General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region Forums"War is a Failure"
I'd like to share an interview that my daughter Chloe did for The Weave, a St. Lawrence University journal that she contributes to. I'm posting a link to it for three reasons: first, it is a good example of the necessary connection between the older and younger generations; second, she conducted the interview while attending a Hiroshima Memorial event (where an unhappy passer-by called the local fire department to lodge a complaint, despite the group's having a valid permit); and third, because I am extremely proud of my daughter.
Since she was wee-little, I recognized that she was what is known in Ireland as a Changeling. While she was enrolled in grade school, I remember our discussions as we sat out on the lawn. Her mother made her and her sister attend the local church, and Chloe didn't want to hurt her mother's feelings, but felt the adults there didn't grasp what the prophet Jesus attempted to teach. At nine, she stood up during the sermon, and said, Now, if we really believe Jesus, we need to make things like food and clothing free for poor people. (It was one of the rare times I attended, and I remember the Elders telling me I had a special daughter after mass.)
In middle school, we attended an Impeach Bush & Cheney teach-in at Binghamton University featuring Elizabeth de la Vega and John Nichols. Here, too, Chloe got up to speak, and Elizabeth told the audience they had just heard from their future Senator. Both she and John gave Chloe autographed copies of their books.
Chloe continued as a scholar/athlete in high school, and was her class's valedictorian, then went on to St. Lawrence. All through the years, she continued to be a dedicated social-political activist. Though she now lives outside Boston, this past summer she helped plan a fund- and awareness-raiser for the people of Standing Rock here in upstate New York. I was among the speakers, and was mighty proud when Chloe performed Imagine on acoustic guitar.
One of her political science professors told me that she was surprised that Chloe had the most experience with activism of any student she has taught, because Chloe is so soft-spoken and gentle. I said those qualities are among her greatest strengths. I think that comes through in this interview with a Vietnam veteran, who became a peace activist.
I hope people enjoy it.
H2O Man
http://www.weavenews.org/stories/2017/8/6/war-is-a-failure-a-conversation-with-john-casserly
Sensitive soul
(71 posts)She's a great writer. You have very good reason to be extra proud.
H2O Man
(73,506 posts)A chip off the old chunk, she is.
She does not disappoint. I remember when she would sit on your knee and give comments when the two of you read DU together.
A lot of the more intelligent comments I made back then were straight out of her mouth!
malaise
(268,698 posts)The apple hasn't fallen far from the tree for Chloe
She is proof that there are dedicated, capable young adults who are active in politics. Her social circle is, too. They give me hope for the future.
She made me smile - hope.
kairos12
(12,842 posts)H2O Man
(73,506 posts)She gives me hope. And confidence in the future.
FairWinds
(1,717 posts)I'm reading it here in Chicago where I'm attending the
Veterans For Peace annual conference.
Many of us here had to learn the (very) hard way that war
is not the answer - so glad your kid did not have to go
through that and figured it out for herself.
Perhaps Ms. Chloe could attend one of these years. I'd be
glad to line her up as a speaker (serious offer)
La Lucha Sigue!!
H2O Man
(73,506 posts)I appreciate that. And I'm sure she will appreciate the offer. I imagine that she'll be honored to take you up on it, too.
Stuart G
(38,414 posts)You can be proud.......Terrific..
H2O Man
(73,506 posts)There needs to be more communication between the generations like this. I love when young folks "get" what the Elders are saying.
madokie
(51,076 posts)for many years now, War is an admission of failure
I thought of some DUers who would be pleased that some young folks are listening closely to that message, and asking questions that indicate they were listening closely.
madokie
(51,076 posts)Peace
Have a wonderful weekend.
Heading out to go get our grand daughter here in a bit for a 3 day visit. Good times at the madokie home this weekend
ismnotwasm
(41,965 posts)Many of our veterans are wise when it comes to war and peace, and you daughter did him honor in this interview.
H2O Man
(73,506 posts)We have real leaders in our communities across the country that has been too long overlooked by society. They understand the horrors of war. They know what the failure of "leaders" who start wars does to human beings.
countryjake
(8,554 posts)those are traits I wish that more people could find within themselves. Particularly those who never learned to listen, hear, or care to understand what others have to say.
That is a fantastic interview...intense, the thoughts expressed by John Casserly. His responses ring familiar to those I heard back in the day, from guys that were in the VVAW who I worked and struggled, together with, for many years. It's so refreshing to be reminded of those feelings during these times. And so important.
You have every reason to be incredibly proud, H2O Man...Chloe is a treasure! Please pass on my praise to your daughter for her excellent work.
H2O Man
(73,506 posts)I've never met John, but he reminds me of so many other guys I've known who had similar experiences in their youth. And it is so important that the younger generations hear from them.
The WW2 veterans are becoming few and far between. Thus, our society is losing the influence of those who experienced the horrors of the atomic bombs, what their use actually means. That wisdom is needed when we have an idiot in the White House who questions why we have such weapons, when we don't use them. And who mistakes the threat to use them for leadership.
sinkingfeeling
(51,438 posts)H2O Man
(73,506 posts)I sent Chloe the link to the OP/thread, and the responses made her happy!
coeur_de_lion
(3,676 posts)I can truly appreciate Chloe's article and the sentiments expressed in it. John Casserly reminds me of my father, the way he talks.
The article was very well written and thoughtful. Of course I would expect nothing less from the daughter of DU's resident sage, but she makes me feel optimistic for the future of political activism.
You have every reason to be proud. My favorite quote from the article:
". . . if we really think about the Middle East and how we can contribute to peace-building there, it would be necessary to consider what issues we have caused in the first place."
Wise girl, your Chloe. Well done Papa.
H2O Man
(73,506 posts)I think Chloe is proof of Tadodaho Leon Shenandoah's saying that gentleness is the greatest human strength. Of course, I may not be 100% objective. But I am 100% proud!
coeur_de_lion
(3,676 posts)She's pretty amazing.
annabanana
(52,791 posts)Best and brightest.