I Remember, 1968
A small skirmish in a bigger war.41 total reviews
Comment from Southern Writer
I was just out of the Navy in 1966......so your essay showed me the "other" side. You showed the innocent kids that stood up to our government.....non-violence that turned violent.
I, now, agree...what did you do wrong?
I like the way you referred back to 1968 several times in this essay. It kept reminding me to stay in the mind set of what was going on in our country and the world.
Brought back memories.....tie-dyed, peace rally, mellow yellow, groove, Hoffman, Yippies, pig..don't hear these words much anymore.
The paragraph describing jail was excellent in painting a picture of the scared teens. Good work
reply by the author on 04-Jun-2012
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I was just out of the Navy in 1966......so your essay showed me the "other" side. You showed the innocent kids that stood up to our government.....non-violence that turned violent.
I, now, agree...what did you do wrong?
I like the way you referred back to 1968 several times in this essay. It kept reminding me to stay in the mind set of what was going on in our country and the world.
Brought back memories.....tie-dyed, peace rally, mellow yellow, groove, Hoffman, Yippies, pig..don't hear these words much anymore.
The paragraph describing jail was excellent in painting a picture of the scared teens. Good work
Comment Written 03-Jun-2012
reply by the author on 04-Jun-2012
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As a returning vet, I can't imagine how painful it must have been for you to see the country so divided, and the poor soldiers taking the brunt of the hostilities both home and abroad. Thank you so much for your perspective on the chaos. Peace, Lee
Comment from Phyllis Stewart
Verrry good essay! I remember that year well. I STILL get incensed when I think of that damn stooopid war that killed 50,000 fine boys for NOTHING!!!! And the politicians knew they couldn't win, but dragged it on and on ... what the hell was "peace with honor?" A big fat lie! I think every single president should have to go and FIGHT in any war he engages in! Sorry, but you can see that just a reminder makes me lose it! Glad you posted this, though. Many are too young to remember.
reply by the author on 04-Jun-2012
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Verrry good essay! I remember that year well. I STILL get incensed when I think of that damn stooopid war that killed 50,000 fine boys for NOTHING!!!! And the politicians knew they couldn't win, but dragged it on and on ... what the hell was "peace with honor?" A big fat lie! I think every single president should have to go and FIGHT in any war he engages in! Sorry, but you can see that just a reminder makes me lose it! Glad you posted this, though. Many are too young to remember.
Comment Written 03-Jun-2012
reply by the author on 04-Jun-2012
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Thank you, Phyllis. All who were in aware in '68 were effected by the chaos and the calculations. Thanks for a great review. Peace, Lee
Comment from Spiritual Echo
Sure was a worthwhile reason to unite for a cause, decide to scramble for a youthful voice, and the muscle strength, the passion of youth to belive in ourselves. Perhaps for the first time in American history, the children, the heirs to Lennons's prayers and prophesies ignited a new segment of the population.
Who is your best friend and who do you talk with about the memories and the scars? Never mind, it's none of my business.
Suppossed to be in Vegas, yet on the eve of my departure, someone walked into my house, stole my purse, my money, my documents and grounded me, tethered me to nothing.
reply by the author on 03-Jun-2012
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Sure was a worthwhile reason to unite for a cause, decide to scramble for a youthful voice, and the muscle strength, the passion of youth to belive in ourselves. Perhaps for the first time in American history, the children, the heirs to Lennons's prayers and prophesies ignited a new segment of the population.
Who is your best friend and who do you talk with about the memories and the scars? Never mind, it's none of my business.
Suppossed to be in Vegas, yet on the eve of my departure, someone walked into my house, stole my purse, my money, my documents and grounded me, tethered me to nothing.
Comment Written 03-Jun-2012
reply by the author on 03-Jun-2012
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Thanks, Ingrid. I think it's the generation after ours that are heirs to Lennon's legacy--taught by the enlightened members of our generation. I don't talk to anybody. I write.
I'm sorry about your theft. Have you managed to replace any of your documents yet? Peace, Lee
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why don't we make a pledge, a promise not to intrude or expect each other to understand, defend or protect motives.
With that freedom, perhaps you can call me friend, in an oblique way, a nameless person, without an agenda.
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I might agree to that, Ingrid, but I don't think I understand it. I thought we were friends. L
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Lee, I adore you on so many different levels. More importantly I believe, not just in and through the raw honesty that spills through your words, but also in the living, breathing flesh that sustains the spirit of the author.
I am a shadow in your life, a fringe that flatters a tapestry, a complicated work of art.
When you write these self-revealing vignettes about times and adventures in your life, times that I remember, I feel drawn into an inner circle, a place of trust that goes beyond commas or semi-colons.
I am a perfect friend. When I fart, you don't have to deal with the disilussionment or the lingering remnants of my offence. When I laugh, you don't have to understand the trigger.
The simplicity of on-line friendship is our ability to accept and cherish, the ingredient that is that which is offered and on display.
I asked a question about your real-time friendships and immediately felt I had no right to an answer, and apologized. But, I didn't back-space or remove the question. I am intrigued by the man behind the words and curious about HIS existence.
On a very real level there is a part of me that ABSOLUTELY knows that you are blood-brother, a kindred soul that bumps into trees and can re-invent himself within a paragraph. I asked about the life beyond the profile, beyond the talent and I still am interested, but respectful of the answers to my intrussive questions.
Maybe it sounds corny, but I, along with a zillion others, have been drawn into the stories. Perhaps, what differentiates me from others is that I am intrigued by the source of the understanding, the knowledge of the effect of a character or a simple turn of a phrase.
I sure hope I qualify as a friend in your world. In mine, the poor folks that continue to cluster around my acorns are used to my intrussive curiousity.
Comment from c_lucas
Give little men power and they will abuse it to show how tough they could be. This is the way it was. I supported the Vietnam police action until Johnson indicated the event didn't count. It counted to over two dozen of my friends who came home in body bags, only to have them spit on. This is very well written.
reply by the author on 04-Jun-2012
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Give little men power and they will abuse it to show how tough they could be. This is the way it was. I supported the Vietnam police action until Johnson indicated the event didn't count. It counted to over two dozen of my friends who came home in body bags, only to have them spit on. This is very well written.
Comment Written 03-Jun-2012
reply by the author on 04-Jun-2012
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Thank you, Charlie. Things were a mess in '68. Beyond the usual. Thanks for the review. Peace, Lee
Comment from PearlW
I am always fascinated by protestors. Your wicked sense of humour shines through here, even when you're telling your reader about your short 'incarceration' -- I enjoyed reading your little trip down memory lane.
Just a few thing I picked up along the way:
-- We were (a) scruffy lot, to be sure.
-- And yes, there probably was a thick blue haze of ganga (ganja) smoke floating over us,
-- Hoffman and his Yippies (Youth International Party) had helped tear things up in Chicago during the Democratic National Convention just the week previous. - The last part of this sentence feels a little awkward, perhaps consider "previous week" or "week before."
-- Don't look so surprised, athletes were activists, too. - I'm not sure the last comma is needed here.
-- The holding cells were all full, so the over flow (overflow).
All and all an enjoyable read. Thanks for sharing!
Pearl
reply by the author on 04-Jun-2012
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I am always fascinated by protestors. Your wicked sense of humour shines through here, even when you're telling your reader about your short 'incarceration' -- I enjoyed reading your little trip down memory lane.
Just a few thing I picked up along the way:
-- We were (a) scruffy lot, to be sure.
-- And yes, there probably was a thick blue haze of ganga (ganja) smoke floating over us,
-- Hoffman and his Yippies (Youth International Party) had helped tear things up in Chicago during the Democratic National Convention just the week previous. - The last part of this sentence feels a little awkward, perhaps consider "previous week" or "week before."
-- Don't look so surprised, athletes were activists, too. - I'm not sure the last comma is needed here.
-- The holding cells were all full, so the over flow (overflow).
All and all an enjoyable read. Thanks for sharing!
Pearl
Comment Written 03-Jun-2012
reply by the author on 04-Jun-2012
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Thanks for the spag alerts, Pearl. I think I cleaned them up.
I appreciate the fine review. Peace, Lee
Comment from IndianaIrish
I remember, too. I was 16 and wanted to be in Chicago but my Dad wouldn't let me have the car. This is a wonderful "I remember..." and wish it had been in the contest. Shouldn't this be non-fiction, Lee?
Bushnell(Park) park. We were (a)scruffy lot,
converted (me)from pitcher to first baseman.
We drove home, viciously arguing, but keeping it all in our heads. The silence was the loudest I'd ever heard. Absolutely incredibly fantastic lines.
Excellent write as always.
Indy :>)
reply by the author on 04-Jun-2012
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I remember, too. I was 16 and wanted to be in Chicago but my Dad wouldn't let me have the car. This is a wonderful "I remember..." and wish it had been in the contest. Shouldn't this be non-fiction, Lee?
Bushnell(Park) park. We were (a)scruffy lot,
converted (me)from pitcher to first baseman.
We drove home, viciously arguing, but keeping it all in our heads. The silence was the loudest I'd ever heard. Absolutely incredibly fantastic lines.
Excellent write as always.
Indy :>)
Comment Written 03-Jun-2012
reply by the author on 04-Jun-2012
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Thank you, Indy. I fixed the spag issues. I'm glad your Dad didn't allow you to go to Chicago. I still remember the news footage. Thanks again. Peace, Lee
Comment from MumEsGirl
I think all of us remember things like this, and still dont know why they happened. I am referring to the tensions at home.
Whatever happened to peaceful protests by the way and freedom of speech.
hugs
kate
reply by the author on 04-Jun-2012
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I think all of us remember things like this, and still dont know why they happened. I am referring to the tensions at home.
Whatever happened to peaceful protests by the way and freedom of speech.
hugs
kate
Comment Written 03-Jun-2012
reply by the author on 04-Jun-2012
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Thank you, kate. Yes, the tension at home was a great as it was on the streets. In the end, I belief it was the protests that eventually turned public sentiment against the war. Thanks for the review. Peace, Lee
Comment from Imsharrison
Well written, You have brought out the human element in the anti war movement very well indeed.
Personally, I think people who are prepared to put themselves at risk for something they believe in, to be very worthy of praise indeed. You have shown us another side of the coin, so to speak. Far too often the media is used to galvanise public opinion against such movements.
reply by the author on 04-Jun-2012
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Well written, You have brought out the human element in the anti war movement very well indeed.
Personally, I think people who are prepared to put themselves at risk for something they believe in, to be very worthy of praise indeed. You have shown us another side of the coin, so to speak. Far too often the media is used to galvanise public opinion against such movements.
Comment Written 03-Jun-2012
reply by the author on 04-Jun-2012
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Thank you, Imogene. It was such a strange time, and I remember it so vividly. I'm glad I experienced the 60s. Thanks again for the review. Peace, Lee
Comment from N.K. Wagner
Shock. Humiliation. Horror. Bone-deep sorrow that our peaceful citizens, lawfully and peacefully assembled would be, could be, treated like that without cause. And that it would cause such a terrible rift within a family. Nancy
reply by the author on 04-Jun-2012
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Shock. Humiliation. Horror. Bone-deep sorrow that our peaceful citizens, lawfully and peacefully assembled would be, could be, treated like that without cause. And that it would cause such a terrible rift within a family. Nancy
Comment Written 03-Jun-2012
reply by the author on 04-Jun-2012
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Thank you, Nancy. There was so much misunderstanding and mistrust in those days. I suppose it's not much different today.
But something is. Thanks again. Peace, Lee
Comment from barbara.wilkey
I graduated from 8th grade in 1968, so I old enough to know what was going on, but young enough not to get involved. Plus I was from the heart of the midwest. Still very old fashioned.
Six months later Coach converted from pitcher to first baseman. (left out a word, probably me)
reply by the author on 04-Jun-2012
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I graduated from 8th grade in 1968, so I old enough to know what was going on, but young enough not to get involved. Plus I was from the heart of the midwest. Still very old fashioned.
Six months later Coach converted from pitcher to first baseman. (left out a word, probably me)
Comment Written 03-Jun-2012
reply by the author on 04-Jun-2012
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Thank you, barbara. Yes, different parts of the country hard drastically different views about the war and the protests. It was a very polarizing time. Thank you again. Peace, Lee
