"They came to liberate a continent from fascism — from an ideology built on racial hierarchy, the demonization of outsiders, and the violent purification of the nation. The defenders of that ideology lost."
Then, while an American public slumbered, that ideology took root and grew on these shores. Those who turn away, those who are silent are complicit.
"On June 8, 1949, George Orwell’s novel 1984 was published for the first time. It described a state built on the manipulation of language, the rewriting of history, the surveillance of citizens, and the permanent war that justified all of it. The Ministry of Truth. The memory hole. Doublethink."
This is where we are.
"Today is World Oceans Day, established by the United Nations and observed every June 8. The theme this year is “Reimagine: Beyond the world we know, a new relationship with our ocean.”'
This is where I want to be. Thank you for a cheerful Oslo market impression 🧡 and two sweet videos. Love Morning Compass 🧭
I just returned from three weeks visiting France, Belgium and the Netherlands. I am still processing the sights and sounds, the roses and the Cathedrals, the vibrant cities and the peaceful countrysides. We spent three days in Bayeux and visited the Normandy beaches and museums. From the cemeteries to the museums to the stumbling stones in Amsterdam, it is clear that the people of these countries remember well the two World Wars of the twentieth century and the remain grateful for the Americans and Canadians and Aussies and Kiwis and Poles and Swedes and Finns and all the and the volunteers from colonies like French Morocco and the Dutch East Indies.
As happens with these arthritic fingers, I pushed the button before I wanted to end. What I want to share are three things that I am beginning to realize:
1) how profoundly a relatively small geographical area (and it’s people) suffered in those wars;
2) how, in spite of of the destruction caused to cities, towns, churches, farms, and human beings, by those armies who would liberate them from the Third Reich, they remain grateful to this day and gracious to American visitors; and
3) the wisdom they willingly share, when you stop and listen.
An elderly gentleman in The Netherlands explained it this way: “We Europeans are cautious about committing to new wars because we have lived through it. It is a terrible thing to have foreigners take over your country and your lives. It is terrifying and humiliating.”
Trump, the draft dodger, Hegseth, the would-be Crusader, Rubio, the shape-shifter, and all the minions in the current administration are so lacking in knowledge and experience and empathy that I doubt they would have learned anything from the heartfelt words of this gentleman from Neer.
I am saddened and embarrassed by Hegseth’s latest display of ignorance and hubris.
Hegseth at Normandy is the epitome of offensive in every possible way. Especially to the Normandy survivors who were in attendance. I prefer to think of the one who was hugged by President Zelenskyy and their exchange of thanks and admiration.
Kristen Welker finally proved herself a worthy journalist. Trump’s angry reactions and obvious lies are further evidence of his corruption, lack of mentality and extreme unfitness for the presidency.
It feels as though we’re sitting on a power keg that could explode any moment.
You have summarized the important news of the day succinctly and with your usual ethics and veracity. Thank you.
In many ways the MAGA movement in the USA reflects the mentality of Animal Farm and in other ways we are living under a regime that aspires to bring the dystopian novel 1984 to reality. George Orwell was insightful and prescient.
Hegseth's remarks - disrespectful 😤. I didn't know about the tattoos - scary. Trump - note it was a woman reporter he talked over and called stupid before walking out. He does not like women.
I hope the midterm elections will bring some hope.
Oslo looks lovely!
Thank you for the sweet videos. We need to remember that love still survives.
I must say, KegsBreath's mother is truly embarrassed and ashamed. She said so in a post a few months ago. This must have been a real blow! Maybe she'll move to Canada . . .
My dad's oldest brother and cousin stormed Omaha Beach on Jour-J. My father-in-law was there beginning D-Day+10. All lived for many years to tell about it.
That heinous excuse for a man defiling the memory of D-Day is fundamentally sickening. I am very sorry that Europe was subjected to this.
The degree of capitulation of the media to this administration is shocking. It was gratifying to see Ms. Welker be a real journalist and give the spray-painted scourge a hard time. Hopefully it's a trend.
Life's daily rhythms go on, despite all the horror surrounding us. There is hope in that.
How did that land? Honestly, I completely understand where you are ”coming from” in terms of your Substack overall and appreciate your efforts to update, inform and comment from a European perspective. As well your historical chronology of authoritarian regimes was excellent.
I do suspect in terms of your readership that you are preaching to “the choir” to the greater degree and therefore the question how does Hegseth’s racist and insulting ignorance verbalized on the European stage at a moment commemorating US and European cooperation “land” is, well, honestly, inappropriate. It implies either a denial or a defense is necessary when to me there is no possible way to rationally address a person of his character. That goes for the rest of the regime.
I think what you mean to achieve is admirable and you have every right to present a perspective. But for me the pain and growing disaster of this nation is such that to be asked to respond does not quite relate to the mindset of many of your readers — or maybe it is just me(?) We are a televised and well- covered, but often dishonestly, rolling disaster peopled by citizens who actually care deeply feeling their way through a daily barrage of information real and imagined trying to organize a resistance based on ethics and equality. We need perspective but maybe not judgement at this juncture. We may not survive the forces mobilizing the stated goals of a 2025 manifesto, it’s not just the leader it’s bigger than that.
But damned if we won’t try. So I guess what I’m a bit annoyed and writing is we are a big diverse nation and wish fervently to stay that way — it’s not easy — but don’t kid yourself there are a lot of us who will fight until we cannot or we win.
Between Hegseth’s revolting remarks in France on D-Day and 47 removing 900 deep sea ocean sensors on World Ocean Day,I am deeply concerned about the steep decline of the reputation of the United States.After reading Morning 🧭and listening to MORE, I am reminded that the only place to get real and factual news, no matter how depressing it is,is on these posts by you,Alexander. Thank you for continuing these edifying “morning coffee” postings! ♥️
I spent the afternoon bemoaning the Hegsheth disgrace with a friend. Tonight I am going to write postcards to elect a competent senator for North Carolina. That is all I know to do. The man is everything I can’t stand about performative masculinity, everything I hate about “respectable” American fascism, and distrust about certain brands of American Christianity.
Happy Ocean's Day from a mermaid who loves all things water.
I agree with what CW Hahn said down below..."you can't make this stuff up." Although my comments in my head were laced with plenty of expletives and once again an overwhelming sense of shame that I live in this country. He can go pound sand. The photo and videos were lovely. Thank you ever so much
😔 My apologies to each and every veteran who fought and died there. Please know most Americans are embarrassed beyond words. We thank all the countries represented for their sacrifice. 😢
"You're either crooked or you're stupid. Lets call it quits. Because I've had enough. Thank you darling." This is his most losing look and strategy yet. Trump is echoing the words Americans have been saying for months: Let's call it quits. As this President becomes more angry and delusional, the gloves are coming off; his critics are now branding him as "unhinged" and a loser.
Hegseth is a global embarrassment; rejecting the beliefs on which this country was founded. A White Nationalist standing on sacred ground on the world stage spouting racist ideologies. A debasement of what our U.S. and Allied Soldiers gave their very lives for: fighting Fascism.
"Let's call it quits. Because I have had enough." Of both of you. I think we all have.
Hegseth’s speech was a stomach punch. I literally felt ill reading about it, but I remind myself that the Nazis made many speeches and had lots of propaganda, but they fell. This, too shall pass. To paraphrase Winston Churchill, we will fight them on the beaches, we will fight them on Substack, we will fight them on 60 minutes, we will fight them in Congress. The United States is going through some trouble times, but love will conquer hate and sanity. will trump insanity EVENTUALLY.
You just can’t make this stuff up. 🤯
Thank you for telling the whole truth, as you always do. As difficult as it is to hear, we really appreciate hearing the European perspective.
"They came to liberate a continent from fascism — from an ideology built on racial hierarchy, the demonization of outsiders, and the violent purification of the nation. The defenders of that ideology lost."
Then, while an American public slumbered, that ideology took root and grew on these shores. Those who turn away, those who are silent are complicit.
"On June 8, 1949, George Orwell’s novel 1984 was published for the first time. It described a state built on the manipulation of language, the rewriting of history, the surveillance of citizens, and the permanent war that justified all of it. The Ministry of Truth. The memory hole. Doublethink."
This is where we are.
"Today is World Oceans Day, established by the United Nations and observed every June 8. The theme this year is “Reimagine: Beyond the world we know, a new relationship with our ocean.”'
This is where I want to be. Thank you for a cheerful Oslo market impression 🧡 and two sweet videos. Love Morning Compass 🧭
I just returned from three weeks visiting France, Belgium and the Netherlands. I am still processing the sights and sounds, the roses and the Cathedrals, the vibrant cities and the peaceful countrysides. We spent three days in Bayeux and visited the Normandy beaches and museums. From the cemeteries to the museums to the stumbling stones in Amsterdam, it is clear that the people of these countries remember well the two World Wars of the twentieth century and the remain grateful for the Americans and Canadians and Aussies and Kiwis and Poles and Swedes and Finns and all the and the volunteers from colonies like French Morocco and the Dutch East Indies.
As happens with these arthritic fingers, I pushed the button before I wanted to end. What I want to share are three things that I am beginning to realize:
1) how profoundly a relatively small geographical area (and it’s people) suffered in those wars;
2) how, in spite of of the destruction caused to cities, towns, churches, farms, and human beings, by those armies who would liberate them from the Third Reich, they remain grateful to this day and gracious to American visitors; and
3) the wisdom they willingly share, when you stop and listen.
An elderly gentleman in The Netherlands explained it this way: “We Europeans are cautious about committing to new wars because we have lived through it. It is a terrible thing to have foreigners take over your country and your lives. It is terrifying and humiliating.”
Trump, the draft dodger, Hegseth, the would-be Crusader, Rubio, the shape-shifter, and all the minions in the current administration are so lacking in knowledge and experience and empathy that I doubt they would have learned anything from the heartfelt words of this gentleman from Neer.
I am saddened and embarrassed by Hegseth’s latest display of ignorance and hubris.
Hegseth at Normandy is the epitome of offensive in every possible way. Especially to the Normandy survivors who were in attendance. I prefer to think of the one who was hugged by President Zelenskyy and their exchange of thanks and admiration.
Kristen Welker finally proved herself a worthy journalist. Trump’s angry reactions and obvious lies are further evidence of his corruption, lack of mentality and extreme unfitness for the presidency.
It feels as though we’re sitting on a power keg that could explode any moment.
You have summarized the important news of the day succinctly and with your usual ethics and veracity. Thank you.
Orwell: 🔮
Stumbles: 🥰❤️
In many ways the MAGA movement in the USA reflects the mentality of Animal Farm and in other ways we are living under a regime that aspires to bring the dystopian novel 1984 to reality. George Orwell was insightful and prescient.
He had the blueprint in front of him! Mussolini "invented" fascism, including the name. Hitler copied him. The dominos fell from there.
Hegseth's remarks - disrespectful 😤. I didn't know about the tattoos - scary. Trump - note it was a woman reporter he talked over and called stupid before walking out. He does not like women.
I hope the midterm elections will bring some hope.
Oslo looks lovely!
Thank you for the sweet videos. We need to remember that love still survives.
Why did we even let Hegseth stand there?
Because the rest of the world still embraces civility and diplomacy
I must say, KegsBreath's mother is truly embarrassed and ashamed. She said so in a post a few months ago. This must have been a real blow! Maybe she'll move to Canada . . .
My dad's oldest brother and cousin stormed Omaha Beach on Jour-J. My father-in-law was there beginning D-Day+10. All lived for many years to tell about it.
Little Petie needs a history lesson.
Oh, I forgot to mention that my uncle/dad's cousin couldn't swim. My uncle got him to shore and they made it to safety.
We should draft him asap and send him to Iran. Or Lebanon. UNarmed!
That heinous excuse for a man defiling the memory of D-Day is fundamentally sickening. I am very sorry that Europe was subjected to this.
The degree of capitulation of the media to this administration is shocking. It was gratifying to see Ms. Welker be a real journalist and give the spray-painted scourge a hard time. Hopefully it's a trend.
Life's daily rhythms go on, despite all the horror surrounding us. There is hope in that.
How did that land? Honestly, I completely understand where you are ”coming from” in terms of your Substack overall and appreciate your efforts to update, inform and comment from a European perspective. As well your historical chronology of authoritarian regimes was excellent.
I do suspect in terms of your readership that you are preaching to “the choir” to the greater degree and therefore the question how does Hegseth’s racist and insulting ignorance verbalized on the European stage at a moment commemorating US and European cooperation “land” is, well, honestly, inappropriate. It implies either a denial or a defense is necessary when to me there is no possible way to rationally address a person of his character. That goes for the rest of the regime.
I think what you mean to achieve is admirable and you have every right to present a perspective. But for me the pain and growing disaster of this nation is such that to be asked to respond does not quite relate to the mindset of many of your readers — or maybe it is just me(?) We are a televised and well- covered, but often dishonestly, rolling disaster peopled by citizens who actually care deeply feeling their way through a daily barrage of information real and imagined trying to organize a resistance based on ethics and equality. We need perspective but maybe not judgement at this juncture. We may not survive the forces mobilizing the stated goals of a 2025 manifesto, it’s not just the leader it’s bigger than that.
But damned if we won’t try. So I guess what I’m a bit annoyed and writing is we are a big diverse nation and wish fervently to stay that way — it’s not easy — but don’t kid yourself there are a lot of us who will fight until we cannot or we win.
A dreadful headline for a shocking dystopian collision.
Between Hegseth’s revolting remarks in France on D-Day and 47 removing 900 deep sea ocean sensors on World Ocean Day,I am deeply concerned about the steep decline of the reputation of the United States.After reading Morning 🧭and listening to MORE, I am reminded that the only place to get real and factual news, no matter how depressing it is,is on these posts by you,Alexander. Thank you for continuing these edifying “morning coffee” postings! ♥️
I hope the new European sensors can be installed swiftly! We have a nasty El Niño coming up this summer!
I spent the afternoon bemoaning the Hegsheth disgrace with a friend. Tonight I am going to write postcards to elect a competent senator for North Carolina. That is all I know to do. The man is everything I can’t stand about performative masculinity, everything I hate about “respectable” American fascism, and distrust about certain brands of American Christianity.
Happy Ocean's Day from a mermaid who loves all things water.
I agree with what CW Hahn said down below..."you can't make this stuff up." Although my comments in my head were laced with plenty of expletives and once again an overwhelming sense of shame that I live in this country. He can go pound sand. The photo and videos were lovely. Thank you ever so much
😔 My apologies to each and every veteran who fought and died there. Please know most Americans are embarrassed beyond words. We thank all the countries represented for their sacrifice. 😢
"You're either crooked or you're stupid. Lets call it quits. Because I've had enough. Thank you darling." This is his most losing look and strategy yet. Trump is echoing the words Americans have been saying for months: Let's call it quits. As this President becomes more angry and delusional, the gloves are coming off; his critics are now branding him as "unhinged" and a loser.
Hegseth is a global embarrassment; rejecting the beliefs on which this country was founded. A White Nationalist standing on sacred ground on the world stage spouting racist ideologies. A debasement of what our U.S. and Allied Soldiers gave their very lives for: fighting Fascism.
"Let's call it quits. Because I have had enough." Of both of you. I think we all have.
Thank you, Alex.
Hegseth’s speech was a stomach punch. I literally felt ill reading about it, but I remind myself that the Nazis made many speeches and had lots of propaganda, but they fell. This, too shall pass. To paraphrase Winston Churchill, we will fight them on the beaches, we will fight them on Substack, we will fight them on 60 minutes, we will fight them in Congress. The United States is going through some trouble times, but love will conquer hate and sanity. will trump insanity EVENTUALLY.