Once again, Sasha, you nailed it. This one resonates with so many of us of a certain age and a certain path through the chaos, awakening, doubt and resolve that was that moment in history, and this one as well. So much of what is happening is triggering of memories for the baby boomers and others. Hopefully we will find a way through this one that leads us away from soldiers on our street corners. That image is almost commonplace for those of us who have traveled or lived in other parts of the world, as you note. Keep at it. Your readers need and welcome the reflections your powerful, yet subtle, writing provokes.
Thank you Sasha for your poignant story, deeply resonating within. Yes, SO much overwhelms today...as it has every day for so many for so long. 24 hour access to 'breaking' news keeps the cortisol level high. We ask, 'what can I do...and how can I make a difference:'? Keep writing...your words touch us all.
Thank you, Sasha. Your article reminded me of the long ago days when the UC campus and People’s Park in Berkeley were at the vortex of the free speech and anti-war movements — and I, a recent UC grad at the time, had a ringside seat thanks to my job at Cal Book on Telegraph and Bancroft.
Eventually the day came when a frustrated city resorted to tear gas to remove the protesters. Everyone in a three-block radius was affected, protesters, residents and those of us who worked there. I wasn’t afraid as I coughed my way up Durant to get out of range — my eyes smarting and tearing up. I was just incredibly angry. And it turned out that the city’s desperate methods actually spurred protesters on, rather than quelling them.
Just as you said — resistance, the more powerful force — brought people together.
Thank you for writing such a thoughtful and sensitive piece. I have been reminded daily of my life back in Madison WI during the Vietnam war protests. My first husband took his Masters Degree exam in a classroom with an armed man outside the door, while I secluded myself in our tiny apartment across town, pregnant with my son who is now 57. Just this week he and I exchanged thoughts as we each struggled with so much ugliness and fear happening around us. I reminded him that while this is a first for him, there are many of us who have been through similar times before. His response, which stung mightily, was: It should not be happening over and over. It feels as though there has been no progress and we may have no solution to keep it from continuing to happen. Sadlly, I could not disagree with him. However, this time, with a tiny bit more wisdom brought on by age, I have to believe that we can save our amazing country and continue to strive to make it as amazing as I have always thought it to be, even as I realize just how flawed some aspects are. I must have hope, but there are times, especially as I think of my great grand daughter being born this coming week, when I despair, realizing what a huge mess we have. Thank you for your very thoughtful words.
Once again, Sasha, you nailed it. This one resonates with so many of us of a certain age and a certain path through the chaos, awakening, doubt and resolve that was that moment in history, and this one as well. So much of what is happening is triggering of memories for the baby boomers and others. Hopefully we will find a way through this one that leads us away from soldiers on our street corners. That image is almost commonplace for those of us who have traveled or lived in other parts of the world, as you note. Keep at it. Your readers need and welcome the reflections your powerful, yet subtle, writing provokes.
Thank you Sasha for your poignant story, deeply resonating within. Yes, SO much overwhelms today...as it has every day for so many for so long. 24 hour access to 'breaking' news keeps the cortisol level high. We ask, 'what can I do...and how can I make a difference:'? Keep writing...your words touch us all.
Thank you, Sasha. Your article reminded me of the long ago days when the UC campus and People’s Park in Berkeley were at the vortex of the free speech and anti-war movements — and I, a recent UC grad at the time, had a ringside seat thanks to my job at Cal Book on Telegraph and Bancroft.
Eventually the day came when a frustrated city resorted to tear gas to remove the protesters. Everyone in a three-block radius was affected, protesters, residents and those of us who worked there. I wasn’t afraid as I coughed my way up Durant to get out of range — my eyes smarting and tearing up. I was just incredibly angry. And it turned out that the city’s desperate methods actually spurred protesters on, rather than quelling them.
Just as you said — resistance, the more powerful force — brought people together.
Thank you for writing such a thoughtful and sensitive piece. I have been reminded daily of my life back in Madison WI during the Vietnam war protests. My first husband took his Masters Degree exam in a classroom with an armed man outside the door, while I secluded myself in our tiny apartment across town, pregnant with my son who is now 57. Just this week he and I exchanged thoughts as we each struggled with so much ugliness and fear happening around us. I reminded him that while this is a first for him, there are many of us who have been through similar times before. His response, which stung mightily, was: It should not be happening over and over. It feels as though there has been no progress and we may have no solution to keep it from continuing to happen. Sadlly, I could not disagree with him. However, this time, with a tiny bit more wisdom brought on by age, I have to believe that we can save our amazing country and continue to strive to make it as amazing as I have always thought it to be, even as I realize just how flawed some aspects are. I must have hope, but there are times, especially as I think of my great grand daughter being born this coming week, when I despair, realizing what a huge mess we have. Thank you for your very thoughtful words.
Well done.
Brava, Sasha! From a mother’s point of view, as well as a human who made it through the late 60s and more. Well-written.
Sign of the times.