Helen Keller could not see or hear. But with the help of her teacher, Anne Sullivan, she learned to communicate and share her ideas as a writer, educator and advocate for the disabled with millions. Frederick Douglass was brutally tortured as an enslaved man for the color of his skin and his independent mind, but he eventually became one of America’s leading thinkers, writers and voices whose views still resonate powerfully. Harriett Tubman gained her freedom from slavery, but had the indomitable courage and will to return to slave states again and again to rescue at least 70 others. These are just a few Americans who uplift me.
These days it can be hard to feel uplifted when we see some of the worst among us exploiting their powerful platforms to spread hate. There’s no more obvious example in recent days than Kanye West using his massive microphone to praise Hitler and express his love for Nazis. He’s not alone in this grim downward spiral, of course: Look no further than the GOP House Judiciary Committee legitimizing him alongside two others who have learned that hate is a useful tool. The committee’s tweet from October 6: “Kanye. Elon. Trump.”
But this discussion thread is an effort to not get stuck in the swamp of these dark forces. Rather, let’s shine a light on extraordinary and everyday people who inspire us and remind us that, while many choose to misuse the spotlight and do harm, the human race need not be defined by the darker angels of its nature.
Who uplifts you? Who helps sustain your optimism about the human race? Maybe it’s an historical figure. Perhaps it’s someone in contemporary life. It might even be a neighbor, a friend, a family member. (Yes, my daughters inspire me, as do many young people and teachers motivated to create better futures for themselves and others.) I hope you will share your thoughts on this question and we can build a rich collection of names and people who illuminate the best in us.
As always, I look forward to reading what you think and the opportunity for this community to learn from each other. Please do be respectful in your comments.
So many teachers artists musicians, give me joy but closer to home-I’ve learned a lot about myself and childhood babysitting my great grandson 3 1/2.  Watching him act out different scenarios holding two dinosaurs is joyful. Taking him to the Musical Instrument Museum, and watching him pound on xylophones & drums energizes me.  Enjoying him in the pool where he screams to anyone who will listen. “watch me I’m almost swimming.” Lots of music (Vivaldi, Mozart, Bach& jazz), art & literature give me joy, but watching a toddler learning to explore his environment-test himself -is pure joy.
Too easy it is to allow ourselves to become bogged down by the ”darker angels” of human nature as you put it..Being uplifted can be difficult to recognize when it is happening, due to all of the hate and vitriol surrounding us..I can offer up a couple resent examples in the shape of my own experience..
When all of those immigrants landed in Marthas Vineyard just a few months ago, they were received with open arms, love, warmth ,food, clothing, a place to lay there head, resources and legal representation..They were treated as welcome guests for who they were, human beings seeking a path away from tyranny and hate..
They were looking to the United States to make good on the promise that she keeps putting out into the world..Come here and we will help you..
That uplifted me..it inspired me to consider becoming a more participatory part of society..I began by becoming an election worker in this past midterm..
Another example is the inaugural poem authored and delivered by Amanda Gorman at President Biden’s inauguration..To see this young woman offer up such hope and positiveness, I saw wisdom in her way beyond her years..That uplifted me..
And even with smaller less magnified moments..Good deeds that happen all around us that we don’t consider perhaps as much as we ought to..those small acts of kindness, they uplift me as well..
The accumulative effect of those can be a powerful thing..if we let them..
My husband. He stepped up to serve as the Democratic election observer, to learn every minute step of ballot processing. On election day, a volunteer from the Republican side finally showed up, and expressing her well ingrained suspicions, Mike engaged her quietly with the information he got from the day of training from the week before. Suffice to say, she came away with far more confidence in the system than she rode in on. That training would be an excellent step for every voter.
When I get discouraged, I think of the generations of Black people, especially Black women, who have endured centuries of enslavement and discrimination … and yet continue to live lives of dignity. And not a one of them is so angry or bored that they gather up arms and massacre school children and grocery shoppers and night club goers.
Some historical figures who inspire me include Mamie Till-Mobley, mother of Emmett Till. I am in awe of her courage and resolve to bring the tragedy of her son’s torture and lynching into the public spotlight, despite the profound pain and end to her own privacy. Even though I’m also a mother, I can’t imagine having the same kind of strength.
More generally, I’m inspired by teachers, nurses, caregivers for the elderly and disabled, and all the unsung heroes of society whose professions don’t translate into high salaries or major awards—but are nonetheless essential. I’m also inspired by journalists and war correspondents like the late James Foley who, despite the risks, remain committed to reporting the truth to the rest of the world. Finally, I’m inspired by activists and canvassers who safeguard and fight for our democracy. In 2018, I volunteered to canvass in Erie, Pa, on Election Day. I was given my afternoon assignment by the local coordinator, a trauma nurse who had decided to get involved in politics following the 2016 selection. This past October, I volunteered to canvass in Warren County, Pa, where I met several women in their seventies who have stayed civically engaged—before, during, and after every election—for decades. Their unwavering commitment to electoral participation reaffirms my belief in why our democracy matters.
Ernesto Cortes is one of my heroes. Over a 50-year career, he's been building community-based organizations strung like pearls across the Southwest, from New Orleans to Los Angeles. He transforms people into leaders, then lets them figure out an agenda for their local neighborhoods and cities. And did I mention he's been doing it for 50 years?
Liz Cheney & Adam Kinzinger for going against the grain of the GOP
Hillary Clinton for saving her marriage & graciously conceding when she won the popular vote.
Harry Truman for being a down to earth man, enabling the Marshall Plan & firing Douglas MacArthur
John Fetterman for overcoming a stroke, winning & now helping Sen. Warnock
Saquon Barkley for outstanding player at Penn State, recruited by NYGiants but vowing return to get his degree so his son will be proud of him.
Mr.Downing, high school math teacher who used the Socratic Method of teaching and always encouraged me as the only girl in a class full of boys.
My first cardiologist who saved me after a heart attack, proclaimed that not smoking just ONE cigarette did more for the body than all the pills available.
My oldest daughter who has held jobs since she was 11 & delivered papers on her bike, putting the Sunday one together in the cold NJ winter garage, asking for no help.Then a job at Carvels, a cosmetic company, a bagel store, arising while still dark on summer days to sell them at the railroad station, two jobs in college-a waffle shop and tanning salon, an O'Charleys, made a manager after a month, Dial America, again made a manager, answering calls at midnight and going in when they needed her input, working her way up from taking calls to now being a director of a global company, flying to their offices in this country to train, advise. A go getter! Yet, loves plants, gardening, bird watching and feeding, cooking, raising 3 children, & being on call at any hour if I need help. She makes every minute of every day count. Plus, everybody who meets her, likes her. Wow !!
Absolutely- thank you -yes I feel so happy to be my age and be able to handle a three-year-old on an occasional weekend. He’s like a little sponge. I took him hiking two weeks ago and when my daughter got to the daycare to pick him up, the director said: “we had show & tell today and your little guy gave a recitation on -how to hike— why you hike and what the joys of hiking are -to all the kids. This, of course, included - don’t touch sticky cactus- enjoy bunnies, lizards & birdies, and -avoid the snakes. He is a joy!!
I really loved seeing President Obama on the campaign trail for Reverend Warnock. I really needed a dose of his energy, empathy, and love during these negative times. His positivity and continued belief that we can change our own futures is so uplifting. He is soup for my soul! 😊
I have a couple of friends that teach elementary school. They are incredibly for lack of a better word special. I also have a couple of local teachers I support with Donor's Choose. As long as there are people like them working in the world there is hope!
I’ve spent the last decade-plus seeking out and publishing stories written by people facing homelessness. Over and over, I’ve been humbled, surprised, and inspired by the courage and hope many of them carry.
Doug Lawing was one such writer that I’ve had the privilege of knowing. He was already a former addict and ex-con when we met. With a look like Robert Redford and charisma to match, he was magnetic and inspiring. Doug had been to hell, discovered a new joy, and could not wait to share it with others. He died a couple years ago, too soon.
This is an opportune time to focus on people who inspire us. There are two women who stand out for me. Author, Maya Angelou ( 1928 - 2014 ). a woman of color, faced many difficulties and challenges, growing up in the South during the Depression era. She was a singer, dancer, poet, writer and civil rights activist. Her most famous work titled ' I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings', is a revealing autobiography about her childhood. Her book is a testament to the need for resilience in the face of discrimination. In 1993, Angelou received an invitation to recite what became “On the Pulse of Morning” at the Clinton Presidential inaugural ceremony. She was only the second poet to do so, and the first Afro-American woman. On January 20, 2021, following in Angelou's footsteps, Youth Poet Laureate, Amanda Gorman presented 'The Hill We Climb', at Joe Biden's inaugeration. These two women have my respect and admiration. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZ055ilIiN4
I admire the courage, wisdom and fortitude of Johnathan Greenblatt, C. E. O. and National Director of the Anti Defamation League. Consistently shining a light on and taking action against the bigots and organizations that want to move us in a direction that only benefits their race, religion or brand of politics. I must agree that when we see or hear the kind of speech and actions like those that came out of Germany in the early 1930s we must call it out in any civil manner available.
My step father Ralph Ingersoll, a famous left wing journalist, told me when I left for Harvard. "Bill, always be a traitor to your class." He meant to question everything. He tried to, often failing. Me too.
I have watched almost every documentary created by the amazing Ken Burns. The one that impressed me the most was the series on the Roosevelts. A very wealthy family who created two of our most awesome presidents: https://www.pbs.org/kenburns/the-roosevelts/
Music, Art, my grandchildren - hoping they have a world they grow into with love; I hope they can find themselves in whatever they believe in and makes them feel good and worthwhile. I hope the planet continues to sustain life for them.
After being a college Math Prof 40 years, the list is long: Mrs. Pendelton, Mrs. Redmond, Mrs. Alves, Mrs. Perry, Mrs. Kassner, Sr. Patricia, Mrs. Coyle, Sr. Mary Katherine, Mrs. Davis, Marina Pica Davis, Sr. Edith Wyss, Sr. Susan Spadinger, Mr. Kenneth Koebel, Dr. Donald Dykes, Dr. Donald Palmer, Dr. Louis Paskoff, Dr. James Roberts, Prof. Mike May, Dr. Robert Alexander, Dr. Blanche Premo-Hopkins, Dr. Tom Hallman,.....you get the idea.
I love gun control advocate David Hogg. He does meaningful activist work from the Twitter platform. However, he will continue his work no matter where he is and so must we!
I lost my husband to Covid in 2020 and I was with him when he died unexpectedly. At the time, Covid was not on our radar as a possible diagnosis for his death, but as a nurse, I put together the threads leading up to that fatal moment. His death was courageous, even as I suffered from the loss.
I have been on a mission to bring death out of the closet for many years. I was with my mother, my aunt, husband and many premature babies as they drew their last breath. Their last moments inspired me to live each moment with reverence. The breath itself is an inspiration. The oxygen we share must not be muddied by pollution, but the sadly, it is.
I am inspired by spiritual practice, however you define that for yourself. Without it, the will to live is vastly diminished. I applaud all the spiritual teachers who shine a light on the path made true by Love and Forgiveness.
Each time I use my iPhone, I think of Steve Jobs. Even though he had some warts, his imagination inspired technology that changed our lives. His vision of what we will want before we know it exists, is a prime example of why he inspires me. Apple products bring technology to the average person because of their easy usability.
Our Pima County Recorder Gabriella C. Kelly! She stepped up and leapt into our hearts with her fight for voting accessibility for ALL and her compassion for our community. I.e., she runs a Christmas sock drive every year for underprivileged kids and not to mention her rockin’ “I voted” stickers that are true to our county!
Positivity, Love & Hope! The present is quite unprecedented & unsettling for all (who favor love of mankind, are passionate about helping to protect those fearful or harmed, and who are devoted to ethics & true Truth {really have to write this?!}). There are only a limited # of those in their 80’s+ who recall WWII & its related horror/tragedy. Still, it must be incredibly challenging for many of them to see the current rise of hate in speech & otherwise.
I hope to be able to access my ‘Stack to share a gratitude note late night tonight~I wrote in stream of consciousness fashion this morning. It is largely a list of names of people, (& some things) who have inspired joy, warmth, inspiration, & strength to me & to many others. Maybe boring, but interesting, & the LEADERSHIP Of POSITIVITY & Gratitude at present is doing a great job. I never followed Cory Booker that closely, but he’s my hero at present-- fires the spirit & moves the heart. He’s got a heart the size of Texas... did a dbl take there ; ) but yeah! Obama was the last Pol who could inspire me quite like that. Joe Biden has his own, unique personal way. It is super-effective over time b/c you just know how deeply he cares, what he’s been through (& goes thru!), & what a pillar & resolute example of discipline & leadership that he is.
1. The case of relentlessly organized cruelty against human life: The unusual and cruel man-made situation of Rodolphe Nogbou, spanning 30 years from the United States of America, to the hands (in rendition fashion for premeditated murder, since May 2018) of some primitive illiterate and deviant jihadist gangsters’ illegal government:
3. The unusual situation of the Republic of Cote-d’Ivoire in the history of modern nations – A once prosperous nation suddenly overtaken by force (coup-d’état) by some foreign primitive illiterate and deviant jihadist gangsters, then forcefully transformed into an organized crime company (mafia), having alliances with organized crime entities (mafia) around the world, through which illicit channels all the natural resources (crude oil, Cocoa Bean, natural rubber, Palm oil, etc.,) of the country had been diverted for illicit self-enrichment, money laundering, and protection, and for the furtherance of Cruelty against human life: https://rndomain.wixsite.com/rodolphenogbou/about-1
My sister was diagnosed as a paranoid schizophrenic at 14, I was nine. For many years I was her translator of the world, her protector from hurt and isolation. I lost her to suicide 4 years ago. I became an Lcsw 34 years ago, every patient I have treated, I see Ronnie. Every frightened person, every confused victim of mental illness is my sister sitting in front of me, desperately seeking a light in the dark. It keeps me working, it keeps me seeking answers, and, at 68 today, there is no retirement in sight. As long as there are people seeking relief, I will be here offering empathy and compassion. It is my sister Ronnie’s legacy.
So many teachers artists musicians, give me joy but closer to home-I’ve learned a lot about myself and childhood babysitting my great grandson 3 1/2.  Watching him act out different scenarios holding two dinosaurs is joyful. Taking him to the Musical Instrument Museum, and watching him pound on xylophones & drums energizes me.  Enjoying him in the pool where he screams to anyone who will listen. “watch me I’m almost swimming.” Lots of music (Vivaldi, Mozart, Bach& jazz), art & literature give me joy, but watching a toddler learning to explore his environment-test himself -is pure joy.

Too easy it is to allow ourselves to become bogged down by the ”darker angels” of human nature as you put it..Being uplifted can be difficult to recognize when it is happening, due to all of the hate and vitriol surrounding us..I can offer up a couple resent examples in the shape of my own experience..
When all of those immigrants landed in Marthas Vineyard just a few months ago, they were received with open arms, love, warmth ,food, clothing, a place to lay there head, resources and legal representation..They were treated as welcome guests for who they were, human beings seeking a path away from tyranny and hate..
They were looking to the United States to make good on the promise that she keeps putting out into the world..Come here and we will help you..
That uplifted me..it inspired me to consider becoming a more participatory part of society..I began by becoming an election worker in this past midterm..
Another example is the inaugural poem authored and delivered by Amanda Gorman at President Biden’s inauguration..To see this young woman offer up such hope and positiveness, I saw wisdom in her way beyond her years..That uplifted me..
And even with smaller less magnified moments..Good deeds that happen all around us that we don’t consider perhaps as much as we ought to..those small acts of kindness, they uplift me as well..
The accumulative effect of those can be a powerful thing..if we let them..
My husband. He stepped up to serve as the Democratic election observer, to learn every minute step of ballot processing. On election day, a volunteer from the Republican side finally showed up, and expressing her well ingrained suspicions, Mike engaged her quietly with the information he got from the day of training from the week before. Suffice to say, she came away with far more confidence in the system than she rode in on. That training would be an excellent step for every voter.
When I get discouraged, I think of the generations of Black people, especially Black women, who have endured centuries of enslavement and discrimination … and yet continue to live lives of dignity. And not a one of them is so angry or bored that they gather up arms and massacre school children and grocery shoppers and night club goers.
Some historical figures who inspire me include Mamie Till-Mobley, mother of Emmett Till. I am in awe of her courage and resolve to bring the tragedy of her son’s torture and lynching into the public spotlight, despite the profound pain and end to her own privacy. Even though I’m also a mother, I can’t imagine having the same kind of strength.
More generally, I’m inspired by teachers, nurses, caregivers for the elderly and disabled, and all the unsung heroes of society whose professions don’t translate into high salaries or major awards—but are nonetheless essential. I’m also inspired by journalists and war correspondents like the late James Foley who, despite the risks, remain committed to reporting the truth to the rest of the world. Finally, I’m inspired by activists and canvassers who safeguard and fight for our democracy. In 2018, I volunteered to canvass in Erie, Pa, on Election Day. I was given my afternoon assignment by the local coordinator, a trauma nurse who had decided to get involved in politics following the 2016 selection. This past October, I volunteered to canvass in Warren County, Pa, where I met several women in their seventies who have stayed civically engaged—before, during, and after every election—for decades. Their unwavering commitment to electoral participation reaffirms my belief in why our democracy matters.
Ernesto Cortes is one of my heroes. Over a 50-year career, he's been building community-based organizations strung like pearls across the Southwest, from New Orleans to Los Angeles. He transforms people into leaders, then lets them figure out an agenda for their local neighborhoods and cities. And did I mention he's been doing it for 50 years?
I am self motivated, but I admire many people.
Liz Cheney & Adam Kinzinger for going against the grain of the GOP
Hillary Clinton for saving her marriage & graciously conceding when she won the popular vote.
Harry Truman for being a down to earth man, enabling the Marshall Plan & firing Douglas MacArthur
John Fetterman for overcoming a stroke, winning & now helping Sen. Warnock
Saquon Barkley for outstanding player at Penn State, recruited by NYGiants but vowing return to get his degree so his son will be proud of him.
Mr.Downing, high school math teacher who used the Socratic Method of teaching and always encouraged me as the only girl in a class full of boys.
My first cardiologist who saved me after a heart attack, proclaimed that not smoking just ONE cigarette did more for the body than all the pills available.
My oldest daughter who has held jobs since she was 11 & delivered papers on her bike, putting the Sunday one together in the cold NJ winter garage, asking for no help.Then a job at Carvels, a cosmetic company, a bagel store, arising while still dark on summer days to sell them at the railroad station, two jobs in college-a waffle shop and tanning salon, an O'Charleys, made a manager after a month, Dial America, again made a manager, answering calls at midnight and going in when they needed her input, working her way up from taking calls to now being a director of a global company, flying to their offices in this country to train, advise. A go getter! Yet, loves plants, gardening, bird watching and feeding, cooking, raising 3 children, & being on call at any hour if I need help. She makes every minute of every day count. Plus, everybody who meets her, likes her. Wow !!
Absolutely- thank you -yes I feel so happy to be my age and be able to handle a three-year-old on an occasional weekend. He’s like a little sponge. I took him hiking two weeks ago and when my daughter got to the daycare to pick him up, the director said: “we had show & tell today and your little guy gave a recitation on -how to hike— why you hike and what the joys of hiking are -to all the kids. This, of course, included - don’t touch sticky cactus- enjoy bunnies, lizards & birdies, and -avoid the snakes. He is a joy!!
Rumi. I found him late in life, and his writings have been a gift.
https://healingbrave.com/blogs/all/rumi-quotes-about-life
I really loved seeing President Obama on the campaign trail for Reverend Warnock. I really needed a dose of his energy, empathy, and love during these negative times. His positivity and continued belief that we can change our own futures is so uplifting. He is soup for my soul! 😊
I have a couple of friends that teach elementary school. They are incredibly for lack of a better word special. I also have a couple of local teachers I support with Donor's Choose. As long as there are people like them working in the world there is hope!
I’ve spent the last decade-plus seeking out and publishing stories written by people facing homelessness. Over and over, I’ve been humbled, surprised, and inspired by the courage and hope many of them carry.
Doug Lawing was one such writer that I’ve had the privilege of knowing. He was already a former addict and ex-con when we met. With a look like Robert Redford and charisma to match, he was magnetic and inspiring. Doug had been to hell, discovered a new joy, and could not wait to share it with others. He died a couple years ago, too soon.
rosa parks and all the civil rights warriors.
This is an opportune time to focus on people who inspire us. There are two women who stand out for me. Author, Maya Angelou ( 1928 - 2014 ). a woman of color, faced many difficulties and challenges, growing up in the South during the Depression era. She was a singer, dancer, poet, writer and civil rights activist. Her most famous work titled ' I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings', is a revealing autobiography about her childhood. Her book is a testament to the need for resilience in the face of discrimination. In 1993, Angelou received an invitation to recite what became “On the Pulse of Morning” at the Clinton Presidential inaugural ceremony. She was only the second poet to do so, and the first Afro-American woman. On January 20, 2021, following in Angelou's footsteps, Youth Poet Laureate, Amanda Gorman presented 'The Hill We Climb', at Joe Biden's inaugeration. These two women have my respect and admiration. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZ055ilIiN4
I admire the courage, wisdom and fortitude of Johnathan Greenblatt, C. E. O. and National Director of the Anti Defamation League. Consistently shining a light on and taking action against the bigots and organizations that want to move us in a direction that only benefits their race, religion or brand of politics. I must agree that when we see or hear the kind of speech and actions like those that came out of Germany in the early 1930s we must call it out in any civil manner available.
My step father Ralph Ingersoll, a famous left wing journalist, told me when I left for Harvard. "Bill, always be a traitor to your class." He meant to question everything. He tried to, often failing. Me too.
Poets. Mary Oliver “...joy is not made to be a crumb.” Robert Stafford “..I have woven a parachute out of everything broken.”
My nearly 2 year old grandson looking at me and saying “papa”
I have watched almost every documentary created by the amazing Ken Burns. The one that impressed me the most was the series on the Roosevelts. A very wealthy family who created two of our most awesome presidents: https://www.pbs.org/kenburns/the-roosevelts/
Music, Art, my grandchildren - hoping they have a world they grow into with love; I hope they can find themselves in whatever they believe in and makes them feel good and worthwhile. I hope the planet continues to sustain life for them.
After being a college Math Prof 40 years, the list is long: Mrs. Pendelton, Mrs. Redmond, Mrs. Alves, Mrs. Perry, Mrs. Kassner, Sr. Patricia, Mrs. Coyle, Sr. Mary Katherine, Mrs. Davis, Marina Pica Davis, Sr. Edith Wyss, Sr. Susan Spadinger, Mr. Kenneth Koebel, Dr. Donald Dykes, Dr. Donald Palmer, Dr. Louis Paskoff, Dr. James Roberts, Prof. Mike May, Dr. Robert Alexander, Dr. Blanche Premo-Hopkins, Dr. Tom Hallman,.....you get the idea.
I love gun control advocate David Hogg. He does meaningful activist work from the Twitter platform. However, he will continue his work no matter where he is and so must we!
Enjoying this format so much, I dumped all other social media except Instagram: sddphotoworld@instagram
I lost my husband to Covid in 2020 and I was with him when he died unexpectedly. At the time, Covid was not on our radar as a possible diagnosis for his death, but as a nurse, I put together the threads leading up to that fatal moment. His death was courageous, even as I suffered from the loss.
I have been on a mission to bring death out of the closet for many years. I was with my mother, my aunt, husband and many premature babies as they drew their last breath. Their last moments inspired me to live each moment with reverence. The breath itself is an inspiration. The oxygen we share must not be muddied by pollution, but the sadly, it is.
I am inspired by spiritual practice, however you define that for yourself. Without it, the will to live is vastly diminished. I applaud all the spiritual teachers who shine a light on the path made true by Love and Forgiveness.
Each time I use my iPhone, I think of Steve Jobs. Even though he had some warts, his imagination inspired technology that changed our lives. His vision of what we will want before we know it exists, is a prime example of why he inspires me. Apple products bring technology to the average person because of their easy usability.
Our Pima County Recorder Gabriella C. Kelly! She stepped up and leapt into our hearts with her fight for voting accessibility for ALL and her compassion for our community. I.e., she runs a Christmas sock drive every year for underprivileged kids and not to mention her rockin’ “I voted” stickers that are true to our county!
Who uplifts me? Congressman Andy Kim. A role model for every public official.
https://www.nj.com/opinion/2022/10/the-star-ledger-endorsement-andy-kim-in-the-3rd-districtby-far-editorial.html?outputType=amp
Positivity, Love & Hope! The present is quite unprecedented & unsettling for all (who favor love of mankind, are passionate about helping to protect those fearful or harmed, and who are devoted to ethics & true Truth {really have to write this?!}). There are only a limited # of those in their 80’s+ who recall WWII & its related horror/tragedy. Still, it must be incredibly challenging for many of them to see the current rise of hate in speech & otherwise.
I hope to be able to access my ‘Stack to share a gratitude note late night tonight~I wrote in stream of consciousness fashion this morning. It is largely a list of names of people, (& some things) who have inspired joy, warmth, inspiration, & strength to me & to many others. Maybe boring, but interesting, & the LEADERSHIP Of POSITIVITY & Gratitude at present is doing a great job. I never followed Cory Booker that closely, but he’s my hero at present-- fires the spirit & moves the heart. He’s got a heart the size of Texas... did a dbl take there ; ) but yeah! Obama was the last Pol who could inspire me quite like that. Joe Biden has his own, unique personal way. It is super-effective over time b/c you just know how deeply he cares, what he’s been through (& goes thru!), & what a pillar & resolute example of discipline & leadership that he is.
It’s such a great focus at a difficult time.
Thank you.
WAITING TO BE UPLIFTED... OUT OF THE ASHES OF ORGANIZED HUMAN CRUELTY AGAINST HUMAN EXISTENCE.
Here is my story:
Introduction: https://rodolphenogbou.substack.com/p/rodolphe-nogbous-newsletter
1. The case of relentlessly organized cruelty against human life: The unusual and cruel man-made situation of Rodolphe Nogbou, spanning 30 years from the United States of America, to the hands (in rendition fashion for premeditated murder, since May 2018) of some primitive illiterate and deviant jihadist gangsters’ illegal government:
https://rodolphenogbou.substack.com/p/a-case-of-relentlessly-organized?s=w
2. The cruel and unusual man-made situation of Rodolphe Nogbou in its global context is laid out in two parts here:
Part I: https://rndomain.wixsite.com/rodolphenogbou/about-3
Part II: https://rndomain.wixsite.com/rodolphenogbou/about-4
3. The unusual situation of the Republic of Cote-d’Ivoire in the history of modern nations – A once prosperous nation suddenly overtaken by force (coup-d’état) by some foreign primitive illiterate and deviant jihadist gangsters, then forcefully transformed into an organized crime company (mafia), having alliances with organized crime entities (mafia) around the world, through which illicit channels all the natural resources (crude oil, Cocoa Bean, natural rubber, Palm oil, etc.,) of the country had been diverted for illicit self-enrichment, money laundering, and protection, and for the furtherance of Cruelty against human life: https://rndomain.wixsite.com/rodolphenogbou/about-1
(a)
And a sheet showing some of the criminal activities of the illegal jihadist gangsters’ government here: https://rndomain.wixsite.com/rodolphenogbou/about
(b)
A brief profile of the perpetrators is laid out here: https://rndomain.wixsite.com/rodolphenogbou/about-2
Sincerely,
Rodolphe Nogbou
New York City Resident
Currently in Grand-Bassam, Cote-d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
Email: rodnogbou@gmail.com
Phone: +225 05 45 65 78 32
Personal Website: https://rndomain.wixsite.com/rodolphenogbou
Rodolphe Nogbou’s Newsletter:
https://rodolphenogbou.substack.com/
Twitter:. https://twitter.com/RodolpheNogbou
Business Website: https://heveasitedecollect.wixsite.com/website
My sister was diagnosed as a paranoid schizophrenic at 14, I was nine. For many years I was her translator of the world, her protector from hurt and isolation. I lost her to suicide 4 years ago. I became an Lcsw 34 years ago, every patient I have treated, I see Ronnie. Every frightened person, every confused victim of mental illness is my sister sitting in front of me, desperately seeking a light in the dark. It keeps me working, it keeps me seeking answers, and, at 68 today, there is no retirement in sight. As long as there are people seeking relief, I will be here offering empathy and compassion. It is my sister Ronnie’s legacy.
Rosa Parks and John Lewisfor sure. Muhammed Ali. Optimists in general. Thanks for reminding me!