Great post Dan. Was just reading about Charles Kirk - mercifully I had no idea who he was and even after I did he seemed more of crazed influencer than someone who deserved a moment of silence in the US Senate - but there you go. Good that European Parliament resisted but was disrupted when the Right Wing unsuccessfully attempted the same tribute. We seem to live in a world where increasngly, people celebrate violence - or remain silent in the face of it - for whatever treason; surviving an apocalypse at any cost becomes the goal.
Many people here will still see Tom Phillips as a hero. That he was 'tragically cut down' in front of his own child on Father's Day while providing for his children (by stealing milk and shoes for them) by a police force that many see as a constant enemy will only enhance hs myth. Bar brawls will, inevitably, be fought over this one. - but worse, his children may forever be forced to defend the indefensible, or say nothing, and to never experience their right to even partial anonymity.
So much to think about here - but I held my breath while reading about you and your son being lost - even for moments - in the bush and the importance of that moment when you said "I follow you" and up you both climbed. That will be a moment your son will always remember, of course he will tell jokes, his version of it, at your expense - but honestly that was just the best lesson in resilience, and trust. Well done real-hero Kiwi-American Dad.
"It's a hell of a thing, killin' a man" - so sayeth Clint Eastwood as William Munny in 'Unforgiven'. Uniquely American ethos, and not something to be proud of IMO.
As for Tom Phillips: Deranged thug, you ask me. I get he was pissed about the custody arrangement, as many dads are. But kidnapping the kids and living a life of crime is not the answer.
As for Charlie Kirk: This was a particularly vile and destructive person - but I cannot condone murder under any circumstances. His criticism of MLK Jr; his labeling of the Human Rights Act a huge mistake; his attacks on LBGT; attacks on people whose faith differs from his - all of it deplorable and disqualify him, in my view, for acceptance in a civil society.
I needed to read this today. Thank you. And thank you to all the great Dads out there who love our kids unconditionally ❤️
Great post Dan. Was just reading about Charles Kirk - mercifully I had no idea who he was and even after I did he seemed more of crazed influencer than someone who deserved a moment of silence in the US Senate - but there you go. Good that European Parliament resisted but was disrupted when the Right Wing unsuccessfully attempted the same tribute. We seem to live in a world where increasngly, people celebrate violence - or remain silent in the face of it - for whatever treason; surviving an apocalypse at any cost becomes the goal.
Many people here will still see Tom Phillips as a hero. That he was 'tragically cut down' in front of his own child on Father's Day while providing for his children (by stealing milk and shoes for them) by a police force that many see as a constant enemy will only enhance hs myth. Bar brawls will, inevitably, be fought over this one. - but worse, his children may forever be forced to defend the indefensible, or say nothing, and to never experience their right to even partial anonymity.
So much to think about here - but I held my breath while reading about you and your son being lost - even for moments - in the bush and the importance of that moment when you said "I follow you" and up you both climbed. That will be a moment your son will always remember, of course he will tell jokes, his version of it, at your expense - but honestly that was just the best lesson in resilience, and trust. Well done real-hero Kiwi-American Dad.
"It's a hell of a thing, killin' a man" - so sayeth Clint Eastwood as William Munny in 'Unforgiven'. Uniquely American ethos, and not something to be proud of IMO.
As for Tom Phillips: Deranged thug, you ask me. I get he was pissed about the custody arrangement, as many dads are. But kidnapping the kids and living a life of crime is not the answer.
As for Charlie Kirk: This was a particularly vile and destructive person - but I cannot condone murder under any circumstances. His criticism of MLK Jr; his labeling of the Human Rights Act a huge mistake; his attacks on LBGT; attacks on people whose faith differs from his - all of it deplorable and disqualify him, in my view, for acceptance in a civil society.
You should write for politicians, Dan.