I very much like Mandela's definition of freedom that I had not heard before. A poetic description of individual rights. Spreading Covid because you are not vaccinated is definitely not respecting the freedom of others. I was surprised when a college class did not readily endorse the concept of universal human rights. Perhaps it conflicts with respecting the autonomy of each country.
Mr. Rather, I just sent this to Polis, Dollar General, and the ACLU. I think this is a powerful statement about why freedom is precarious. It is not a right anymore. Not even for a Decorated War Veteran in good standing. 😒
"I had video conferences with two doctors and a social worker while in the Logan County Jail. I begged them to call my docs here in Nebraska to confirm how serious my lack of appetite is. I was dying and I needed to go home and eat. They all refused. I made two trips to the hospital in Sterling in three weeks for failure to thrive. Between the medical staff at the jail, the medical staff and social worker via video conference, and the people at the hospital, no one made the obvious determination that I was not well enough to be in jail. The Judge gave that guy a break on a restraining order while I was left to die. There is no way that wasn't on purpose. My dad was a cop, and my mom a nurse's aide at a crippled childrens' hospital. I want to cry right now, but I can't. The people I am supposed to trust the most stripped me my trust, possibly forever. All because I stood up. How could they? 😒"
You have done it again, Dan! Such an accurate and insightful summary of where we stand now as a country and the freedom battle currently being waged. The Nelson Mandela quote is perfect!
In America today, elected officials and law enforcement disregard the law and make it up as they go. We have a right to their opinion. My quest for Justice in the aftermath of my experience in Colorado has shown me that the people and entities that represent themselves as one thing balk at the sight of someone coming their way to seek help. I see nothing but buck passing or just passing altogether. When it comes to Justice... Well, I have no experience with that. I have never seen it in action for the mainstream public. There is literally NO ONE to call.
When the First Amendment was written I don't think they could've visualized a propaganda network such as Fox News being allowed to profit off of telling lies to the people. One of the many reasons America is a failed democracy.
I was shocked to read what Castro said to you. Really? He was truly surprised that Blacks didn't embrace Communism? My greatest fear right now is that our right to vote is being attacked. If legal elections are hindered or, worse yet, eliminated, our country no longer exists. I don't have that many years left (cancer) but I have a daughter. I am more frightened for her and her future. The thought of leaving her in a world that no longer is truly a 'free' world truly is my greatest fear. I do not want such a future for her.
I so appreciate the perspectives you share. Some make me cry at what our country has become. Some make me smile at our ability to hope. Some scare the "beeejeebers" out of me at what we could slip into. And some, make me proud of our courage to keep striving in spite of the odds.
We just CANNOT fail in stopping the cancerous fascistic movement raising it's ugly head.
Thank you very, very much for this post, and thank you for the creation of this blog. I wish you could stand at a place as impressive as Biden's podium and read it out to an intently listening crowd.
This is an example of masterful and powerful writing. Dan, this makes my heart hurt when I think of all that’s being done to undermine our freedoms, but at the same time reminds me to take a stand, to stay the course and work for equality and justice. Thank you. Oppression is not justifiable.
Cuba is a complicated situation. To simplify the current unrest as a freedom movement is a bit self-serving on our part. Their economy, lack of food and medicine, COVID . . . These are all factors that are pushing the Cubans to protest. Their government is failing them, and yes, their freedom to speak out is being suppressed. It could be that the current regime has run its course and this is a pivotal moment in their history. And it could be that the US embargo is exacerbating a humanitarian crisis. I hope, as most Americans do, that there is political change in Cuba. But let's not ignore the fact that there are people just off our shore that are going hungry and succumbing to COVID just to celebrate our own ideals. This whole situation bears more looking into beyond that banner cry for freedom and democracy. What is really going on? How can we support our neighbors as they deal with this crisis? Are we, in fact, making their situation worse with our own political agenda? What is it that the Cuban people want; it is, after all, their country, not ours. Has anyone even asked them? We tend to look at things through the lens of our own experience, which is a very human thing to do. We forget, sometimes, that not everyone has the same experience as us, and we forget to ask for their perspective. Like I said, if democracy is what they want, let's support them by all means! But let's also listen to the rest of what they are saying so we don't replace their needs with out desires.
I very much like Mandela's definition of freedom that I had not heard before. A poetic description of individual rights. Spreading Covid because you are not vaccinated is definitely not respecting the freedom of others. I was surprised when a college class did not readily endorse the concept of universal human rights. Perhaps it conflicts with respecting the autonomy of each country.
Mr. Rather, I just sent this to Polis, Dollar General, and the ACLU. I think this is a powerful statement about why freedom is precarious. It is not a right anymore. Not even for a Decorated War Veteran in good standing. 😒
"I had video conferences with two doctors and a social worker while in the Logan County Jail. I begged them to call my docs here in Nebraska to confirm how serious my lack of appetite is. I was dying and I needed to go home and eat. They all refused. I made two trips to the hospital in Sterling in three weeks for failure to thrive. Between the medical staff at the jail, the medical staff and social worker via video conference, and the people at the hospital, no one made the obvious determination that I was not well enough to be in jail. The Judge gave that guy a break on a restraining order while I was left to die. There is no way that wasn't on purpose. My dad was a cop, and my mom a nurse's aide at a crippled childrens' hospital. I want to cry right now, but I can't. The people I am supposed to trust the most stripped me my trust, possibly forever. All because I stood up. How could they? 😒"
#FREEDOM 🕊🕊So important ❤🤍💙@DanRather #DanRather and something we sometimes forget 🆓️ to be you and me ❣🧚♂️🧚🏼♀️
Thank you Dan!
You have done it again, Dan! Such an accurate and insightful summary of where we stand now as a country and the freedom battle currently being waged. The Nelson Mandela quote is perfect!
In America today, elected officials and law enforcement disregard the law and make it up as they go. We have a right to their opinion. My quest for Justice in the aftermath of my experience in Colorado has shown me that the people and entities that represent themselves as one thing balk at the sight of someone coming their way to seek help. I see nothing but buck passing or just passing altogether. When it comes to Justice... Well, I have no experience with that. I have never seen it in action for the mainstream public. There is literally NO ONE to call.
When the First Amendment was written I don't think they could've visualized a propaganda network such as Fox News being allowed to profit off of telling lies to the people. One of the many reasons America is a failed democracy.
Freedom and responsibility are twins, two sides of the same coin.
I was shocked to read what Castro said to you. Really? He was truly surprised that Blacks didn't embrace Communism? My greatest fear right now is that our right to vote is being attacked. If legal elections are hindered or, worse yet, eliminated, our country no longer exists. I don't have that many years left (cancer) but I have a daughter. I am more frightened for her and her future. The thought of leaving her in a world that no longer is truly a 'free' world truly is my greatest fear. I do not want such a future for her.
Man is born free, but everywhere is in chains. --Rousseau.
I so appreciate the perspectives you share. Some make me cry at what our country has become. Some make me smile at our ability to hope. Some scare the "beeejeebers" out of me at what we could slip into. And some, make me proud of our courage to keep striving in spite of the odds.
We just CANNOT fail in stopping the cancerous fascistic movement raising it's ugly head.
Mr. Rather, I give thanks each time you share the wisdom from your life and education.
Thank you very, very much for this post, and thank you for the creation of this blog. I wish you could stand at a place as impressive as Biden's podium and read it out to an intently listening crowd.
This is an example of masterful and powerful writing. Dan, this makes my heart hurt when I think of all that’s being done to undermine our freedoms, but at the same time reminds me to take a stand, to stay the course and work for equality and justice. Thank you. Oppression is not justifiable.
I am always informed and inspired by you words!
Cuba is a complicated situation. To simplify the current unrest as a freedom movement is a bit self-serving on our part. Their economy, lack of food and medicine, COVID . . . These are all factors that are pushing the Cubans to protest. Their government is failing them, and yes, their freedom to speak out is being suppressed. It could be that the current regime has run its course and this is a pivotal moment in their history. And it could be that the US embargo is exacerbating a humanitarian crisis. I hope, as most Americans do, that there is political change in Cuba. But let's not ignore the fact that there are people just off our shore that are going hungry and succumbing to COVID just to celebrate our own ideals. This whole situation bears more looking into beyond that banner cry for freedom and democracy. What is really going on? How can we support our neighbors as they deal with this crisis? Are we, in fact, making their situation worse with our own political agenda? What is it that the Cuban people want; it is, after all, their country, not ours. Has anyone even asked them? We tend to look at things through the lens of our own experience, which is a very human thing to do. We forget, sometimes, that not everyone has the same experience as us, and we forget to ask for their perspective. Like I said, if democracy is what they want, let's support them by all means! But let's also listen to the rest of what they are saying so we don't replace their needs with out desires.