Thank you for this, Jenn. I'm a public policy scholar focused on security policy decision making, so I have no choice but to follow the daily news. More--I've lived for several years in authoritarian and deeply corrupt states and recognize patterns I never thought to see here at home in the U.S. I remember working in Bosnia at the end of their civil war (supporting rebuilding and creating the conditions for a democratic election). This is not a direction we ever want to go, yet my own professional judgment is that it's growing more likely by the day. What I do know from these experiences, though, is that civil society, mutual support, and a commitment to the rule of law are powerful. Norms matter. People matter. We need to look out for each other. I so appreciate your own efforts and commitment, Jenn. I love my country, flaws and all, and I'm not ready to surrender it to those who would undermine its very meaning.
Thank you, Diana, for your always thoughtful replies! You have such an interesting background, my friend! I'm sure the experience of being in Bosnia at that time brings up so many connections to this current moment at home. Whew! but I agree, civil society and mutual support are so important and I'm glad to count you in my community!
You couldn't be more welcome, Jenn. And yes, remembering Bosnia is scary in the current context. We have very different national histories and legal frameworks. I do believe that our institutions will ultimately prove stronger than those in post-Tito Yugoslavia. That said, seeing what happens when a ranting hate-monger exploits cultural/religious/racial divisions to propel himself to power was a sobering experience. We don't ever want to go there.
This is beautiful, Alec! Thanks so much for sharing. "You are a lifeboat. It is your job to keep those skills, that knowledge, this understanding alive. To feed and water your passengers, to look after their needs. To be sure they remember where they came from and to remind them of how it’s going to be when you reach the further shore."
From a circadian health standpoint, I am beyond thrilled that incandescent lightbulbs may be available again! Dr. Martin Moore-Ede is an expert resource in understanding why the light we see matters so deeply to our health and wellbeing: https://lightdoctormartinmooreede.substack.com/
Thank you for this, Jenn. I'm a public policy scholar focused on security policy decision making, so I have no choice but to follow the daily news. More--I've lived for several years in authoritarian and deeply corrupt states and recognize patterns I never thought to see here at home in the U.S. I remember working in Bosnia at the end of their civil war (supporting rebuilding and creating the conditions for a democratic election). This is not a direction we ever want to go, yet my own professional judgment is that it's growing more likely by the day. What I do know from these experiences, though, is that civil society, mutual support, and a commitment to the rule of law are powerful. Norms matter. People matter. We need to look out for each other. I so appreciate your own efforts and commitment, Jenn. I love my country, flaws and all, and I'm not ready to surrender it to those who would undermine its very meaning.
Thank you, Diana, for your always thoughtful replies! You have such an interesting background, my friend! I'm sure the experience of being in Bosnia at that time brings up so many connections to this current moment at home. Whew! but I agree, civil society and mutual support are so important and I'm glad to count you in my community!
You couldn't be more welcome, Jenn. And yes, remembering Bosnia is scary in the current context. We have very different national histories and legal frameworks. I do believe that our institutions will ultimately prove stronger than those in post-Tito Yugoslavia. That said, seeing what happens when a ranting hate-monger exploits cultural/religious/racial divisions to propel himself to power was a sobering experience. We don't ever want to go there.
p.s. You or others might find this article a useful overview of our different areas of vulnerability: https://www.brookings.edu/articles/dangerous-cracks-in-us-democracy-pillars/?utm_campaign=Brookings%20Brief&utm_medium=email&utm_content=347922480&utm_source=hs_email
I really appreciated this brief recent post from Swarthmore history professor Timothy Burke:
https://timothyburke.substack.com/p/academia-staying-afloat
This is beautiful, Alec! Thanks so much for sharing. "You are a lifeboat. It is your job to keep those skills, that knowledge, this understanding alive. To feed and water your passengers, to look after their needs. To be sure they remember where they came from and to remind them of how it’s going to be when you reach the further shore."
I encourage folks to read the full post!
From a circadian health standpoint, I am beyond thrilled that incandescent lightbulbs may be available again! Dr. Martin Moore-Ede is an expert resource in understanding why the light we see matters so deeply to our health and wellbeing: https://lightdoctormartinmooreede.substack.com/