Just saw your "Presentism" piece posted in LoobyLou's Newsletter at Substack. It is excellent. I'd read it previously - I think you schooled me on that term at the time. Now my word of the year for 2022, 2023, and counting.
A perfect storm of different "fronts" combining to create a monster effect: A vivid scene of governmental abuse - George Floyd's death - and a global pandemic to enable our would be overseers to exert extreme control over the serfs. Cause + Power = Control. And it was pretty effective.
I agree with you on your assessment. It was v effective. People had forgotten what it was like to be ill and there was blind panic. There was also this arrogant sense they could 'reset' things just as they had attempted to do in Britain after WW2. Results and consequences can be unpredictable and variable.
Haaland? No tribal land near E. Palestine. Just kidding. Not really. Seriously there is no Federal Land near there. Which is Interior’s brief. Recall we have a federal system. States step over the rest. Democrats assert that now to avoid looking into the abyss inhabited by Deplorables. Of course, when the Electoral College is discussed “thats an assault on democracy’ Popular vote should prevail, f’ them Deplorables.”
It’s like FEMA - their enabling legislation doesn’t include man made disasters. So, no help. That FEMA has expertise in dealing with aspects of disaster and could advise, etc. seems lost on them.
Buttedge? He is truly incompetent and in over his head. Seeing video of him yesterday at the site, surrounded by much larger, masculine men, smallest safety vest available drowning his torso, hard hat on his head looked so much like Michael Dukakis in a tank. A parade of incompetence. Failed mayor of a small Indiana town at a time surrounding towns were booming. But he checks a box, just like Rachel Levine.
Kudos to Britain on Ukraine support. I’ve said it before, will now, and will no doubt in the future: Germany is a stain on modernity. They are too focused on their individual bowel movements (see, Boomerang by Michael Lewis) to give a you-know-what about other countries. I smiled at the prospect of them shivering through the winter
Agree that Turkey should yield. We will see if the devastation of the earthquake and assistance from the rest of the world might change Erdogan’s mind
99% of Americans know Putin is utter evil. 50% sincerely believe NATO, abetted by idiots in the US, sought to have Ukraine in its orbit. You can only poke the bear so much ...
100% do not want eternal war or obligation to find it. Their is no clear plan for an endgame.
Sorry so off thread, but Ukraine situation bothers the heck outta me.
Not a problem I thought maybe with the fisheries and waterways. But they should have sent someone. The EPA. They should make clear the tap water is coming from an untouched source.
Ukraine -- have you read Overreach by Owen Matthews -- it is really interesting. Explains all the history of the Ukrainian uprisings. They have no love for Mother Russia. Zelensky did not do what he was supposed to.
Currently I think the Lithuanian diplomat who just told the sanctioned Russian diplomat to go f*** himself at some security conference was great. Germany has had a bad Ukraine. The Poles are doing great.
The only end game is going to be have Russia lose. But I don't know who takes over after Putin -- there are no good choices. As I said Overreach is sound.
And you will like COlonialism when it comes out in the US -- it is v interesting particularly about how Britain ended up getting sucked into Egypt. The situation there was much more akin to Afghanistan 21 st century.
Ukraine is a very different kettle of fish. Russia has really created an enemy at its gates.
We're as balkanized in our bureaucracy as the best of them: "maybe with the fisheries and waterways"? That'd be the state folks in this instance. Either OhioEPA or PA DNR depending on when the poisons come to be. Federal EPA does have a role and certainly has the expertise to lead. They actually have showed up. BTW, the source of the drinking water is a well field and it is not in the direction of the spill and not contaminated by it. Based on recent tests.
Another BTW, you may have seen the viral video of J.D. Vance, Ohio's newly elected Senator, scraping the bottom sediment of a local stream and an oily sheen then appearing? That was probably not related to the RR chemicals. https://www.dep.pa.gov/OurCommonWealth/pages/Article.aspx?post=45 . Those sheens are often the result of biological activity in the sediments. And there was no petroleum in the train wreck. But, hey, it made great internet clickbait.
I point out these things that go against the current narrative not to give anyone, not the feds, not the bureaucracies , and certainly not Norfolk Southern (RRs are a particular form of nastiness ever since they got special favors to build the transcontinental roads) a break. Just wanting to point out that the situation and response is complex. And the near hysteria on cable (on Fox because they could make it political) and CNN (because its started to threaten the party they love) just makes this more and more difficult to manage. Do you think the media hysteria is not going to taint the E. Palestine community for decades? From coverage, not so much actual risk in an ongoing sense.
This was a perfect case for leadership - from the CEO of NS to the bigwigs at the federal level. Step outside comfort zone and lead. It is actually not that hard. Failure all around. Massively so and now the people of the community will bear this for a long, long time.
Thanks for the recommendation on Overreach. Just bought it on Apple books.
Thanks for this. Yes it is a complex situation. Vance should have showed more leadership and less wanting to stick it to the other side. It really needs practical solutions not clickbait politics.
Let me know what you think about Overreach. I found it excellent and it was useful to know who the background players are.
It is the book by Biggars. Out in May in the US. It is a Sunday Times Best Seller in the UK and actually sane which is a refreshing change.
HOORAY for Jo Glanville at The Bookseller and, of course, Kemi on the Dahl mess-up. "Mess-up" to put it exceedingly mildly. You know my opinion on what's-her-name (JoAnna?) Harris of SoA. Should be SoB ("Brainless" ;-). Ooops, forgot to mention Queen consort. TY for the funny cartoon.
I take back my disgust of Steinbeck. He also said: "Humanity has been passing through a gray and desolate time of confusion." 1962 has nothing on 2023. Sad times, in a lotta respects. Russian aggression is just one-a the goings on.
I think there was a typo, or Writing Diversity was mis-named. I believe it should be "Writing Perversely," right? (haha ;-)
Anyhoo, TY as always, Michelle. If it weren't for You, I wouldn't get much news at all. I no longer sleep 14 hours a day and nap. (Tho didn't get much actual sleep.) However, at this point, I can't say I'm moving too swift these days. Ah well... TY again. :-)
Yes, Steinbeck is flawed but he gets some things right. I actually like him on writing and his work was excellent. Some dubious research methods. I also happen to like Kipling.
I didn't put in the link to the sensitivity reader directory. They all seemed to suffer from anxiety. Lots of people with lived experience. It was huge roll of eyes from me but I do know people who want to use them. It all depends on authorial control.
I am pleased I resigned from the SoA. The ceo was right when she said that they were not a free speech organization. It was a rare slap in the face from the Bookseller as they are normally pro-SoA.
And Puffin decided it was all too much like New Coke. They have caved.
From the Bookseller:
Puffin UK has announced plans to publish a classic collection of Roald Dahl’s works to keep the original text in print after the publisher’s recent changes to new editions came under scrutiny.
On 22nd February Puffin defended what it said were “minimal” changes to the text of Roald Dahl’s books after the Telegraph revealed changes had been made, primarily around language related to weight, mental health, violence, gender and race. New sentences not written by the author were also inserted into the books. The revelation prompted an outpouring of criticism from the likes of Salman Rushdie, who called it “absurd censorship".
A spokesperson from Puffin told The Bookseller at the time: “Over the course of the last year Puffin has published updated editions of 16 of Roald Dahl’s books, in close partnership with the Roald Dahl Story Company (RDSC) as the custodian of his legacy.
“These included a relatively small number of textual edits, as well as routine changes to covers and inside layouts, to bring them up to date. Like many authors, Roald Dahl has been edited through the years, including in his own lifetime. Children as young as five or six read Roald Dahl books and, often, they are the first stories they will read independently.
“With that comes a significant responsibility as it might be the first time they are navigating written content without a parent, teacher or carer.” The full comment can be read here.
Now, Puffin has announced that it plans to release The Roald Dahl Classic Collection, to keep the author’s “classic” texts in print and offer readers a choice of both options. The 16 titles, including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The BFG, Fantastic Mr Fox, George’s Marvellous Medicine and James and the Giant Peach, will be published under the Penguin logo, as individual titles in paperback, and will be available later this year. The books will include archive material relevant to each of the stories.
The Roald Dahl Classic Collection will sit alongside the newly released Puffin Roald Dahl books for young readers, which the publisher emphasised are “designed for children who may be navigating written content independently for the first time". Readers will therefore be free to choose which version of Dahl’s stories they prefer, the publisher says.
In an internal memo sent to employees this morning (24th February) and shared with The Bookseller, Penguin Random House c.e.o. Tom Weldon said: “You’re no doubt aware of this week’s lively conversation about Puffin’s updated Roald Dahl books. You almost certainly have your own views and questions.
“Like many authors, Dahl’s work has been edited through the years including in his own lifetime. But when the stories mean so much to readers of all ages – as Dahl’s most definitely do – changes can be fiercely contested.”
He said that, as publishers, “we are used to taking part in cultural discourse and debate”, continuing that “sometimes that can be challenging and uncomfortable, and this has certainly been one of those times. These are always important moments to pause, to reflect on the discussion and to ask ourselves what we can learn.”
“This debate affirms once more the power of stories in general and Dahl’s in particular. There are real and substantive issues around how stories from another era can be kept relevant for each new generation,” he said, adding that they aren’t easy to navigate, but are “part of what makes publishing so interesting, relevant and dynamic.”
Weldon said that the debate had affirmed how “our work as a publisher of children’s books is a privilege that brings special responsibilities” and that “a children’s publisher must take great care for the fast-developing minds and imaginations of its readers.”
“In this case, for example, Puffin and the Roald Dahl Story Company are especially sensitive to readers as young as five or six who may be navigating written content independently for the first time,” he said, acknowledging “the importance of keeping Dahl’s classic texts in print".
Francesca Dow, m.d. of Penguin Random House Children’s said in a statement: “At Puffin we have proudly published Roald Dahl’s stories for more than 40 years in partnership with the Roald Dahl Story Company. Their mischievous spirit and his unique storytelling genius have delighted the imaginations of readers across many generations. We’ve listened to the debate over the past week which has reaffirmed the extraordinary power of Roald Dahl’s books and the very real questions around how stories from another era can be kept relevant for each new generation.
“As a children’s publisher, our role is to share the magic of stories with children with the greatest thought and care. Roald Dahl’s fantastic books are often the first stories young children will read independently, and taking care for the imaginations and fast-developing minds of young readers is both a privilege and a responsibility.
“We also recognise the importance of keeping Dahl’s classic texts in print. By making both Puffin and Penguin versions available, we are offering readers the choice to decide how they experience Roald Dahl’s magical, marvellous stories. Roald Dahl once said: ‘If my books can help children become readers, then I feel I have accomplished something important.’ At Puffin, we’ll keep pursuing that ambition for as long as we make books.”
TYTYTY, Michelle. *Great* update from You, and from Puffin. Great news to end day.
HOWEVER, the biggest part of the magic of books is that the best ones are timeless, right?
Those kinds of books don't *need* to be made "relevant" to new generations. Unless You're trying to *control* how the reader thinks about what they've read, I guess. Mebbe some think that's as good a reason as any to censor a book. I dunno why.
In any event, eventful day. Me? I would-a missed Your post, but I was on the computer longer than usual. Rest-a day is light. (Didn't sleep so good last night, so may nap.) To library, and just reading (fiction). Just haven't been up much for reading Substacks (other than Yours, Ma'am!) TY, as allus. :-)
Don't confuse "isolationism" with wanting to define a country's interests as something less than the entire globe.
Back in the day - the Vietnam era - it was the right side of the house that ballyhooed the war in S.E. Asia. Albeit started by Democrat Presidents and ended by a Republican one, only the beginning had something to do with isolationism versus internationalism and it was an internationalist view that started and sustained it.
I'd suggest it is fair to suppose that the US support for NATO is strong on the Right. It is. Ukraine is not Nato, despite some suggesting it should be.
What you are getting from folks raising questions in the US is several things: that this is Europe's battle, far more so than the US's and thus the US should not be the big dog in the funding arena. I think we'd be happy to make weapons of war and sell to NATO to give to Ukraine. But let Europe pay the bills while they start to build up their own defense forces and energy sources. Also, Ukraine was a seriously corrupt country prior to this conflict. There is no reason to think it is not still and will remain so whatever the outcome. Finally, the war mongers in the US - the so-called Neocons - are now aligned with the Left. That has been true since at least Trump's day when he made clear he was going to interrupt the business as usual in Washington. CIA, DoD, FBI, and many others have been captured by the Left.
We are a long way from the America First era of the 30s. American nationalism of the sort speaking up today is not a rejection of international affairs, but a desire to take care of stuff here (including excess spending by the Left) before we get entangled in foreign affairs.
There are different sorts of Isolationalism but what you articulate is certainly one strand.
I agree that certain countries such as Germany have been a weak link. You could possibly include France.
Poland, Finland and Sweden have behaved above and beyond. It will be great if Turkey gives way and the Swedes and the Finns enter NATO. It makes the Baltic a lovely swimming pool.
Britain is definitely paying its way.
I also think the US administration should be able to pat its head and rub its stomach at the same time. Why the Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland who is responsible for water and fish is missing in action as well as the head of the EPA over Ohio I have no idea. Buttigeig has not covered himself with glory either. Biden though does not have a magic wand in his back pocket to wave about any more than Bush did over Katrina.
Just saw your "Presentism" piece posted in LoobyLou's Newsletter at Substack. It is excellent. I'd read it previously - I think you schooled me on that term at the time. Now my word of the year for 2022, 2023, and counting.
Oh I am so pleased you liked the piece.
Yes Presentism is a good word and it describes what it is going on perfectly.
Hopefully people are waking up to the dangers. I do know iconoclasm often happens after a pandemic, but this is somewhat ridiculous.
A perfect storm of different "fronts" combining to create a monster effect: A vivid scene of governmental abuse - George Floyd's death - and a global pandemic to enable our would be overseers to exert extreme control over the serfs. Cause + Power = Control. And it was pretty effective.
I agree with you on your assessment. It was v effective. People had forgotten what it was like to be ill and there was blind panic. There was also this arrogant sense they could 'reset' things just as they had attempted to do in Britain after WW2. Results and consequences can be unpredictable and variable.
Haaland? No tribal land near E. Palestine. Just kidding. Not really. Seriously there is no Federal Land near there. Which is Interior’s brief. Recall we have a federal system. States step over the rest. Democrats assert that now to avoid looking into the abyss inhabited by Deplorables. Of course, when the Electoral College is discussed “thats an assault on democracy’ Popular vote should prevail, f’ them Deplorables.”
It’s like FEMA - their enabling legislation doesn’t include man made disasters. So, no help. That FEMA has expertise in dealing with aspects of disaster and could advise, etc. seems lost on them.
Buttedge? He is truly incompetent and in over his head. Seeing video of him yesterday at the site, surrounded by much larger, masculine men, smallest safety vest available drowning his torso, hard hat on his head looked so much like Michael Dukakis in a tank. A parade of incompetence. Failed mayor of a small Indiana town at a time surrounding towns were booming. But he checks a box, just like Rachel Levine.
Kudos to Britain on Ukraine support. I’ve said it before, will now, and will no doubt in the future: Germany is a stain on modernity. They are too focused on their individual bowel movements (see, Boomerang by Michael Lewis) to give a you-know-what about other countries. I smiled at the prospect of them shivering through the winter
Agree that Turkey should yield. We will see if the devastation of the earthquake and assistance from the rest of the world might change Erdogan’s mind
99% of Americans know Putin is utter evil. 50% sincerely believe NATO, abetted by idiots in the US, sought to have Ukraine in its orbit. You can only poke the bear so much ...
100% do not want eternal war or obligation to find it. Their is no clear plan for an endgame.
Sorry so off thread, but Ukraine situation bothers the heck outta me.
Not a problem I thought maybe with the fisheries and waterways. But they should have sent someone. The EPA. They should make clear the tap water is coming from an untouched source.
Ukraine -- have you read Overreach by Owen Matthews -- it is really interesting. Explains all the history of the Ukrainian uprisings. They have no love for Mother Russia. Zelensky did not do what he was supposed to.
Currently I think the Lithuanian diplomat who just told the sanctioned Russian diplomat to go f*** himself at some security conference was great. Germany has had a bad Ukraine. The Poles are doing great.
The only end game is going to be have Russia lose. But I don't know who takes over after Putin -- there are no good choices. As I said Overreach is sound.
And you will like COlonialism when it comes out in the US -- it is v interesting particularly about how Britain ended up getting sucked into Egypt. The situation there was much more akin to Afghanistan 21 st century.
Ukraine is a very different kettle of fish. Russia has really created an enemy at its gates.
We're as balkanized in our bureaucracy as the best of them: "maybe with the fisheries and waterways"? That'd be the state folks in this instance. Either OhioEPA or PA DNR depending on when the poisons come to be. Federal EPA does have a role and certainly has the expertise to lead. They actually have showed up. BTW, the source of the drinking water is a well field and it is not in the direction of the spill and not contaminated by it. Based on recent tests.
Another BTW, you may have seen the viral video of J.D. Vance, Ohio's newly elected Senator, scraping the bottom sediment of a local stream and an oily sheen then appearing? That was probably not related to the RR chemicals. https://www.dep.pa.gov/OurCommonWealth/pages/Article.aspx?post=45 . Those sheens are often the result of biological activity in the sediments. And there was no petroleum in the train wreck. But, hey, it made great internet clickbait.
I point out these things that go against the current narrative not to give anyone, not the feds, not the bureaucracies , and certainly not Norfolk Southern (RRs are a particular form of nastiness ever since they got special favors to build the transcontinental roads) a break. Just wanting to point out that the situation and response is complex. And the near hysteria on cable (on Fox because they could make it political) and CNN (because its started to threaten the party they love) just makes this more and more difficult to manage. Do you think the media hysteria is not going to taint the E. Palestine community for decades? From coverage, not so much actual risk in an ongoing sense.
This was a perfect case for leadership - from the CEO of NS to the bigwigs at the federal level. Step outside comfort zone and lead. It is actually not that hard. Failure all around. Massively so and now the people of the community will bear this for a long, long time.
Thanks for the recommendation on Overreach. Just bought it on Apple books.
Is "Colonialism
" the book by Biggars or the one by Veracini?
Thanks for this. Yes it is a complex situation. Vance should have showed more leadership and less wanting to stick it to the other side. It really needs practical solutions not clickbait politics.
Let me know what you think about Overreach. I found it excellent and it was useful to know who the background players are.
It is the book by Biggars. Out in May in the US. It is a Sunday Times Best Seller in the UK and actually sane which is a refreshing change.
Another *fantastic* edition, Ma'am.
HOORAY for Jo Glanville at The Bookseller and, of course, Kemi on the Dahl mess-up. "Mess-up" to put it exceedingly mildly. You know my opinion on what's-her-name (JoAnna?) Harris of SoA. Should be SoB ("Brainless" ;-). Ooops, forgot to mention Queen consort. TY for the funny cartoon.
I take back my disgust of Steinbeck. He also said: "Humanity has been passing through a gray and desolate time of confusion." 1962 has nothing on 2023. Sad times, in a lotta respects. Russian aggression is just one-a the goings on.
I think there was a typo, or Writing Diversity was mis-named. I believe it should be "Writing Perversely," right? (haha ;-)
Anyhoo, TY as always, Michelle. If it weren't for You, I wouldn't get much news at all. I no longer sleep 14 hours a day and nap. (Tho didn't get much actual sleep.) However, at this point, I can't say I'm moving too swift these days. Ah well... TY again. :-)
Yes, Steinbeck is flawed but he gets some things right. I actually like him on writing and his work was excellent. Some dubious research methods. I also happen to like Kipling.
I didn't put in the link to the sensitivity reader directory. They all seemed to suffer from anxiety. Lots of people with lived experience. It was huge roll of eyes from me but I do know people who want to use them. It all depends on authorial control.
I am pleased I resigned from the SoA. The ceo was right when she said that they were not a free speech organization. It was a rare slap in the face from the Bookseller as they are normally pro-SoA.
Just pleased you enjoyed it,
Lol! Yeah. Army of people with lived experience.
And I more-than enjoyed it. I ate it up!
And Puffin decided it was all too much like New Coke. They have caved.
From the Bookseller:
Puffin UK has announced plans to publish a classic collection of Roald Dahl’s works to keep the original text in print after the publisher’s recent changes to new editions came under scrutiny.
On 22nd February Puffin defended what it said were “minimal” changes to the text of Roald Dahl’s books after the Telegraph revealed changes had been made, primarily around language related to weight, mental health, violence, gender and race. New sentences not written by the author were also inserted into the books. The revelation prompted an outpouring of criticism from the likes of Salman Rushdie, who called it “absurd censorship".
A spokesperson from Puffin told The Bookseller at the time: “Over the course of the last year Puffin has published updated editions of 16 of Roald Dahl’s books, in close partnership with the Roald Dahl Story Company (RDSC) as the custodian of his legacy.
“These included a relatively small number of textual edits, as well as routine changes to covers and inside layouts, to bring them up to date. Like many authors, Roald Dahl has been edited through the years, including in his own lifetime. Children as young as five or six read Roald Dahl books and, often, they are the first stories they will read independently.
“With that comes a significant responsibility as it might be the first time they are navigating written content without a parent, teacher or carer.” The full comment can be read here.
Now, Puffin has announced that it plans to release The Roald Dahl Classic Collection, to keep the author’s “classic” texts in print and offer readers a choice of both options. The 16 titles, including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The BFG, Fantastic Mr Fox, George’s Marvellous Medicine and James and the Giant Peach, will be published under the Penguin logo, as individual titles in paperback, and will be available later this year. The books will include archive material relevant to each of the stories.
The Roald Dahl Classic Collection will sit alongside the newly released Puffin Roald Dahl books for young readers, which the publisher emphasised are “designed for children who may be navigating written content independently for the first time". Readers will therefore be free to choose which version of Dahl’s stories they prefer, the publisher says.
In an internal memo sent to employees this morning (24th February) and shared with The Bookseller, Penguin Random House c.e.o. Tom Weldon said: “You’re no doubt aware of this week’s lively conversation about Puffin’s updated Roald Dahl books. You almost certainly have your own views and questions.
“Like many authors, Dahl’s work has been edited through the years including in his own lifetime. But when the stories mean so much to readers of all ages – as Dahl’s most definitely do – changes can be fiercely contested.”
He said that, as publishers, “we are used to taking part in cultural discourse and debate”, continuing that “sometimes that can be challenging and uncomfortable, and this has certainly been one of those times. These are always important moments to pause, to reflect on the discussion and to ask ourselves what we can learn.”
“This debate affirms once more the power of stories in general and Dahl’s in particular. There are real and substantive issues around how stories from another era can be kept relevant for each new generation,” he said, adding that they aren’t easy to navigate, but are “part of what makes publishing so interesting, relevant and dynamic.”
Weldon said that the debate had affirmed how “our work as a publisher of children’s books is a privilege that brings special responsibilities” and that “a children’s publisher must take great care for the fast-developing minds and imaginations of its readers.”
“In this case, for example, Puffin and the Roald Dahl Story Company are especially sensitive to readers as young as five or six who may be navigating written content independently for the first time,” he said, acknowledging “the importance of keeping Dahl’s classic texts in print".
Francesca Dow, m.d. of Penguin Random House Children’s said in a statement: “At Puffin we have proudly published Roald Dahl’s stories for more than 40 years in partnership with the Roald Dahl Story Company. Their mischievous spirit and his unique storytelling genius have delighted the imaginations of readers across many generations. We’ve listened to the debate over the past week which has reaffirmed the extraordinary power of Roald Dahl’s books and the very real questions around how stories from another era can be kept relevant for each new generation.
“As a children’s publisher, our role is to share the magic of stories with children with the greatest thought and care. Roald Dahl’s fantastic books are often the first stories young children will read independently, and taking care for the imaginations and fast-developing minds of young readers is both a privilege and a responsibility.
“We also recognise the importance of keeping Dahl’s classic texts in print. By making both Puffin and Penguin versions available, we are offering readers the choice to decide how they experience Roald Dahl’s magical, marvellous stories. Roald Dahl once said: ‘If my books can help children become readers, then I feel I have accomplished something important.’ At Puffin, we’ll keep pursuing that ambition for as long as we make books.”
TYTYTY, Michelle. *Great* update from You, and from Puffin. Great news to end day.
HOWEVER, the biggest part of the magic of books is that the best ones are timeless, right?
Those kinds of books don't *need* to be made "relevant" to new generations. Unless You're trying to *control* how the reader thinks about what they've read, I guess. Mebbe some think that's as good a reason as any to censor a book. I dunno why.
In any event, eventful day. Me? I would-a missed Your post, but I was on the computer longer than usual. Rest-a day is light. (Didn't sleep so good last night, so may nap.) To library, and just reading (fiction). Just haven't been up much for reading Substacks (other than Yours, Ma'am!) TY, as allus. :-)
PS Are You writing, or taking a breather?
PPS Mebbe tomorrow. Mebbe not. (haha!)
I am writing. I had an nice email exchange with my editor today. SHe loves my idea for the new book. My agent is being supportive.
And if I haven't given you enough to read -- I did a guest post on LoobyLou's substack: https://open.substack.com/pub/loobylou/p/the-turkeys-who-voted-for-christmas?r=8gufl&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Perfect!
I added my own $.02 in a comment over there. Can't say TYTY enuf, Michelle.
Don't confuse "isolationism" with wanting to define a country's interests as something less than the entire globe.
Back in the day - the Vietnam era - it was the right side of the house that ballyhooed the war in S.E. Asia. Albeit started by Democrat Presidents and ended by a Republican one, only the beginning had something to do with isolationism versus internationalism and it was an internationalist view that started and sustained it.
I'd suggest it is fair to suppose that the US support for NATO is strong on the Right. It is. Ukraine is not Nato, despite some suggesting it should be.
What you are getting from folks raising questions in the US is several things: that this is Europe's battle, far more so than the US's and thus the US should not be the big dog in the funding arena. I think we'd be happy to make weapons of war and sell to NATO to give to Ukraine. But let Europe pay the bills while they start to build up their own defense forces and energy sources. Also, Ukraine was a seriously corrupt country prior to this conflict. There is no reason to think it is not still and will remain so whatever the outcome. Finally, the war mongers in the US - the so-called Neocons - are now aligned with the Left. That has been true since at least Trump's day when he made clear he was going to interrupt the business as usual in Washington. CIA, DoD, FBI, and many others have been captured by the Left.
We are a long way from the America First era of the 30s. American nationalism of the sort speaking up today is not a rejection of international affairs, but a desire to take care of stuff here (including excess spending by the Left) before we get entangled in foreign affairs.
There are different sorts of Isolationalism but what you articulate is certainly one strand.
I agree that certain countries such as Germany have been a weak link. You could possibly include France.
Poland, Finland and Sweden have behaved above and beyond. It will be great if Turkey gives way and the Swedes and the Finns enter NATO. It makes the Baltic a lovely swimming pool.
Britain is definitely paying its way.
I also think the US administration should be able to pat its head and rub its stomach at the same time. Why the Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland who is responsible for water and fish is missing in action as well as the head of the EPA over Ohio I have no idea. Buttigeig has not covered himself with glory either. Biden though does not have a magic wand in his back pocket to wave about any more than Bush did over Katrina.