Politics Friday

For Czeslawa: Introducing Politics Friday

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Ever since Trump was elected, I have been floundering with this blog as I debate whether or not I should write about politics. I did not conceive of Notes from the Hinterland as a blog to be centered on politics. Instead, I wanted it to be focused on rural life as well as what I listened to, read, and watched. I was afraid that writing about politics after so many years of blogging—over ten  years, I think—would be jarring. From reading the comments, I know that many of you follow Notes from the Hinterland for its calming effects as I record the changing of the seasons and the goings-on in central Maine. Because of this, when I returned to blogging after an extended break, I decided it would be business as usual with my blog.

Except it’s not business as usual in this country. Far from it. Even readers who don’t live in the United States understand the chaos and down-right cruelty of the Trump administration. Good friends of the United States, such as Canada, have been insulted and threatened with tariffs. In Maine, this hits particularly hard as the state has a 611-mile border with Canada. Many Mainers are of Canadian descent. Indeed, all of my immediate ancestors, going back five generations, come from Canada—Québec on my mother’s side, Prince Edward Island on my father’s. In northern Maine, there are families that span both sides of the border.

In the face of all this chaos, I have been going back and forth. Should I write about politics and thus change the vibe of this blog? Or stick with what I have been doing?

But then yesterday, in Timothy Snyder’s Substack—Thinking About…—I read an essay by Laurie Winer. In “What to Expect When You’re Expecting Catastrophe”, she writes:

The debate about whether or not we should bring Hitler or Nazism or fascism into a contemporary political debate is obsolete. Now it is crucial that we take seriously the warnings gathered for us by survivors and writers. When you look at a photo of a Jew about to be arrested or shot and he or she is staring straight into the camera, remember that it is you they are looking at.

That paragraph certainly caught my attention. Coincidentally, I just took out a book, The Rest is Memory, from the library. This novel, by Lily Tuck, imagines the life of a real Polish girl named Czeslawa Kwoka who in 1942 was transported to Auschwitz and photographed. Fourteen years old on arrival, she was dead three months later.

Here is Czeslawa’s picture featured on the book’s jacket.

Polish photographer Wilhelm Brasse, who was also a prisoner at Auschwitz, took this photo.

Yes, it does seem as though she is looking at me. The fact that Czeslawa was Catholic rather than Jewish matters not at all. She was killed in a murderous rampage that stretched across Europe and took millions of lives of people deemed inferior—Jews, Catholics, Romas, gays, the elderly, and handicapped folks.

Winer’s words coupled with Czeslawa’s picture tipped the scales. Even though I am the tiniest of fish in a vast ocean, I can read, and I can write. In these times, not to write seems wrong somehow. so write I will—on my blog, on Facebook, to politicians.

Going forward, my blog will have two posts each week. On Mondays, I’ll write about the seasons and the Maine hinterland. On Fridays, it will be politics. Those who prefer not to read about politics can skip Friday’s post.

This decision feels right. Politics Friday is dedicated to Czeslawa, who never had a chance to grow up, whose sad, wan face stares out at us—at me—from across the years. A message and a warning.

To Czeslawa.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

86 thoughts on “For Czeslawa: Introducing Politics Friday”

  1. I have got to the point where I almost can’t look at the news. There is something unhinged about Trump and his tariffs…they grab the headlines, produce outrage and then he changes his mind. Never mind the rest….

    2. I have stopped watching tv. A couple days go by and I feel happy and then something happens and I see or hear about it and then I’m thrown back into the abysmal real world.

  2. I tried to ignore the news but to bury my head in the sand when so many people are suffering at the hands of Trump seems wrong. In my opinion you are looking this young girl straight in the eye and not shying away from what needs to be addressed. Every morning I wake up and wonder about Ukraine and the rising death toll. I think about my friends in the US … and Canada.

    I like the idea of Friday politics. Good on yer!

  3. I think you’ve made a very good decision, Laurie. My husband counsels me to just leave it alone, but I can’t. Writing down the thoughts that just never stop is helpful. Not exactly cathartic, but helpful. Your voice matters. I’ll look forward to both weekly posts.

    1. Thanks, Jane. I can’t leave it alone either. On one of my comments, a mutual blogging friend mentioned she’s been sharing your posts. So what you are writing is having an effect.

  4. Half of my ancestors were from Canada, and I have much loved Canadian friends. The Hitler reference is more than I can handle with my current heavy heart and mind. I limit my access to news because it is hard for me to fathom what is going on so I try to live my daily life as best I can under these strange and dangerous circumstances. Take care, Laurie.

  6. Sounds like a good plan, Laurie. I’m trying to stay aware of what’s happening so as not to be ignorant, but I think all this insanity is giving me a stomach ulcer. Better, perhaps, to let it out rather than bottle it inside, huh? I’ll be here on Fridays!

  9. I will not skip your Friday posts. I have written very little political as well. I lost friends due to my angst over Jan 6. I have lost friends already this term, every time I say anything that doesn’t support this administration. Yet it seems wrong not to express my dismay. I even lost friends over a post that asked people not to give up their long term friends over this administration. Sad. I feel like they have no problem posting their posts filled with hate, but if I ask everyone to provide a little grace to those that think differently I’m ghosted and blocked. Ah well. I still have my dog and my husband, right?

    1. What a strange world we live in – where hate is more acceptable in some quarters, than reason and honest debate. We have our community here in Blogland – it is a comfort. Sending love across the pond. ❤

  11. I will look forward to reading both posts each week. Balance.

    I can not bear to see the News at the moment. As soon as Putin invaded Ukraine, I feared that this was the beginning of World War 3.

    I do hope to be proved wrong, but every day since then, we get closer rather than further away.

    It will be a comfort to read your sane, sensible and erudite take on things.

  12. Thanks for sharing your process. I will be reading Monday’s and Friday’s! I am thinking reasonable, compassionate people who can write, should. (Preaching to myself here.)

  13. Powerful post, Laurie. I’m glad as a writer with talent, you are using your words to beat the drum against the injustice that is shocking the world.

  14. I am a European-born food and lifestyle commenter from Australia. Have always been interested in politics but kept my beliefs to myself and my friends’ private circle. Here I feel I cannot. The current Trump MAGA politics in the US affects not only my friends there but the whole of the world. Have lately reposted more Jane Fritz-generated posts than restaurant reviews and recipes. because that is how it has to be until some form of normalcy returns. Shall be reading your Friday posts with care . . . thank you!

    1. And thank you. So true that the politics in the U.S. affects the whole world. Sigh. Jane Fritz has written some terrific posts that are certainly worthy of being reposted.

  15. I have been struggling with the same dilemma, Laurie.

    So far, I have decided to keep politics (mostly) out of my posts, but sometimes I feel as though I might explode if I don’t comment on some of the egregious things that are said and done.

    But I also understand that many people are staying away from bad news and I’m not sure I want to add to all those negative vibes, instead of focusing on what is still good and enjoyable.

    What trying times we live in.

  16. I think it is detrimental to the future and disrespectful to this young girl to bury one’s head in the sand, but I do understand that some people cannot bare to read the awful announcements day after day. I think moderation is the key which you have clearly found – we need to know and to be aware, but not so much that we become overloaded. In some ways, to be silent would also to be complicit in the acceptance of this regime. And it is. I have enjoyed your posts no matter the content. I think bloggers are an effective way of disseminating independent news (with known limits of individual confirmation bias) across the world unlimited by geography. For that reason alone, it feels worthwhile to me.

    1. Many thanks! And you raised an important point—individual confirmation bias—and next Friday I am going to lay my cards on the table, so to speak, so that readers know exactly where I stand. Thanks for bringing it up.

  17. Go for it, Laurie. If nothing else, such posts wil make you feel better and give the rest of us something to think about.

  18. I am sorry you have to wrestle with this, Laurie, but am pleased you have come to this conclusion. It is important for the rest of the world what sane Americans think of the psychopathic chaos of this administration.

    1. Thank you so very much! I never thought about it that way, but yes, I can imagine that it’s important for the rest of the world to realize we Americans are not all in lock step with Trump.

  19. As a writer I think it is so important to write about what you feel urged to write about Laurie and I can totally understand you want to stay true to yourself in this way 💚✍️ xxx

  20. I check the news twice a day for anything I think I need to know but rarely do more than read the headlines. Wallowing in the mess leaves me out of kilter. and emphasises how powerless I am. For me writing about the mayhem and madness makes me feel worse so I choose not to do that but I am happy for you to read whatever you choose to write. The ostrich position has its limits! Sending big hugs!

    1. I do understand. I would so like to focus only on the rural aspects of life in Maine along with what I read and watch. But I can’t do it. Somehow, I can’t look away. But boy oh boy, I would like to.

      1. Things are not great over here but not as bad as with you. Sending hugs!

  21. A difficult decision but an excellent solution. Our ancestors, particularly the female ones, fought to get the vote, and look where democracy has landed us. 😦

    1. Thanks, Quercus! I keep thinking about all the Americans who fought in WW2. Our fathers and grandfathers. Is this what they fought for? I expect they would be horrified.

  22. Good for you, Laurie. Every day, when I read the news, I feel sick and helpless. Especially when our democratic representatives are doing nothing to protect us.

  25. You must do what is right for you Laurie but I will be reading as I find it a comfort that not everyone in the U.S. has lost their reason.

  26. I was not familiar with Czeslawa’s story, Laurie. Thank you. Her ghost still haunts present times, both a mirror and a reminder.

    Our species has not fallen far from the tree. You may have read of the Gombe Chimpanzee Wars observed by Jane Goodall between 1974 and 1978 ? It is not much different than how such wars are started among their close relatives, humans, who have given themselves the scientific name “Homo sapiens”.
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gombe_Chimpanzee_War

    1. Yes, I have heard of the chimpanzee wars. At times, our behavior goes right along with theirs. Too bad we weren’t close relatives to Bonobos.

      I’m haunted by both Czeslawa’s story and Poland’s story. I just learned that Hitler wanted to strip Poland of Poles so that Germans could settle there. That’s why Czeslawa and her family were killed. Along with many, many other Poles.

  27. I admire and respect your views (and agree with them!) and will continue to follow your very thoughtful and intelligent writings. I wish I had the mojo to do the same right now, but recovering from spine surgery is taking up most of my energy.

  28. As a former journalist, I’ve long been a proponent of open discussion and the exchange of ideas. I’ve long believed in the right of everyone to speak their mind and have their opinions respected. However, times have changed. Suddenly, it seems, we as a people have become intolerant. Hate-filled. Borderline mean. Now, I fear repercussions about speaking my mind. I don’t want to alienate anyone, but I have to be true to myself. Thus, I avoid political discussions. I won’t have candidate signs placed in my yard. I won’t have bumper stickers on my car. It’s sad that we’ve degenerated to this. No wonder we’re ripe for takeover by a tyrant.

  29. Laurie, I know I am new here but I cannot imagine you moving forward in any other way. These times are wild and trying and each of us must do what we can. Now is not the time for silence. Thank you for your voice ❤

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  31. Well said, Laurie. The quote from Laurie Winer is an important reminder that politics, and the use/abuse of power have massive consequences for ordinary people. In these circumstances I think your strategy of two weekly posts, one “mainstream” and one politically focussed, is a positive way for you to go.

  32. Just looking at Czeslawa’s face made me burst into tears, Laurie. What a tragedy. The human capacity for cruelty knows no bounds, and it seems we, as a species, will never learn. There are children dying everywhere today, including in the US, for one reason alone – adults made the choice not to care.

    I applaud your decision to use your voice. I’ve been struggling with the same – finding it almost impossible to blog and be cheery in the midst of this crisis. Perhaps I need to follow your lead and be honest about what I’m feeling and what’s going on. Thank you!

    1. Oh, I know! I feel the same way. And not long after that photo was taken, she was murdered.

      Thanks for your kind words of support. It is very hard to write cheery posts in the face of all that’s going on. I just couldn’t keep silent anymore. Good luck with your decision.

      1. I’ll come up with something, Laurie. I just heard that the Rapist wants his DOJ to clear the way for him to fire all female department heads. How can I not speak up?!

  33. Thank you! I am with you “sister.” I got the book on audible and am listening to it now. I will continue to be a faithful follower of your blog.

  34. I’m thrilled you’re back to blogging and have now added Politics Friday!!🙂 After the election I had to take a brief break from the news, but I’ve been following everything that is happening and feel we have to have these conversations about what now feels like an around the clock nonstop threat against our democracy and citizens.

  35. Laurie, it’s been wonderful reading all these intelligent comments to your heartfelt post. Like you, I’ve struggled with adding to the conversation and voicing my fears or staying with lighter content. I’m still grappling with that decision. Your post helped me find some clarity.

    1. I’m so glad you have enjoyed reading the intelligent comments. What a wonderful community. Also glad the post helped you find clarity. What a time we are in!

      1. Your post and the comments that followed give me hope. On the other hand, hearing Pete Buttigieg explain the significance of the security leak today has left me reeling once again. It’s so hard to take all of this in.

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