63 Comments

When I go into the voting both I always think of my ancestors and the trials and tribulations they went through for me to have that right. I may only have one vote but I cast it for all of them, and my niece and nephew.

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Hello, Kareem. You wrote with regard to the James Taylor song, "Yet, the fact that the song is able to express these thoughts and emotions so powerfully actually makes us able to better deal with the issues. Art conquers all—or at least it makes all bearable." If you haven't read it, I think you would enjoy A.E.Housman's "Terrence This Is Stupid Stuff" in which a poet explains to a critic who doesn't like his dark take on life why he writes that "stuff." I hope you'll read, and I think if you read it out loud, you'll really enjoy it.

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When asked what his religion was, the Dali Lama said "Kindness".

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Coming from a lifetime of not stellar male role models, it speaks to my heart when I read you're striving to be a good, compassionate man …. It’s like falling in love with your soul

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Kareem, you can’t believe 1% of blacks say they’ll vote for trump?

I can’t believe there’s ONE, period!

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Thank you. Thank you.

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Tonight I saw your cameo on “Billions” and concluded that acting is not one of the many, many talents you bring to us, until….until your line about who will take that shot if not you. And at that moment, as Paul Giamatti’s eyes visibly teared, so did mine. And I think it was because of the force and honesty with which you delivered it from your own life’s exprtiences, just as you bring to us here in this letter. Well done, and thanks, kareem for taking that shot.

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founding

Happy Thanksgiving - Love this holiday- let's eat and practice gratitude!!! I know I know - we have done terrible things to native Americans - and we need to make it right, but with all the trauma happening in the world right now I need to look for a little light at the end of the tunnel, and your writing usually gives it.

On the topic of black men voting for Trump , as a canvasser here in GA I had So many arguments with black men not willing to vote for Stacy Abrams. They liked Kemp because he was good for business and they want to be good for business too. These guys a Masculine with a capital M. and they are voting with their gender not their race. They may not be rich but they want to be associated with the guys who are rich. Republicans have captured a myth that they are better for the economy and business- which is not true. Under Democratic Administrations since 2000the US has gained more more Jobs 40 Mil to 1 mil and the Stock Market has gone up 100% vs. 5%. Yet Dems don't sell it as well as "less taxes/ more growth" Hopefully they can do a better job of messaging that "things get better with Democrats" Here is a great link to Simon Rosenberg Hopium Chronicles

https://www.hopiumchronicles.com/

Talking about how important it is for all of us to do what we can to sell the FACT that "Things get better with Democrats in charge"

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To wake up on this day, which for so long has represented this one thing, to gather with loved ones, and read, if only the first part, makes it all worth it. I too just want to be loving, kind, and compassionate. Thank you Kareem ✨

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Thanks Kareem, Just a couple, er, perhaps a few thoughts; First, I cannot discern polling these days but tend to agree that amongst people of color, the trends towards R candidates including Herr Drumpf is disconcerting and hopefully, a rightful demand for action and attention that will wane when consideration is given to the actual choices as hand as the election draws nearer. Second is the issue surrounding potential influence of the CCP in Hollywood over (SHOCKER!) access to the Chinese market and $$$. Makes me think of events in India where outright blackballing of Producers and Directors who displease Modi & company have reached unbelievable heights over the past decade and rendered Bollywood practically voiceless to do anything but march to the beat of the ruling party drum. Next: that young lady actually seems to defy gravity! Wonderful. And last, thanks for the J.T. Video. I have a place in my heart for the ‘Mudslide Slim’ album as a whole. As an adolescent with a small eight-track player it was one of my first hundred or so purchases and one that remains Near and Dear to my heart, much like your posts. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours

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I always appreciate Kareem's take on the latest in news and culture. I feel that you look at issues that are important. Thank you!

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Thank you, Kareem. I look forward to each Substack you write. You inspire me in many ways.

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Well , now you’re just boring me. Reread everything I’ve said and then consider what YOU are going to do about it. Have a good day.

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You have done wonderfully with your life, Kareem. I hope I have done half as well with the gifts God gave me. Your newsletter is the one internet missive which I never miss. You combine straightforward, unexaggerated, enlightening commentary on the unfortunate realities of our day with reminders of the joy and creativity which also still exist.

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"Voting for Trump is the most self-destructive act anyone but rich, White people can do." Truth

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An absolutely lovely post.

Thank you for throwing some love at Joni Mitchell and James Taylor. They are two of my all-time favorites. "Long Ago and Far Away" was one of the first songs I ever learned to play on the guitar. My daughters, who are now deep into middle-aged, still remember me singing this song when they were little.

I was astonished to see your paraphrase of that wonderful line from Robert Browning's poem, Andrea del Sarto: "Ah, but a man's reach should exceed his grasp, Or what's a heaven for?"

I went to see The Holdovers last night with my first wife, who just happens to have been my first love a lifetime ago (we are both unattached now and rediscovering one another). We liked the movie very much. It left just enough gaps and loose ends to leave the mind wandering at the end, much like life itself. Love the soundtrack. And yes...we held hands during the movie.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.

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