What Are You Reading Now?

[happyone]

In connection with an excellent class I've been taking on foreign policy, I've just finished The New Militarism--How Americans Are Seduced by War, by Andrew Bacevich, a West Point grad and Vietnam vet. This wasn't one of his major points by any means, but I was struck by the following which confirms my long-held suspicions:



Nonetheless, to Bo, happyone and others, thanks.

Thank you, it was my honor. Sometimes I'll wear a 101st ABN DIV (the Division I was assigned to) baseball cap and that is what I tell people when they thank me for my service. I really mean that - It was AND is an honor

Still, that sentiment beats the hell out of what my Dad and others of the Viet Nam generation went through when they came home - Dad came home in '67 so the height of the Anti War movement was still 2-3 yrs in the future!

One story about my father's homecoming. The week after he got home we were staying with his parents in what is now Sandy. His BYU student, recently returned missionary brother was having a conversation with Dad and the other 5 brothers. I was listening, fascinated to hear the Grown-up talk. The topic of Viet Nam came up, and the brother basically told dad he was an idiot for going, that if he got drafted he was going to Canada and what's more - he expected all of their support when he did so. So, basically he spit in Dad's face. Dad exploded - the other five brothers had to hold him back - I think Dad would have beat the living s**t of him if they hadn't. I have never before or since seen my father so angry. One other factiod that might have a bearing of Dad's reaction, Dad's Combat Pay went to pay for brother's mission.

That brother is now the most hawkish, ultra conservative of the bunch and the only one who never served - who knows how life will turn out. The other five - six including my Dad - all wore a uniform, strangely all served in the Army - two retired from the UTANG.

Mom and Dad had six kids - 4 boys and 2 girls. Of the boys - 3 served - the youngest couldn't pass a physical. Both the girls husbands served. All in the Army except the oldest sister's husband - he's the black sheep. He was a Navy Chopper pilot.

[Bo Diddley]

Nonetheless, to Bo, happyone and others, thanks.

And Joe Public and Goatnapper among our active posters.

Thank you, it was my honor. Sometimes I'll wear a 101st ABN DIV (the Division I was assigned to) baseball cap and that is what I tell people when they thank me for my service. I really mean that - It was AND is an honor

Yeah, I usually say it's an honor or a privilege to serve. And I always assume the most sincere of intentions on their part.

[SeattleUte]

I finished Mostly Dead Things tonight. Weird and unusually good for an American novel. Highly recommended. Amazing debut.

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/28/b...en-arnett.html

[Sleeping in EQ]

I am part way through Douglas Murray's The Madness of Crowds.

The accolades from Sam Harris, the New York Journal of Books, National Review, etc. are most deserved.

An "A+."

[swampfrog]

I am part way through Douglas Murray's The Madness of Crowds.

The accolades from Sam Harris, the New York Journal of Books, National Review, etc. are most deserved.

An "A+."

I should get around to reading that one. I've listened to him on many podcasts discussing the book. Did you also read The Strange Death of Europe?

[Sleeping in EQ]

I should get around to reading that one. I've listened to him on many podcasts discussing the book. Did you also read The Strange Death of Europe?

I haven't read it yet, but it's been on my list since I've gotten into The Madness of Crowds.

[Sleeping in EQ]

An interview with Douglas Murray:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-VCzitJ-C4

[chrisrenrut]

Listening to When the Air Hits Your Brain by Frank Vertosick. It was an Audible daily deal. Pretty interesting read about neurosurgery, with some touching anecdotes.

It’s especially interesting to me at this time. My daughter in law had a stroke in October, and has had a few surgeries by neurosurgeons in the past few months.

[swampfrog]

An interview with Douglas Murray:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-VCzitJ-C4

Watching that one and raise you another.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIJPUX6SYu4 with Andrew Doyle

[Bo Diddley]

Listening to When the Air Hits Your Brain by Frank Vertosick. It was an Audible daily deal. Pretty interesting read about neurosurgery, with some touching anecdotes.

It’s especially interesting to me at this time. My daughter in law had a stroke in October, and has had a few surgeries by neurosurgeons in the past few months.

:yikes: How's she doing?

[Sleeping in EQ]

Watching that one and raise you another.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIJPUX6SYu4 with Andrew Doyle

A wonderful interview. Their optimism is catching on, I think.

Murray is a treasure and Doyle is great too.

[chrisrenrut]

:yikes: How's she doing?

Not great. She is only 45. No significant speech still, and significant disability on her right side. She also had some blood vessel issues behind her left eye that have required a couple of surgeries, and has lost sight in it for now. She hasn’t been able to catch any breaks.

Dealing with the bureaucracy that is Social Security Disability, Medicaid, and the Healthcare Marketplace has been an added circle of hell to deal with.

[Bo Diddley]

Not great. She is only 45. No significant speech still, and significant disability on her right side. She also had some blood vessel issues behind her left eye that have required a couple of surgeries, and has lost sight in it for now. She hasn’t been able to catch any breaks.

Dealing with the bureaucracy that is Social Security Disability, Medicaid, and the Healthcare Marketplace has been an added circle of hell to deal with.

Wow. That's awful. So sorry to hear. God bless!

[wuapinmon]

Wuap, have you read There There, by Tommy Orange? I would recommend it only for the preface essay, about Native Americans. The novel is outstanding. I loved the story of native Americans living and adapting to an urban setting - the story is set primarily in Oakland. Check it out.

I'm a few chapters in, and it's damned good. Thanks for this recommendation.

[SeattleUte]

I am doing this.

https://twitter.com/apublicspace/sta...02990782676992

It’s not too late to catch up.

My comments on the #TolstoyTogether also appear my twitter feed, in case you care to check them out. They are all exceptional. I am getting a lot out of the book on this re-read. Very enjoyable and, yes, this is a good time to read War and Peace!

I found a wonderful audiobook if you want a recommendation. A perfect distraction while walking or running.