Feedback
on "Remembering My Dad
The writer, Terry, wrote an excellent article about Remembering his dad. I guess that there are a lot of us who have walked a path similar to Terry's path. Hope, all is going well for you.
--- Bill Meadows, The Alabama Advantage
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This email is very moving. Love it.
--- Rosalie, Los Angeles, CA
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Thanks for speaking for many of us Terry. Though the circumstances may be different, you depicted the universal affection of many of our Dads ---
imperfect yet loving in the best way they know how.
--- Raoul, Whittier, CA
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Brilliant. Touching. Heart Warming. Poignant. This article is more than just "a few words stitched together" about one of Life's sad and often devastating events --- the passing of a parent.
Terry, what makes your words so outstanding and memorable, is that your gifted talents as a writer "Par Excellence," is that you have given voice by YOUR emotional and yet restrained words and thoughts, to those who THINK them but are unable to do it. That my fine friend, is a rare and valued gift. Given the subject matter and how skillfully you have conveyed and placed them on paper, might I highly recommend you also pitch publishing it to appropriate publications that focus on such matters of the heart.
The "End of Life" comes to us all eventually, and knowing how to bring some meaning to this by way of powerful, evocative and heart tugging words, is a gift only bestowed on a very few. Terry, with the appropriate pitch email or phone call, you should contact at least half a dozen leading consumer publications to run your article.
I hope you do it, and that the only answer acceptable to you from those you contact to publish your story, is YES.
--- John Clayton, Los Angeles, CA
Feedback
on "Campaign Pain: 2016"
The worst about both
contenders has not yet come forth. Perhaps a Mexican standoff behind the
scenes.
I think the best scenario
is a rapid transition to Prez Kaine, with the Democrats sufficiently chastened
to try and locate their roots.
Worst case, four years
of embarrassment by whomever wins, but that might allow the reformers
in the Democratic Party to have a chance to take it back from the bankers.
And if it's Trumpville, there's a lot of powerful people in the shadow
government who keep Trump in the road. I suspect Pence will be running
much of the show.
If this choice isn't
a wakeup call to the country, then what can be said. Will the Canadians
build a wall?
When the kings stopped
the Popes from being able to pass inherited wealth to their children,
it was because they knew something of how dynasties accumulate power and
wealth.
On the other hand
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Keith, Washington DC
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I've been following
this stuff with escalating concern. I'm convinced that Trump is a fascist,
pure and simple. And now we're at that familiar place where people in
the establishment politicians, law enforcement officers, military people,
businessmen see the fascist succeeding, so they're jumping on board
and jettisoning democratic principles, which they probably never believed
in in the first place. But now someone is giving them permission to publicly
embrace autocracy. Scary.
Bill M., San Diego, CA
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I understand
and share Terry's frustrations, but Terry might take note of WikiLeaks
revelations of the name-calling against Bernie and the distortions of
his positions so carefully calculated by the Clinton campaign and coordinated
with the DNC.
Without which, Bernie
might be mopping the floor with Trump right now, with no lurking devices
requiring bleach and hammers.
Never mind revelations
of off-record parties with key media figures the Clinton camp aimed to
have convey their negative images of Bernie. For a great example of how
loud the media drumbeat was, read Thomas Frank's Swat Team in Harper's,
on the WaPo treatment.
And, in other revelations,
as they contemplated how to knife Bernie's reputation, the Clinton camp
was figuring how to elevate Trump to be the nominee as an easy opponent.
So, regarding the
campaign ugly Terry describes so well, how much credit do we award and
where?
Going around, coming
around.
Ah, well. The curse
of interesting times.
All hail President
Kaine.
Tony, Pittsburgh, PA
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Thanks for this issue.
political stuff? "...racist and misogynistic fury from the right."
Thankfully, though,
it will be sort of over soon, for better or worse.
Chris, Boise, ID
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Thanks,
Terry, for your take. As you know for a long time I've been keeping one
eye on the financial markets expecting a bigger disaster than 2007-2008.
I've avoided following this presidential campaign for the many reasons
we have communicated to each other over the years. However, these new
email revelations coming from both Wikileaks and the FBI I believe will
have a serious impact on this election and the financial markets.
As you know, all our
debt is held by foreign countries. These countries hold trillions of dollars.
If, for some reason, they lose confidence in our country they could sell
all those dollars which will come back to our country and cause massive
inflation.
If HRC loses at this
point and Trump wins, I believe that could be a major enough event to
trigger a loss of confidence in the financial markets and the selloff
of the dollar. Once everyone's pocketbook is effected in this country,
they will want to know how in the hell this happened and maybe then we
can seriously change the corrupt, fraudulent system that has been foisted
upon us.
John Packer, Madison, WI
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Yes,
this financial crisis you describe is a very real possibility. I think
terrorism and climate change, already terribly affecting many millions
of people worldwide, could have a powerful impact here as well. Frankly,
I'm concerned that a mix of all of these is possible.
Regarding
Trump, I agree with you. A disaster waiting to happen. This would speed
up the clock on my estimated "generational" move toward change.
Loss of confidence in the U.S by those who hold our debt could be swift.
We've survived events like this albeit on a relatively smaller scale.
My concern is the "perfect storm" of financial crisis, global
environmental disaster and terrorists or rogue regimes with loose nukes.
You're
right. As soon as all of us are affected, the out-of-the-loop wealthy
as well as the struggling middle class and the very poor, heads may roll.
A Hillary presidency only delays the inevitable.
Terry
This could be the
perfect storm.
However, when you
talk about terrorists getting their hands on nukes, from my research that
would be a planned event by the same international financial elite fascists
that have been corrupting and controlling our government since the end
of WWII. They would stage and use such an event to assert more control
over a frightened population.
In order to make real
change, we all have to see through the false propaganda they have smothered
us with for the last seventy years. Please check out Operation
Gladio and Operation
Northwoods.
I know it's hard to
believe humans could be so inhuman. But, unfortunately, history makes
it very believable.
John Packer, Madison, WI
Feedback
on "The Sanders/Trump Outsider Phenomenon"
Hi
Terry,
Good
piece, plenty of unavoidable conundrums everyone will have a crack at
sorting, if they can avoid the temptation to coma.
Skip
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Skip,
I
do enjoy your stuff. I appreciate your research and analysis as well as
your references to other threads of interest. Were both fans of
Matt Taibbi and your style is reminiscent of his.
This
thing about Bernie I wish he could explain himself as well as you
do. Reading your piece Im nodding quietly in agreement (how else
can you nod?). I support most of his ideas but I worry about his ability
to carry them through. Some weeks back when he was asked how he plans
to accomplish his proposals he responded he doesnt know, hes
too busy running a campaign to think about it, hell figure it out
once hes president. Oof.
Well,
whatever. Few of us have anything figured out ahead of time so lets
give him some slack.
Its
all down to Us versus Trump. And Trump is having one of his signature
weeks. Rather, months. Dysfunction Junction. Ever since he emerged as
the last clown sitting in the Republican clown car, each breathless moment
in his surreal and self-absorbed campaign has Republicans twisting themselves
into bigger and more complex ideological, moral and ethical pretzels.
All this as Trump himself becomes more apoplectic, and dyspeptic, and
apocalyptic.
Hey,
how do we really feel? I hold way back on the flame throwing for TravelingBoy
because Id hate for my rants to bring the villagers storming the
gates of my best bud Eds castle with pitchforks torches.
Like
you, I await the wild ride this summer and fall that is only just beginning.
Terry
Great
article, Terry Cassel. Balanced and articulate. We have until Nov 4 to
sift through the glitz and image-making and make a serious choice baaed
on the candidates' intelligence, character, experience, and stances on
major issues such as the economy, foreign policy, and energy independence.
The election will soon be upon us. Let's hope that, between now and then,
the debate turns serious.
Norman,
Madison, WI
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Thank
you, Norman, and well said.
Let's
also hope the campaigns will show some respect to the voters and stop
the incessant dishonest attacks. This time around, let's not allow the
hate
speech and fear-mongering dominate the agenda. Americans are growing weary
of being treated like fools.
Terry
Terry,
Thanks
bro, for another illuminating piece. You never cease to surprise me. Especially
appreciated the link to Sarah Palin addressing the Wasalia Assembly of
God. May everyone I forward it to watch it beginning to end and draw the
same conclusions!
Your Boitano Sister,
Citizen of the World
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Hello
Sister,
Thanks
for your "worldly" support. I, too, believe there are definite
conclusions most folks will draw upon viewing that video.
Terry
Hi
Terry,
Nice
article and refreshing to read such an unbiased view of what could be
a visit back to happier and less complicated times of the 1940's and 50's.
Back to the cold war period and back alley abortions. At least I'll have
less difficulty shooting wolves and moose from a helicopter. My only concern
is that when she's making important decisions that will effect the planet,
will she know if the little voice inside her head telling her to go to
war with Russia, will be God's or just another voice in her head.
Steve,
Topanga, CA
Nice
article, gives the appearance of impartiality. The fact of the matter
is that those who don't think a governor is ready to be vice president,
would prefer to elect a community organizer for the higher office of president,
whom few can articulate what his accomplishments, if any, really are.
I am biased, since Gov Palin and I share a similar alma mater and Christian
faith. And I was born in Anchorage, too. What most aren't saying who are
opposed to her, is they just don't want a Christian or gun-rights advocate,
or pro-life person in office, so they say things like "she has no
international foreign
policy experience" when I don't recall the same group complaining
about that lack of experience when governor Clinton ran for president.
Or governor Reagan for that matter.But we shall see what we shall see.
There are obviously different world views animating each party, and I
respect that they are sincerely held by both. (I just hope my side wins)
:)
Chris, Boise, Idaho
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Thanks,
Chris.
You make a good point about the issue of experience, especially in a vice
presidential nominee. Voters will define experience in different ways.
I recall the foreign policy inexperience of Govs Carter, Reagan, Clinton
and Bush, Jr. all being debated prior to their elections. But the issue
is arguably less relevant for a vice presidential nominee.
Al Gore and Dick Cheney, each with extensive government and foreign policy
experience, became powerful and influential vice presidents, ready to
step in as president at a moment's notice. There's no reason Gov. Palin
must follow that mold. Spiro Agnew and Dan Quayle were nominated, by Richard
Nixon and George H. W. Bush respectively, simply to shore up a political
base. This is a legitimate role. That's all some presidents expect their
vice president to do.
Terry
Thank
you for wonderfully thoughtful words on Gov Palin, beginning with that
quote from T.S. Eliot.You are much more generous toward the lady in question
than I am; in fact, generosity is not what I feel I need to muster up
to make a decision about her worthiness as a candidate. I think she is
a cruel joke played first on women; second, on the Democrats; and third,on
this too to gullible country. I wish Karl Rove had remained at home in
Texas, retired, but the Republicans could never let a mother lode like
that go dormant.Bitter am I? --- guess so --- and will be so disappointed
if this country doesn't give obama a chance to shine in its own eyes again
as well as the eyes of the rest of the world.
P.S. re my comment on your earlier article, realize it wasn't friendly
to wish you a trip to Beirut guess I was wishing you could visit the
"old" Beirut for me!
Brenda, Richland, WA
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Brenda,
Many folks are unsure about Gov. Palin's readiness for the international
stage. This includes quite a few Republicans I speak with as well. It
is to be expected, inasmuch as she is virtually unknown outside Alaska
and has only begun to be vetted by American voters and the press.
Over the next several weeks, as her handlers allow her to appear more
often before the media, we may discover more about her. Meanwhile, the
contest between McCain and Obama continues to heat up. Let's hope voters
will cut through the lies and personal attacks and concentrate on the
serious issues we face.
And, yes, I've never been to Beirut, but I know that at one time it was
a safe, vibrant and beautiful cultural center.
Terry
Terry,
Good article. I see what you're saying about the majority of the nation
not knowing who she is. Be that as it may, many are turned off by the
current candidates whom we DO know. Several of my friends including myself
have been disinterested with the campaign. Blame it on the mud slinging
and that dirt thrown by the candidates and the media. Palin's surprise
entry in the ring has actually revitalized many of us.
So
far, depending on who you decide to listen to, her accomplishments in
the short term she has been in office is better than that of Obama whose
records are good in paper but has lacked substance. She has an approval
rating of 80% among her Alaskan constituents which is better than most
gevernors. Obama seems to be riding on promises more than accomplishments.
Even his colleagues like Sen. Kirk Watson, are at a loss as to what he
has really done.
If
you are impartial to evangelical Christians, then she is definitely NOT
your (wo)man. Here is a clip of her giving glory to God after giving birth
to her baby.
At
least you know where she stands. Some candidates are more conscious of
what people want to hear than what they really believe in.
Here's
a link to a blogger with aprehensions similar to yours. Click
here.
Peter
Paul of South Pasadena, CA
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Peter,
Thanks for your insights.
The Constitution guides my own biases about the vice presidency. Ultimately,
the only stated duty of the vice president, besides being the tie-breaking
vote in the Senate, is to step in as president should the president be
unable to complete his or her duties as Commander-in-Chief. Any other
tasks are assigned by the president as deemed fitting.
It's an issue of governance, yet many presidents choose running mates
whom they believe will help them get elected, not help them govern. Of
course there are no rules. It's a personal choice.
Selecting a running mate is the first real presidential decision a candidate
will make. With Sen. Biden and Gov. Palin as the choices, I believe we
have the first clear window into the thought processes, wisdom and judgment
of our two candidates for president.
Terry
I
liked the article on Palin. It tries to be impartial. Actually, there
is much to recommend Palin. For one thing, she has revitalized the Republican
party.
My main concern is "CAN SHE BE THE PRESIDENT OF THE U.S.? "
Common sense tells me, (God Forbid!) that there is a big possibility that
McCain may not be able to last his full term if elected. (Age, health)
I do not believe Palin is qualified to be president.
Personally, I like McCain, and wouldn't mind if he gets elected. Between
Obama and McCain, the citizens of U.S. have a good choice. Let the people
speak. Here's the thing. I admire Biden too, and I believe he can easily
step into the shoes of the presidency should something happen to Obama.
I can't say the same for Palin. And after all, the main role of the VP
is to be a stand-in for the presidency.
Henrietta,
a US citizen residing in the Philippines
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Henrietta,
I appreciate your remarks. And I agree with you. I believe the country
has a clear choice, and a good one, between Sens. McCain and Obama. At
this point I also believe we have an even clearer choice between Gov.
Palin and Sen. Biden.
Terry
Thanks,
Terry, for letting me hop on your shoulders (in my imaginary travel, I'm
light as a feather) and wander the streets of Istanbul with you. This
mode of travel allows me to smell the smells, see the sites, as you describe,
but avoid the crushing heat and humidity!
Most
of all I enjoyed the wisdom of Mahir - his wonderfully simple declaration
of being a Turk first and then a Muslim; his observation that Americans
are children in this world. Only children could elect the biggest bully
to its highest office and give him the keys to a closet full of horribly
dangerous toys. One can only hope we'll grow up before we blow up.
Please
travel to Beirut - another city I've always wanted to 'walk.'
Thanks
for sharing.
Brenda
Hughes
Richland, WA
I'm
struck by how kind and civil the people were to you considering how much
hostility (justified) that they have toward our government. It's refreshing
to know that if Obama or Clinton becomes President he/she may be able
to begin to heal these wounds and hopefully undo the Bush/Cheney damage
and that because people of all faiths are good people, the damages don't
have to be permanent.
p.s.
You
make Istanbul sound like a great destination.
Roger
Fallihee
Puyallup, WA
I so had to laugh at
your conversation with Ali. Trying to be an open minded American abroad
and having a political discussion can be a very frustrating experience.
Now matter how open minded we can be, or how many points about our own
country we willingly admit, it can be so tough getting others to do the
same. They do seem to take any topic (such as the Armenian genocide) and
just turn it back to us. "But what about all the bad things the US
has done?" Yes, but...I already conceeded that. Can we talk about
your country now? As I'm heading for uber-anti American Serbia in 3 weeks
I'm going to keep your Istanbul experience in mind.
Ben
Liu
Seattle, WA
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