Eurydice touches on the ugly underbelly of rich America and Epstein certainly encapsulates best in the billionaire class..
What i oppose is Hedges constant insistence that society is somehow doomed or destined for unending decline. America has pulled itself out of much worse situations than we are in now. The civil war and depression come to mind. Arguably the late 60's would also fall into that category.
I think a more sober narrative with more practical actions from ordinary voters would to a better job of highlighting Hedges wonderful synthesis of scholarly religious and moral doctrine with his incredibly well informed understanding of global and American politics and the result of policy like war on individuals and societies other than our own.
But the hyperbole is wearing a little thin when i look at his writing more regularly than i did in reading his books or watching Youtube video of him.
The ugly sexual underbelly in America (and beyond) exists in all levels of society, not just the rich billionaire class. I recently spoke at length with a retired nurse that worked for four years in Albuquerque, NM, with victims of sexual predation. She described in detail some of the crimes and various array of sexual predators across the economic and social spectrum - it's worse than any of us would care to know. It made me sick to know what's out there.
I too have read and followed Chris Hedges for many years and understand your reaction to his tone and depth - it seems to be too much for some people. Yet, that is something I appreciate him for - he does not sugar coat or pull his punches.
If his brand of truth and delivery bothers you, I suggest not reading or following his work. He's not going to change his style or delivery. I would not read him if he did.
Hedges is a prophetic voice and as such, he doesn’t mince words or dull down his warnings. I love him for this and see it as increasingly necessary. While I wish he’d give a redemptive word now and again, it actually doesn’t seem to be his calling. He has impeccable integrity combined with intellectual acumen and an incredibly firm grasp on geo politics. He’s here to warn and advise. That’s enough for me.
I love it too. I believe his message is consistent (and necessarily repetitive) with how very, very asleep many Americans are about what lies ahead. I hope he keeps it up, quite honestly. He’ll likely be one of the voices of reason history shows we didn’t take seriously enough.
Going down in history as a voice of reason is a noble goal. But being able to influence action in leaders and voters is far more valuable. Right wing Pundits have been very good at moving rhetoric to action with their audience. Left wing Pundits not so much.
I hope Hedges message gets out to a broader audience and tailoring it to a wider spectrum of Americans is what that requires in my view.
KS - regarding your "wish that he'd give a redemptive word now and then . . ." One of the places that I have found numerous examples of this redemptive work is his work with the incarcerated and disposed / discarded inmates at the state prison Trenton, NJ, my hometown. I actually went to grade school, attended church and lived directly across the street from that prison (at the corner of Second and Federal Streets).
I believe it was his book with Joe Sacco titled "Days of Destruction, Days of Revolt" that these stories hit me like a bolt of lightning. His stories of working with these throw away people moved me to my core. Highly redemptive.
Read also the book "Caged" a collaboration of prisoners and former prisoners in the form of a play. Moved me to tears but more importantly led to a much greater understanding of these fellow human beings and their humanity from their too often ignored circumstances of life without hope or a meaningful future.
So, when I hear from commentors on various websites or from those I've tried to share his work with for years that Chris is not something that they'd prefer or can tolerate to acknowledge - I have read enough of him, listened to his in-person lectures and online work - the man is the REAL deal. He's had the courage to put himself in places that I freely admit I lack the balls to go near - he always has my support and admiration.
I truly couldn’t agree more. I’ve read his work and I’m aware he’s been in the trenches for decades doing what so very many others (Christians) wouldn’t be caught dead doing. Hedges is absolutely the real deal, yes. When I say I wish he’d give a redemptive word, I’m being specific to the potential impeding nuclear holocaust.
I have read many of Hedges books and have grown to really appreciate his deep commitment to critical thinking, morality and humanity coupled with a reporters collection of facts and details. The same is true of the many speeches and lectures i have seen him give on YouTube. I like his style in that format.
Substack is a very different format. It is smaller slices but administered far more frequently. There is a reason many film directors fail on TV and many TV directors fail in film. They are different formats.
No, i don't suspect he will change for me. But i do think that if enough of his paying readers feel the same as I do and let him know he is very likely to learn how to master this form of media as well as he has book writing and speech giving.
Admittedly sexual depravity is not a large part of my life or my set of interests but it's growth is surely a sign of depravity in a society and I am absolutely sure that it is going on at all income levels as exemplified by your conversations with the nurse in New Mexico.
I recently saw the Tony award nominated play Dana H. and it touched on low income low "social capital" people getting caught in this trap.. It is horrifying and tragic. I think the Lefts hatred of religion (though understandable when contrasted with Evangelical zelots) is in large part why the right is so able to muster a strong identity politics cleavage with voters. Good morals and ethics are of deep value in any leader, whether they are Deist like Washington and Lincoln or people of true faith like Eisenhower and MLK. People respect that in their leaders. Democrats have given up the ground of highly ethical leaders in exchange for a Machiavellian deal with the devil to turn their head the other way (like with Bill Clinton) in exchange for short term popularity wins.
Sorry Piketty, your economistic worldview has obviously blinded you to the meaning of this author's work.
It's not just about the decadence that flows from wealth - it's another example of the denial and war on nature and the elevation of culture over nature. The same cultural mentality that celebrates breast surgery and hormone therapy causes ecological catastrophe.
And Hedges has never been a mere technocrat whose role is to dictate "solutions" to our collective death spiral.
Your description of what was heard in the interview is far more accurate than mine...
One does not have to be a technocrat to link insight with action. Noam Chomsky talked about the deception of the media during the Vietnam war and used it to justify activism like organizing and protests. That is not being a technocrat that is just applying action to insights.
I for one would get more out of Hedges in this format if he could tone down the hyperbole and amp up the narrative around actions that he has seen from citizens that have positively impacted out comes.
Mr Hedges reports that NATO is sending 300,000 troops to Poland, that US military generals assure us that a nuclear war can be won and that US aircraft carriers are occupying the South China Seas, where is the hyperbole. Sounds like really well documented, sober reporting to me.
I pay for a NYT subscription so I can stay abreast of their take on current events but I most certainly do not always “take heed.” I guess I simply don’t think Hedges is hyperbole. Ever.
I listen to the Chomsky's, Hedges, Greenwalds over the NYT on a lot of issues. It is interesting to see the nuance and at times stark contrast in narrative between the two on foreign policy.
Mr Hedges reporting is excellent and has been for decades. The caption you state is not hyperbole.
His endless references to an empire destined for failure and decline are where his hyperbole takes away from his excellent reporting and his deep knowledge of Christian morality and its importance in our society.
I don't understand how you can agree with Chris' facts and yet find his conclusions exaggerated and not to be taken literally.
I think I understand the part about not wanting Chris to often harangue people with the desolation theme. I don't agree but I understand.
For me, people grab for the shield of Hope instead of turning to some kind of action or speaking with their friends. I want to take away the shield of isolation so people can see we are speeding toward disaster. How other do you see this withdrawal from the hope opiate occurring.
People give up when things are formed in a way that implies it is hopeless to get change.
People are more likely to step up to the challenge if they see a path to improvement.
In a format like this with weekly updates the relentless implications that "its too late" "Decline is inevitable" weaken the strong case he is making for people to take action. That is what Chomsky did
He alighed his findings with justification for ACTION, like protests and sit ins and letter writing and voting all of which can and do produce change in a democracy
Piketty, I understand and agree that Chris' hyperbole occurs when he says ‘it is too late.’ Even after the bombs are received, it is not a great time to say ‘it is too late.’
But I have trouble criticizing Chris for his lack of leadership when mine is so inert. You don't see me working tirelessly to inspire and organize people to action anymore, after five decades. Is my love affair with the narcissists over, or is it too late? I wish I knew. Our narcissist loved ones don’t even live in this world and the narcissist is not interested in change and the narcissist refuses extraction, or guidance or any other world than the one it makes for the day.
And okay, it’s still not too late. I am eager and willing to discuss leadership directions that pick up where Chris has lead us. Any ideas? Honestly, maybe there is a way to undo how we are pinned.
You don't see me working tirelessly to inspire and organize either, so i hear you. And that is exactly what Hedges is doing. That is why i point the small criticism at him, to try and help and improve his message as he migrates on to this new medium.
Organizing is the most effective tool in any democracy. People in the streets gets the attention of those in power, regardless of how authoritarian they are.
I am shocked at how mild womens protests are to the end of Row.... When George Floyd was murdered we saw real protests. That had meaning and to this day there has been meaningful, though much of it for show, action in many forms.
So yes, i think Hedges should include something on the need for organizing and protest in almost everything he writes. He is great, lets turn his words into actions
Hi Chris, I really generally love your work. I love your take on politics, Christian fascism, imperialism etc. Given your views on "Christian" Dominionism, I'm surprised how conservative you are on anything that has the slightest hint of sexuality. I'm unsure I understand why you dwell on crossdressers? Who gives a toss if someone crossdresses? lol Can we move away from this binary obsession please? It's the 21st C. Forgive me but the sex negative stuff is kind of similar to the "Christian" Dominionists. Given the rise of Christian fascists, you would think you might avoid possibly adding to the problems. In my observation of your takes on sex workers, trans people etc it's been been questionable at best. You display a kind of puritan bent whenever you speak about anything that has the slightest hint of sexuality (leaving out of course paedophilia since it has nothing to do with BDSM, crossdressers, trans people etc).
About 3 years ago, I was glad you corrected the awful TERF interview on On Contact with Chris Hedges with Pauline Park's interview (a trans woman). But I find the kind of ignorance and lack of research about anything of a sexual and gender diversity kind of unfortunate.
I first got the Email 5 hrs ago and I haven't yet listened to it. Talk about an invitation to a 74 year old man labeled autistic who speaks in metaphors because nobody speaks my language. I speak the same language I spoke when I was twelve. I couldn't learn anything in school.
I studied the evolution of the English language from Chaucer to Newspeak. Eurydice is a metaphor and I am Alice on the wrong side of the looking glass. Words only mean what you want them to mean.
I am learning how to write I started about 20 years ago comment writing to the NYT i was limited in characters and I don't do time. I get started at the end of War and Peace. I type on a kindergarten keyboard with one finger and I really don't know how to sign my name but I am a wiz at logic and I learn through interconnections. Eugenia Cheng is one of my favorite philosophers. She taught me Glenn Gould was the most influential Canadian of the 20 th century. He didn't play piano he let the piano play him. I can't remember a single digit yet I am recognized as master bridge player in two North American Bridge Federations. I am by birth an abstract mathematician and I know history because I am a Darwinian in understanding the universe. There is no such thing as justice there is only balance in Darwin's universe.
I love Chris Hedges . I trust Chris Hedges to tell me his truths. I am not Harvard I am from a family from near Krakow Poland who followed the Gaon of Vilna.
Cotton Mather founded Harvard he was the theologian, scientist, philosopher, wisest of the wise. His expertise was getting witches like myself to confess our greatest sins. Harvard hasn't changed since Cotton was king in America and in Cambridge.
Who was the Gaon of Vilna? Dr Samuel Johnson in his 1755 Dictionary of the English Language calls the Gaon the wisest of the wise. The Gaon was an abstract mathematician and a Deist and Vilnius was Mecca to Europe's and the World's Luminati.
The war in Ukraine began when the Empires of southern Europe let the Czar destroy the enlightenment emanating from Vilnius. The war began in 1795 when the barbarians from Moscow tore down Vilnius walls so their rule could continue and Britain and the other Empire stood by and applauded.
This time if democracy loses and Empire remains maybe extinction is justice.
Euridice is a metaphor as is Pandora's jar. I still keep my jar tightly sealed. I live in Quebec we are a successful democracy. Maybe it is because they banned Newspeak with Bill101.
In Quebec the only thing we keep in the closet is religion. The Washington Post may not believe it Democracy dies in Darkness.
I know Chris loves John Ralston Saul and wrote the 20th anniversary forward to Voltaire's Bastards (The Dictatorship of Reason in the West) The book is dedicated to the banality of evil. I have seen the banality for 74 years. We are uniquely banal. Darwin told us of our banality's uniqueness. Logic and reason are not the same. Logic tells us about the collateral reactions reason is a way to justify banality.
I often think Reagan delivered on his promises there is no United States of America.. As John Ralston Saul said 30 years ago cynicism is democracies greatest threat. Reagan delivered in Spades.
There is nothing left to trust. All we have left in Pandora's jar is hope and I prefer Dr West's hope to an empty jar.
Interesting but I can’t say I agree with all of the authors conclusions. The natural appearance of a person is to me only a fraction of what they naturally are. I know people that are genetically one way but in many others areas of their appearance they are the opposite. I am talking about a person who has done nothing to create this appearance. I think making a blanket statement that doesn’t consider how these individuals feel on the inside is overlooking them and the struggles they face as they strive to become outwardly what they know they already are inwardly. As far as the obscenely wealthy and their perverseness is spot on but I feel these people are constantly trying to fill a void that they haven’t realized their money can’t. To do this they have to lie to themselves and others and constantly one up each other. As far as cutting I only know one person who did this and it was a trauma response to the fact that they had been assaulted and hid it for months until everything came crashing down. Their family got them the help they needed and they have overcome this issue. I believe that it’s an external call for help especially when it’s a teenager. It’s as if they are trying to show a physical representation of the pain they feel on the inside and it also distracts from that pain. I did enjoy hearing this woman’s views and appreciate you doing this interview.
Eurydice touches on the ugly underbelly of rich America and Epstein certainly encapsulates best in the billionaire class..
What i oppose is Hedges constant insistence that society is somehow doomed or destined for unending decline. America has pulled itself out of much worse situations than we are in now. The civil war and depression come to mind. Arguably the late 60's would also fall into that category.
I think a more sober narrative with more practical actions from ordinary voters would to a better job of highlighting Hedges wonderful synthesis of scholarly religious and moral doctrine with his incredibly well informed understanding of global and American politics and the result of policy like war on individuals and societies other than our own.
But the hyperbole is wearing a little thin when i look at his writing more regularly than i did in reading his books or watching Youtube video of him.
The ugly sexual underbelly in America (and beyond) exists in all levels of society, not just the rich billionaire class. I recently spoke at length with a retired nurse that worked for four years in Albuquerque, NM, with victims of sexual predation. She described in detail some of the crimes and various array of sexual predators across the economic and social spectrum - it's worse than any of us would care to know. It made me sick to know what's out there.
I too have read and followed Chris Hedges for many years and understand your reaction to his tone and depth - it seems to be too much for some people. Yet, that is something I appreciate him for - he does not sugar coat or pull his punches.
If his brand of truth and delivery bothers you, I suggest not reading or following his work. He's not going to change his style or delivery. I would not read him if he did.
Hedges is a prophetic voice and as such, he doesn’t mince words or dull down his warnings. I love him for this and see it as increasingly necessary. While I wish he’d give a redemptive word now and again, it actually doesn’t seem to be his calling. He has impeccable integrity combined with intellectual acumen and an incredibly firm grasp on geo politics. He’s here to warn and advise. That’s enough for me.
KS
Don't disagree with much that you have said. That is why i have read several of his books and seen him lecture several time.
This format is very different. His message can get lost and his hyperbole gets repetitive.
Just my views. Still love his work
I love it too. I believe his message is consistent (and necessarily repetitive) with how very, very asleep many Americans are about what lies ahead. I hope he keeps it up, quite honestly. He’ll likely be one of the voices of reason history shows we didn’t take seriously enough.
KS
Going down in history as a voice of reason is a noble goal. But being able to influence action in leaders and voters is far more valuable. Right wing Pundits have been very good at moving rhetoric to action with their audience. Left wing Pundits not so much.
I hope Hedges message gets out to a broader audience and tailoring it to a wider spectrum of Americans is what that requires in my view.
KS - regarding your "wish that he'd give a redemptive word now and then . . ." One of the places that I have found numerous examples of this redemptive work is his work with the incarcerated and disposed / discarded inmates at the state prison Trenton, NJ, my hometown. I actually went to grade school, attended church and lived directly across the street from that prison (at the corner of Second and Federal Streets).
I believe it was his book with Joe Sacco titled "Days of Destruction, Days of Revolt" that these stories hit me like a bolt of lightning. His stories of working with these throw away people moved me to my core. Highly redemptive.
Read also the book "Caged" a collaboration of prisoners and former prisoners in the form of a play. Moved me to tears but more importantly led to a much greater understanding of these fellow human beings and their humanity from their too often ignored circumstances of life without hope or a meaningful future.
So, when I hear from commentors on various websites or from those I've tried to share his work with for years that Chris is not something that they'd prefer or can tolerate to acknowledge - I have read enough of him, listened to his in-person lectures and online work - the man is the REAL deal. He's had the courage to put himself in places that I freely admit I lack the balls to go near - he always has my support and admiration.
I truly couldn’t agree more. I’ve read his work and I’m aware he’s been in the trenches for decades doing what so very many others (Christians) wouldn’t be caught dead doing. Hedges is absolutely the real deal, yes. When I say I wish he’d give a redemptive word, I’m being specific to the potential impeding nuclear holocaust.
JR
I have read many of Hedges books and have grown to really appreciate his deep commitment to critical thinking, morality and humanity coupled with a reporters collection of facts and details. The same is true of the many speeches and lectures i have seen him give on YouTube. I like his style in that format.
Substack is a very different format. It is smaller slices but administered far more frequently. There is a reason many film directors fail on TV and many TV directors fail in film. They are different formats.
No, i don't suspect he will change for me. But i do think that if enough of his paying readers feel the same as I do and let him know he is very likely to learn how to master this form of media as well as he has book writing and speech giving.
Admittedly sexual depravity is not a large part of my life or my set of interests but it's growth is surely a sign of depravity in a society and I am absolutely sure that it is going on at all income levels as exemplified by your conversations with the nurse in New Mexico.
I recently saw the Tony award nominated play Dana H. and it touched on low income low "social capital" people getting caught in this trap.. It is horrifying and tragic. I think the Lefts hatred of religion (though understandable when contrasted with Evangelical zelots) is in large part why the right is so able to muster a strong identity politics cleavage with voters. Good morals and ethics are of deep value in any leader, whether they are Deist like Washington and Lincoln or people of true faith like Eisenhower and MLK. People respect that in their leaders. Democrats have given up the ground of highly ethical leaders in exchange for a Machiavellian deal with the devil to turn their head the other way (like with Bill Clinton) in exchange for short term popularity wins.
Sorry Piketty, your economistic worldview has obviously blinded you to the meaning of this author's work.
It's not just about the decadence that flows from wealth - it's another example of the denial and war on nature and the elevation of culture over nature. The same cultural mentality that celebrates breast surgery and hormone therapy causes ecological catastrophe.
And Hedges has never been a mere technocrat whose role is to dictate "solutions" to our collective death spiral.
BW
Your description of what was heard in the interview is far more accurate than mine...
One does not have to be a technocrat to link insight with action. Noam Chomsky talked about the deception of the media during the Vietnam war and used it to justify activism like organizing and protests. That is not being a technocrat that is just applying action to insights.
I for one would get more out of Hedges in this format if he could tone down the hyperbole and amp up the narrative around actions that he has seen from citizens that have positively impacted out comes.
Mr Hedges reports that NATO is sending 300,000 troops to Poland, that US military generals assure us that a nuclear war can be won and that US aircraft carriers are occupying the South China Seas, where is the hyperbole. Sounds like really well documented, sober reporting to me.
So well said. Hedges is neither hyperbolic or hysterical. He’s astute, of sound mind, and thoroughly credible. We should all be taking heed.
KS
People that have paid to subscribe to Hedges are, by definition, "taking heed"
Hyperbole is most effective when used sparingly. That is why it works in his books and lectures. You don't consume them several times a week.
I would argue very much that he uses excessive hyperbole for a column that is published weekly. I will dig up some examples at another time.
The message, which is true, is getting lost
I pay for a NYT subscription so I can stay abreast of their take on current events but I most certainly do not always “take heed.” I guess I simply don’t think Hedges is hyperbole. Ever.
KS
I listen to the Chomsky's, Hedges, Greenwalds over the NYT on a lot of issues. It is interesting to see the nuance and at times stark contrast in narrative between the two on foreign policy.
MD
Mr Hedges reporting is excellent and has been for decades. The caption you state is not hyperbole.
His endless references to an empire destined for failure and decline are where his hyperbole takes away from his excellent reporting and his deep knowledge of Christian morality and its importance in our society.
I don't understand how you can agree with Chris' facts and yet find his conclusions exaggerated and not to be taken literally.
I think I understand the part about not wanting Chris to often harangue people with the desolation theme. I don't agree but I understand.
For me, people grab for the shield of Hope instead of turning to some kind of action or speaking with their friends. I want to take away the shield of isolation so people can see we are speeding toward disaster. How other do you see this withdrawal from the hope opiate occurring.
MD
People give up when things are formed in a way that implies it is hopeless to get change.
People are more likely to step up to the challenge if they see a path to improvement.
In a format like this with weekly updates the relentless implications that "its too late" "Decline is inevitable" weaken the strong case he is making for people to take action. That is what Chomsky did
He alighed his findings with justification for ACTION, like protests and sit ins and letter writing and voting all of which can and do produce change in a democracy
Piketty, I understand and agree that Chris' hyperbole occurs when he says ‘it is too late.’ Even after the bombs are received, it is not a great time to say ‘it is too late.’
But I have trouble criticizing Chris for his lack of leadership when mine is so inert. You don't see me working tirelessly to inspire and organize people to action anymore, after five decades. Is my love affair with the narcissists over, or is it too late? I wish I knew. Our narcissist loved ones don’t even live in this world and the narcissist is not interested in change and the narcissist refuses extraction, or guidance or any other world than the one it makes for the day.
And okay, it’s still not too late. I am eager and willing to discuss leadership directions that pick up where Chris has lead us. Any ideas? Honestly, maybe there is a way to undo how we are pinned.
MD
You don't see me working tirelessly to inspire and organize either, so i hear you. And that is exactly what Hedges is doing. That is why i point the small criticism at him, to try and help and improve his message as he migrates on to this new medium.
Organizing is the most effective tool in any democracy. People in the streets gets the attention of those in power, regardless of how authoritarian they are.
I am shocked at how mild womens protests are to the end of Row.... When George Floyd was murdered we saw real protests. That had meaning and to this day there has been meaningful, though much of it for show, action in many forms.
So yes, i think Hedges should include something on the need for organizing and protest in almost everything he writes. He is great, lets turn his words into actions
Hi Chris, I really generally love your work. I love your take on politics, Christian fascism, imperialism etc. Given your views on "Christian" Dominionism, I'm surprised how conservative you are on anything that has the slightest hint of sexuality. I'm unsure I understand why you dwell on crossdressers? Who gives a toss if someone crossdresses? lol Can we move away from this binary obsession please? It's the 21st C. Forgive me but the sex negative stuff is kind of similar to the "Christian" Dominionists. Given the rise of Christian fascists, you would think you might avoid possibly adding to the problems. In my observation of your takes on sex workers, trans people etc it's been been questionable at best. You display a kind of puritan bent whenever you speak about anything that has the slightest hint of sexuality (leaving out of course paedophilia since it has nothing to do with BDSM, crossdressers, trans people etc).
About 3 years ago, I was glad you corrected the awful TERF interview on On Contact with Chris Hedges with Pauline Park's interview (a trans woman). But I find the kind of ignorance and lack of research about anything of a sexual and gender diversity kind of unfortunate.
I first got the Email 5 hrs ago and I haven't yet listened to it. Talk about an invitation to a 74 year old man labeled autistic who speaks in metaphors because nobody speaks my language. I speak the same language I spoke when I was twelve. I couldn't learn anything in school.
I studied the evolution of the English language from Chaucer to Newspeak. Eurydice is a metaphor and I am Alice on the wrong side of the looking glass. Words only mean what you want them to mean.
I am learning how to write I started about 20 years ago comment writing to the NYT i was limited in characters and I don't do time. I get started at the end of War and Peace. I type on a kindergarten keyboard with one finger and I really don't know how to sign my name but I am a wiz at logic and I learn through interconnections. Eugenia Cheng is one of my favorite philosophers. She taught me Glenn Gould was the most influential Canadian of the 20 th century. He didn't play piano he let the piano play him. I can't remember a single digit yet I am recognized as master bridge player in two North American Bridge Federations. I am by birth an abstract mathematician and I know history because I am a Darwinian in understanding the universe. There is no such thing as justice there is only balance in Darwin's universe.
I love Chris Hedges . I trust Chris Hedges to tell me his truths. I am not Harvard I am from a family from near Krakow Poland who followed the Gaon of Vilna.
Cotton Mather founded Harvard he was the theologian, scientist, philosopher, wisest of the wise. His expertise was getting witches like myself to confess our greatest sins. Harvard hasn't changed since Cotton was king in America and in Cambridge.
Who was the Gaon of Vilna? Dr Samuel Johnson in his 1755 Dictionary of the English Language calls the Gaon the wisest of the wise. The Gaon was an abstract mathematician and a Deist and Vilnius was Mecca to Europe's and the World's Luminati.
The war in Ukraine began when the Empires of southern Europe let the Czar destroy the enlightenment emanating from Vilnius. The war began in 1795 when the barbarians from Moscow tore down Vilnius walls so their rule could continue and Britain and the other Empire stood by and applauded.
This time if democracy loses and Empire remains maybe extinction is justice.
Euridice is a metaphor as is Pandora's jar. I still keep my jar tightly sealed. I live in Quebec we are a successful democracy. Maybe it is because they banned Newspeak with Bill101.
In Quebec the only thing we keep in the closet is religion. The Washington Post may not believe it Democracy dies in Darkness.
I know Chris loves John Ralston Saul and wrote the 20th anniversary forward to Voltaire's Bastards (The Dictatorship of Reason in the West) The book is dedicated to the banality of evil. I have seen the banality for 74 years. We are uniquely banal. Darwin told us of our banality's uniqueness. Logic and reason are not the same. Logic tells us about the collateral reactions reason is a way to justify banality.
I often think Reagan delivered on his promises there is no United States of America.. As John Ralston Saul said 30 years ago cynicism is democracies greatest threat. Reagan delivered in Spades.
There is nothing left to trust. All we have left in Pandora's jar is hope and I prefer Dr West's hope to an empty jar.
As a fan of Chris hedges this interview is as grossly regressive
This discussion was well worth my time and took me to places and learning I could not have imagined.
Interesting but I can’t say I agree with all of the authors conclusions. The natural appearance of a person is to me only a fraction of what they naturally are. I know people that are genetically one way but in many others areas of their appearance they are the opposite. I am talking about a person who has done nothing to create this appearance. I think making a blanket statement that doesn’t consider how these individuals feel on the inside is overlooking them and the struggles they face as they strive to become outwardly what they know they already are inwardly. As far as the obscenely wealthy and their perverseness is spot on but I feel these people are constantly trying to fill a void that they haven’t realized their money can’t. To do this they have to lie to themselves and others and constantly one up each other. As far as cutting I only know one person who did this and it was a trauma response to the fact that they had been assaulted and hid it for months until everything came crashing down. Their family got them the help they needed and they have overcome this issue. I believe that it’s an external call for help especially when it’s a teenager. It’s as if they are trying to show a physical representation of the pain they feel on the inside and it also distracts from that pain. I did enjoy hearing this woman’s views and appreciate you doing this interview.
I know the US is failing. But this interview does nothing but make me more depressed.
Reality can be depressing, but facing it with fortitude and prayer should spur us to action.