This shutdown business has me quite undone. I can’t believe it’s still unresolved without any end in sight.
What about those of us inside the wall?
I went to my bookcase taking down an atlas on past presidents: Lincoln, FDR, Truman and JFK the ones I turned to.
Harry S. Truman, the only American President who didn’t attend college, was given the tragic task of stepping into Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s shoes after suddenly dying in Warm Springs, Georgia, when they were mighty big shoes to fill.
Yet he managed to comfort the country who loved FDR so much they elected him to a 4th term, one he barely served. When Harry said, the buck stops here, it was about taking responsibility, not what was in his wallet.
Some called Roosevelt with his New Deal, a traitor to his class, due to his devotion to struggling Americans during the depression because he too, like our present President, had great personal wealth. The difference being, his heart stayed open till the day he was no more.
Lincoln of course had four years of the Civil War leaving him hated by some, still respected by many, staying the course best he could holding the country together with his two hands. Yes, he could have negotiated with the south during those bloody years, but chose, Liberty and Union, Now and Forever, to quote the great Daniel Webster.
He did what he felt was best for the country as did Truman, as did Roosevelt while we stood nobly behind them.
As for John F. Kennedy, if it weren’t for the delicacy of his actions during the Cuban Missile Crisis, we might not even be here. If it were to happen now, God forbid, that would pretty much be a given.
How scary is that?
Where am I going with all this long ago lore? I’m not sure, but what I am sure of is this…
the need to feel those amber waves of grain will still flourish when all this insanity is over.
I don’t feel safe with Mr. Trump at the controls, because that’s what it’s become, his way or the highway. He should be locked in meetings with his shirt sleeves rolled up till this silly standoff is settled.
We elected him because he was at the right place at the right time since, anyone would have been preferable to those political pirates, the infamous Clintons.
We were unabashedly hopeful, the way we were raised to be.
We made a mistake.
But after reading about Abraham Lincoln, Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman and John Kennedy during their trials, I feel better knowing that…
this too shall pass. 
SB
I see him there
Bringing a stone grasped firmly by the top
In each hand, like an old-stone savage armed.
He moves in darkness as it seems to me,
Not of woods only and the shade of trees.
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I love this. Did you write it?
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This is Robert Frost, Mending Wall. Which begins, ‘Something there is that doesn’t love a wall…’ It’s a beautiful work in its entirety.
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With the exception of Whitman’s Crossing Brooklyn Ferry and Charge of the Light Brigade, my poetic knowledge is light. I will make sure to read this whole poem. It’s so stirring even in part. Thank you. Really!
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Want to thank you again. I printed the whole poem that has gleaned interesting remarks. It can go either way I’ve learned, which echos the First Amendment I still have such respect for. Susannah Bianchi
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I remember the underlying current of worry during the late 50s and 60s. War was over, but new threats hung over us. Bomb shelters and drills were in place. My mother stockpiled bread wrappers to store water in and to use as an outhouse.
Hopefully we’ll get through this too.
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We will Skinny. That’s the beauty of history, it reminds us how strong we are. 🙂
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SB,
This was perfect. I just commented, asking you if you planned on posting a vitriolic assault on He Who Shall Not Be Named. You did one better. You made it personal, whilst holding to the humanity that is sorely lacking in Washington these days as a result of where the buck has stopped.
Problem is, as you have highlighted, the buck doesn’t stop with this guy. It gets passed around, with blame being akin to a volleyball. He only takes the credit, never the blame. Which is why I keep saying it about this guy. There are many bosses, but precious few leaders.
Great piece of writing
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It is personal, for all of us. I can’t even comfortably read the news anymore wondering why I’m so uncomfortable in my own skin. He’s a dictator or the very least, a dick that needs a good slap. Where are the Gambinos when you need them? I have such a respect for America, I do. I’m a patriot…part of the chorus of the union, to quote Lincoln, and he’s made a mockery out of the gift of liberty and any pursuit of happiness that I’m certain, has Jefferson rolling in his grave. God help us all.
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You’re right.
Admittedly, I was loving it when Trump was taking down the GOP establishment, one peep at a time. But when he actually won the nomination, I thought, “Uh oh . .”. Because the idea that he was thatclose to residing in the Oval Office was a discomforting thought, to put it nicely.
Now this, what we’ve got going, it can be a turning point for the better of our future, or even worse.
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As they say in AA, more will be revealed, sooner than we think.
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Until such time, the long national nightmare continues.
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I know. Just was reading about it AGAIN.
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You’re a glutton for punishment!
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I must stop since all it does is make me madder. sigh
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Remember, it’s about mellowing your harsh, not harshing your mellow.
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Makin’ a note.
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Apply it to the fridge. Better yet, the computer . . .
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I’ll use my…I can’t live without books…magnet courtesy of Mr. Jefferson.
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I agree that without a historical perspective, the present can seem scary. It is nice to know that humans have weathered much worse than the present conditions and as you say, this too shall pass. Stay strong, my friend.
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History soothes and softens one’s fear like a really good oil. America is very hardy – as well as hearty, and we will prevail. Of course that doesn’t mean our stay in the valley won’t be of some duration, to use an Austen term, but all will be well, I’m pretty sure.
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Susannah, what can I say? :O(
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If you don’t agree Paul, that’s okay. But I appreciate you reading it. These are trying times for all Americans no matter what side you happen to be on…:)
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Oh no, it’s not that I didn’t agree—I do, I totally do. I just felt that you did such a great job of summing up the circumstances that I didn’t know what I could add that would drive it home any better. I’ve always felt that free debate is alive and well on your site. So, no problems, Susannah. But, it is good to know we’re on the same page though. :O)
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Yes, that makes it less lonely. I expected to get slammed by Trumpets, those loud, blaring supporters of his that blindly carry his banner. I did notice a couple regulars didn’t pipe up. It’s all good, the First Amendment flourishing.
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There you go. :O)
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The little guys always pay.
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It seems they do. Sigh
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Eleanor Roosevelt was her husband’s conscience. If it wasn’t for her, he may not have been so favorable to the lesser classes. As the saying goes: Behind every great man…
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This is true, but you know how men are, he had to know his Missus, as he called her, was right or I’m certain he would not have listened. I loved how she left copious notes for him in a basket by his bed.
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Really? I love that she did that. She was a true introvert. I’m reading a book right now called Quiet; The Power of Introverts. The author writes briefly about her. Great read.
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Sounds right up my alley. A favorite story about her. When he died, his cousin Daisy who was there, assumed she wouldn’t want to be bothered with Fala, FDR’s beloved Scottie, so she took Fala home with her. Eleanor had a fit making her bring Fala back, and they were together till Fala passed away and all three are buried in the Rose Garden at Hyde Park, Fala beneath the sundial.
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Sweet.
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It’s a sad state of affairs ….
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Don’t get me going.
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