The Big Three: Standing up to bullies

The world can be a crazy place. Sometimes it helps to step back and list a few of the things you’re grateful for. I’m making it a habit each week to list three blessings. Here’s what I’m grateful for this week, June 1 – 7.

What I’m grateful for:

—A sunny day. I wrote this week about a torrential downpour that I stumbled across last weekend. Fortunately, we’ve had some sun this week. There’s nothing else like the sun making a grand appearance after days of clouds and rain. Thank you for the sun rising.

—Standing up to a bully. Joseph McCarthy tried years ago to bully the American public. He alleged that Communist spies and sympathizers had infiltrated the U.S. government, universities, film industry, and elsewhere. He even claimed to have a list of known Communists. It was a time not unlike today. Fear gripped the country.

McCarthy’s power ran relatively unchecked until Edward R. Murrow interviewed him on his See It Now program on March 9, 1954. Murrow confronted McCarthy and exposed the lies and innuendos that he had promoted the past four years.

The 2005 movie Good Night and Good Luck dove into the power struggle. George Clooney’s new Broadway show takes it a step further. CNN will be airing the Tony Nominated play tonight at 7 p.m.

In his conclusion during the See It Now show, Murrow said:

” As a nation we have come into our full inheritance at a tender age. We proclaim ourselves, as indeed we are, the defenders of freedom, wherever it continues to exist in the world, but we cannot defend freedom abroad by deserting it at home.”

I’m grateful for those who stick up to bullies.

—Where troubles melt like lemon drops. Grateful for pleasant dreams.

“Someday I’ll wish upon a star,
And wake up where the clouds are far behind me,
Where troubles melt like lemon drops,
Away above the chimney tops,
That’s where you’ll find me.”

 Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwo’ole — Somewhere Over the Rainbow

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What gave me a smile?


Last Sunday, we took a drive to the city . . .

For a little baseball . . .

. . . And a few smiles and laughs.

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39 thoughts on “The Big Three: Standing up to bullies”

  2. I’m always thankful for sunshine too. I know, here in Spain that is just about every day but I don’t take it for granted. That version of Somewhere Over the Rainbow is so lovely. Thanks for that.

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      4. If I ever go back, I gotta work on my Spanish. We were at a little hotel in Valencia and I had gotten some dirt/sand in my eye. I was at a little mom and pop corner pharmacy trying to ask for eye drops. Most places spoke English too, but the woman helping me just spoke Spanish. It was kind of hysterical in a sarcastic way. In that moment, I hated that I had not paid closer attention in my Spanish classes in high school/college. I really should write about it some time. Kind of funny.

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      5. Please do write about it. I love those kind of stories. Of course now it’s so easy because everyone uses the translate app on their phone. No more miscommunication. (or funny stories)

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  7. I believe you have the wrong McCarthy. Eugene McCarthy was a Senator and peacenik who ran for president. My parents supported him and had me wear a McCarthy pin, even though I was too young to understand why. You were writing about Jospeh McCarthy.

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    1. I can’t believe I made that mistake. What a silly mistake. Ugh. I knew that too. Thanks for letting me know Elizabeth. I’ve corrected it. Comms 101, right? Get the names right. Ha, ha. I wrote that part so quickly . . . I’m not surprised I messed up. Pays to be careful about the details. Thanks

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  9. I’m originally from Long Island and when I see those photos of the city, I just love it!!!!

    We watched Good Night and Good Luck last night and thought it was phenomenal! So much going on today is represented in that historical play. It’s alarming…. Loved that last quote!

    V

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  11. Edward R. Murrow’s comments were powerful, especially the last part: “the fault… is in ourselves.” We need to return to strong journalism ASAP. I’m reading the biography of John Adams, and his biographer, Page Smith, included the following: “Besides education, the other great prop of a free people was a free press.” Thank you for ending your post with that beautiful song by IZ.

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    1. Oh, I love that quote. Here’s another. It’s from Scott Pelley’s grad speech to Wake Forest: “Our sacred rule of law is under attack. Journalism is under attack. Universities are under attack. Freedom of speech is under attack. An insidious fear is reaching through our schools, our businesses, our homes and into our private thoughts. The fear to speak. In America? If our government is – in Lincoln’s words – “of the people, by the people and for the people” – then why are we afraid to speak?”

      Two great ones. Thanks Edward.

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      1. Wow, that one’s powerful. I’m adding it to my list of quotes, so much truth packed in there. I just finished 1984, and it instantly made me think of the “Thought Police.” It’s going to be a long road to recovery, if full recovery is even possible.

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  12. I enjoyed all of your photos, Brian, and we watched The Tony Awards last night but George Clooney didn’t win. I didn’t know what his play was about, but I was impressed that he was in a play. We have great respect for onstage plays and musicals, and last night’s show was great. Lots of talent out there! And I’m with you about standing up to bullies. Too bad our pres. is one. Anyway, love your song choice too. 🤗

    Liked by 1 person

  13. Murrow was a role model for reporters. I wish the news today was still reported like he did. BTW, his interview of Grandma Moses is wonderful! Yes, stand up for bullies. And, your baseball pics are delightful.

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