Anand - the USA is lucky to count you and your family as Americans. I am inspired by your thoughtful reflections about US politics and so much of what truly matters in the world. You make the US and the world a better place for all of us.
Anand-the America I was born in-is a welcoming, enlightened nation celebrating it's diversity of population and actively working to learn from and make amends for all of the harms perpetrated upon its First People and all unjustly harmed people. In this moment, the scourge thrust upon our country must be the last gasp of a frightened minority too easily manipulated and living a very insular reality. They will fade away as all things change. It is the Oligarchy we must undo-the unfathomable amounts of money swing the pendulum towards whatever in that moment serves their purpose-all life(human and non-human) be damned. And look what your parents gave America: 'You'. You raise the bar with the insight and quality of your questions in every interview I've ever had the privilege to watch and you write important books giving witness and illumination to critical conversations. 'Thank you' to your Mom and Dad for having the strength to get your family here. We need to repair this Union so that is always a true path and a warm welcome to all who seek the ideals of this place and what it can and should be.
Thanks for your post with the news and sharing your family story. It brought tears to my eyes. Your family was able to live the American Dream. We must keep that for everyone.
Thank you for writing from the heart and sharing a bit of your story. “These are my people, too.” EXACTLY. May the biker dude and the rest of us people prevail.
Beautiful and timely post, Anand! Tears in my eyes when I read the 5 words from your Boston 4th of July story. Thank you! We all needed this morning's news and your story as punctuation!!
Wonderful post, Anand. Being an immigrant, I so resonate with your parents’ journey and your family’s assimilation. Thank you!
The 4th of July means a lot to me: I’m grateful to be here. Yes, we are in a horrible mess, but America can count on me to join efforts to get us out of this mess and to build a stronger democracy.
I love this so much! I moved to France once and wanted to be French. I still fantasize about living there for a while. I speak the language. I taught the language in college and still teach individuals. I love much about that country and I will never be French. The lens you experience being American through is priceless. I’d never thought about it that way.
PS: Just a quick reminder that we need to continue to stand up for the Haitians and Syrians on TPS. With the help of AI I collated a list of organizations that are supporting these families. We all have our own way of being activists. I hope that in the list you see an opportunity to step forward and make your voice heard.
My family is Lebanese and many of them migrated to France after the Second World War. My cousins were not born in France but all their children were, as were their grandchildren. Still, to echo your point, they are never considered as “French” and never will be. Yet I am an American, and considered by all to be an American. It is truly a distinctive and admirable aspect of our country. I am relieved that two-thirds of the Supreme Court justices made the correct decision, albeit without the brevity that such a common-sense decision warranted.
some good news!
long live the biker dude and the immigrant
Hear Hear!
Long may they prosper!
Anand - the USA is lucky to count you and your family as Americans. I am inspired by your thoughtful reflections about US politics and so much of what truly matters in the world. You make the US and the world a better place for all of us.
“These are my people, too.”
This is beautiful
Anand-the America I was born in-is a welcoming, enlightened nation celebrating it's diversity of population and actively working to learn from and make amends for all of the harms perpetrated upon its First People and all unjustly harmed people. In this moment, the scourge thrust upon our country must be the last gasp of a frightened minority too easily manipulated and living a very insular reality. They will fade away as all things change. It is the Oligarchy we must undo-the unfathomable amounts of money swing the pendulum towards whatever in that moment serves their purpose-all life(human and non-human) be damned. And look what your parents gave America: 'You'. You raise the bar with the insight and quality of your questions in every interview I've ever had the privilege to watch and you write important books giving witness and illumination to critical conversations. 'Thank you' to your Mom and Dad for having the strength to get your family here. We need to repair this Union so that is always a true path and a warm welcome to all who seek the ideals of this place and what it can and should be.
Thanks for your post with the news and sharing your family story. It brought tears to my eyes. Your family was able to live the American Dream. We must keep that for everyone.
Thank you for writing from the heart and sharing a bit of your story. “These are my people, too.” EXACTLY. May the biker dude and the rest of us people prevail.
Beautiful and timely post, Anand! Tears in my eyes when I read the 5 words from your Boston 4th of July story. Thank you! We all needed this morning's news and your story as punctuation!!
“These are my people, too.” 🫶❤️🇺🇸❤️🫶
Thank you. I’m rooting for the biker dude.
Wonderful post, Anand. Being an immigrant, I so resonate with your parents’ journey and your family’s assimilation. Thank you!
The 4th of July means a lot to me: I’m grateful to be here. Yes, we are in a horrible mess, but America can count on me to join efforts to get us out of this mess and to build a stronger democracy.
https://beacardea.substack.com/p/about-immigrants-holding-on-to-the
To those who say go home, I say, go to Mars if you don’t like it here with the wonderful diversity of life that this planet has to offer.
I love this so much! I moved to France once and wanted to be French. I still fantasize about living there for a while. I speak the language. I taught the language in college and still teach individuals. I love much about that country and I will never be French. The lens you experience being American through is priceless. I’d never thought about it that way.
PS: Just a quick reminder that we need to continue to stand up for the Haitians and Syrians on TPS. With the help of AI I collated a list of organizations that are supporting these families. We all have our own way of being activists. I hope that in the list you see an opportunity to step forward and make your voice heard.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SQU-7dmn17yFYJRusjagcR_Bt_gUPebkBexB1popAl4/edit?tab=t.0
Unbecoming, our collective spirit dies. Forever becoming, that precious spirit thrives! Thanks, Anand. I could weep while smiling through it all…
Good Medicine
My family is Lebanese and many of them migrated to France after the Second World War. My cousins were not born in France but all their children were, as were their grandchildren. Still, to echo your point, they are never considered as “French” and never will be. Yet I am an American, and considered by all to be an American. It is truly a distinctive and admirable aspect of our country. I am relieved that two-thirds of the Supreme Court justices made the correct decision, albeit without the brevity that such a common-sense decision warranted.
Yay about the Supreme Court upholding Birthright Citizenship!