Category Archives: Hope

Aftermath, Antiwar activism, Climate, Commerce, Corona Virus/Pandemic, Cross-Generational Issues, Current Affairs, Future, Good News, Health care, History, Hope, Military Matters, New Cold Wars, Nukes, Other War Notes, Putin, September 11, Signs of the Times, Southeast Asia, Vietnam, War & Peace, Women & Girls

A Long Read to Ponder: Biden in Vietnam & at the UN: Who Could Have Imagined?

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An image from Vietnamese TV news, during Biden’s visit.

NOTE: Friends, this material just blows my mind.

Yes, that’s an outdated 1960s expression, but it fits here: this material is about the Vietnam War. And for me (plus, I figure, most of the remaining survivors of that era of national agony), having our minds blown was a thing.

Maybe initially it was fun, or mind-expanding. But for me, and for many, it happened too often back then, and it didn’t always mean by taking drugs. I didn’t do much of that, but had mind-blown fatigue anyway. Continue reading A Long Read to Ponder: Biden in Vietnam & at the UN: Who Could Have Imagined? →

"Dog Days" Diversions, Arts: Preaching, Arts: Punditry, Arts: Satire, Arts: Storytelling, Climate, Cross-Generational Issues, Current Affairs, Future, Hope, Humor, Kids, Life Is Good, Signs of the Times, Social Justice, Wisdom, Women & Girls

Garrison Keillor: Out with the old, in with the young

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Out with the old, in with the young

The Column: 08.25.23

I am delighted by the court ruling in Montana that the state, by encouraging the use of fossil fuels, violated the constitutional right of young people to “a clean and healthful environment,” something no court has ever proclaimed before.

“Clean and healthful environment” is in the Montana state constitution. The legislature had forbidden state agencies to consider climate change when considering fossil fuel projects, and this decision would change that, but the state will appeal and likely the decision will be tossed away like used tissue, but still it’s an interesting idea: that we have legal obligations to our kids beyond feeding and clothing them and not putting them to work in shoe factories before they’re 12.

Continue reading Garrison Keillor: Out with the old, in with the young →

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Quaker Book Giveaway: Turning the Page on Florida Censorship

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Florida Quakers give away hundreds of Black-history books

By

Special to the Beacon

BOOK GIVEAWAY A SUCCESS — Members of the DeLand Quakers stand in front of a portion of the books on Black history collected to be distributed at the recent rescheduled Juneteenth celebration. In front, from left, are Kathy Hersh, Heba Ismael, Carol Reed and Bill Brennan. In the back row, same order, are Jim Cain, Beverly Ward, John Heimburg and Bill Kwalwasser. PHOTO COURTESY KATHY HERSH

Continue reading Quaker Book Giveaway: Turning the Page on Florida Censorship →

“New Normal”, Black & White & Other Colors, Coping, Cross-Generational Issues, Death & Dying, Disasters, Health care, Hope, Remember

U. S. Suicides Hit All-Time High in 2022

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MIKE STOBBE — Associated Press  August 10, 2023

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or text the Crisis Text Line at 741-741. It is a free 24/7 service that can provide suicidal persons or those around them with support, information and local resources.

NEW YORK (AP) — About 49,500 people took their own lives last year in the U.S., the highest number ever, according to new government data posted Thursday.

Continue reading U. S. Suicides Hit All-Time High in 2022 →

Abortion, Hope, Religious Issues & Conflicts, Resistance, Supreme & Other Courts, The Law — Inside & Outside it, The Spirit, Women & Girls

A Conservative’s Startling Wisdom on Abortion Post-Roe

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[NOTE: David French is a conservative; I would differ with him on many issues, including Roe. But what he writes here about who is the most “pro-life” president (prepare for a surprise) and the crucial place of hope regarding abortion (and life generally!) is dead-on and relevant every day.]

The Importance of Hope in the Pro-Life Movement

New York Times —June 22, 2023

David French

Hope, not power, is the key for the pro-life movement

This newsletter is ultimately about hope. But I want to start with something else, a question that’s deeply relevant to the Republican Party and its 2024 presidential primary. The perceived answer to this question will likely swing the evangelical vote and decide the nomination. Continue reading A Conservative’s Startling Wisdom on Abortion Post-Roe →