What the Hell???

Now look, those of you who “read” me, either my memoir of my time in Germany in the mid-1970’s (https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Out-of-Place/Mary-E-McKnight/9781647427269) or take the time to read my Substack, know that I have some strong feelings about, well, about a lot of things.

I recall asking Dad (former Army COL), “What makes a good leader?” His reply, “A good leader, first off knows who he is leading and what the mission is. Your job is not to control, but to inspire greatness in each of your charges.”

Well, people, I am one of the “charges” of The United States, and I believe we are headed down the path to isolation, misery, suffering and just plain stupidity.

Really? Really? Do the things you are reading as “edicts” from the higher ups not smack of, let’s just say it, Nazi Germany. Let me tell you, the German people are still trying to regain their culture after a lunatic reeled them in with talk of “economic greatness” and devolved into the mass control of a nation, and the genocide of an entire group of people.

Where is my voice? Well, right here! I am, an Army Brat, and I can tell you right now, that when we went to Germany as foreigners, my dad and mom made sure to remind us that we were to be “ambassadors of Democracy” and to always remember that we were visitors. We were to learn the culture and acclimate, celebrate and break bread, not break people.

Am I scared? You’re f’in right I’m scared, but that will not stop me from speaking up and out. You might not agree with me. Hey, read the history of how Nazi Germany happened and you decide then, if this is the direction you want our country to go in, because, it is. Don’t let that happen here.

Have we done everything “right” as a country? Hell, no!!!! We took over a country already happily inhabited by many nations of people, committed mass genocide, also, enslaved millions of other people, made women second class citizens and whole bunch of other messed up shit. That does not stop us as individuals from doing the right thing today. Ahhh, that old saying, those who do not learn history, are bound to repeat it.

Not here. Not where I stand. I speak for the trees, the people, the animals, the planet, because…we are all in this together. Mom said long ago, “The ills of this planet are caused by those who are still playing the game of ‘Who Can Pee the Farthest?’”

Be kind. Be caring. Be patient. Be a student of history. Learn. Evolve. Question.

Thank you for reading my piece today. Yours in Peace. Remember, being Peaceful, does not mean never getting angry. It does, however suggest that we not be doormats and lay ourselves down to be trodden on by others. Get up.