A lovely day, just warm enough, the blue sky punctuated by the occasional cloud. Our trees, shrubs, and flowers are just passing full bloom so the yard is awash in color.
Its been a while (once again) since I posted. I’ve thought of posting, even wanted to post. My issue is I have no idea how to wrap my mind around the craziness of the human world. let alone write about it.
Ordinarily I seek nature as a balm but right now being in relatively natural environments brings both soothing and agitation as I acknowledge how fragile such places are. This awareness of fragility extends to bird song, so while I reveled in this morning’s sunrise chorus, I wondered how much longer we will hear it.
When I was a teen my father would periodically warn me that settler culture often shows a certain tolerance towards minorities and the non-man-made world, only to turn abruptly and go full tilt Windgo, consuming everything and everyone.
I did not understand his message then and am not please to grasp it better now. Adding to this is the simple fact that my dad and most of the males on his side of the family, even as they expected the worst from the government, served in the military and took pride in having done so. I still don’t get their pride in defending a country that would turn on them in an instant, except for their placing themselves firmly in a long line of Native warriors.
So here we are, the day after Memorial Day, and I wonder what dad would think of the state of the nation and world. I imagine a conversation with him would be filled with disbelief, heartbreak, and the simple acceptance of the inevitable. While I would love a chat, I’m glad he does not have to be here to deal with the seemingly inevitable.
Dreaming the World 
Really there is nothing I can add except whatever the culture, humans have a nasty, brutal side. (I have certainly seen it in my own culture—Franco-Americans.) We can hope there is progress, that the dominant culture will learn to treat others with respect and compassion. So far, not so good. But I continue to hope. If public policy can encourage inequality—which is the source of many ills—then public policy can encourage equality. This morning I listened to a podcast called Pitchfork Economics, where the guest, Fazia Shaheen spoke about this. Worth listening to if you have the time. Also, another podcast, The New Yorker Radio Hour, recently posted an episode called “What Makes a Mass Shooter.” Also worth listening to.
Thanks, Laurie. I like the idea of pitchfork economics! Yes, cultures can encourage sanity and kindness. It has been done in the past and can be done now. We might all be hap[pier.
Not only am I having trouble wrapping my mind around what is going on with the world, I’m also having trouble wrapping my mind around my emotional responses to all that is happening. I tend to be doing those things that bring me joy. Full stop.
That is, I think Pat, the best response.