Easter Rising

[H2O Man]

“Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be over-past.” – Isaiah 26:20


One of the things that I've found in my years of studying to be a hermit is that I find time to read everything from ancient texts to the Democratic Underground. Still, I recognize that this is a harsh time for some, and that there is anxiety and stress for many others. In the past thirty-six hours, I have spoken with several family members who are experiencing such difficulties. Several are having very hard times. I will try to summarize a few of the things that we have discussed for coping in times like these.

I do enjoy reading the writings attributed to Isaiah. I do not think his message is limited to the 8th century bc.”remember the former things of old” (46 ) and “look unto the rock whence you are hewn” (51:4) seem appropriate to me today, at this moment in the eternal Now. My 90 year old aunt and 92 year old uncle tell me about how the family survived hard times not limited to the Great Depression and WW2. I'm lucky that I can talk to them, and remember the stories that those who went before handed down about surviving hard times.

Not everyone has that type of thing available to them. But I can say that, without any question, generations of your family tree survived similar hardships. The proof is in the pudding – you wouldn't be reading this if your ancestors did not survive. You have their DNA, and their blood flows through your veins. So yes, there are times when things seem overwhelming. There are times when you might feel helpless and hopeless. That's natural, and you are not alone.

Another of the things that helps me in hard times is knowing, based upon being part of an extended Irish-American family my entire life, is that nothing brightens a gloomy day like dark humor. For a mild example, today I reminded my daughter about the famous Years' quote: “Being Irish, he had an abiding sense of tragedy which sustained him through temporary periods of joy.” Drinking green beer on St. Patrick's Day doesn't make one truly Irish. One must feel the suffering that inspired Yeats to deliver that line.

Today I read one of the most beautiful things I have ever encountered on this forum. It was on DU:GD, in an OP by friend hatrack, regarding the “Branch Covidians.” How perfect a way to sum up the ignorance of 33% of American voters. We must make that stick, and we can all play a role. Try to think of the sickest jokes possible. Here goes my attempt: Donald Koresh, the president of the Branch Covidians, has predicted the current crisis will end on Easter Sunday. Trump plans to hold a religious revival rally on Good Friday in anticipation, promising to serve chloroquine-flavored kool-aid to his flock.

The next thing I recommend is not only coming on DU for community, but to use this time to become acquainted with some of today's social movements that focus on the positive. There are two that I really like that I'll add links to. The first is Rev. William Barber's Poor People's Campaign, the second is Bend the Arc. Both are definitely worthy of consideration. I'm hoping that others will add more to the list.

https://www.poorpeoplescampaign.org/

www.bendthearc.us

Finally, I recommend turning off the television, and getting off the internet, for a period of time each day. Listen to your favorite music, for good music helps calm the mind. I like the Beatles (and post-Beatles) and listen to them daily. But in the past week, I have found the music of Bob Marley and Peter Tosh particularly good to listen to. In fact, I'll add a link to one of my favorite Tosh songs.

I hope that you are all safe.
H2O Man

[leftieNanner]

1. Excellent Advice

And thanks for the Tosh. Love his voice.

One of the hardest parts of this confinement is the fact that my two weekly singing gigs are cancelled. No choir and no chorale. Think I'll crank up some Clapton later.

[H2O Man]

2. Thanks!

I love Peter Tosh's music. Between my son and I, we have got quite a good selection of it. I particularly like an acoustic version of "Get Up, Stand Up," and think too few people know he wrote the lyrics, while Bob created the music for this classic.

A person cannot go wrong with Clapton. No question about it.

[kentuck]

3. Interesting Biblical verse.

from the prophet Isaiah.

[H2O Man]

7. Right.

I find them fascinating. Many years ago, I was in communication with brothers Daniel and Phillip Berrigan, and they frequently quoted from Isaiah. That certainly influences the way that I view these writings.

[kentuck]

11. I remember the Berrigan Brothers.

I had read someplace that Isaiah was Jesus' favorite prophet.

[H2O Man]

15. Yes.

I think that is correct. And parts of the Gospels focus on the connections. The Gospels and Isaiah are my favorite parts of the Good Book.

[kentuck]

23. It is a Good Book because...

...no one has been able to write such moral distinctions before or since.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

4. From your header I thought this would be a post about the Easter Rising

in Ireland in 1916.

I went to Ireland in 1972, stayed in a B&B in Dublin. While there, a man staying in the B&B brought me downtown to the GPO and told me about the Easter Rising. It might have happened five years before not fifty, the way he talked about it.

[H2O Man]

8. Yes,

I was thinking of Ireland when I decided upon that title. I talk a lot with family there, and they are still velebrating the 100 year anniversary (it went on longer, of course, than the 1916 events). My younger son got one of the older paper notes signed by my grandfather's cousin, who was the second treasurer of the Free State. My son hadn't realized that our relative was in a cell next to Mick during the struggle.

The advantage that we have here today is that we have the ability to get rid of this administration by peaceful means.

[Tanuki]

24. I thought of that, too.

[coeur_de_lion]

5. We all need a mental health break

Thank you H!

[H2O Man]

9. Thank you!

I recommend against watching today's Trump press conference. I have the thing re-playing now, and it is toxic.

The Beatles, on the other hand, were fun to listen to this morning.

[coeur_de_lion]

13. I read about his broadcasts

Sometimes watch a few seconds with the sound off.

I literally never listen to him. Never.

I'm to the point where I can't even listen to people imitating him.

He's killing us.

Stay home with the boys. Tell them I said to take good care of you.

[H2O Man]

16. Good.

I do watch most of them, as a form of penance for all the hell I raised as a youth. Also, so that if there is anything important, I can share them with those wise enough not to listen to him.

The boys and I are having a good and safe time.

[coeur_de_lion]

14. Did I ever send you the video

of my cousin from County Cork talking about the Easter Rising?

I can't remember.

[H2O Man]

17. I think so,

although that wasn't on this forum. Perhaps you could share some of it here. (I have watched, as you might guess, four hours of documentaries on it in the past 24 hours.

[coeur_de_lion]

19. I can't share it here

It would totally cause me to dox myself.

I think I did send it to you on FB.

It's boring to anyone who doesn't have my surname except for the bit about the Easter Rising.

Sometimes I listen just so I can hear that lovely familiar Irish accent.

It comforts me.

[H2O Man]

20. Right.

My error. I can't blame drinking, as I don't drink. Hmmmmmmmm......

I connected with the residents of the hamlet that my grandfather came from in 1879. For the first time, I was able to see pictures of two of my father's cousins, who won Olympic gold for Ireland long ago. And I communicate with quite a few other relatives living on our Old Sod.

You have a mighty pleasant voice to listen to yourself!

[coeur_de_lion]

21. You're sweet

I know I'm not 100% Irish. More like 45% and the rest German and Scandinavian.

But I feel 100% Irish.

And I'm really happy to connect with cousins over there. My cousin F who is on the tape talks just like my Grandpa.

They are staging a huge reunion for everyone with my surname this year.

We can't go for health and financial reasons and I was really bummed.

Then Coronavirus happened and I was so happy circumstances prevented us from blowing all that money on a vacation that would never happen. We can go next year.

We haven't spoken in a long time. I will call maybe this weekend.

[malaise]

6. Great post

I too loved the Branch Covidians.


Bob and Peter are always around here

This one for me is soothing - one of the best musical arrangements of all of them - in my books

[H2O Man]

10. Thank you!

One of the greatest experiences that I have had the pleasure of enjoying on this forum was the day that I learned you you, too, loved Peter Tosh. A kindred soul!

Thank you very much for posting that powerful song! You are The Best!

[malaise]

12. I learn from you

all the time my brother. We share a lot in common and not just Hurricane and Peter.

[H2O Man]

18. Likewise!

[ismnotwasm]

22. My husband has multiple sclerosis

For the last six weeks or so, he has had episodes of not recognizing his surroundings. It started while he was driving. Just toddling down the road and suddenly not a clue where the fuck he is.

It’s a scary time. I started asking questions, how often, does anything trigger them, how long do they last, things along those lines. He went to his neurologist. Had yet another MRI (he’s had many) no changes. He was supposed to have a follow up appointment to discuss changing his meds. (The one he’s on can be deadly, and the longer you’re on it, the worse it is) now, with Covid-19, he won’t see his neurologist again until June. The episodes were coming three or four a day. He’s depressed and afraid. I’m terrified I’m losing my life partner. I will love no other. Just the way it is.

Anyway, we are in Seattle on lockdown except for necessities. We’ve limited his driving. Easy, because, we are, well, locked down

We have a new dog, a German Shepard puppy who will be 8 months in a few days. She’s a lot of work. Her parents are literal guard dogs at a used tire and rim shop. Hell of a gorgeously active breed with street cred. And she is soooo pretty. My God.

So when I don’t work, (RN at a big hospital, yes it’s intense) we work with our dog, I walk, he gets in his electric wheelchair, and we find funky trails in the city. We plan things out, check in with family.

Today, he had only ONE episode of memory loss. A mild one. Is it because we have been staying home, lessening stress doing homey things we enjoy? I like to think so. Giving his poor assaulted brain time to heal. He’s smiling, he had his sense of humor back. For now.

And that’s enough

So, yeah.

[H2O Man]

27. I keep re-reading

your post, and thinking of what a hard time this is for both of you. Yet you are able to identify some good things -- not "good" because of this, but in spite of it. I appreciate hearing this -- actually, I really needed to hear it -- because of some ongoing difficulties with people I love who are enduring the horrors of MS, and a good friend who's son is in the late stages of ALS.

I'm also reminded of two years ago, a short time after getting out of the ICU for my brain injury, I decided to visit my youngest at her college. It was a two hour drive, and clearly I knew my doctors were wrong in telling me not to even try such a thing. I made it there without problem, though my daughter scolded me for doing so. On the drive home, I suddenly realized I had no idea where I was, or where I was heading.

It took me much longer than usual to eventually find my way home. My daughter had been calling to make sure I had made it, and was furious when I told her why I was late. Needless to say, she accompanied me to an unscheduled doctor's visit the next week (she drove). Now, that doctor, by chance, had been my 6th grade sweetheart, and remains a friend. (It's her son with ALS.) My daughter refered to me as "stupid," and she said it was more of my being "stubborn." Then they compromised, and agreed I was stupid and stubborn, not a good combination. It led to my two sons agreeing that they would take turns staying with me, as if I were a helpless old fool.

Though I can smile about it as I discuss it now, I do remember how scary it was for me, getting lost on a route I had driven frequently for years. And how upsetting it was for those around me.

I also know how much joy a dog can bring. Your post reminded me of when my German Shepherd was a puppy, and the pleasure I had knowing him in his lifetime. They are great beings.

I will be keeping you and your husband in my thoughts, and I hope that you have the chance to keep me updated on how things are going for you. (One of my nieces lives in Seattle, and it sounds like it is difficult at this time.)

[ismnotwasm]

30. Thank you

We’ve both learned the lessons of gratitude. We have a home, transportation, small luxuries. The harder things get, they more both of us tend to rely on the good things.

He’s a good dude, stubborn as hell, but a good dude.

I will say I’ve never had such on intense reaction to a dog, and I’ve had dogs all my life.

Covid-19 has turned our hospital upside down. Looks like we are trying to consolidate positive patients to one hospital in our system, so we can avoid too many on my floor, which is full of immunosuppressed people. They are starting to roll in anyway.

Thank you again for your kind words

[spanone]

25. K&R...

Thanks H2OMan!

[H2O Man]

28. Thank you, spanone!

How are things going your way?

[MartyTheGreek]

26. Rec. My dark humor side thought about how Jim Jones...

brainwashed his cult into believing that only they, had the special knowledge and righteousness and are "the" only select, glorious group of chosen ones to get their special ticket to the throne on the other side after this fleshy battle with evil!

I can readily see Cultists' techniques being used by Trump for Trumplandia even in these daily briefings. His rally events are now sidelined so the only way to keep the brainwashing going, is to use the daily CoronaVirus Task-force briefings as his outlet. He'll say one truth, then three lies will slip in for Fox News, then an expert will give their professional opinion, then Trump will refute it in some way just after the expert speaks on the topic standing on the same damn stage! No wonder why networks are breaking away from the coverage. Trump gets to quip out his cultist propaganda that then becomes news clips for the cultists support channels!

After my four years active duty, I joined a fake christian cult (little c), and in the beginning the very thing that hypnotized me was the directed speaking in tongues and the directed, by the elder, present the interpretation of those tongues. As time went on, I realized the interpretation of those tongues was just what we all wanted to hear in English anyway, but we all fell for it as prophecy, or Gospel the good word as some might say.

My Dark Humor: "Since Jim Jones is dead, Dr. Oz takes the stage yesterday and says that it's OK to drink the malaria juice now because the Dark State is coming and if we don't sacrifice grandma and grandpa, your 401K and social security will be gone! Here's an inconvenience check to get you through some dark days that we threw out the books on, and didn't plan for. Make sure that most of your check goes towards tithing to Wall St. Your Overlords Convey"

[H2O Man]

29. Exactly!

About the daily briefings: yesterday my cousin called me. He's a retired union carpenter, and had commented on one of his former co-worker's face book posts about current events. The co-worker is a Trump cult member, unfortunately, and had posted nonsense about the Democrats not supporting the first bill for paying corporations in their time of need. My cousin simply asked if people had actually read the bill? He was immediately attacked by a flock of strangers, called insulting names, complete with veiled threats.

In other words, none of them had read the bill. But all of them took Trump's word that it was golden, and the Democrators were corrupt. Now, I don't waste my time arguing with idiots that do not do their basic research. I believe in research. In fact, I took the time to do a bit of research on those who included hints of threats while insulting my cousin. I've been protective of him since he and his son were shot by the drunken, off-duty cop a few years ago.

The pathology of Jones, Koresh, and even Manson can be identified in Trump. Likewise for the brain-dead supporters.

[PETRUS]

31. Very nice message.

Yes, just by being alive we know we and our ancestors are/were survivors. As a side note (and in keeping with the Irish theme), my forebears made it through the "potato famine." One child of that generation, my great-grandfather, came to the US by himself as a 16 year old.

Thanks for sharing the links. I either didn't know about Bend the Arc, or had heard of them and forgotten.

[soldierant]

32. "generations of your family tree survived similar hardships."

One of the truths which make Henry Louis Gates Jr."s "Finding Your Roots" so engaging, at least for me.


If the good music one is looking for is opera, it happens to be available on the internet for free just now, and I am grateful.

[Hekate]

33. Thank you my friend. My music-playing has been too sporadic, but something reminded me...

...to load up my cd player with Hawaiian music the other day, and now your post reminded me to turn it back on. I started with the soundtrack from The Descendents -- don't remember if it won an Oscar, but it should have. The movie producers collected the best of the best. Right now is Ulili E, about a little bird who goes everywhere, including my old home town Kailua, apparently.

Used to play Irish music, collected tons of it, was a Clancy Bros fan since the early 1960s, but the thing is I used sing along, and for the last several years sadly my voice won't cooperate. Will have to try again -- used to bring me joy.

Thanks for your post and for sharing a version of Sinner Man I had not heard before.

Stay well,
Hekate

[OneGrassRoot]

34. K&R and...

a morning hug for you, Dear Friend.

[ramen]

35. Thank you for this positivity,

I could really use it right now.