Impressions of Denmark
Our visit to Copenhaguen last week was too brief for more than impressions, but enough to awaken greater interest in Denmark, the Danes and the history of Europe from the perspective of the northern Germanic peoples. Here are my notes on some of what I learned. Denmark today is a small country but it was … read more »
Catalonia now
I just wrote this on Facebook to a friend who posted the article from The Nation (link below). They’ve generated a terrible crisis, together, the independentistas with their lies and impossible promises and the Madrid government with its refusal to discuss the political problem. Independence is impossible now, its costs would be unbearable (and it … read more »
The invention of races
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates My rating: 4 of 5 stars This book will require a longer, more thoughtful response, after I’ve had more time to reflect on the complex issues that Coates addresses. Particularly, why and how so many Americans need to “believe themselves white” and what that means. I am … read more »
Vicarious autobiography
Dora Bruder by Patrick Modiano My rating: 3 of 5 stars Gentle, thoughtful reflections on the situation of Jews in Paris during the German occupation, through the patient and persistent research of the scant surviving documents, plus the testimony of one surviving cousin, of a 16-year old, French-born daughter of Austrian and Hungarian Jewish immigrants, … read more »
The Pain in Spain: 2
Yesterday I gave all the reasons for which I think the campaign for separation of Catalonia from Spain has been dishonest, making impossible promises and ignoring the great differences in agenda of the very diverse groups involved in the campaign. BUT we also have to recognize that the campaign, and the emotion it has stirred, … read more »