Your patriotism comment brings to mind Robert Kennedy (who's probably rolling in his grave about the exploits of his son). Often repeated during his presidential campaign (albeit paraphrased from George Bernard Shaw):
"Some people see things as they are and say, 'why?' I dream things that never were and say, 'why not?'"
Kareem, I,too, fall under the scale of ordinary. Don’t need the fanfare. What concerns me about the waning love for country, is the finger pointing of parties. Instead of banning together as a cohesive team, they’re running towards “Independents,” as if that absolves them from all responsibility. I am a ditto to your “Bottom Line” re: Mamdani. He is new to me. I like his energy—a breath of fresh air—campaigning, as if he is ACTUALLY in the 21st Century! Something Democrats can use! To MTG, the greatest threat to American women are SCOTUS and the GOP; but you said it best: “She’s already shrouded in an intellectual burqa.”
I always enjoy your posts. There is always something interesting, something I'd never seen before, or something that made me think in a different way, and all of it discussed with intelligence and compassion.
As one who returned to religion late in life, I was interested in your take on Pascal's observation. It seems to me that when people celebrate creation, feel joy in it, and are compassionate to our fellow creatures, they get closer to God and closer to the heaven they profess to seek than by adherence to the strictures of their respective cults.
And when I first saw that MTG post of Lady Liberty, I did not realize she was clad in a burqa. I thought she was covering herself in shame at what our country has become in so short a time.
Keep 'em coming, Kareem! I'm happy to be a subscriber. But I wish you hadn't taught Magic the skyhook.
And I had to stare a bit then thought “of course” it was a burqa because MTG knows nothing about Islam and the many ways it is observed. It always makes me sadly smile: how alike in gender and separate legal practices are many Muslims and Hasidic Jews: women covered, limited rights in many cases, laws for similar issues. If only the siblings had found common ground.
Thanks for the "freebie", Kareem! I'll share it with friends (and non-friends).
As for patriotism: I take pride in whatever I do. I cannot say the same for the elected officials who govern this nation. They have no dignity and grasp at false pride (like trying to grab air). I love this country, but I'm disgusted at the lack of leadership.
Funny aside: The folks at the local post office know to not ask me/give me the traditional postage stamps with the American flag depicted. They've heard my diatribes on how I refuse to use those stamps until there is a course correction at all levels of government.
Another aside: I was working in my front yard a few days ago doing some landscaping. I was dressed in my usual shorts, t-shirt, and bandana to catch the sweat before it got into my eyes. A large, dark colored SUV with tinted windows and lights on top passed me by real slow, almost coming to a stop. I admit that I got a bit nervous. Later that evening I half-joked to my family about getting a t-shirt and/or lawn sign made stating a message to potential ICE agents that I am a natural born US citizen with no criminal ties whatsoever. Then I thought about the Nazi's and their labeling people with stars, and reflected that though the actors and set may have changed - I've seen this play before.
Hey Susan, glad to know I'm not the only one. Happy 4th as well! Remember why we, as Americans, celebrate this day...we declared independence from a king - but going from one king to another is not any reason to rejoice. Still, I respect the day for what it was, not what it has become. VOTE! Flush the turds! Midterm elections are rapidly approaching. Time wounds all heels (Lennon).
Yikes! I hope he has a bunch of Tums, some Dulcolax and soft TP.
I like Nathan's hot dogs, but two is a limit for me. I don't eat them any longer due to the company being linked (pun intended) to Trump...weenies! Still, it was cool to be able to pull off the Belt Parkway and make my way down to Coney Island for a couple dogs before visiting family not too far from there. There was a place that was even better than Nathan's, though. It was on Long Island, in the town of Massapequa - the name of the place is All-American Drive-In. Not sure if they're still in business. They had the best french fries...fresh peeled and cut...then right into the fryer. Yum!
About your aside: I order my stamps to be delivered and like you would never buy or use the stars & stripes one even upside down. My stamp of choice is that of one of my life-guides: John Lewis. Having followed him since he was a young Freedom Rider and I just too young to go, I have looked to him for moral guidance. (Soon as Rev Barber is on a stamp, those next.) What I post should carry a message on the envelope as it does in. (Writing letters, finding cards by artists I admire, and posting them - I send what I wish to receive.)
What I find so constantly frustrating is the insistence on supposed absolute freedom of speech by Trump, Elon Musk and the MAGA faithful, so long as that freedom allows them to flood the country with lies. But these same people will deny the exercise of free speech (or even citizenship) to anyone, whether it’s a Muslim candidate for mayor or a journalist simply asking a question.
I really enjoyed both this piece and your previous one, in which you challenged the traditional, narrow definition of intelligence. In this newsletter, you mention the sharp decreases in those who identify as either Democrats or Republicans, and the attendant rise in those who identify as Independents. Though the alienation from the two parties is understandable, it creates a new set of serious problems, particularly in those states that have closed primaries. In those states, someone who rejects party affiliation has no say in the primary process, which leads to increasingly extreme party candidates (particularly on the Republican side).
Well said, Greg. I live in Wyoming, and when Liz Cheney stood up against Trump, followed by massive opposition by the GOP, many Democrats switched parties to the GOP so they could support her in the primary. Alas, it wasn’t enough and Horrible Harriet Hageman was elected to Congress. Dems don’t stand a chance against the far right in this state, where the Freedom Caucus reigns supreme.
I’m not in a state and we still have closed Primaries thus my registration remains Democrat. The GOP registrations have gone up a tad but our voting record even for the local Bar Assn remain strongly in the Blue.
I always put an American flag out in front of my house on the federal holidays that are meaningful to me, following the example set by my late parents. I paused today, however, because of the actions of trump and his evil minions, which are so contrary to my beliefs and the words of Emma Lazarus.
Then the radio played Ray Charles’s recording of “America the Beautiful”, which broke my heart, as always. I realized that this country needs to be bigger and better than the current “shtick dreck” (piece of crap) that’s currently in the White House, and that we can— and will— recover. My dad’s service in WWII, and resulting trauma, can’t have been for nothing. Same for so many others.
And a shout out to Dick Gregory. He had a great bit on how to end the Vietnam-era draft: Draft dogs. HIs acute observations on how Americans tend to value their dogs -- even relative to their children -- was painfully hilarious. RIP Dick Gregory
An internal repeater for each other and for us, @Chris.
From Covid/long covid, I developed severe tinnitus, musical tinnitus, and then lost much of hearing. Musical tinnitus is fascinating. It’s not “ear worms” and I’d like to have a lengthy fMRI to understand mine. Today, “We shall overcome” was on repeat - and is again tonight. Between each “playing” (I call them “stations”), I was surprised to hear “America The Beautiful”, then they blended. What was my brain imparting about this country?
Finally made the plunge and paid for your Substack so I can comment from time to time and hopefully have something interesting to add. But because you're preaching to the choir (me), I just wanted to say mazel tov. Your musings on aging, family, critical thinking and politics all resonate with me.
I love your mind and the way you express yourself. I get a sense of balance but never skirting the sore points of the issues. You elevate my own thinking.
Just to share -- It's Independence Day and I left this message on my FB page:
"These days, as darkness and fear become more prevalent and light fades, I share things like the trauma reflection below -- as I shared Brecht's poem, "Posterity," earlier -- so that we might be reminded to stay focused on keeping a light of reason and mutual caring, of acting from kindness above judgment, of nurturing that light of humanity within us and between us, as well as we are able.
We are all negotiating fearful times. Even those in power who are robbing us of a lawful and dignified framework for civic lives are human, mortal, and subject to fear. When people suffer trauma, their brains and nervous systems are altered, and their actions will reflect this, not because they are bad, but because they need healing. Whole populations, nations, are subject to this.
I love life. I love what we strove for and to some miraculous degree achieved in America, until now. I love and affirm the potential for good, for sacred renewal. That potential, even unrealized in present time, is beautiful and inspiring. I love us. You. Do and be your best and try to stay connected, and I will, too. 💗" --Leah
That's all I will say about the idiocy of the three.
As to Porgy, Oh I got plenty of nothing
And nothing's plenty for me
Porgy and Bess is one of my favorites, considered a folk opera. Mentioning it and Porgy's take on life brings back so many memories. Meeting and sharing a meal with Robert McFerrin, the actual singer in the movie. The stories are endless.
The mountain goats need their salt. What a way to get it. It seems unreal that they can stay on the side of a vertical cliff and not fall to the ground. How do they do it? What is in their feet? Maybe all those people who free climb have some mountain goats DNA. Or are just crazy.
On this day we should remember how precious our freedom is and the importance of the Constitution. We must stay united in the fight for truth and justice. Solidarity!
Love and peace to you Kareem. Thank you for your words today.
Thank you as always for today’s newsletter, Kareem. It’s a sad and somber July Fourth for those of us who remember the ringing words of the Declaration and the idealism it expresses.
I will disagree on one point, however. Today’s New York Times (to which I have subscribed since 1979) has published what is no less than a hit piece on Zohran Mamdami:
The issue - as he pointed out - is that his ethnicity is complex (as is that of many people who apply using “one size fits all” forms). He did his best to explain that he was born in Uganda; never asserted that he was Black; and noted his Indian parentage. Case closed, right? Nope - until he became the leading candidate for Mayor of New York, and openly a socialist advocating progressive policies. He’s been called (by Trump) a “communist;” has been vilified for advocating a worldwide intifada (words he has apparently never spoken) and the destruction of Israel (although he has said publicly that the nation has a right to exist) and was recommended for deportation by a MAGA Congressman - although he is a naturalized U.S. citizen.
I hope that access to the above article for non-NYT subscribers also brings the ability to see readers’ comments, which go into more depth and excoriate the newspaper for publishing it on ethical grounds (relying on anonymous sources, etc.) Oh, and the kicker? Mamdani wasn’t admitted to Columbia. “A tale of sound and fury signifying nothing.”
Wow. Imagine the joy and pride of Clara Adams in celebrating her win in such a playful way (off the track, away from everyone) and then being stripped of her title. Just when I thought I couldn't be more depressed . . .
I too found that so sad and so odd. We force students to learn for the test, sit in straight rows, answer questions correctly. We must teach and encourage exuberance, showing one’s joy just as the young speller showed at the Bee by falling on the stage. Running, swimming, spelling, all take dedicated concentration and discipline. Let our children show the joy when it occurs!
Your patriotism comment brings to mind Robert Kennedy (who's probably rolling in his grave about the exploits of his son). Often repeated during his presidential campaign (albeit paraphrased from George Bernard Shaw):
"Some people see things as they are and say, 'why?' I dream things that never were and say, 'why not?'"
Thank you for being a voice of reason.
Kareem, I,too, fall under the scale of ordinary. Don’t need the fanfare. What concerns me about the waning love for country, is the finger pointing of parties. Instead of banning together as a cohesive team, they’re running towards “Independents,” as if that absolves them from all responsibility. I am a ditto to your “Bottom Line” re: Mamdani. He is new to me. I like his energy—a breath of fresh air—campaigning, as if he is ACTUALLY in the 21st Century! Something Democrats can use! To MTG, the greatest threat to American women are SCOTUS and the GOP; but you said it best: “She’s already shrouded in an intellectual burqa.”
I always enjoy your posts. There is always something interesting, something I'd never seen before, or something that made me think in a different way, and all of it discussed with intelligence and compassion.
As one who returned to religion late in life, I was interested in your take on Pascal's observation. It seems to me that when people celebrate creation, feel joy in it, and are compassionate to our fellow creatures, they get closer to God and closer to the heaven they profess to seek than by adherence to the strictures of their respective cults.
And when I first saw that MTG post of Lady Liberty, I did not realize she was clad in a burqa. I thought she was covering herself in shame at what our country has become in so short a time.
Keep 'em coming, Kareem! I'm happy to be a subscriber. But I wish you hadn't taught Magic the skyhook.
I had the same thought regarding Lady Liberty.
And I had to stare a bit then thought “of course” it was a burqa because MTG knows nothing about Islam and the many ways it is observed. It always makes me sadly smile: how alike in gender and separate legal practices are many Muslims and Hasidic Jews: women covered, limited rights in many cases, laws for similar issues. If only the siblings had found common ground.
Thanks for the "freebie", Kareem! I'll share it with friends (and non-friends).
As for patriotism: I take pride in whatever I do. I cannot say the same for the elected officials who govern this nation. They have no dignity and grasp at false pride (like trying to grab air). I love this country, but I'm disgusted at the lack of leadership.
Funny aside: The folks at the local post office know to not ask me/give me the traditional postage stamps with the American flag depicted. They've heard my diatribes on how I refuse to use those stamps until there is a course correction at all levels of government.
Another aside: I was working in my front yard a few days ago doing some landscaping. I was dressed in my usual shorts, t-shirt, and bandana to catch the sweat before it got into my eyes. A large, dark colored SUV with tinted windows and lights on top passed me by real slow, almost coming to a stop. I admit that I got a bit nervous. Later that evening I half-joked to my family about getting a t-shirt and/or lawn sign made stating a message to potential ICE agents that I am a natural born US citizen with no criminal ties whatsoever. Then I thought about the Nazi's and their labeling people with stars, and reflected that though the actors and set may have changed - I've seen this play before.
VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!
I also refuse to buy the flag stamps. I recently bought online John Muir, horse, and dragon stamps, dragons being my favorite. Happy 4th!
Hey Susan, glad to know I'm not the only one. Happy 4th as well! Remember why we, as Americans, celebrate this day...we declared independence from a king - but going from one king to another is not any reason to rejoice. Still, I respect the day for what it was, not what it has become. VOTE! Flush the turds! Midterm elections are rapidly approaching. Time wounds all heels (Lennon).
We can only hope. And vote of course.!
On the lighter side, which we all need, Joey Chestnut won again by eating 70 ½ hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes. How is that even possible? 🌭
Yikes! I hope he has a bunch of Tums, some Dulcolax and soft TP.
I like Nathan's hot dogs, but two is a limit for me. I don't eat them any longer due to the company being linked (pun intended) to Trump...weenies! Still, it was cool to be able to pull off the Belt Parkway and make my way down to Coney Island for a couple dogs before visiting family not too far from there. There was a place that was even better than Nathan's, though. It was on Long Island, in the town of Massapequa - the name of the place is All-American Drive-In. Not sure if they're still in business. They had the best french fries...fresh peeled and cut...then right into the fryer. Yum!
About your aside: I order my stamps to be delivered and like you would never buy or use the stars & stripes one even upside down. My stamp of choice is that of one of my life-guides: John Lewis. Having followed him since he was a young Freedom Rider and I just too young to go, I have looked to him for moral guidance. (Soon as Rev Barber is on a stamp, those next.) What I post should carry a message on the envelope as it does in. (Writing letters, finding cards by artists I admire, and posting them - I send what I wish to receive.)
What I find so constantly frustrating is the insistence on supposed absolute freedom of speech by Trump, Elon Musk and the MAGA faithful, so long as that freedom allows them to flood the country with lies. But these same people will deny the exercise of free speech (or even citizenship) to anyone, whether it’s a Muslim candidate for mayor or a journalist simply asking a question.
I really enjoyed both this piece and your previous one, in which you challenged the traditional, narrow definition of intelligence. In this newsletter, you mention the sharp decreases in those who identify as either Democrats or Republicans, and the attendant rise in those who identify as Independents. Though the alienation from the two parties is understandable, it creates a new set of serious problems, particularly in those states that have closed primaries. In those states, someone who rejects party affiliation has no say in the primary process, which leads to increasingly extreme party candidates (particularly on the Republican side).
Well said, Greg. I live in Wyoming, and when Liz Cheney stood up against Trump, followed by massive opposition by the GOP, many Democrats switched parties to the GOP so they could support her in the primary. Alas, it wasn’t enough and Horrible Harriet Hageman was elected to Congress. Dems don’t stand a chance against the far right in this state, where the Freedom Caucus reigns supreme.
I’m not in a state and we still have closed Primaries thus my registration remains Democrat. The GOP registrations have gone up a tad but our voting record even for the local Bar Assn remain strongly in the Blue.
I always put an American flag out in front of my house on the federal holidays that are meaningful to me, following the example set by my late parents. I paused today, however, because of the actions of trump and his evil minions, which are so contrary to my beliefs and the words of Emma Lazarus.
Then the radio played Ray Charles’s recording of “America the Beautiful”, which broke my heart, as always. I realized that this country needs to be bigger and better than the current “shtick dreck” (piece of crap) that’s currently in the White House, and that we can— and will— recover. My dad’s service in WWII, and resulting trauma, can’t have been for nothing. Same for so many others.
The flag is up.
Yo Kareem --
And a shout out to Dick Gregory. He had a great bit on how to end the Vietnam-era draft: Draft dogs. HIs acute observations on how Americans tend to value their dogs -- even relative to their children -- was painfully hilarious. RIP Dick Gregory
Joyful reading. It shows the value of an educated mind. Too bad Republicans need an interpreter to understand any of it.
An internal repeater for each other and for us, @Chris.
From Covid/long covid, I developed severe tinnitus, musical tinnitus, and then lost much of hearing. Musical tinnitus is fascinating. It’s not “ear worms” and I’d like to have a lengthy fMRI to understand mine. Today, “We shall overcome” was on repeat - and is again tonight. Between each “playing” (I call them “stations”), I was surprised to hear “America The Beautiful”, then they blended. What was my brain imparting about this country?
My song of the ordinary resembles yours, Kareem.
Finally made the plunge and paid for your Substack so I can comment from time to time and hopefully have something interesting to add. But because you're preaching to the choir (me), I just wanted to say mazel tov. Your musings on aging, family, critical thinking and politics all resonate with me.
I love your mind and the way you express yourself. I get a sense of balance but never skirting the sore points of the issues. You elevate my own thinking.
Just to share -- It's Independence Day and I left this message on my FB page:
"These days, as darkness and fear become more prevalent and light fades, I share things like the trauma reflection below -- as I shared Brecht's poem, "Posterity," earlier -- so that we might be reminded to stay focused on keeping a light of reason and mutual caring, of acting from kindness above judgment, of nurturing that light of humanity within us and between us, as well as we are able.
We are all negotiating fearful times. Even those in power who are robbing us of a lawful and dignified framework for civic lives are human, mortal, and subject to fear. When people suffer trauma, their brains and nervous systems are altered, and their actions will reflect this, not because they are bad, but because they need healing. Whole populations, nations, are subject to this.
I love life. I love what we strove for and to some miraculous degree achieved in America, until now. I love and affirm the potential for good, for sacred renewal. That potential, even unrealized in present time, is beautiful and inspiring. I love us. You. Do and be your best and try to stay connected, and I will, too. 💗" --Leah
I share your love of Brecht.
Ogles, Mace and MTG.
Turn down the volume.
I want my MTV !!
That's all I will say about the idiocy of the three.
As to Porgy, Oh I got plenty of nothing
And nothing's plenty for me
Porgy and Bess is one of my favorites, considered a folk opera. Mentioning it and Porgy's take on life brings back so many memories. Meeting and sharing a meal with Robert McFerrin, the actual singer in the movie. The stories are endless.
The mountain goats need their salt. What a way to get it. It seems unreal that they can stay on the side of a vertical cliff and not fall to the ground. How do they do it? What is in their feet? Maybe all those people who free climb have some mountain goats DNA. Or are just crazy.
On this day we should remember how precious our freedom is and the importance of the Constitution. We must stay united in the fight for truth and justice. Solidarity!
Love and peace to you Kareem. Thank you for your words today.
🇺🇲♥️🦅
Thank you as always for today’s newsletter, Kareem. It’s a sad and somber July Fourth for those of us who remember the ringing words of the Declaration and the idealism it expresses.
I will disagree on one point, however. Today’s New York Times (to which I have subscribed since 1979) has published what is no less than a hit piece on Zohran Mamdami:
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/03/nyregion/mamdani-columbia-black-application.html?unlocked_article_code=1.T08.6oDY.29inT5GMFVuZ&smid=url-share
The issue - as he pointed out - is that his ethnicity is complex (as is that of many people who apply using “one size fits all” forms). He did his best to explain that he was born in Uganda; never asserted that he was Black; and noted his Indian parentage. Case closed, right? Nope - until he became the leading candidate for Mayor of New York, and openly a socialist advocating progressive policies. He’s been called (by Trump) a “communist;” has been vilified for advocating a worldwide intifada (words he has apparently never spoken) and the destruction of Israel (although he has said publicly that the nation has a right to exist) and was recommended for deportation by a MAGA Congressman - although he is a naturalized U.S. citizen.
I hope that access to the above article for non-NYT subscribers also brings the ability to see readers’ comments, which go into more depth and excoriate the newspaper for publishing it on ethical grounds (relying on anonymous sources, etc.) Oh, and the kicker? Mamdani wasn’t admitted to Columbia. “A tale of sound and fury signifying nothing.”
Wow. Imagine the joy and pride of Clara Adams in celebrating her win in such a playful way (off the track, away from everyone) and then being stripped of her title. Just when I thought I couldn't be more depressed . . .
I too found that so sad and so odd. We force students to learn for the test, sit in straight rows, answer questions correctly. We must teach and encourage exuberance, showing one’s joy just as the young speller showed at the Bee by falling on the stage. Running, swimming, spelling, all take dedicated concentration and discipline. Let our children show the joy when it occurs!