Loved this article as I, too, am a peacenik and have been since the 60s. Reading this had its poignancy because the new Dem administration is decidedly hawkish, making it difficult to wholeheartedly wish for peace. On the other hand, I loved this article for reminding me of one of the well known Larry stories that I probably wouldn’t have thought of it if you hadn’t reminded me. Plus, I’m very impressed in the effort you personally put into sending what we used to call “care packages” to soldiers on duty in a war zone. I’m an Army brat so I’m quite familiar with how care packages were really truly appreciated by soldiers when they received expressions of care from someone other than their immediate family members.
I should also add that the rise of hawk thinking among Dem voters, in part, inspired me to write this. I have so many friends who admire neo-cons b/c they're anti-trumpers, which is fine, but when I ask them why they take their political cues from people they rightly blame for the Iraq disaster (something those same friends used as justification for voting for Obama), I hear crickets. At the moment, I think The Poor People's Campaign is the most promising movement to challenge the war economy. I've been tweeting about The Poor People's Campaign a lot, giving money, and looking to get more involved in 2021.
Thanks, Michael. There is a funny story about his first trip with Bob Hope (before he met Linda) - when I took him to the plane.
Also a story about said trip to Beirut when they were staying on board ship - that caused many laughs with former NBC executives when I was doing career transition work with them. Actually bonded with someone who has become a dear friend because of that "Larry" story.
This is such a poignant piece. And it brought back memories of my dad telling stories about the 'crazy shit' he did in the Navy during the Korean War. He joined as a musician so he wouldn't be drafted to serve on the front lines. He played piano and conducted the band. They toured and entertained, but he also had a job to do if 'shit hit the fan'. One story he told was about the day he and a band mate were smoking a joint below deck when he was supposed to be manning a cannon in case they came under fire. Well, they came under fire, and the guy manning the cannon was killed in the firefight. It always made me wonder about the idea of fate versus the randomness of life. You and I share the same mindset about war and peace. It has become the narration of our lives. But I would be perfectly happy with a new story. There's plenty of 'crazy shit' to keep us occupied, and we don't have to trade our souls for it.
Hi Michael, Thanks so much for writing this! I'm used to getting a sick conflicted feeling in the pit of my stomach when I hear people talk about doing things to help/support our troops without mentioning how wrong and senseless it is that they are in that position to begin with. And thanks for introducing me to Dr. Strangelove, and Amazing Grace and Chuck. Any new ideas on how we can work against the War Machine? Cleary what we've been doing hasn't helped.
You had me at A Larry story! Beautiful story! Loved your dad dearly!! Peace on earth this Christmas!!
thanks dude!
Loved this article as I, too, am a peacenik and have been since the 60s. Reading this had its poignancy because the new Dem administration is decidedly hawkish, making it difficult to wholeheartedly wish for peace. On the other hand, I loved this article for reminding me of one of the well known Larry stories that I probably wouldn’t have thought of it if you hadn’t reminded me. Plus, I’m very impressed in the effort you personally put into sending what we used to call “care packages” to soldiers on duty in a war zone. I’m an Army brat so I’m quite familiar with how care packages were really truly appreciated by soldiers when they received expressions of care from someone other than their immediate family members.
Thank you! I always love hearing your comments, but this one is especially meaningful.
I should also add that the rise of hawk thinking among Dem voters, in part, inspired me to write this. I have so many friends who admire neo-cons b/c they're anti-trumpers, which is fine, but when I ask them why they take their political cues from people they rightly blame for the Iraq disaster (something those same friends used as justification for voting for Obama), I hear crickets. At the moment, I think The Poor People's Campaign is the most promising movement to challenge the war economy. I've been tweeting about The Poor People's Campaign a lot, giving money, and looking to get more involved in 2021.
I logged in, wrote a comment and it was blitzed!!!
this one made it!
Thanks, Michael. There is a funny story about his first trip with Bob Hope (before he met Linda) - when I took him to the plane.
Also a story about said trip to Beirut when they were staying on board ship - that caused many laughs with former NBC executives when I was doing career transition work with them. Actually bonded with someone who has become a dear friend because of that "Larry" story.
that's wonderful to hear! I can't wait to hear these stories!
This is such a poignant piece. And it brought back memories of my dad telling stories about the 'crazy shit' he did in the Navy during the Korean War. He joined as a musician so he wouldn't be drafted to serve on the front lines. He played piano and conducted the band. They toured and entertained, but he also had a job to do if 'shit hit the fan'. One story he told was about the day he and a band mate were smoking a joint below deck when he was supposed to be manning a cannon in case they came under fire. Well, they came under fire, and the guy manning the cannon was killed in the firefight. It always made me wonder about the idea of fate versus the randomness of life. You and I share the same mindset about war and peace. It has become the narration of our lives. But I would be perfectly happy with a new story. There's plenty of 'crazy shit' to keep us occupied, and we don't have to trade our souls for it.
Thank you! And thank you for sharing a little about your dad, too. I can see how that story would stay with him and you.
I thought it was weird to send a book on Polycystic Kidney Disease to Beirut, until I zoomed in. They were ahead of the curve!
Hi Michael, Thanks so much for writing this! I'm used to getting a sick conflicted feeling in the pit of my stomach when I hear people talk about doing things to help/support our troops without mentioning how wrong and senseless it is that they are in that position to begin with. And thanks for introducing me to Dr. Strangelove, and Amazing Grace and Chuck. Any new ideas on how we can work against the War Machine? Cleary what we've been doing hasn't helped.