The best anti-fascist research I've encountered so far is a radio show "For the Record "that has been on the air for 30 years, but no one seems to notice: https://spitfirelist.com/, https://spitfirelist.com/category/audio/. He strictly compiles information that has been reported in the media. The archives are worth listening to.
And thanks also for the reference to "For the Record".
I will definitely follow up on that. It's frightening to me that the threat of fascism isn't taken more seriously. Timothy Snyder wrote (in "On Tyranny") that any election can be the last. There are so many parallels to what is happening today in America with the rise of fascism in the last century.
I often feel I'm just whistling in the wind here; but the occasional comment like yours is what keeps me going.
ps, I subscribed to your own Substack newsletter, Laura, to hopefully improve my writing and reach (impact) more readers.
At first I was confused by the title of The White Rose because it was a symbol used by one side of a dynastic conflict in England, but I like your story better. It seems to have higher moral ground, which is more inspiring.
I use an online pseudonym (like many people) as a buffer against the dangers of using the internet to express opinions; to separate my personal political musings from my professional writing projects; and as an additional buffer to protect myself and my family from potentially dangerous people.
I chose the name Abraham Washington out of respect for Abraham Lincoln and George Washington.
So I do not appreciate your personal comments about me; you do not know anything about my personal circumstances (beyond the political opinions I've expressed here) so I don't know how you can make assumptions about my personal life.
And if you think I am "always ready to shell out a perfect answer of high octane to gaslight your opponents" then you have misread this newsletter. From Day One I have encouraged civil discourse. That's how we learn and grow, by listening and respecting others, even when we disagree.
My original purpose was to raise people's awareness ("A Warning") of what I think is a growing danger (the resurgence of fascism) and I tried to write entertaining but informative articles, book reviews, even some humor pieces, to engage people and start a conversation about what's going on, and how to solve problems.
Many people who disagree with me have contributed intelligent and insightful comments, and have motivated me to modify some of my positions and methods.
So if you would like to engage in civil discourse about the extent and nature of the current problems in the American political arena (and elsewhere), then feel free to contribute. But personal comments (like you used above) are not welcome here.
We're good, Libor. Sometimes I too get carried away, but I'm careful always to re-read before I Send or Post, because it's easy to unintentionally offend.
Thank you for your gracious apology.
I see from your Newsletter that you are in extreme situation in Nicaragua, and I am truly amazed at your writing, which is indeed stream of consciousness, filled with fantastic thoughts and characters; your writing I think would make for a James Cameron Avatar-like movie. And all that typing with one arm. Quite a feat. Also that kind of writing doesn't really work well with self-censoring, so your post here and elsewhere probably reflect your let-it-rip writing style. You have an interesting story to tell, and you tell it in an intriguing right-brain creative way. Myself, I've always been a left-brain academic and careful to maintain rational logical writing.
My only real outlet here is my "Humor" which is half-satirical and half-nasty - because my targets are nasty people and deserve to be called out. But believe it or not, those are the posts where I lose subscribers - somehow they are personally offended.
I'm old (and sick) and I truly worry about the future for my grandchildren; that's why I'm doing this project. And I'm learning that it's most effective when I tone down my critical side and try to maintain a very civil attitude, because that's the only way to reach people without them getting defensive or what-about-something-else. But your writing purpose and style is very different.
Yes, it's accepting comments fine now. Looking forward to your comments.
Awesome! That's what's I like about Substack. Let me know if there's anything you'd like me to cover in the workshop.
Hi Laura, I tried to answer your Workshop page question about good advice, but your Comment icon is missing.
Thanks for letting me know! I'm new to this. Just added the button -- hope it's working now.
Also, what's the meaning of Author icon next to your name?
Thanks, glad to read your posts.
The best anti-fascist research I've encountered so far is a radio show "For the Record "that has been on the air for 30 years, but no one seems to notice: https://spitfirelist.com/, https://spitfirelist.com/category/audio/. He strictly compiles information that has been reported in the media. The archives are worth listening to.
Thank you for reading my posts.
And thanks also for the reference to "For the Record".
I will definitely follow up on that. It's frightening to me that the threat of fascism isn't taken more seriously. Timothy Snyder wrote (in "On Tyranny") that any election can be the last. There are so many parallels to what is happening today in America with the rise of fascism in the last century.
I often feel I'm just whistling in the wind here; but the occasional comment like yours is what keeps me going.
ps, I subscribed to your own Substack newsletter, Laura, to hopefully improve my writing and reach (impact) more readers.
At first I was confused by the title of The White Rose because it was a symbol used by one side of a dynastic conflict in England, but I like your story better. It seems to have higher moral ground, which is more inspiring.
The White Rose is a good reminder.
I like this project--keep up the great work!
Are we well met sir? Lol. Agreed about the project. Definitely agree!
Libor,
I use an online pseudonym (like many people) as a buffer against the dangers of using the internet to express opinions; to separate my personal political musings from my professional writing projects; and as an additional buffer to protect myself and my family from potentially dangerous people.
I chose the name Abraham Washington out of respect for Abraham Lincoln and George Washington.
So I do not appreciate your personal comments about me; you do not know anything about my personal circumstances (beyond the political opinions I've expressed here) so I don't know how you can make assumptions about my personal life.
And if you think I am "always ready to shell out a perfect answer of high octane to gaslight your opponents" then you have misread this newsletter. From Day One I have encouraged civil discourse. That's how we learn and grow, by listening and respecting others, even when we disagree.
My original purpose was to raise people's awareness ("A Warning") of what I think is a growing danger (the resurgence of fascism) and I tried to write entertaining but informative articles, book reviews, even some humor pieces, to engage people and start a conversation about what's going on, and how to solve problems.
Many people who disagree with me have contributed intelligent and insightful comments, and have motivated me to modify some of my positions and methods.
So if you would like to engage in civil discourse about the extent and nature of the current problems in the American political arena (and elsewhere), then feel free to contribute. But personal comments (like you used above) are not welcome here.
We're good, Libor. Sometimes I too get carried away, but I'm careful always to re-read before I Send or Post, because it's easy to unintentionally offend.
Thank you for your gracious apology.
I see from your Newsletter that you are in extreme situation in Nicaragua, and I am truly amazed at your writing, which is indeed stream of consciousness, filled with fantastic thoughts and characters; your writing I think would make for a James Cameron Avatar-like movie. And all that typing with one arm. Quite a feat. Also that kind of writing doesn't really work well with self-censoring, so your post here and elsewhere probably reflect your let-it-rip writing style. You have an interesting story to tell, and you tell it in an intriguing right-brain creative way. Myself, I've always been a left-brain academic and careful to maintain rational logical writing.
My only real outlet here is my "Humor" which is half-satirical and half-nasty - because my targets are nasty people and deserve to be called out. But believe it or not, those are the posts where I lose subscribers - somehow they are personally offended.
I'm old (and sick) and I truly worry about the future for my grandchildren; that's why I'm doing this project. And I'm learning that it's most effective when I tone down my critical side and try to maintain a very civil attitude, because that's the only way to reach people without them getting defensive or what-about-something-else. But your writing purpose and style is very different.
So we're good, Libor. Peace to all.
thank you for your comments Libor; we're all sick of Nazis.
I'm glad to get their symbol off the site.