This short email begins with a thought I had in late October 2024. The few words and photos I've posted since my previous newsletter follow.
Historical Contingency
It's one thing to criticize presentist thinking and optimistic notions of human progress that don't comport with professional historiography. It's quite another to be punched in the face repeatedly by the reality of historical contingency in our national experience these past few decades.
Groundhog Day
These days, I often have no words, which for me is saying something. Perhaps I'm still processing the American insanity that makes every day feel like I'm stuck in a time loop à la Harold Ramis's 1993 film "Groundhog Day." Or maybe I'm growing numb and dumb. In any case, I took this photo in North Conway on the actual Groundhog Day last week with nary a rodent in sight.
The Current Terror
There are federal agents and administration officials who will have to face murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and other serious charges after the rule of law is reestablished in this land. But how to end the current terror?
Heather Cox Richardson has thoughts. Watch her comment on today's killing of Alex Pretti on YouTube (37 min).
Winter Stroll
Seen in North Conway Village on Wednesday afternoon, Jan 28
