A summary of the July posts from the MORE TO COME newsletter.
In July we celebrated Independence Day at a time when the hard work for justice and democracy continues. As it always does. Many of this month’s posts in MORE TO COME—from history to present events—touched on the fragile state of that democracy.
I also sent out a post before leaving on travel entitled Committed to transformation, where I shared photos from a recent walk around town. The title came from a Pico Iyer quote: “A person susceptible to wanderlust is not so much addicted to movement as committed to transformation.” In the post I encourage readers to walk into a state of well-being. Walk into your best thoughts. Walk to be transformed.
I hope you will walk into something of interest in July’s offerings.
TOP READER FAVORITES
Two posts were far-and-away this month’s reader favorites: one because it struck a chord with those who visit regularly and the other because some search engine found it to be intriguing.
- In our ongoing decluttering project, I came across two scrapbooks that brought back a flood of memories. Our memories are not infallible and I came face-to-face with that fact as you’ll find in Memory is a poet . . . the scrapbook edition. As a bonus you’ll see an award-winning baby picture!
- Memories and myths are often close kin. There is no “Dr. No” picked up on the title of the first chapter of a book about the myths and facts surrounding high stakes art theft.
THE TIMES WE LIVE IN
I continue to call upon the work of historians, philosophers, and the occasional public servant (in the truest sense of that phrase) to help in sorting through our tumultuous times.
- After the Supreme Court issued their presidential immunity ruling, historians with far more impressive credentials than mine made the point that the court “has just cemented its place in history as the most radical Supreme Court ever.” With fear for our democracy discusses why.
- My father was a voracious and hopeful reader who maintained a wide circle of friends. On what would have been his 99th birthday, I was reminded—in this time of concern and chaos—to “stop, pause and be intentional about how we frame our thoughts, opinions and actions, and to select carefully the media we read or consume.” The creative tension between what is and what could and should be draws on his example.
- Congressman Jamie Raskin’s searing memoir covering the first forty-five days of 2021 reminds us, in the very first pages, that when it came to the insurrection of January 6th, we kept Looking away from a very old threat, one Alexander Hamilton warned us of in Federalist No. 1.
- We are no wiser than Europeans of the 20th century, “yet we can learn from their experience” suggests historian of the Holocaust Timothy Snyder I revisit his vital book on tyranny in History does not repeat but it does instruct.
- Which side are you on? is an ongoing look at the media’s inconsistent narrative selection and framing that is killing our democracy.
OTHER OBSERVATIONS
Music, art, books, and life were all co-mingled on MORE TO COME this month.
- We joined an enthusiastic and packed house at Washington’s Arena Stage earlier this month to immerse ourselves in the “divine and daring” dancers of Step Afrika! A spirited migration is my observations on their performance of The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence.
- Disguising our addictions looks at the proposition that we’re all addicts in one sense or another. It seems an appropriate observation after another act of political violence in America.
- Remembering the Philadelphia Eleven is the story of the first Episcopal women priests. Remembrance of their actions, which challenged the very core of patriarchal culture, has been under the radar for decades.
- Erik Larson’s look at the chaotic months between Lincoln’s election and Fort Sumter is reviewed in Hubris, heartbreak, heroism. By immersing ourselves in that era, perhaps we can learn how best to turn away from the discord in today’s world.
- Truth can be elusive is my take on the first in mystery writer Donna Leon’s Commissario Guido Brunetti mystery series.
- And there is the always popular From the bookshelf: June 2024
FEATURED COMMENTS
This is the segment where readers speak up.
Memory is a poet . . . the scrapbook edition brought out reader feedback. Two examples: the first from a writer/friend in France, and the second from a former colleague and long-time friend in the Midwest. Both are regular MTC readers, so I was pleased to see their reactions.
- “I love this piece for so many reasons, David. But the one bit I will keep forever (and probably use, somehow in my future life and writing) is ‘Memory is a poet, not a historian.’ Thanks to you for sharing it, and thanks to Marie Howe for thinking it.“
- “I needed to let you know your July 1 post, “Memory is a poet…..”, touched me. It touched me so much that I copied the last line and posted it in my new office. The photos show the quote as posted on my white board . . . I read the post at an interesting time. My daughter’s father-in-law died suddenly a couple of weeks ago. It brought memories (as well as many other thoughts) to the forefront of my mind.”
CONCLUSION
Thanks, as always, for reading. Your support and feedback mean more than I can ever express.
As you travel life’s highways be open to love, thirst for wonder, undertake some mindful, transformative walking every day, recognize the incredible privilege that most of us have, and think about how to put that privilege to use for good. Women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants, and others can feel especially vulnerable . . . because they are. Work hard for justice and democracy as the fight never ends.
When times get rough, let your memories wander back to some wonderful place with remembrances of family and friends. But don’t be too hard on yourself if a few of the facts slip. Just get the poetry right.
Remember that “we are here to keep watch, not to keep.” Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it. And bash into some joy along the way.
Finally, try to be nice. Always be kind.
More to come . . .
DJB
For the June 2024 summary, click here.
You can follow MORE TO COME by going to the small “Follow” box that is on the right-hand column of the site (on the desktop version) or at the bottom right on your mobile device. It is great to hear from readers, and if you like them feel free to share these posts on your own social media platforms.
Photo of July 4th fireworks from the Carol M. Highsmith Collection, Library of Congress.
MORE TO COME... 
Pingback: Observations from . . . August 2024 | MORE TO COME...