Jessica, I wrote a similar, very brief, and not quite as powerful piece on my FB feed on Veteran's Day, with a photo of my father, who was part of an expeditionary force in 1945 to free Italy from the fascists. I also wrote that I'll be damned if I give in to the neo-fascists and anti-democratic forces here. Fortunately, there are millions of us. And with any luck, we will toughen and learn to fight, and fight to win, like your grandfather and his brave comrades.
It is said by members of my family that Mussolini had wanted my grandfather to join his group to cement his power. When my grandfather refused, he became an enemy of the state; he and his family were no longer safe in Italy. So, he sent his two older sons to America and then a year or so later put the rest of his family (his wife and eight children!) on a boat to join them, leaving the vast majority of their possessions behind. Yes, Jessica, we owe those who came before us no less.
Benito Mussolini: "Advocating government by dictatorship, he formed a political group in 1919 that marked the beginning of fascism. A dynamic and captivating orator at rallies, he organized the March on Rome (1922) to prevent a socialist-led general strike. After the government fell, he was appointed prime minister, the youngest in Italian history. He obtained a law to establish the fascists as the majority party and became known as Il Duce (“The Leader”)."
"Fascism, Philosophy of government that stresses the primacy and glory of the state, unquestioning obedience to its leader, subordination of the individual will to the state’s authority, and harsh suppression of dissent. Martial virtues are celebrated, while liberal and democratic values are disparaged. Fascism arose during the 1920s and ’30s partly out of fear of the rising power of the working classes."
Very empowering story. We all need to roll up our sleeves and fight for what we believe in. I am a Vietnam vet, but I never felt more threatened than I do today.
My Dad fought in WWII for 4 years in 4 different campaigns. He was awarded 4 Bronze Stars, which we retrieved from the US Army after his death. He was a medic hero who suffered greatly upon his return. He, too, would never talk about his service. Yet, he wanted to be buried in his Pvt. 1st Class uniform. He died too young, at 58, from lung cancer. I always think of his sacrifices on Veterans Day, and I also am determined to defend our democracy at all cost. I am suited up with you, Jess!
Your recollection of your granddad inspired me. These men put their lives on the line, and we owe everything to them. We must be strong. You are a gift, Jess.
I agree, Jess is a gift! I am awed and inspired by her focus and passion every day and so grateful to be a part of this force fighting 21st century American fascism.
Thank you for this . I think of what so many people are going through right now, especially in Ukraine. Fighting bullies is exhausting but worth it. I’m a ceramic artist and getting ready for my last show of the year, but I’ll be back. Your call to action keeps me informed and in the loop. Thanks so much.
WWI was yet another unnecessary war, killing and displacing millions, and because of how the armistice was written led directly to the rise of Hitler and WWII. Some have said that WWI was really fought to try out new war weaponry. So an all around tragedy, that once again some men decided was the thing to do. When will those, mostly men, who decide that some lives are more important than others stop thinking that war is a good solution to political problems. There are some causes worth fighting for - that is in our time, democracy. But there are some that are just a waste.
My grandfather Sidney Guttman also served in the WWI quartermasters corp in France. The only thing we had from that time was a letter from him to his mother. He was on leave in Paris drunk and broke.
He was a supply Sargent in the 307th Infantry Regiment as part of the 77th Division in France. The regiment participated in the following campaigns: Oise-Aisne, Meuse-Argonne, Champagne, and Lorraine. So they could have known each other. Now there grandkids are continuing their fight for democracy.
Thanks, Jessica, for posting links to Run For Something's "50 State School Boards" campaign to take back our school boards. I've regularly donated to RFS for several years now and am so happy about this new campaign to protect our schools.
And did you know there is another RFS campaign called "Clerk Work"!?! It has been around for several years now and works to get RFS people elected to the election clerk positions around the country. I just learned about it, and had been wondering why so many of the RFS candidates were running for the Clerk or Registrar position where they lived, and now I know. Check them out at clerkwork.net. Amanda and Ross, the RFS founders, are working so hard and smart in so many areas to save our democracy. Everyone should be supporting their work by donating as much and as often as you can.
Thank you, Jessica, for sharing your grandfather’s story. I imagine your eyes really opened when you found all of that information. Just to let you know, I made calls but Schumer’s line is full so you can’t leave any messages.
OK. Yeah usually I post alternate numbers for him, which, FWIW, are (518) 431-4070 , (914) 734-1532 and (631) 753-0978. But even if you don't get to it thank you!
Jessica and anyone, if you have not yet seen the movie "All Quiet on the Western Front," it is a very powerful depiction of the hell of war, in this case WW 1 from the point of view of a 17 year old boy in the German army. What any soldier in battle has to experience--discomfort, pain, fear, terror, trauma, luck of the moment--is known and appreciated by too few.
Until Trump got elected I didn't even know who my congressional rep was (I know...). The shock and fear of his administration and rise of MAGA-ts has changed everything. You're right to compare our battle against fascism now with past wars/battles because today's landscape is every bit as dangerous. I am in this battle for the long run, so thank you Jess for all you do and all the ways you show us how to fight.
After Univision's appalling and anti-Democratic favoritism of Trump (canceling Biden ads and more - see Joyce Carol Vance's Substack) where and how do people combat that? There has to be some sort of grass roots response...
What a great story about your grandfather! Thanks for sharing!
I actually had two great-grandfathers from that era when I was young, but I never had the intellectual curiosity to talk to them about their experiences, if any. My paternal grandfather died when my father was young, and my maternal grandfather was somewhat estranged from the family, so I never had a chance to talk to them either. My dad was drafted into the Army toward the end of WWII, and as far as I know, was never in combat. I know I've got some ancestors who were in the Revolutionary War and the Civil War, but I don't have any details. One of these days, I'll renew my Ancestry.com account and dig further.
I appreciate the diversity of action opportunities today. And as always, thank you for promoting BVM's texting Tuesdays, which I commit too whenever possible. I sent the 'leaf blower' article to a local landscaper, and wonder if it's available in Spanish as well. If anyone has the answer, I'd be grateful if you'd let me know.
Jessica, I wrote a similar, very brief, and not quite as powerful piece on my FB feed on Veteran's Day, with a photo of my father, who was part of an expeditionary force in 1945 to free Italy from the fascists. I also wrote that I'll be damned if I give in to the neo-fascists and anti-democratic forces here. Fortunately, there are millions of us. And with any luck, we will toughen and learn to fight, and fight to win, like your grandfather and his brave comrades.
Yes, Ken. Exactly. For my grandfather, your father, and so many, many others.
Wondeful group. Feel free to join me on The 100 Foot Ladder, so long as you choose the FREE option! All are welcome.
It is said by members of my family that Mussolini had wanted my grandfather to join his group to cement his power. When my grandfather refused, he became an enemy of the state; he and his family were no longer safe in Italy. So, he sent his two older sons to America and then a year or so later put the rest of his family (his wife and eight children!) on a boat to join them, leaving the vast majority of their possessions behind. Yes, Jessica, we owe those who came before us no less.
Benito Mussolini: "Advocating government by dictatorship, he formed a political group in 1919 that marked the beginning of fascism. A dynamic and captivating orator at rallies, he organized the March on Rome (1922) to prevent a socialist-led general strike. After the government fell, he was appointed prime minister, the youngest in Italian history. He obtained a law to establish the fascists as the majority party and became known as Il Duce (“The Leader”)."
"Fascism, Philosophy of government that stresses the primacy and glory of the state, unquestioning obedience to its leader, subordination of the individual will to the state’s authority, and harsh suppression of dissent. Martial virtues are celebrated, while liberal and democratic values are disparaged. Fascism arose during the 1920s and ’30s partly out of fear of the rising power of the working classes."
https://www.britannica.com/summary/Benito-Mussolini
What an amazing story, Lynell. Wowwowow.
Wow, Lynell! That last paragraph is breathtaking!
I agree. Stunning. Just wow.
Very empowering story. We all need to roll up our sleeves and fight for what we believe in. I am a Vietnam vet, but I never felt more threatened than I do today.
Thank you for your service, Pete.
Thank you, Pete!
My Dad fought in WWII for 4 years in 4 different campaigns. He was awarded 4 Bronze Stars, which we retrieved from the US Army after his death. He was a medic hero who suffered greatly upon his return. He, too, would never talk about his service. Yet, he wanted to be buried in his Pvt. 1st Class uniform. He died too young, at 58, from lung cancer. I always think of his sacrifices on Veterans Day, and I also am determined to defend our democracy at all cost. I am suited up with you, Jess!
Wow, Sheila. This gave me chills. Thank you for telling us about your father's brave and selfless service.
Your recollection of your granddad inspired me. These men put their lives on the line, and we owe everything to them. We must be strong. You are a gift, Jess.
I agree, Jess is a gift! I am awed and inspired by her focus and passion every day and so grateful to be a part of this force fighting 21st century American fascism.
YOU are a gift! Both of you!
Thank you for this . I think of what so many people are going through right now, especially in Ukraine. Fighting bullies is exhausting but worth it. I’m a ceramic artist and getting ready for my last show of the year, but I’ll be back. Your call to action keeps me informed and in the loop. Thanks so much.
Thank you, Susan, for mentioning Ukraine. We must not forget them!
Thank you, Susan! Enjoy your show! Best of luck!
WWI was yet another unnecessary war, killing and displacing millions, and because of how the armistice was written led directly to the rise of Hitler and WWII. Some have said that WWI was really fought to try out new war weaponry. So an all around tragedy, that once again some men decided was the thing to do. When will those, mostly men, who decide that some lives are more important than others stop thinking that war is a good solution to political problems. There are some causes worth fighting for - that is in our time, democracy. But there are some that are just a waste.
I agree. It's a heartbreaking shame.
My grandfather Sidney Guttman also served in the WWI quartermasters corp in France. The only thing we had from that time was a letter from him to his mother. He was on leave in Paris drunk and broke.
Wow. Wild to think that our grandfathers could have known each other!
He was a supply Sargent in the 307th Infantry Regiment as part of the 77th Division in France. The regiment participated in the following campaigns: Oise-Aisne, Meuse-Argonne, Champagne, and Lorraine. So they could have known each other. Now there grandkids are continuing their fight for democracy.
Wait wasn't the 77th Division the one that became the "Lost Battalion" for awhile?
It was
Thanks, Jessica, for posting links to Run For Something's "50 State School Boards" campaign to take back our school boards. I've regularly donated to RFS for several years now and am so happy about this new campaign to protect our schools.
And did you know there is another RFS campaign called "Clerk Work"!?! It has been around for several years now and works to get RFS people elected to the election clerk positions around the country. I just learned about it, and had been wondering why so many of the RFS candidates were running for the Clerk or Registrar position where they lived, and now I know. Check them out at clerkwork.net. Amanda and Ross, the RFS founders, are working so hard and smart in so many areas to save our democracy. Everyone should be supporting their work by donating as much and as often as you can.
I agree. They are at the top of my list, along with the States Project and Movement Voter Project.
Thank you, Jessica, for sharing your grandfather’s story. I imagine your eyes really opened when you found all of that information. Just to let you know, I made calls but Schumer’s line is full so you can’t leave any messages.
OK. Yeah usually I post alternate numbers for him, which, FWIW, are (518) 431-4070 , (914) 734-1532 and (631) 753-0978. But even if you don't get to it thank you!
I am a big proponent of sending emails. Chuck Schumer's contact is:
https://www.schumer.senate.gov/contact/message-chuck
Emails are great, as long as the MOC doesn't have their website set to only accept in-state senders.
Thanks, Jess!
Jessica and anyone, if you have not yet seen the movie "All Quiet on the Western Front," it is a very powerful depiction of the hell of war, in this case WW 1 from the point of view of a 17 year old boy in the German army. What any soldier in battle has to experience--discomfort, pain, fear, terror, trauma, luck of the moment--is known and appreciated by too few.
https://www.netflix.com/title/81260280
You know, I've not watched it and I should. And will! I'll let you know after I do.
You might read the book on which this movie is based. It was required reading when I was in high school.
I'm quite sure I did read it...a million years ago.
😁
Until Trump got elected I didn't even know who my congressional rep was (I know...). The shock and fear of his administration and rise of MAGA-ts has changed everything. You're right to compare our battle against fascism now with past wars/battles because today's landscape is every bit as dangerous. I am in this battle for the long run, so thank you Jess for all you do and all the ways you show us how to fight.
So glad you're on our team, Kathleen! We need you!
After Univision's appalling and anti-Democratic favoritism of Trump (canceling Biden ads and more - see Joyce Carol Vance's Substack) where and how do people combat that? There has to be some sort of grass roots response...
Sigh. I read that yesterday. Not sure. I will put my radar out.
I've actually done quite a bit of digging, and had to take a break. If anyone is interested in a fun diversion, I wrote about some of my findings in a piece on my Substack: https://open.substack.com/pub/bobmorgan/p/from-whence-we-came
This is great!
😊❤️🙏
What a great story about your grandfather! Thanks for sharing!
I actually had two great-grandfathers from that era when I was young, but I never had the intellectual curiosity to talk to them about their experiences, if any. My paternal grandfather died when my father was young, and my maternal grandfather was somewhat estranged from the family, so I never had a chance to talk to them either. My dad was drafted into the Army toward the end of WWII, and as far as I know, was never in combat. I know I've got some ancestors who were in the Revolutionary War and the Civil War, but I don't have any details. One of these days, I'll renew my Ancestry.com account and dig further.
Once you start digging you won't be able to stop. I find it so fascinating.
I appreciate the diversity of action opportunities today. And as always, thank you for promoting BVM's texting Tuesdays, which I commit too whenever possible. I sent the 'leaf blower' article to a local landscaper, and wonder if it's available in Spanish as well. If anyone has the answer, I'd be grateful if you'd let me know.
One of my subscribers writes this newsletter. Albert. Contact him through the website and I'm sure he can help with that! https://www.quietcleanpdx.org/leaf-blowers-dangers-pollution/#:~:text=Emissions%20from%20gas%20leaf%20blowers,%2C%20cancer%20and%2For%20dementia.
thanks Jessica, I'm having trouble finding an actual contact email, form, etc. on the site. with my vision issues, I could be missing it.
I found the link finally. Thanks, again Jess.