I'm a 70 yoa male WASP conservative Vietnam Vet with 40 year Law Enforcement officer career ( all at the grunt end ) who strongly supports the patriotic MAGA ideology - warts and all, because there is no perfect answers or individuals.
I just started reading your substack after seeing it referred to ( in a positive context ) at another substack I reference, thinking that I should get some differing information ( thinking ) sources for perspective. I faintly recalled your liberal progressive history - I thought. So I have read your soapbox for about two weeks
There's a lot I could write about my mind having been opened to the pure evil which exists in our political system, the manipulation, lies, and criminal actions - and the embarrassment and shame at the thought that so many good Americans, and others, have died thinking that they were serving a patriotic and just cause.
My long way of saying that , altho I'm sure I don't agree 100% with you, I now can see that you had a better understanding of the evils we face, and wanted you to know that I feel a depth of feeling for your personal sufferings, the loss of your son and sister, and that I wanted you to know that, and encourage you to maintain the faith and honor that they represent.
This was very moving. I actually registered Republican (unheard of in my family, upbringing) during covid simply out of spite. Hoping the Democrat computer rolls would notice the defection. Sure it had less than zero impact, but so does everything else in this farce, so why not?
Thank you, Doug, for your vulnerability and humanity. More than physical strength and command authority, these are the qualities that should be required of any "peace officer."
Now please forgive me during my "only Dems & libs can be peaceful" phase during the W Bush years. Of course, Obomber dashed any potential self-righteous thoughts about peace during his DNC Administration. I learned so much following peace movement about the wide political spectrum (aka We the People) for peace in the world. We humans all live and learn, most of mine was life school(experience), then followed up with investigating issues. PS I'm Independent voter status today
Thinking of Dede and you today and the wonderful time we had together trying to get SF to come to its senses. My brother Jim (whom we called Bing Bing) and I will both be 79 for three days in October. So far, we’re still able to see each other. I fear the day we can’t. I raise a cup to Dede!
The great ones are never gone. She was a brilliant guardian and fearless opponent of all that is deceitful, all that is fake. I think she could size someone up with one glance. You were lucky to have a great sister-friend and she was just as fortunate to have you. She's still watching over you I have no doubt at all.
I know she is. One morning a few months ago, I was really feeling her, so much. I left my room for a bit and when I came in my hamsa that I hang from my window sill was literally waving at me. I have a video of it, I'll send it via email to you.
Awww Cindy. ❤ Your dear Dede was such a blessing to you and your children.
I too have a sister. She was born less than 13 months prior to me. She's alive, lives just up the road, but we both choose not to communicate with one another. (It's for the best...)
So much has happened over the last ten years. I also grieve the trauma of lost loved ones, and the circumstances that surrounded their passing. 'Those we love don't go away; they walk beside us every day.'
I was lucky to have met your sister, Dede. She was such a wonderful person. She made the world a better place. I wish you the best. I never had a sister and know you were both so close. Take care of yourself.
I'm a 70 yoa male WASP conservative Vietnam Vet with 40 year Law Enforcement officer career ( all at the grunt end ) who strongly supports the patriotic MAGA ideology - warts and all, because there is no perfect answers or individuals.
I just started reading your substack after seeing it referred to ( in a positive context ) at another substack I reference, thinking that I should get some differing information ( thinking ) sources for perspective. I faintly recalled your liberal progressive history - I thought. So I have read your soapbox for about two weeks
There's a lot I could write about my mind having been opened to the pure evil which exists in our political system, the manipulation, lies, and criminal actions - and the embarrassment and shame at the thought that so many good Americans, and others, have died thinking that they were serving a patriotic and just cause.
My long way of saying that , altho I'm sure I don't agree 100% with you, I now can see that you had a better understanding of the evils we face, and wanted you to know that I feel a depth of feeling for your personal sufferings, the loss of your son and sister, and that I wanted you to know that, and encourage you to maintain the faith and honor that they represent.
My personal regards
Doug Hoffman
Retired
Oregon State Trooper
Thank you, I needed that. To my shame, I was a democrat, liberal. They betrayed me, and us do many times, they woke me up, for sure.
Not so much that. Became a republican, though, I found much common cause during Covid.
Peace!
This was very moving. I actually registered Republican (unheard of in my family, upbringing) during covid simply out of spite. Hoping the Democrat computer rolls would notice the defection. Sure it had less than zero impact, but so does everything else in this farce, so why not?
Thank you, Doug, for your vulnerability and humanity. More than physical strength and command authority, these are the qualities that should be required of any "peace officer."
Now please forgive me during my "only Dems & libs can be peaceful" phase during the W Bush years. Of course, Obomber dashed any potential self-righteous thoughts about peace during his DNC Administration. I learned so much following peace movement about the wide political spectrum (aka We the People) for peace in the world. We humans all live and learn, most of mine was life school(experience), then followed up with investigating issues. PS I'm Independent voter status today
Thinking of Dede and you today and the wonderful time we had together trying to get SF to come to its senses. My brother Jim (whom we called Bing Bing) and I will both be 79 for three days in October. So far, we’re still able to see each other. I fear the day we can’t. I raise a cup to Dede!
I really needed Dede during the covid craziness.....
You are lucky to still have your Jim.
xoxo
Such a touching and loving tribute to your "Irish twin" sister for a wonderful life well lived.
I've wanted (needed) a sister just like yours at this time in my life more than during childhood.
Dede is indeed with Casey and celebrating!
I need one right now.
I am hiring for the position of Dede, but there are many who are qualified.
xoxo
xoxo
The great ones are never gone. She was a brilliant guardian and fearless opponent of all that is deceitful, all that is fake. I think she could size someone up with one glance. You were lucky to have a great sister-friend and she was just as fortunate to have you. She's still watching over you I have no doubt at all.
I know she is. One morning a few months ago, I was really feeling her, so much. I left my room for a bit and when I came in my hamsa that I hang from my window sill was literally waving at me. I have a video of it, I'll send it via email to you.
Thanks so much, please do....I feel my mother at times surrounding me, encouraging me to face my fears...there are angels for real...
Those who loved us and those we loved are never far. They are always around us. They are also always part of us.
yes, so much.
Well said!
Thank you for sharing this. It is heartbreaking and beautiful.
Awww Cindy. ❤ Your dear Dede was such a blessing to you and your children.
I too have a sister. She was born less than 13 months prior to me. She's alive, lives just up the road, but we both choose not to communicate with one another. (It's for the best...)
I'm sad for you, that you lost yours.
so sorry you are estranged from you sister.
All good Cindy.
Thanks.
My condolences, Cindy. Dede sounds like a remarkable person, and I wish I had known her.
such a huge loss for you. so sad.
That's both heart wrenching and beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
thanks, Martin
Dede, ¡Presente!
So much has happened over the last ten years. I also grieve the trauma of lost loved ones, and the circumstances that surrounded their passing. 'Those we love don't go away; they walk beside us every day.'
So sad to lose her. 💔
I was lucky to have met your sister, Dede. She was such a wonderful person. She made the world a better place. I wish you the best. I never had a sister and know you were both so close. Take care of yourself.
thank you, dear friend.
There are Sisters and then there are Sisters like Dede and Cindy 💕. I'm lucky to have my Dede still here with me.