Whew! I'm really behind in my reading. I had a "bug" for a week and then we had our 9-month grandson for a week. I'm still recovering!😂 But what a fascinating read. I had not seen a photo or Rose before and loved that connection, just as I enjoyed A Wilder Rose. Thank you for sharing the wealth of all you research. We all benefit.
Sorry you were sick--are you recovering from that or from that 9-mo-old? :) Some stories (like Rose's) reach out from the past to the present and pull us in. I'm always grateful to historians who create a database of detail!
Susan, fascinating! Read and saw Seven Days in May and The Manchurian Candidate in the same time frame as you. Both amazing, book and film. Reading Seven Days in May did shake me to the core. Actually, so did Manchurian Candidate.
Think I’ve told you that on November 22, 1963, I was working in the Women’s Department of The Detroit News when word of JFK’s assasination hit the wires. My husband, down in the City Room actually pulled the wire off the Telex. The Women’s Department tore up the Sunday Front and rebuilt and rewrote it while the City Room tore up and rebuilt Page One. The afternoon edition was delivered slightly late, but Detroit and suburbs got the whole terrible news of that day. I’ve never forgotten it. When we finally got home that night, I cried myself to sleep. One of our reporters was in the room when Oswald shot Ruby. He later helped carry Oswald’s casket.
Thanks for the reminder of Oliver Stone’s JFK. Gotta see it. Don’t know why I didn’t when it came out.
Busy doing something else I’m sure. Anyway, I’m on the lookout for it.
Amazing, isn't it? A president murdered in front of the entire nation, and still the shooters and killers not identified, much less held accountable. The truth is buried in/by the CIA. We won't know in our lifetimes--but someday, somebody will dig it up.
Do watch Stone's movie. And that short scene with Donald Sutherland toward the end. That's the direction of the truth. (IMO)
That was so interesting Susan, Although we were in England and I too was young, I remember the Bay of Pigs and the fear it set in all of us. I also remember the death of JFK and wept like a baby. He was very popular in England and at the time of the post war period when so much was being rebuilt in the UK and Europe there was a tinge of fear. America has always been the land of hope especially after WW11. and like your comments there was the hint of "something more" in the air about JFKs death. No-one thought it was a single disgruntled individual. We are once again in the throws of a possible war stance that may embrace us all with Ukraine, Africa, the Middle East and parts of Asia trying to destroy one another all at a time when our planet is suffering and needs care, not destruction . What is it about us Mortals that we need to kill each other. There is a big difference between Protection and aggression. To protect ones self or Country is one thing, to deliberately go out and destroy is another. Greed and power is a terrible thing.
Very interesting indeed! I'm always catching up on my reading and this was ultra interesting! I love political history and read Heather Cox Richardson 'Letters from an American' every day. Lots going on that has happened before. Love your writing
How you do turn a phrase... "pulling odd and seemingly random rabbits out of history’s hat." Nice. By the way, I hear on the tv in other room as that man shouts that Biden's step-aside was "A COUP!"
The world is full of these bits and pieces. I love seeing connections--and am so glad to have a way to share them. Thank you for reading, Paula! Hope all is well over in your corner of Texas. Miss you and the good work we did together on Someone Always Nearby. (BTW, we're up to 258 giveaway copies of our Reader's Guide!)
Thank you for courage to write this, to share the background and history factually, so that we can share with those much younger especially of the importance of voting—for every level of government and for standing vigilant in our lives and communities.
Hi Pamela Yes My thoughts exactly, somehow we must make sure the next generation understand how important it is to vote knowledgeably and be as you say vigilant to what is going on around us.
Connecting the important stories is so important now, because there's so much mis/disinformation out there. And because our group memory seems to get shorter and shorter.
Here in Texas, history has been entirely warped in the service of the state's mythic sense of itself. If I had my way, Forget the Alamo: The Rise and Fall of an American Myth would be on the required reading list for high school. I know that sounds like off-topic, but it isn't. So much of our teaching history is designed to preserve enshrined preference and power.
Thanks for the links and the information. I enjoyed learning more about the events mentioned. Much more education about government and financial affairs benefit a large percentage of the public. I'm seeing and hearing inaccurate statements, even from some people who convey the news and information who are reliable sources. It happens, but we need to do better—especially now.
Thanks for the tip on JFK Facts. I was a child sitting on the living room floor watching his funeral and news replays of the assassination. I have often wondered what we don't know. I'm very excited about our current election, but a little worried about what a desperate, conscience-free man might do when he looses. I will be voting for her to make history.
I share your worry, Debbie--and the delight of voting in such an historic election.. But I hate the electoral college system, which effectively gives my vote to the other side, as part of a compromise to protect slavery. 😥
Various attempts have been made to render the electoral college obsolete. While I know its creation centered on slavery, do you have any opinion about what is the impetus for its continuation?
It protects the political interests of certain states, especially swing states, which aren't likely to give it up. You can read more about that here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Popular_Vote_Interstate_Compact Scroll down to Enactment prospects, where the reasons are fairly well laid out.
I can't answer your question Georgeann. But, I can make the observation that the GOP has no incentive to change it. And as long as they have sway with either a president or either party of the congress, it is unlikely to change.
I was not yet 12 when the Kennedy assassination happened. I came a Kennedyophile (wow, what a non-word!) from that point, as well as fascinated with the American political machine. I really enjoyed this post, thank you for continuing to educate me!
Hi Readerwoman, I was lucky to have a neighbor who became fascinated with Lincoln as a boy and had an amazing Lincoln library in his home. I loved listening to him about what was known and unknown about Lincoln and his assassination.
This was so informative, Susan. Thank you! I remember reading your previous discussion about Smedley Butler which prompted me to purchase his book "War is a Racket" as well as the book by Jonathan Katz "Gangster Capitalism.....". The Heather Cox Richardson book Charlene mentioned also sounds like an important read. There is so much out there...I'm glad to have folks like you to put it all in perspective! 😊
I'm glad you were able to get both those books, Judy. Together, they give us a clear and really unique look into the way many people viewed America's previous wars. They help us to understand why there was such opposition to any American involvement in Europe and such strong support for America First. I feel we're lucky to have fairly easy access to historical research of the kind that's being done now--so encouraging!
You briefly mentioned Sinclair Lewis, who wrote It Can't Happen Here, a novel about a coup attempt. That was published in 1935, and now I wonder if he was inspired by the Liberty League activities. We've long considered that novel as a warning that it can indeed happen here.
You're right, Patricia! I should have mentioned Lewis' novel, although It's about a successful coup, followed by another coup, followed by a putsch. (Whew.) Yes, Lewis was writing in the historical context of the Liberty League, but his main character ("Buzz" Windrip) is more clearly related to Huey P. Long, the Louisiana politician who rose to quick fame and planned to run against FDR in 1936--but was murdered just the month before Lewis' novel was published. (Interesting synchronicity that certainly boosted the novel's sales.)
Long (the Kingfish) was an outspoken Populist with a radical plan for wealth redistribution/equalization ("every man a king"), while the League was made up of the wealthiest men in the country and (of course) diametrically opposed to Long's "share the wealth" scheme. Long and the League were alike, though, in their opposition to Roosevelt and the New Deal. And Long and Trump are alike in their populist appeal and rhetorical styles. Long is a character in my Dahlias mystery, The Darling Dahlias and the Red Hot Poker.
That novel has an interesting post-publication history, too. Thanks for bringing it up! Think it's worth a post?
I read all the books mentioned. I enjoyed the Wilder book. My best friends are from Minnesota and Jim’s mother remembered some of the events written in the series, like the winter blizzard.
And I really enjoy Rachel Maddow. My British and Australian friends let me know often, whether on line or when we are visiting together, how awful we are looking to the rest of the world. Vote blue is all I can think of to say. Of course they can’t vote but they are praying for us.
Glad to hear that somebody is putting in a good word with the Universe for us. We need it. And I understand why people in other countries are amazed by what's happening here. I keep thinking, you can't make this stuff up.
I sometimes wonder what this election season would be like for us if it weren't for the network that hosts such a strong array of journalists and political commentators. Each has a different strength, different interest/focus, different range of experience--and all careful about fact-checking and staying within the bounds of civil discourse. I'm grateful.
Whew! I'm really behind in my reading. I had a "bug" for a week and then we had our 9-month grandson for a week. I'm still recovering!😂 But what a fascinating read. I had not seen a photo or Rose before and loved that connection, just as I enjoyed A Wilder Rose. Thank you for sharing the wealth of all you research. We all benefit.
Sorry you were sick--are you recovering from that or from that 9-mo-old? :) Some stories (like Rose's) reach out from the past to the present and pull us in. I'm always grateful to historians who create a database of detail!
Decidedly, the recovery from the 9-month-old takes longer. 😂
Susan, fascinating! Read and saw Seven Days in May and The Manchurian Candidate in the same time frame as you. Both amazing, book and film. Reading Seven Days in May did shake me to the core. Actually, so did Manchurian Candidate.
Think I’ve told you that on November 22, 1963, I was working in the Women’s Department of The Detroit News when word of JFK’s assasination hit the wires. My husband, down in the City Room actually pulled the wire off the Telex. The Women’s Department tore up the Sunday Front and rebuilt and rewrote it while the City Room tore up and rebuilt Page One. The afternoon edition was delivered slightly late, but Detroit and suburbs got the whole terrible news of that day. I’ve never forgotten it. When we finally got home that night, I cried myself to sleep. One of our reporters was in the room when Oswald shot Ruby. He later helped carry Oswald’s casket.
Thanks for the reminder of Oliver Stone’s JFK. Gotta see it. Don’t know why I didn’t when it came out.
Busy doing something else I’m sure. Anyway, I’m on the lookout for it.
Sarah R
Amazing, isn't it? A president murdered in front of the entire nation, and still the shooters and killers not identified, much less held accountable. The truth is buried in/by the CIA. We won't know in our lifetimes--but someday, somebody will dig it up.
Do watch Stone's movie. And that short scene with Donald Sutherland toward the end. That's the direction of the truth. (IMO)
An interesting piece. Thanks for sharing this...
An extra bit here, to say once again you are a fantastic writer Susan. thanks
Thank you, Liz, for reading. I know you don't have much time and appreciate it whenever you can drop in.
That was so interesting Susan, Although we were in England and I too was young, I remember the Bay of Pigs and the fear it set in all of us. I also remember the death of JFK and wept like a baby. He was very popular in England and at the time of the post war period when so much was being rebuilt in the UK and Europe there was a tinge of fear. America has always been the land of hope especially after WW11. and like your comments there was the hint of "something more" in the air about JFKs death. No-one thought it was a single disgruntled individual. We are once again in the throws of a possible war stance that may embrace us all with Ukraine, Africa, the Middle East and parts of Asia trying to destroy one another all at a time when our planet is suffering and needs care, not destruction . What is it about us Mortals that we need to kill each other. There is a big difference between Protection and aggression. To protect ones self or Country is one thing, to deliberately go out and destroy is another. Greed and power is a terrible thing.
Yes, terrible. Hard to look, harder to look away. And very difficult to be optimistic for the long term.
Very interesting indeed! I'm always catching up on my reading and this was ultra interesting! I love political history and read Heather Cox Richardson 'Letters from an American' every day. Lots going on that has happened before. Love your writing
Thank you. Lots going on and lots to keep an eye on. After I wrote this, I read ProPublica's latest piece on militias: https://www.propublica.org/article/inside-secret-ap3-militia-american-patriots-three-percent As we know here in Texas, these groups are not an idle threat.
How you do turn a phrase... "pulling odd and seemingly random rabbits out of history’s hat." Nice. By the way, I hear on the tv in other room as that man shouts that Biden's step-aside was "A COUP!"
Thank you, Diane. I heard that silly coup remark, too. I just don't understand how thinking people can put any confidence in that man.
Wow! This one is a real eye-opener and a fascinating glimpse into history. I love how you manage to continuously teach me something new. Thanks!
The world is full of these bits and pieces. I love seeing connections--and am so glad to have a way to share them. Thank you for reading, Paula! Hope all is well over in your corner of Texas. Miss you and the good work we did together on Someone Always Nearby. (BTW, we're up to 258 giveaway copies of our Reader's Guide!)
Thank you for courage to write this, to share the background and history factually, so that we can share with those much younger especially of the importance of voting—for every level of government and for standing vigilant in our lives and communities.
Hi Pamela Yes My thoughts exactly, somehow we must make sure the next generation understand how important it is to vote knowledgeably and be as you say vigilant to what is going on around us.
Connecting the important stories is so important now, because there's so much mis/disinformation out there. And because our group memory seems to get shorter and shorter.
Here in Texas, history has been entirely warped in the service of the state's mythic sense of itself. If I had my way, Forget the Alamo: The Rise and Fall of an American Myth would be on the required reading list for high school. I know that sounds like off-topic, but it isn't. So much of our teaching history is designed to preserve enshrined preference and power.
Oh Susan, don't get me going on Myths, we have them here in Canada too!!and a lot of "head in the sand " thinking over the pond.
Thanks for the links and the information. I enjoyed learning more about the events mentioned. Much more education about government and financial affairs benefit a large percentage of the public. I'm seeing and hearing inaccurate statements, even from some people who convey the news and information who are reliable sources. It happens, but we need to do better—especially now.
Agree! Mis- and dis-information are terrible weapons, especially in our era, where everybody's got a match and words spread like wildfire.
Thanks for the tip on JFK Facts. I was a child sitting on the living room floor watching his funeral and news replays of the assassination. I have often wondered what we don't know. I'm very excited about our current election, but a little worried about what a desperate, conscience-free man might do when he looses. I will be voting for her to make history.
I share your worry, Debbie--and the delight of voting in such an historic election.. But I hate the electoral college system, which effectively gives my vote to the other side, as part of a compromise to protect slavery. 😥
Various attempts have been made to render the electoral college obsolete. While I know its creation centered on slavery, do you have any opinion about what is the impetus for its continuation?
It protects the political interests of certain states, especially swing states, which aren't likely to give it up. You can read more about that here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Popular_Vote_Interstate_Compact Scroll down to Enactment prospects, where the reasons are fairly well laid out.
I can't answer your question Georgeann. But, I can make the observation that the GOP has no incentive to change it. And as long as they have sway with either a president or either party of the congress, it is unlikely to change.
Thank you for your insights.
I agree on the electoral college. Being in South Carolina has the same frustration for me.
I was not yet 12 when the Kennedy assassination happened. I came a Kennedyophile (wow, what a non-word!) from that point, as well as fascinated with the American political machine. I really enjoyed this post, thank you for continuing to educate me!
Hi Readerwoman, I was lucky to have a neighbor who became fascinated with Lincoln as a boy and had an amazing Lincoln library in his home. I loved listening to him about what was known and unknown about Lincoln and his assassination.
There's always more to the story, isn't there, Laura? And the more you learn, the more you know you don't know. 😍
This was so informative, Susan. Thank you! I remember reading your previous discussion about Smedley Butler which prompted me to purchase his book "War is a Racket" as well as the book by Jonathan Katz "Gangster Capitalism.....". The Heather Cox Richardson book Charlene mentioned also sounds like an important read. There is so much out there...I'm glad to have folks like you to put it all in perspective! 😊
The Richardson book is important, yes--you might also consider subscribing to her Substack. https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/about This week, she's at the convention.
I'm glad you were able to get both those books, Judy. Together, they give us a clear and really unique look into the way many people viewed America's previous wars. They help us to understand why there was such opposition to any American involvement in Europe and such strong support for America First. I feel we're lucky to have fairly easy access to historical research of the kind that's being done now--so encouraging!
You briefly mentioned Sinclair Lewis, who wrote It Can't Happen Here, a novel about a coup attempt. That was published in 1935, and now I wonder if he was inspired by the Liberty League activities. We've long considered that novel as a warning that it can indeed happen here.
You're right, Patricia! I should have mentioned Lewis' novel, although It's about a successful coup, followed by another coup, followed by a putsch. (Whew.) Yes, Lewis was writing in the historical context of the Liberty League, but his main character ("Buzz" Windrip) is more clearly related to Huey P. Long, the Louisiana politician who rose to quick fame and planned to run against FDR in 1936--but was murdered just the month before Lewis' novel was published. (Interesting synchronicity that certainly boosted the novel's sales.)
Long (the Kingfish) was an outspoken Populist with a radical plan for wealth redistribution/equalization ("every man a king"), while the League was made up of the wealthiest men in the country and (of course) diametrically opposed to Long's "share the wealth" scheme. Long and the League were alike, though, in their opposition to Roosevelt and the New Deal. And Long and Trump are alike in their populist appeal and rhetorical styles. Long is a character in my Dahlias mystery, The Darling Dahlias and the Red Hot Poker.
That novel has an interesting post-publication history, too. Thanks for bringing it up! Think it's worth a post?
Would love to see The Red Hot Poker and The Darling Dahlias get some airtime!!!
I vote "yes!"
I read all the books mentioned. I enjoyed the Wilder book. My best friends are from Minnesota and Jim’s mother remembered some of the events written in the series, like the winter blizzard.
And I really enjoy Rachel Maddow. My British and Australian friends let me know often, whether on line or when we are visiting together, how awful we are looking to the rest of the world. Vote blue is all I can think of to say. Of course they can’t vote but they are praying for us.
Glad to hear that somebody is putting in a good word with the Universe for us. We need it. And I understand why people in other countries are amazed by what's happening here. I keep thinking, you can't make this stuff up.
I also appareciate the deep dives Rachel M. takes to put history into perspective for us. Fascinating information.
I sometimes wonder what this election season would be like for us if it weren't for the network that hosts such a strong array of journalists and political commentators. Each has a different strength, different interest/focus, different range of experience--and all careful about fact-checking and staying within the bounds of civil discourse. I'm grateful.