For the men who gathered in a snowy forest in eastern Pennsylvania, where they kept their fires so low that they gave no heat, so as not to reveal their position to their opponents, this was the worst Christmas any could remember. Only six months earlier, they had been a multitude. But now, beaten and defeated, survivors who had managed to escape the last defeat in Brooklyn, there were fewer than 2,000 left. And the majority of them counted the days until the New Year, when their enlistments would be up and they could leave this defeated army honorably, rather than fleeing as cowards and deserters, like those no longer among them had done.
Thank you Tom, these are those times and our choice is clear. We must never forget and give good councel to those in doubt. We must all keep reminding them that our cause is right, as it was then and many times since. We will be there for each other. You can count on it.
“Every Tory is a coward; for servile, slavish, self-interested fear is the foundation of Toryism; and a man under such influence, though he may be cruel, never can be brave.”
I hear a call to arms to fight the fight for right and defeat Maga wrong! Count me in on this Christmas and the rest of time it takes! Merry Christmas TC to you and your kitties!
With a little work, your post wording fits the last four lines of the music of the Marines Hymn. Don’t know if TC (being a Navy guy) would cotton to a reworking of your words to a new verse for all of us.
A big salute on this piece, TC, one that eloquently reflects FDR's "conviction of the dignity and brotherhood of man which Christmas Day signifies--more than any other symbol." That oath we took back when the war in Vietnam was raging now emboldens the heart as we face the Republican enemy, the "domestic terrorist force" as Robert Hubbell calls Trump's rabble of miscreants, that threatens our freedom. Like the Vietnam anti-war movement, this is a cause that necessitates revolutionary action! A las Barricadas!
This should make all of us - even the naysayers(!) - aware of what those that came before went through to give us this free democratic country - are we really going to allow these enemies of freedom and democracy to take it away? Many of them call themselves patriots - I wonder, patriots of what country?
"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." Martin Luther King, Jr.
"Fear is a reaction. Courage is a decision." Winston Churchill
Standing together we do have the power to decide this country's fate if we so choose, and never let anyone tell you we don't. And if they do, remember... the courage of a conviction based on the truth is always as powerful a weapon as one based on a lie. And an animal may know when you're afraid, but a coward knows when you are not.
Tom (if I may), wishing you a Merry Christmas, but more than that, a Happy New Year. We won't know the outcome of that salutation until after November elections are completed, but here's to no Tories for at least the next four years! Thanks for all your missives throughout this year. Hoping to read many more in the future.
That’s some gift, TC. Thank you. Merry Christmas.
Absolutely the right message for us tonight and always.
Yes, TC, I agree with Alec.
What a gift to all us that read you everyday.
Today's column reminds me of HCR and Letters.
I may be in my later years, but I am willing to pick up my WWII father's struggle and make it my own! This newsletter was a clarion call. Thank you.
Thank you Tom, these are those times and our choice is clear. We must never forget and give good councel to those in doubt. We must all keep reminding them that our cause is right, as it was then and many times since. We will be there for each other. You can count on it.
Have a very Merry Christmas.
“Every Tory is a coward; for servile, slavish, self-interested fear is the foundation of Toryism; and a man under such influence, though he may be cruel, never can be brave.”
Powerful.
I will need the call to 2024 of the Grandson of your Great, Great, Great, Great, Great, Great Grandfather TC.
O
Cruel can never be brave, well, that nails their coffin shut.
I hear a call to arms to fight the fight for right and defeat Maga wrong! Count me in on this Christmas and the rest of time it takes! Merry Christmas TC to you and your kitties!
With a little work, your post wording fits the last four lines of the music of the Marines Hymn. Don’t know if TC (being a Navy guy) would cotton to a reworking of your words to a new verse for all of us.
In the dance of time, each year spins its own tale,
2024, like a ship, sets forth to sail.
In the vast ocean of history's vast span,
It joins the ranks where other years began.
1777, with revolution's fiery glow,
1942, through war's shadow we did go.
Yet, in these years, as in all times of night,
Stars of courage, in darkness, shone bright.
We stand now where our forebears once stood firm,
Guided by their light, like a distant star's gleam.
In challenges, lies strength's seed, deeply sown,
From such soils, history's greatest trees have grown.
So, let us step into this year with hope,
With resilience as our telescope.
Looking beyond the trials, we shall find,
A path forward, lit by the brave and kind.
In unity, our spirits shall not bend,
Together, we'll write a story to transcend.
2024, a canvas wide and clear,
Ready for the art of our hopes, dreams, and cheer.
For in the heart of challenge, we discover,
The unyielding strength of standing together.
As those before us in their times did rise,
We, too, shall meet our dawn with open eyes.
Excellent!
Beautiful and timely, as intended. Thank you for sharing.
Spectacular, and a great follow up to Tom's outstanding article.
Very nice. I must be in a compositional frame of mind. This would make a great anthem.
This is one of your best columns ever. Thank yiu.
A big salute on this piece, TC, one that eloquently reflects FDR's "conviction of the dignity and brotherhood of man which Christmas Day signifies--more than any other symbol." That oath we took back when the war in Vietnam was raging now emboldens the heart as we face the Republican enemy, the "domestic terrorist force" as Robert Hubbell calls Trump's rabble of miscreants, that threatens our freedom. Like the Vietnam anti-war movement, this is a cause that necessitates revolutionary action! A las Barricadas!
Hear hear! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
This should make all of us - even the naysayers(!) - aware of what those that came before went through to give us this free democratic country - are we really going to allow these enemies of freedom and democracy to take it away? Many of them call themselves patriots - I wonder, patriots of what country?
"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." Martin Luther King, Jr.
"Fear is a reaction. Courage is a decision." Winston Churchill
Standing together we do have the power to decide this country's fate if we so choose, and never let anyone tell you we don't. And if they do, remember... the courage of a conviction based on the truth is always as powerful a weapon as one based on a lie. And an animal may know when you're afraid, but a coward knows when you are not.
A peaceful and joyous Christmas to all.
Beautiful, heart rending, words Tom. And a powerful reminder that we choose who we wish to be again and again. Thank you for this Christmas gift.
We cannot let them beat us. We just can't.
Tom (if I may), wishing you a Merry Christmas, but more than that, a Happy New Year. We won't know the outcome of that salutation until after November elections are completed, but here's to no Tories for at least the next four years! Thanks for all your missives throughout this year. Hoping to read many more in the future.