I've lived through many of the same horror stories that Mr. Rather has. Always at a distance.
I've having trouble for the last two years, seeing the horror unfold, and the LACK of National Mourning. We will pass 700,000 dead in the US in a matter of days.
And National Life goes on. The News Media prints stories about egos gone rampant; and very few interested in governing...
The deaths keep growing.
It could be my imagination; if this were happening Back When Dinosaurs Ruled the Earth, it seems like something would be different. And then I think of the 5 Assassinations in 5 years, and the lack of public outcry.
Thank you for saying so concisely what I and many others also feel. Sometimes the pain of all that needs fixing in our world weighs me down so heavily that I can't find any reason to believe that life will hold any joy at all by the time my teeny grandchildren become adults.
Then Mr. Roger's words for any disaster come to mind "Look for the Helpers". The helpers coming forth will give Hope back to the world- helpers who sit with those who mourn, helpers who are already organizing housing and supplies for the refugees, helper electricians and carpenters from many states speeding to hurricane damaged areas to restore power and begin rebuilding, helpers who are able to donate cash to organizations that will feed and clothe those in need. The helpers I hear and see rolling up their sleeves to get the hard work of helping wherever they see a need- this is what keeps me from despair.
Well said, Mr. Rather. My heart breaks for the U. S. Marines' and other service member's families. Often, U. S. Marines have been tagged unfairly. I hope our nation takes a long look at Sgt Dee holding the child just days before she was killed. Humanitarian work is rarely highlighted by the media when it comes to Marines but they are on the front lines of service to others, not just war.
I morn for our future, especially for the youth who will live through the bulk of our future. Socially and environmentally the future has some major challenges. It would be simpler if the only changes required each of us to make a list of things we should do differently: 1) next vehicle purchase - electric, 2) keep AC at 77, 3) walk instead of drive when trips are less than 3 miles, etc. Unfortunately, the enormous task, the only way to create sustainability, is changing attitudes. We all have to see the value-added when we take care of our earth and each other.
Thank you for remembering our service members, Mr. Rather. We have seen far too many dignified transfers.
A poignant and poetic piece that sheds light onto the depth of despair we have faced individually and communally. The line, “It comes in waves of unequal frequency, …” made me realize it has felt more like unbridled, escalating frequency. I hope we survive these trials.
I have been in a state of simmering rage for more than six years, but after reading this essay, I realize that the rage has been covering up a sense of profound grief at all that is going on in the world and in our country. I hope the tears I am shedding will help me cope with the grief and the rage, but I’m grateful for the catharsis that comes owning emotion. Thank you, Dan Rather..
I mourn for those Afghan allies left behind by the US after promising them repatriation to friendly countries. Any harm to them - their blood will be upon us.
I am very disappointed with the US handling of the evacuation from Kabul. Tens of thousands of Afghan allies are going to be left behind to the mercy of the Taliban. This is a disgraceful way of betraying our allies following 20 years of warfare.
I am mourning with you Dan. It is just too much, too much. For the first time in my life these last few years, I felt the almost overwhelming need to lament....to write, as you have done, everything that was tearing my heart apart. I did this for the first time in 2018...then again in 2019....and now these words from you are bringing tears to my eyes yet again. Thank you for sharing your heart with us, and I will keep your words to remember this time.
https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/660000-white-flags-national-mall-honor-died-covid-19/65-252c6e73-5429-4462-9337-6aab19dc5e16
I know you've written about this in the past.
I will turn 70 next year.
I've lived through many of the same horror stories that Mr. Rather has. Always at a distance.
I've having trouble for the last two years, seeing the horror unfold, and the LACK of National Mourning. We will pass 700,000 dead in the US in a matter of days.
And National Life goes on. The News Media prints stories about egos gone rampant; and very few interested in governing...
The deaths keep growing.
It could be my imagination; if this were happening Back When Dinosaurs Ruled the Earth, it seems like something would be different. And then I think of the 5 Assassinations in 5 years, and the lack of public outcry.
Maybe we are all something we shouldn't be.
Regards, Marty Jones
mjarts.com
Thank you for saying so concisely what I and many others also feel. Sometimes the pain of all that needs fixing in our world weighs me down so heavily that I can't find any reason to believe that life will hold any joy at all by the time my teeny grandchildren become adults.
Then Mr. Roger's words for any disaster come to mind "Look for the Helpers". The helpers coming forth will give Hope back to the world- helpers who sit with those who mourn, helpers who are already organizing housing and supplies for the refugees, helper electricians and carpenters from many states speeding to hurricane damaged areas to restore power and begin rebuilding, helpers who are able to donate cash to organizations that will feed and clothe those in need. The helpers I hear and see rolling up their sleeves to get the hard work of helping wherever they see a need- this is what keeps me from despair.
Well said, Mr. Rather. My heart breaks for the U. S. Marines' and other service member's families. Often, U. S. Marines have been tagged unfairly. I hope our nation takes a long look at Sgt Dee holding the child just days before she was killed. Humanitarian work is rarely highlighted by the media when it comes to Marines but they are on the front lines of service to others, not just war.
I morn for our future, especially for the youth who will live through the bulk of our future. Socially and environmentally the future has some major challenges. It would be simpler if the only changes required each of us to make a list of things we should do differently: 1) next vehicle purchase - electric, 2) keep AC at 77, 3) walk instead of drive when trips are less than 3 miles, etc. Unfortunately, the enormous task, the only way to create sustainability, is changing attitudes. We all have to see the value-added when we take care of our earth and each other.
Thank you for remembering our service members, Mr. Rather. We have seen far too many dignified transfers.
Your eloquent words pretty much say it all. Your Steady movement has been a wonderful addition to my daily reading. Thank you!
I mourn for the time when caring for one another trumped politics.
☺️
A poignant and poetic piece that sheds light onto the depth of despair we have faced individually and communally. The line, “It comes in waves of unequal frequency, …” made me realize it has felt more like unbridled, escalating frequency. I hope we survive these trials.
Very well said. We mourn together…. If only the outrageous amount of energy of the rampant murderers in the Middle East could be put to good use….
… Evil certainly appears however to be a potent force among humanity. How can we all let that be?
Thank you! Truer words have never been spoken!
I mourn with you, Dan, feeling your words and feeling close to you as we all mourn. I mourn for what American humanity shared in the 40’s and 50’s….
I have been in a state of simmering rage for more than six years, but after reading this essay, I realize that the rage has been covering up a sense of profound grief at all that is going on in the world and in our country. I hope the tears I am shedding will help me cope with the grief and the rage, but I’m grateful for the catharsis that comes owning emotion. Thank you, Dan Rather..
I am with you, for the reasons you so elegantly state. I hope that your word is your voice to those who cannot find the words.
I mourn for those Afghan allies left behind by the US after promising them repatriation to friendly countries. Any harm to them - their blood will be upon us.
I am very disappointed with the US handling of the evacuation from Kabul. Tens of thousands of Afghan allies are going to be left behind to the mercy of the Taliban. This is a disgraceful way of betraying our allies following 20 years of warfare.
I am mourning with you Dan. It is just too much, too much. For the first time in my life these last few years, I felt the almost overwhelming need to lament....to write, as you have done, everything that was tearing my heart apart. I did this for the first time in 2018...then again in 2019....and now these words from you are bringing tears to my eyes yet again. Thank you for sharing your heart with us, and I will keep your words to remember this time.
Thank you for your kind words of wisdom, Dan!