I hope none of you are disappointed this little note is not arriving weekly. I’m not ready to do this every week, but I wanted to check in and say hello.
Fake Spring has left the neighborhood at last. It’s May -- so we could have snow just about anywhere in the northern hemisphere -- or we may not. In any case, I’m choosing optimism…. regarding the weather.
Because frankly the past month or so has been grim. I’ve been trying to limit my intake of the news, but that could never happen. I feel sad and discouraged about life on American college campuses. Whatever side you’re on, it can’t be pleasant to be protested by people you thought were your compadres or by professors you admired. It cannot be fun to have another graduation cancelled.
But while these demonstrations and counter-demonstrations are happening, is anyone even watching the war to see the latest? Is anyone asking themselves the questions, “are our actions here in Humboldt, or Austin, or Storrs, or New York City having any impact at all on Hamas? On Israel? Is it helping to free hostages? “ And are people aware that you can be opposed to terrorists while lamenting the death of civilians? Two different things can be true at once. This is a lesson of the 21st century.
My youngest, #ExhibitC, explained to me yesterday that her generation (GenZ) is angry about something else entirely: money. Her peers are furious that taxpayer money is going to help Israel’s war and not helping hard-working Americans to be able to afford buying a house or a car. I get her point. But I do not think donning a keffiyeh and defacing institutional buildings is making that argument. Let’s just try to talk to one another. That requires listening.
On to happier subjects: Five Things That Make Life Better:
(Wordle)
1) So many word games, so little time.
Wordle, Connections, Spelling Bee, the Crosswords, Quordle,Strands, Squardle, Octordle, Blossom, Phrazle, Artl, Framed, Worldle, Sweardle…. I could go on and on. You get the idea. These little diversions are perfect self-calmers while in a doctor’s waiting room or two. They’re good while you’re on hold waiting for customer service. Most of you probably know Wordle, but you might want to check these others out. (Or you could actually accomplish something today.)
2) Sumo oranges. Also known as Sumo Mandarins, this species took over 30 years to breed, I learned just now. These are the extra large looking oranges you see at the market with thick skin and a kind of nob at the top. They are wonderful because they are easy to peel and sweet to eat, with a small number – if any – of seeds. I like them as a late night dessert.
At MSNBC with Andrew Weissman.
3) Andrew Weissman. He’s a fan-favorite on MSNBC where his legal expertise is summoned by every anchor I watch at night. I don’t know how he has a life, writes books, co-hosts a podcast (Prosecuting Trump), and teaches at NYU law school, but he does. I feel grounded when I listen to his reasonable and thoughtful commentary on the remarkable extralegal actions of the former president. If you are interested, you can hear our conversation from October 8, 2020, when Andrew was on our podcast, here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-118-andrew-weissmann-inside-the-mueller-investigation/id1413384713?i=1000494117369
4) Flower season. I have arranged 5 or 6 bouquets that are brightening up the house in the last few days. My favorites, lilacs, along with rununculus, hydrangea, roses (homegrown!), and lilies. Cutting and organizing the blossoms make me feel calm and creative.
5) Responsible Journalism: Apparently not as easy as it once seemed. I grew up in the era of thoroughly non-partisan news broadcasts. There was absolutely no way to know whether Huntley was a registered Democrat and Brinkley a registered Republican. Or vice versa. Or neither. One thing about the old fashioned news -- it was delivered without rancor or sarcasm or opinion. Now that is hard to find despite the thousands of channels on our tv screens. In the last five years the business of journalism has been gutted. Newsrooms have been dramatically reduced, or shuttered. Many of the print magazines I awaited with real eagerness when I was younger are just glorified advertorials, if they even exist. And don’t get me started on my lifelong bible, The New York Times’ political coverage. It is uneven and strikingly, defensively shifty. Nevertheless there is great honor to telling citizens what is happening in their worlds and holding people and institutions accountable for their actions. It never was an easy or lucrative career. I salute those who are commited to doing it right.
Finally, I want to say that as we are tormented and preoccupied with the world at large, in my small universe life keeps happening. Two friends have just had their hips replaced, with another on schedule for next week. Three breast cancers. One friend with lung cancer. But also a perfect little baby was born on May 1, and that helps put everything into focus.
I send love.
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