Beyond Measure

Arlington National Cemetery ~ AFA

Further to His Letter

I know where I stand on these questions. But what say you, America?

~ Andrew Gutmann

One month ago I posted a piece about one brave father in New York City. His brilliant letter detailing his decision to pull his daughter out of her left-wing private school was gripping, and it went viral on social media.

Today Andrew Gutmann published his follow-up article in The Hill. Not surprisingly, it's another home run. This man is not only a highly intelligent critical thinker and exquisite writer; he is also one brave and fearless hero. To be willing to step forward and stand before the myriad forces of evil that are innundating our country, and to face the ensuing consequences and personal price, takes enormous courage. 

Gutmann is right to point out that it's not just school systems that are pushing division through critical race theory. I have family members who have been "strongly encouraged" to attend "white privilege" seminars at their place of business. In these classes they are taught how inherently racist they have always been, although they may not even be aware of it. In fact, they are told, this obliviousness confirms their racism.

This "re-education" of adults and indoctrination of children is beyond propaganda. It is what all Marxists do, tear down and destroy at another's expense in order to achieve their selfish ends. It is, quite simply, evil. Our nation will not long survive the determined efforts to divide Americans against each other. Unless, of course, we Americans begin to speak out and fight back as this one courageous father has done.

He ends his article with a challenge to his fellow countrymen. Where do we stand? Today the United States needs an army of Andrew Gutmanns. I know I'd like to enlist. But what say you, America?

Educated News

It's been a while since I recommended that you check in with Victor Davis Hanson on a regular basis. I think the present is a good time for a reminder.

VDH's website now contains an impressive array of audio, podcasts and interviews along with his incisive written works. Today's "Feet of Clay" article about Americans losing trust in our institutions is alarming in its truthfulness. If you want to be well informed about current events and hone your critical thinking skills in the process, check out the professor's online content. His podcast, The Classicist, is a healthy addiction for me. It's available at all the usual podcast sources as well as his website. I've linked to his Private Papers here, and you can also find this link in my homepage's sidebar. 

Over the years there have been edits to which websites I've linked to, but I'm proud that VDH has been included from the beginning. If you'd like to raise the quality of your news consumption up a notch--and these days, who doesn't?--give Dr. Hanson a try. He never makes an assertion that is not immediately backed up by hard facts and/or vivid examples. Fair warning: you'll find yourself being educated as much as informed.

Travel Notes

For anyone emerging from Covid exile who might be eager to travel again, be prepared to check your carry-on luggage. The planes are jam-packed, just as they were in olden days. The big difference now is that you're suffocating in a face mask for five or six hours. Also, don't forget to pack a lunch unless you can live all day on one tiny pack of minature toy pretzels.

A few days ago I completed my third cross-country trip during the Covid-19 pandemic. My first trip was almost exactly one year ago, in mid-May 2020. I flew from West to East coast for my mother's burial (the word "funeral" is completely inaccurate). Flight options were extremely limited in those early days of pandemic hysteria. Most planes were sparsely populated. I had to take what I could get, on an airline I had rarely used before, and stay buckled up for constant changes.

Among the dizzying array of travel changes pinging my text and email were departure times, arrival gates, terminals, and connecting flights and cities. Not even airline employees could explain what was going on. Had it not been for one blessed airport employee who whisked me (via speeding wheelchair) to my connection at a far-flung terminal, I would have missed my mother's burial. I still wonder if Mom sent him my way.

My second trip was at Christmas time, to visit grandchildren I hadn't seen in more than one year. Again, flights were few and changes were many. There were still not many people traveling at Christmas, and middle seats were blocked empty, but that is no longer the case. On this most recent trip I took a total of five flights, traveling to family visits in two states, and all the planes were fully loaded. I've noticed that a flight attendant's voice never sounds happier than when it is announcing, "We have a completely full flight today! Every seat will be occupied."

There is an upside. I have never seen planes so sparkling clean in my life. Before Covid, I used to get strange looks when I whipped out my wipes and started cleaning my tray table, armrests, light bulb button and seat belt buckle. Nowadays I'm more likely to be asked if I can spare one or two for my seatmates.

Cross-country travel has always been somewhat daunting to me, but in these days of Covid it's especially rugged. The surprises never seem to stop. When I returned home and dragged my bags to the ride share area, my phone app informed me that there were "few drivers" and I would need to wait one hour for a pickup. That's a new wrinkle. I hailed a taxi instead, gladly forking over a few extra bucks just to get home before midnight.

Despite such challenges, it's worth it to make the effort, take the trip, and tolerate the logistical turbulence. It's a small price to pay for reconnecting with family. As a new summer stretches out before us, I wish safe and happy travels to you and yours. Remember to pack some patience.