iowan (my late husband was from SE South Dakota) who after our family lived in 6 cultures in 5 continents in 10 years facilitating participatory village development, decided to stay in Canada after our last assignment here. We became citizens in order to take responsibility for where we live. We are dual citizens, however, the closest thing to being global citizens.
It's sad to think the NATO Ukraine / Russia Putin Trump alliances could lead to war between our nations. The man seems to have no grasp of the world stage and our place in it. I pray it works out somehow in a peaceful manner that doesn't include Ukraine surrendering. Great story.
NIcole, you are inspiring again. My wife Tricia and I and our kids found me happily inspired coming bak from Okoboji Writers Retreat II, including your enriching one's writing space experience workshop. We are in grassroots action here in Colorado, as well as teaming with a rewarding rural county bipartisan leadership renewal project, battling local leader division in north central Iowa. Thank you for using your excellent and international voice!
Thanks for chiming in, David. I'm so glad you enjoyed OWR. Keep up the good work! Grateful for everyone who is willing to put their shoulder to the wheel.
You stated it beautifully. I am embarrassed and ashamed of the way our current president has treated our allies. They have been more than allies; they have been friends. People and countries do not become strong by creating adversaries.
Wow,Nicole. I don’t know where and how you find the words to express your thoughts so clearly and honestly during this complicated time in our history, but you nailed it again. I relate to what you’re feeling. I’m frustrated that I feel I can’t/shouldn’t talk about my concerns with people I’ve known for years because “we don’t talk about politics”. It feels dishonest and shallow. Not sure I can, or want to, keep playing this game pretending everything is just fine when it’s not.
Keep writing…you are making a difference.
Thank you for your kindness, Judy. I sometimes wish I could just hold my tongue... but here we are. I believe we can be kind and challenging at the same time. I hope.
Niclole, no weltschmerz! Too world weary. Time for" Hangen sie hart" (sorry, no umlauts in email), time to hang tough, dig heels in and fire back to Congressmen in volume, make signs bearing the unmistakable message that axe murdering our government here and abroad will not be tolerated. Demand explanations, justifications, be prepared with refutations, they abound. Energy, not malaise. Hang Tough! Chris Britton
Such a good reminder! I tend to slip right past anger into sadness, but I need to remember that sometimes righteous anger is justified. Thank you.
I grew up in Buffalo, would go across the border on a weekly basis, and I am deeply ashamed of the Trump team’s thuggery, ignorance, needless pugnaciousness and horrible manners. I love Canada and Canadians. And I know “O Canada” by heart. Most beautiful anthem in the world.
Thank you for chiming in, Maura. Grateful for your support. And I agree: "O Canada" is the best.
Your post and the comments I am reading give me hope....hope that the good and wise will prevail over this dangerous, very real threat to freedom and democracy. Thank you for your willingness to speak up againt hateful rhetoric and bullying.
That's my hope, too, Marguerite: "that the good and wise will prevail." It feels so dark right now, but I believe that this evil is being perpetrated by a very vocal minority. But I do also believe that it's time for us to get vocal--even if it's scary. Thanks for commenting.
Thank you for speaking truth to power! And everyone... use the app 5 CALLS to call your congressmen every day and tell them what you want and that you are a voter in Iowa. It makes a difference!
Yes! Thanks for the reminder! Here’s the link: https://5calls.org/
Oh, my God! I do not even know how to reply. Ich habe riesige (I have huge) Weltschmerz. My heart goes out to you that you had to endure that encounter. That anyone has to endure such an encounter. Thank you for being brave enough to post this.
Thank you for your encouragement! We need each other now more than ever.
Thank you for putting into words what I feel. This is all so wrong; I feel so overwhelmed.
And while ALL of trump's plans are wrong...Canada - the 51st state???? They are our friends! I live in Syracuse, NY. Myself, many family members and friends have visited Canada many times. My husband and I honeymooned in Canada as did one of our daughters. I wish I could contact other countries and say "This is not who we are." I have to believe that and I have to believe that we will prevail.
I feel overwhelmed, too! But we can all make a difference in big and small ways. We’ve got this. I’m cheering you on.
I did not vote for Trump and completely agree with your assessment. Thank you for caring as well. You have inspired me to write something on my platform about this as well.
Way to use your voice, Leslie! 🙌
Nicole, I’m right with you on this. You are not alone.
I am a NW Iowan (my late husband was from SE South Dakota) who after our family lived in 6 cultures in 5 continents in 10 years facilitating participatory village development, decided to stay in Canada after our last assignment here. We became citizens in order to take responsibility for where we live. We are dual citizens, however, the closest thing to being global citizens.
Thank you for the work you did all over the world! Grateful for servant hearts like yours.
Beautifully said and I stand with you 100%!
Thank you, April.
It's sad to think the NATO Ukraine / Russia Putin Trump alliances could lead to war between our nations. The man seems to have no grasp of the world stage and our place in it. I pray it works out somehow in a peaceful manner that doesn't include Ukraine surrendering. Great story.
I'm grateful that you took the time to comment, Keith. I, too, pray it works out in a peaceful manner that doesn't include Ukraine's surrender.
NIcole, you are inspiring again. My wife Tricia and I and our kids found me happily inspired coming bak from Okoboji Writers Retreat II, including your enriching one's writing space experience workshop. We are in grassroots action here in Colorado, as well as teaming with a rewarding rural county bipartisan leadership renewal project, battling local leader division in north central Iowa. Thank you for using your excellent and international voice!
Thanks for chiming in, David. I'm so glad you enjoyed OWR. Keep up the good work! Grateful for everyone who is willing to put their shoulder to the wheel.
You stated it beautifully. I am embarrassed and ashamed of the way our current president has treated our allies. They have been more than allies; they have been friends. People and countries do not become strong by creating adversaries.
Oh, amen! "People and countries do not become strong by creating adversaries." So well said. Thanks for sharing.
Nicole. Nicely said.
Thank you
Thank you, Pam.