Don... I have seen your brother in hundreds of faces (in fact, his story is incredibly common - my own son 's mirrors his story, too) over the past decade. What I have learned in the past ten years and thousands of patient encounters is the real health crisis on this planet is Life Trauma. I don't know your family well, but can somewhat guess the dynamics and your brother was almost certainly a victim of significant trauma (can be emotional, physical, sexual, socio-economic, medical, not to mention being a crime or war victim). He had to have had PTSD from his life trauma - IMO, nothing else results in this picture. I have seen it over and over and over... Our society in the West is trauma inducing. Everything is built on extraction of the things that are most conducive to a good and happy life by the Ruling Elites that manage we-the-peasants. Families have been fractured and deconstructed in my lifetime - institutions (religion, government, justice system, science, medicin, education) that should provide some protection for its citizenry have been thoroughly corrupted by an anti-Human force that is focused on aggregating most of the planet's resources and wealth into its psychopathic grasp.
Mainstream medicine does not get any of this, as they are fixated on their allopathic, reductionist, mechanistic, pharmacentric and corporatist fixation on profits-above-healing.
Fully 90% of the patients I see are actually suffering from various levels of PTSD and most have NEVER even been asked about their childhood or family situation. I am convinced that 85-90% of the physical maladies that appear in mainstream doctor offices are the result of life trauma. These patients are never told of the connection between their trauma and physical illness... It is a sad and depressing situation to watch people be ignored, belittled, misdiagnosed, and poorly treated by the present Med Ind System. It is an anti-Human construct and, hopefully, not sustainable in its present form.
Trauma survivors usually are empathetic, sympathetic, sensitive people who are creative (great writers, musicians, actors, fine artists), but they are forever marked with an invisible beacon that the bullies of the world - the narcissists and sociopaths - the users and abusers key on. IMO, most of the folks in medicine are trauma survivors themselves, but sadly the medical education system is designed to beat the empathy and sympathy out of them and turn them into corporate profit centers.
If there is an alcoholic in the family, everyone will have PTSD. If there is divorce and absent parents and poverty and illicit drugs and hyper-religiosity, everyone will have PTSD.
I am convinced that most people who are "awake" - who have mentally recognized and escaped the Matrix - have significant Trauma within their lives...
For any here who desire to read further, Dr. Gabor Mate' has just released his latest book, "The Myth of Normal." Highly recommended.
Don... Proud of you for how you have used your own life trauma to make the world a better place.
That was a wonderful, insightful comment, TnDoc. I never thought of it in precisely that way, but have been moved by the stories I've heard regarding the trauma of others. So many have childhoods that are scarred by tragedy, or inexplicable events that spiral out of control (like my brother). I went over all the cases of older adults, still traumatized decades later by being bulled as youngsters, in my book "Bullyocracy." Again, thank you for enlightening me and my readers.
People have remarked here in the comments that your brother had PTSD. I agree, he was the victim of an unjust system/ punishment. However, you too may very well have PTSD being a victim in a family destroyed by an unjust system.
That unjust system is the very thing that you protest against. You are righteous in your protest. But, you must learn that there is a war being waged against all of us. Yes, we are all victims of a Satanic occult that is waging war against us. JFK was very much aware of this occult, as was his brother.
Those of us that are aware of this Satanic war against us have gone through PTSD. Some of us get past it, others don"t. Please don"t allow yourself to become bitter of things that have happened in the past. Learn from those events and move on.
God works in mysterious ways and there are many things that we cannot change. However, there is one thing that you can change; yourself.
I think you may well be right, Anticriminals. If "PTSD" exists, many of us (including me) have it to some degree. I also agree that those allied against truthtellers and good people are serving a Satanic conspiracy, wittingly or not. Thank you.
PTSD, Post traumatic stress disorder, AKA shell shock, happens as a result of being under attack in a manner that is unbelievable, or leaves you in a state of disbelief.
I was eight years questioning the authority of government. Their attacks against me, their criminal actions carried out against me and my family, finally convinced me that they could not be government, at least not mine.
An attorney, who was aware of their actions to a small degree, agreed, and advised me to leave the country or take up arms. I believe that he realized that he too, and his family, would be attacked if he tried to help me. It is war against the people by organized criminals that masquerade as government! This is quite a shock when you finally realize the truth.
The real shocker is when you realize that government itself is a Satanic religion, AKA Patriotism (swearing allegiance to a false god) that everybody follows without question. To question is blasphemy and you will be punished!
Don, I sincerely appreciate your analysis on just about everything. Your unfettered, altruistic and sincere approach to topics in the geopolitical arena is as an example of pure intellectual honesty in the quest for the truth.
You lead me towards poignant memories of my own, no less tangled in mystery and no less formative in my own being today. I was born in 1963 Donald. In Australia a few years later myself, bottom pinching the girls was in. Though it was very risky to do so against a girl not part of your circle. Our circle were all misfits. The only time in the various schools I attended as my family moved interstate then again from the city to a large town before I completed my 12 years schooling.
I have been aware of the lie of the Kennedy assassination as long as I have been aware of that. An introverted bookworm I was reading everything I could get my hands on by age 12, I definitely remember being confident enough to mention it to the retired couple next door, in whose home I spent many evenings talking, drinking coffee and playing chess. He was a retired judge and politician. It meant a lot to me when they both showed surprise and joy that I knew this, they opened up excitedly on the subject. They made clear it was a hot subject and inadvisable socially to talk about as well.
It took my most of my years to date, to finally figure out my social awkwardness is Autism. If I'd only known about this in my childhood, it would have freed me up to live and achieve the success I've managed to avoid. On the other hand, I wonder as you do, if it would have changed the trajectory of your life in less desirable, by our5 standards today, ways. Would I be oblivious to 0/11, a blue and yellow flag waving boosted dickhead? With fifty shades of face mask in my 'mask drawer' right next to my sock drawer, in anticipation of the next festival of cringe?
On balance, I'd not change much in my life. Every time I think about it, I am led to the same conclusion. While my life has its downsides, some rather significant, I am not on the whole dissatisfied in the man I am. I don't feel superior to any man, but I also don't feel inferior to any. I do feel pity, contempt and scorn for most who seem to have the things I lack and I associate my own lack with some decision i made willingly based on my own moral code. I have a moral code and recognize how success monetarily appears to happen when moral relativism is applied. I've got a world famous con man for a brother. My little brother, by a couple of years. His ability to lie and manipulate people is breath taking and his ruthlessness in pursuing a goal is too. In a lot of ways I am the result of recoiling from all that, in horror, and degust. I know aa better man could balance it all. I don't consider myself to be that good. The few tastes of wealth and power which came my way, were addictive and changed how I thought. Even if they were too brief for me to have changed who I am.
The last thing which occurs to me when I do walk down those memories is as always a reminder of the Desiderata. That's been engraved on my heart since my own mother in her wisdom gave it to me. I was 13 and starting to confront the realities of life absent the childish illusions which assume your choice is all it requires. My favorite stanza is the most empowering and is what steels my spine when I walk among fools as the only one not wearing a face nappy. Or when I have stood up to entire schools, medical systems, prison yards. I am someone who has ultimate confidence in my right to be here and to be myself.
I appreciate you sharing that personal story here, Rabbitnexus. And making the astute points you always do. I wouldn't change anything, either. Despite my constant complaining, I am happy. I remember when old Big Band leader Les Crane put "Desiderata" to music, and had an early 1970s hit with it. Again, thanks!
Donald, even tho I've known about this life changing experience and knew Ricky, it's such a sad nightmare you've dealt with. This difficult experience made you a wonderful writer a tremendous friend and the best and loving father for your children!!! I admire you for all you've been through and wish things could have been different for Ricky. Blessings to you and the family this Thanksgiving holiday.
Kay, as always, you know what to say to make me smile, or even bring tears to my eyes. We've known each other for a very long time, and you're just as supportive as ever. Thank you!
Wow. Just wow. I'm a year older than you and had a mentally unstable sister. Meaner than a snake and it wasn't until she died at 66 from ALS that I discovered some of the cause of it. At the time (1960's) nobody really got counseling or psychiatric care that I knew of and I will always wonder how much different her life couldve been with the right help. My folks were left reeling from the deaths of two of my older brothers, both aged 14. One in 1958 (suicide) and the other in 1962 (leukemia). My other two brothers served in Viet Nam which put my mom over the edge permanently, alcoholism being the result. I had three other sisters also. On Thanksgiving (and every day) I thank God I didn't have my parents life. They suffered much.
🫂 new subscriber here- Donald, I need to read Bullyocracy, and most certainly will. Nibor- my 14 y/o daughter died of suicide, 2020. She suffered a ton of mistreatment at her middle school by faculty and students--- I still can't fully discuss it or ever wrap my head around it. She was outspoken, took no BS, was most empathetic, stood up for herself, and others who couldn't stand up for themselves, highly artistic, and just the kind of kid you'd want to meet. Anyway, my oldest was graduating that year, and my youngest were 4 & 7, we've been homeschooling ever since. We will never, ever send our kids to another indoctrinatation camp. -The guilt tries consuming me; active-parenting after child loss is the most challenging experience I've lived through. I'm a woman of significant intestinal fortitude + mental stamina who has miraculously survived a plethora of childhood abuse and 100% family estrangement. I must continue on, always have, and I will. I must continue to lead and teach my children. I strive to not let any strongholds consume me, (easier said than done), as I am feeling like I'm just now (32 months later) slowly crawling out of the trenches. As I've said on another writer's 'Stack- I do struggle with words. I used to be better at expressing my thoughts and communicating with others. My brain is still recovering from the shock & trauma of the past 32 months- so you may often see me comment with an emoji, as by most days' end, that's about all the bandwidth I've left. Again, thank you both for sharing, and HUGS to your soul from mine. Thank you for sharing, and for helping others, like myself, by being vulnerable and writing for us. I hope to someday be able to write about my own experiences from childhood to present, and my awakening that happened at quite an early age (freshly turned 19 y/o and a brand-new mama when 9/11 happened & sent me down a 🐇 🕳️) and haven't "slept" a wink since. 😉
I'm so sorry for your loss, SunnyRai. I spoke to several parents whose children- some even younger than yours- lost their lives to Bullycide. You express yourself very well, and I can feel the strength coming through in your words. Thank you for sharing your own tragic story.
That is a horrifying and painful story.... appalling. How do you forgive the injustice of it? Very hard.... I wonder what happened to those administrators and what they would say now. Today there is an even greater lack of educators who love kids and have wisdom. Like the medical field, it seems most go into it for security and money. My brother was of the same era, born in '48... and he has always pinched butts ... both male and female. It was like snapping bras. Silly teasing. If someone objected, it was met with a fist or slap and that was the end of it. Kids dealt with it themselves without "adults" involved. I wonder if this was a more elite, wealthy type of school, where you find more prima donas.
No, Sadie, this was a public school, albeit in what has increasingly become an upper middle-class district. Obviously, I can't forget the injustice, but it does motivate me to try to expose similar things which have happened to others. I tried to track down the vice-principal who seemed to be the main figure involved, but was unsuccessful. Thanks.
Since we can't change the unpleasant outcomes of the past. Maybe some of us will make good decisions today that will yield better outcomes for ourselves, and for others into the future and throughout eternity. Happy holidays Donald.
No, we can't change the past, as much as we'd like to. I'm not sure about my own decision making, but I try my best. Happy Holidays to you as well, Mary. Thanks!
Such a heart wrenching story. Thank you for relating it. I too was born in 1956 and was in the second grade when JFK was murdered. I remember it well. There was a lot of trauma in the 1950s and 1960s, brushed under the carpet. I have documented much of in it what I call my "family." Thanks again for relating this story. Peace and hugs.
Dear Donald,I dont know you personally,but I like to read your opinions. I was thinking lately about muy past,specially the trouble times,that were mostly allí my Life since childhood. The more I was looking for happiness, It became harder to find. I learned that God has misterios way to do things,Life is a mistery itself, we allí have karma to learn. So its allí about accepting and learning. You know the saying " If u have lemons make lemonade" Thanks for the turkey....William Burroughs
I realize that Ricky wasn't alone in dealing with a world that, to quote from the great Frank Capra film, has been "shaved my drunken barbers." Faith in God certainly helps. Thanks.
That's quite a story, Donald. One thing I've noticed in life, how strange it is (and how often) a small event...a mistake...can balloon into a horrible, life-changing nightmare. It has marked me, in that for every move I make, I am thinking about what terrible chain of events could be set off. People have noted this behavior in me, and mocked me for it. I try to explain that this is part of PTSD, which I suffer from.
What you have described sounds more like our current world...not 1963. I remember the public schools I attended as places of chaos, where adults NEVER stepped in to protect students. I learned early to never trust an authority figure...which was truly a gift, and has protected me through life.
I remember watching JFK's funeral on our black and white tv, although I was only three. I did understand who the president was, and that he had been killed. Twenty years ago I met a woman from Arkansas. Somehow we got on the subject, and it turned out she knew the families of the two boys on the tracks. She said everyone locally knew the truth
Yes, Kris, I agree that one small event can trigger a series of setbacks, which is of course what happened to my brother. The reaction was indeed especially perplexing for 1963. I was friends with Linda Haydon Ives, mother of one of the boys on the tracks. She died I think two years ago. I tried in vain to get her on my show, but she had lots of health problems. Very courageous woman. Thanks.
Thank you Don. No question the 60s and 70s were a weird time to grow up. It all seems like a dream now. I watched an old Johnny Carson show with Dean Martin and Bob Hope the other day. Deano was smashed to the gills and that was the only thing the audience seemed to laugh about. Very sad.
your brother was the same age as me. the worst thing that would have happend to him in my school would be a scolding & warning. maybe a few days suspend. now if that happend, the student may be rejected from colleges. computers!
Don... I have seen your brother in hundreds of faces (in fact, his story is incredibly common - my own son 's mirrors his story, too) over the past decade. What I have learned in the past ten years and thousands of patient encounters is the real health crisis on this planet is Life Trauma. I don't know your family well, but can somewhat guess the dynamics and your brother was almost certainly a victim of significant trauma (can be emotional, physical, sexual, socio-economic, medical, not to mention being a crime or war victim). He had to have had PTSD from his life trauma - IMO, nothing else results in this picture. I have seen it over and over and over... Our society in the West is trauma inducing. Everything is built on extraction of the things that are most conducive to a good and happy life by the Ruling Elites that manage we-the-peasants. Families have been fractured and deconstructed in my lifetime - institutions (religion, government, justice system, science, medicin, education) that should provide some protection for its citizenry have been thoroughly corrupted by an anti-Human force that is focused on aggregating most of the planet's resources and wealth into its psychopathic grasp.
Mainstream medicine does not get any of this, as they are fixated on their allopathic, reductionist, mechanistic, pharmacentric and corporatist fixation on profits-above-healing.
Fully 90% of the patients I see are actually suffering from various levels of PTSD and most have NEVER even been asked about their childhood or family situation. I am convinced that 85-90% of the physical maladies that appear in mainstream doctor offices are the result of life trauma. These patients are never told of the connection between their trauma and physical illness... It is a sad and depressing situation to watch people be ignored, belittled, misdiagnosed, and poorly treated by the present Med Ind System. It is an anti-Human construct and, hopefully, not sustainable in its present form.
Trauma survivors usually are empathetic, sympathetic, sensitive people who are creative (great writers, musicians, actors, fine artists), but they are forever marked with an invisible beacon that the bullies of the world - the narcissists and sociopaths - the users and abusers key on. IMO, most of the folks in medicine are trauma survivors themselves, but sadly the medical education system is designed to beat the empathy and sympathy out of them and turn them into corporate profit centers.
If there is an alcoholic in the family, everyone will have PTSD. If there is divorce and absent parents and poverty and illicit drugs and hyper-religiosity, everyone will have PTSD.
I am convinced that most people who are "awake" - who have mentally recognized and escaped the Matrix - have significant Trauma within their lives...
For any here who desire to read further, Dr. Gabor Mate' has just released his latest book, "The Myth of Normal." Highly recommended.
Don... Proud of you for how you have used your own life trauma to make the world a better place.
Keep up the fight. God bless and protect...
That was a wonderful, insightful comment, TnDoc. I never thought of it in precisely that way, but have been moved by the stories I've heard regarding the trauma of others. So many have childhoods that are scarred by tragedy, or inexplicable events that spiral out of control (like my brother). I went over all the cases of older adults, still traumatized decades later by being bulled as youngsters, in my book "Bullyocracy." Again, thank you for enlightening me and my readers.
Thank you. Heartfelt.
People have remarked here in the comments that your brother had PTSD. I agree, he was the victim of an unjust system/ punishment. However, you too may very well have PTSD being a victim in a family destroyed by an unjust system.
That unjust system is the very thing that you protest against. You are righteous in your protest. But, you must learn that there is a war being waged against all of us. Yes, we are all victims of a Satanic occult that is waging war against us. JFK was very much aware of this occult, as was his brother.
Those of us that are aware of this Satanic war against us have gone through PTSD. Some of us get past it, others don"t. Please don"t allow yourself to become bitter of things that have happened in the past. Learn from those events and move on.
God works in mysterious ways and there are many things that we cannot change. However, there is one thing that you can change; yourself.
Thank you for your wonderful writings. God bless.
I think you may well be right, Anticriminals. If "PTSD" exists, many of us (including me) have it to some degree. I also agree that those allied against truthtellers and good people are serving a Satanic conspiracy, wittingly or not. Thank you.
PTSD, Post traumatic stress disorder, AKA shell shock, happens as a result of being under attack in a manner that is unbelievable, or leaves you in a state of disbelief.
I was eight years questioning the authority of government. Their attacks against me, their criminal actions carried out against me and my family, finally convinced me that they could not be government, at least not mine.
An attorney, who was aware of their actions to a small degree, agreed, and advised me to leave the country or take up arms. I believe that he realized that he too, and his family, would be attacked if he tried to help me. It is war against the people by organized criminals that masquerade as government! This is quite a shock when you finally realize the truth.
The real shocker is when you realize that government itself is a Satanic religion, AKA Patriotism (swearing allegiance to a false god) that everybody follows without question. To question is blasphemy and you will be punished!
Don, I sincerely appreciate your analysis on just about everything. Your unfettered, altruistic and sincere approach to topics in the geopolitical arena is as an example of pure intellectual honesty in the quest for the truth.
Happy Thanksgiving
I very much appreciate your kind words, Chris. I try my best, and people like you keep me going on. Thanks.
You lead me towards poignant memories of my own, no less tangled in mystery and no less formative in my own being today. I was born in 1963 Donald. In Australia a few years later myself, bottom pinching the girls was in. Though it was very risky to do so against a girl not part of your circle. Our circle were all misfits. The only time in the various schools I attended as my family moved interstate then again from the city to a large town before I completed my 12 years schooling.
I have been aware of the lie of the Kennedy assassination as long as I have been aware of that. An introverted bookworm I was reading everything I could get my hands on by age 12, I definitely remember being confident enough to mention it to the retired couple next door, in whose home I spent many evenings talking, drinking coffee and playing chess. He was a retired judge and politician. It meant a lot to me when they both showed surprise and joy that I knew this, they opened up excitedly on the subject. They made clear it was a hot subject and inadvisable socially to talk about as well.
It took my most of my years to date, to finally figure out my social awkwardness is Autism. If I'd only known about this in my childhood, it would have freed me up to live and achieve the success I've managed to avoid. On the other hand, I wonder as you do, if it would have changed the trajectory of your life in less desirable, by our5 standards today, ways. Would I be oblivious to 0/11, a blue and yellow flag waving boosted dickhead? With fifty shades of face mask in my 'mask drawer' right next to my sock drawer, in anticipation of the next festival of cringe?
On balance, I'd not change much in my life. Every time I think about it, I am led to the same conclusion. While my life has its downsides, some rather significant, I am not on the whole dissatisfied in the man I am. I don't feel superior to any man, but I also don't feel inferior to any. I do feel pity, contempt and scorn for most who seem to have the things I lack and I associate my own lack with some decision i made willingly based on my own moral code. I have a moral code and recognize how success monetarily appears to happen when moral relativism is applied. I've got a world famous con man for a brother. My little brother, by a couple of years. His ability to lie and manipulate people is breath taking and his ruthlessness in pursuing a goal is too. In a lot of ways I am the result of recoiling from all that, in horror, and degust. I know aa better man could balance it all. I don't consider myself to be that good. The few tastes of wealth and power which came my way, were addictive and changed how I thought. Even if they were too brief for me to have changed who I am.
The last thing which occurs to me when I do walk down those memories is as always a reminder of the Desiderata. That's been engraved on my heart since my own mother in her wisdom gave it to me. I was 13 and starting to confront the realities of life absent the childish illusions which assume your choice is all it requires. My favorite stanza is the most empowering and is what steels my spine when I walk among fools as the only one not wearing a face nappy. Or when I have stood up to entire schools, medical systems, prison yards. I am someone who has ultimate confidence in my right to be here and to be myself.
"You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should."
I appreciate you sharing that personal story here, Rabbitnexus. And making the astute points you always do. I wouldn't change anything, either. Despite my constant complaining, I am happy. I remember when old Big Band leader Les Crane put "Desiderata" to music, and had an early 1970s hit with it. Again, thanks!
Donald, even tho I've known about this life changing experience and knew Ricky, it's such a sad nightmare you've dealt with. This difficult experience made you a wonderful writer a tremendous friend and the best and loving father for your children!!! I admire you for all you've been through and wish things could have been different for Ricky. Blessings to you and the family this Thanksgiving holiday.
Kay, as always, you know what to say to make me smile, or even bring tears to my eyes. We've known each other for a very long time, and you're just as supportive as ever. Thank you!
Wow. Just wow. I'm a year older than you and had a mentally unstable sister. Meaner than a snake and it wasn't until she died at 66 from ALS that I discovered some of the cause of it. At the time (1960's) nobody really got counseling or psychiatric care that I knew of and I will always wonder how much different her life couldve been with the right help. My folks were left reeling from the deaths of two of my older brothers, both aged 14. One in 1958 (suicide) and the other in 1962 (leukemia). My other two brothers served in Viet Nam which put my mom over the edge permanently, alcoholism being the result. I had three other sisters also. On Thanksgiving (and every day) I thank God I didn't have my parents life. They suffered much.
I appreciate you sharing your own story, Nibor. It sounds like your parents certainly dealt with more tragedy than any parents should. Thank you.
🫂 new subscriber here- Donald, I need to read Bullyocracy, and most certainly will. Nibor- my 14 y/o daughter died of suicide, 2020. She suffered a ton of mistreatment at her middle school by faculty and students--- I still can't fully discuss it or ever wrap my head around it. She was outspoken, took no BS, was most empathetic, stood up for herself, and others who couldn't stand up for themselves, highly artistic, and just the kind of kid you'd want to meet. Anyway, my oldest was graduating that year, and my youngest were 4 & 7, we've been homeschooling ever since. We will never, ever send our kids to another indoctrinatation camp. -The guilt tries consuming me; active-parenting after child loss is the most challenging experience I've lived through. I'm a woman of significant intestinal fortitude + mental stamina who has miraculously survived a plethora of childhood abuse and 100% family estrangement. I must continue on, always have, and I will. I must continue to lead and teach my children. I strive to not let any strongholds consume me, (easier said than done), as I am feeling like I'm just now (32 months later) slowly crawling out of the trenches. As I've said on another writer's 'Stack- I do struggle with words. I used to be better at expressing my thoughts and communicating with others. My brain is still recovering from the shock & trauma of the past 32 months- so you may often see me comment with an emoji, as by most days' end, that's about all the bandwidth I've left. Again, thank you both for sharing, and HUGS to your soul from mine. Thank you for sharing, and for helping others, like myself, by being vulnerable and writing for us. I hope to someday be able to write about my own experiences from childhood to present, and my awakening that happened at quite an early age (freshly turned 19 y/o and a brand-new mama when 9/11 happened & sent me down a 🐇 🕳️) and haven't "slept" a wink since. 😉
I'm so sorry for your loss, SunnyRai. I spoke to several parents whose children- some even younger than yours- lost their lives to Bullycide. You express yourself very well, and I can feel the strength coming through in your words. Thank you for sharing your own tragic story.
Thanks again Don, you have a gift of weaving the personal into the political. Sorry about what your brother endured, what a shame.
Thanks, Star Tissue!
That is a horrifying and painful story.... appalling. How do you forgive the injustice of it? Very hard.... I wonder what happened to those administrators and what they would say now. Today there is an even greater lack of educators who love kids and have wisdom. Like the medical field, it seems most go into it for security and money. My brother was of the same era, born in '48... and he has always pinched butts ... both male and female. It was like snapping bras. Silly teasing. If someone objected, it was met with a fist or slap and that was the end of it. Kids dealt with it themselves without "adults" involved. I wonder if this was a more elite, wealthy type of school, where you find more prima donas.
No, Sadie, this was a public school, albeit in what has increasingly become an upper middle-class district. Obviously, I can't forget the injustice, but it does motivate me to try to expose similar things which have happened to others. I tried to track down the vice-principal who seemed to be the main figure involved, but was unsuccessful. Thanks.
Since we can't change the unpleasant outcomes of the past. Maybe some of us will make good decisions today that will yield better outcomes for ourselves, and for others into the future and throughout eternity. Happy holidays Donald.
No, we can't change the past, as much as we'd like to. I'm not sure about my own decision making, but I try my best. Happy Holidays to you as well, Mary. Thanks!
Beautifully written . Heart wrenching.
Thank you, Kimberly.
Such a heart wrenching story. Thank you for relating it. I too was born in 1956 and was in the second grade when JFK was murdered. I remember it well. There was a lot of trauma in the 1950s and 1960s, brushed under the carpet. I have documented much of in it what I call my "family." Thanks again for relating this story. Peace and hugs.
Peace and hugs to you, too, Lynn. Thanks!
Wow. What a profound story. Great work, Don.
Thank your for your support, Arturo!
Always, Don. I can tell a good journalist when I see/read one.
Dear Donald,I dont know you personally,but I like to read your opinions. I was thinking lately about muy past,specially the trouble times,that were mostly allí my Life since childhood. The more I was looking for happiness, It became harder to find. I learned that God has misterios way to do things,Life is a mistery itself, we allí have karma to learn. So its allí about accepting and learning. You know the saying " If u have lemons make lemonade" Thanks for the turkey....William Burroughs
I realize that Ricky wasn't alone in dealing with a world that, to quote from the great Frank Capra film, has been "shaved my drunken barbers." Faith in God certainly helps. Thanks.
That's quite a story, Donald. One thing I've noticed in life, how strange it is (and how often) a small event...a mistake...can balloon into a horrible, life-changing nightmare. It has marked me, in that for every move I make, I am thinking about what terrible chain of events could be set off. People have noted this behavior in me, and mocked me for it. I try to explain that this is part of PTSD, which I suffer from.
What you have described sounds more like our current world...not 1963. I remember the public schools I attended as places of chaos, where adults NEVER stepped in to protect students. I learned early to never trust an authority figure...which was truly a gift, and has protected me through life.
I remember watching JFK's funeral on our black and white tv, although I was only three. I did understand who the president was, and that he had been killed. Twenty years ago I met a woman from Arkansas. Somehow we got on the subject, and it turned out she knew the families of the two boys on the tracks. She said everyone locally knew the truth
Yes, Kris, I agree that one small event can trigger a series of setbacks, which is of course what happened to my brother. The reaction was indeed especially perplexing for 1963. I was friends with Linda Haydon Ives, mother of one of the boys on the tracks. She died I think two years ago. I tried in vain to get her on my show, but she had lots of health problems. Very courageous woman. Thanks.
Thank you Don. No question the 60s and 70s were a weird time to grow up. It all seems like a dream now. I watched an old Johnny Carson show with Dean Martin and Bob Hope the other day. Deano was smashed to the gills and that was the only thing the audience seemed to laugh about. Very sad.
Lol. Yes, watching the "Tonight Show" with Carson now is like witnessing scenes from an alternate world. That was America 1.0. Thanks.
your brother was the same age as me. the worst thing that would have happend to him in my school would be a scolding & warning. maybe a few days suspend. now if that happend, the student may be rejected from colleges. computers!
That's what makes it so hard to let go of, Laura- it was so incomprehensible for that era. Thanks.