Ed, you are aware of my political awareness. Like you I miss the conversations with your dad about the political situation of the time. He was an expert on the inner workings of politics in Providence.
The days of cooperation across the aisle for the good of society has been lost. Hopefully this cycle will correct that. It is necessary to have a strong two party system to insure a strong democracy. Old timers like your dad and even our generation understood that and acted accordingly.
I wish I could confer with Pete again. Those were the days. What memories!
Ed, thanks for sharing this memory of your parents and for your mention of my Dad! In my library, I have a copy of a memoir by Sen. Norris Cotton (R-NH), which has on the inside an emotional message from Sen. Cotton to my then retired Dad, the gist of which is that Sen. Cotton was missing my Dad "every day". Dad treasured that book and his friendship with Senate colleagues from across the aisle. It was a very different time, and your writing keeps reminding us beautifully of that.
Such a great memory, John. My Dad treasured his friendship with your Dad. He was so proud of him and spoke of him every chance he had. The brilliant young Italian American who rose through the ranks. When I was a kid, my Dad took me to a lecture at The Ryan Post at the corner of Atwells and Academy Avenues in Providence. I remember the talk to this day. "Atoms for Peace." The Speaker. The Honorable, Senator John O. Pastore. At evening's end, my Dad trotted to the podium, " Edward, I want you to meet Senator Pastore. " Like it was yesterday.
Those were days when our parents got there news from the newspaper and could form an opinion without the barrage of social media. The only way they learned how others felt about politics was to engage in a conversation. It was easier to remain calm when not exposed to so much mean spirited yelling that we endure today. But still, we do try and lower our blood pressure by remaining civil.
I had an "I LIKE IKE" button, as well. Herodotus was convinced that life's events are cyclical, not linear. I believe it. What we are going through now is not new. Political muckraking, character assassination, and outright lies have existed since this country was founded. Newspapers and pamphlets were the social media tools to shape and influence public opinion during the last three centuries, only to be replaced by faster and more expansive communications in the electronic age. The authors of the "Enlightenment" that influenced our Founding Father's constructed our Constitution on the premise that the common citizen can be trusted to govern, not be governed by some king or dictator. That's what's on the line in this election. I trust the public to make the right decision.
It was simple. Everyone ,with some exceptions was sane. Elected officials had their biases and constituent needs and acted accordingly after vigorous debate. However, nothing was personal. The issues were debated not the personal traits of of the person. Most politicians were adults in the room. The politics of the Republican Party are a bunch of adolescents. Unfortunately this is causing the demise of the GOP. We need a two party system for real debate. Back in the day, all pols had their own preferences but when the common good was at stake, ALL parties came together and acted rationally and not in a juvenile and infantile name -calling way.
Ed, first let me say a very debonair couple and a very proud man. Politics, fascinating and sometimes down right Murkey, but your dad was disappointed but new that all would work out even throwing kindness to Eisenhower.
One should read David McCullough's Biography Truman his life and the 1948 election-Truman and Dewey Governor of New York. Truman was the big underdog and election night when the votes were coming in Truman was leading and radio announcer Colternbern said when the country votes come in Truman will be soundly defeated. The Chicago Tribune had to go to press before all votes were in and they had on front page Dewey defeats Truman. Many journalists had to eat crow. Yogi was correct (it aint over till it's over)
Pray. Pray. Pray. Many of us can relate to back in the day you describe so well. Most will agree it's not the same and with that there is no return. Today's dividing issues would cause candidates of the past "turn over in their graves". . . the border issues...the cutting off nourishment of human life allowing accepting and encouraging women to commit infanticide... the deep deep state influence that disallows proof of illegal occurrences in elections and more . . the fear of speaking one's mind in a nation with developing weird principles.....lies and more lies supported by the media....Pray. Pray. Pray.
Thanks Ed for your always kind recollections and beautiful snapshot depictions of the relatively serene life that many people enjoyed here in the 1950’s in RI.
Senator Pastore was certainly the best known and liked member of the RI Congressional delegation but Rep John E Fogarty probably was its greatest work horse! He was a bricklayer who never went to college but eventually was awarded dozens of Honorary Doctorates including ones from URI, PC and Brown!
He was probably best known for his support for legislation aiding disabled children and promoting medical research. He cosponspored the legislation that gave the National Cancer Institute the largest budget in history. . Same for the National Heart Institute.
He liked to be called “Everyone’s Congressman” and ran unopposed for many years. He died of a heart attack on the opening day of Congress in 1965. He was sitting at his desk writing notes for some upcoming legislation he strongly supported.
Jim, you are so right. Congressman Fogarty was the epitome of what an elected official was and should be. An ingenuous man of honesty and integrity who represented those who elected him. And one who made a difference. Thank you for reminding me of this great man.
Oh how I wish for those times again, but alas I don't have choices. I dislike and have no trust in the candidates that are running this time or last time and I don't want to vote for the lesser of two evils. I fear for my granddaughter, who is the US Navy. I fear for the world and all the hatred and killing that is going on. I pray always for peace in the world. But alas, I don't see that happening.
I remember John O. pastore tried very hard to keep sex, profanity and the like out of movies, congress , etc.
Eisenhower was certainly appreciated by most throughout WW2.
However, when he mentioned why his choice for the hell-hole for our US soldiers to land on D-Day,
….because the British and the foreign soldiers had seen tough going already, they deserved “easier” landing areas. I had no quarrel with the latter but ….remember….in my thinking….D-Day for our troops was almost an impossibility ! Right, I did loose good thoughts about the General.
Ed, your Dad was right I think. I hope so. Sort of like Winston Churchill who said America always gets it right but only after trying out all the other alternatives.
That seems to be now true also of both of our major political parties. They both seem scraping away at the bottom of the campaign issues.
The voters are stuck with these vicious personal attack campaigns devised by public relations managers to define how we should choose our national leaders.
For an idealistic person like yourself this must be a very hard voting decision.
I remember those days well. My father ran against an endorsed Democrat..what else in RI…for a North Providence School Committee seat. It was an at-large .
He lost by 50 or 60 votes….all paper…and a recount.
You are correct in that life continued. There was no riot, protest, and we did not destroy public property!
Everyone went on their daily lives.
What is going on today is an abomination against humanity…if we still have it.
We…our generation…allowed politicians to totally screw up this country. If todays generation continues to allow this behavior, I cannot understand what this country will be.
A bit frightening, Ed, but I am optimistic. If we could get through a Civil War where we killed over 600,000 of our very own men, our men and boys, we can get through anything.
Ed,
Oh for the return of political sanity.
Ed, you are aware of my political awareness. Like you I miss the conversations with your dad about the political situation of the time. He was an expert on the inner workings of politics in Providence.
The days of cooperation across the aisle for the good of society has been lost. Hopefully this cycle will correct that. It is necessary to have a strong two party system to insure a strong democracy. Old timers like your dad and even our generation understood that and acted accordingly.
I wish I could confer with Pete again. Those were the days. What memories!
Paul
Yes. Paul. It all seemed so simple. Was it?
He loved your Uncle, Senator John O
Ed, thanks for sharing this memory of your parents and for your mention of my Dad! In my library, I have a copy of a memoir by Sen. Norris Cotton (R-NH), which has on the inside an emotional message from Sen. Cotton to my then retired Dad, the gist of which is that Sen. Cotton was missing my Dad "every day". Dad treasured that book and his friendship with Senate colleagues from across the aisle. It was a very different time, and your writing keeps reminding us beautifully of that.
Such a great memory, John. My Dad treasured his friendship with your Dad. He was so proud of him and spoke of him every chance he had. The brilliant young Italian American who rose through the ranks. When I was a kid, my Dad took me to a lecture at The Ryan Post at the corner of Atwells and Academy Avenues in Providence. I remember the talk to this day. "Atoms for Peace." The Speaker. The Honorable, Senator John O. Pastore. At evening's end, my Dad trotted to the podium, " Edward, I want you to meet Senator Pastore. " Like it was yesterday.
Those were days when our parents got there news from the newspaper and could form an opinion without the barrage of social media. The only way they learned how others felt about politics was to engage in a conversation. It was easier to remain calm when not exposed to so much mean spirited yelling that we endure today. But still, we do try and lower our blood pressure by remaining civil.
It's so nice to hear from you, Lee. I agree. I also try to avoid watching the news. Read my previous post
https://edwrites.net/p/how-i-found-a-break-from-the-chaotic news
I had an "I LIKE IKE" button, as well. Herodotus was convinced that life's events are cyclical, not linear. I believe it. What we are going through now is not new. Political muckraking, character assassination, and outright lies have existed since this country was founded. Newspapers and pamphlets were the social media tools to shape and influence public opinion during the last three centuries, only to be replaced by faster and more expansive communications in the electronic age. The authors of the "Enlightenment" that influenced our Founding Father's constructed our Constitution on the premise that the common citizen can be trusted to govern, not be governed by some king or dictator. That's what's on the line in this election. I trust the public to make the right decision.
Thanks for the history lesson, Larry.
It was simple. Everyone ,with some exceptions was sane. Elected officials had their biases and constituent needs and acted accordingly after vigorous debate. However, nothing was personal. The issues were debated not the personal traits of of the person. Most politicians were adults in the room. The politics of the Republican Party are a bunch of adolescents. Unfortunately this is causing the demise of the GOP. We need a two party system for real debate. Back in the day, all pols had their own preferences but when the common good was at stake, ALL parties came together and acted rationally and not in a juvenile and infantile name -calling way.
Paul
Kinda sad to see what has happened/is happening. You nailed it here . . . "Most politicians were adults in the room."
I'll add integrity, honesty, ingenuousness
Ed, first let me say a very debonair couple and a very proud man. Politics, fascinating and sometimes down right Murkey, but your dad was disappointed but new that all would work out even throwing kindness to Eisenhower.
One should read David McCullough's Biography Truman his life and the 1948 election-Truman and Dewey Governor of New York. Truman was the big underdog and election night when the votes were coming in Truman was leading and radio announcer Colternbern said when the country votes come in Truman will be soundly defeated. The Chicago Tribune had to go to press before all votes were in and they had on front page Dewey defeats Truman. Many journalists had to eat crow. Yogi was correct (it aint over till it's over)
Yes, for sure. I read McCullough's book and heard him speak. A national treasure.
Ed, Ann and I had the good fortune to meet David, and he graciously signed and dated our copy September 1992.
I also pray that this country doesn't go extreme to the left and be aware of what is being presented, so each can digest before casting their vote.
Yes, I agree. We need moderation, to go back to reaching across the aisle, to compromising, to speaking to, not at, each other.
Yes, and YES!
Pray. Pray. Pray. Many of us can relate to back in the day you describe so well. Most will agree it's not the same and with that there is no return. Today's dividing issues would cause candidates of the past "turn over in their graves". . . the border issues...the cutting off nourishment of human life allowing accepting and encouraging women to commit infanticide... the deep deep state influence that disallows proof of illegal occurrences in elections and more . . the fear of speaking one's mind in a nation with developing weird principles.....lies and more lies supported by the media....Pray. Pray. Pray.
Be confident. We can get along. If not, we all lose. I wonder what my Dad would think.
Thanks Ed for your always kind recollections and beautiful snapshot depictions of the relatively serene life that many people enjoyed here in the 1950’s in RI.
Senator Pastore was certainly the best known and liked member of the RI Congressional delegation but Rep John E Fogarty probably was its greatest work horse! He was a bricklayer who never went to college but eventually was awarded dozens of Honorary Doctorates including ones from URI, PC and Brown!
He was probably best known for his support for legislation aiding disabled children and promoting medical research. He cosponspored the legislation that gave the National Cancer Institute the largest budget in history. . Same for the National Heart Institute.
He liked to be called “Everyone’s Congressman” and ran unopposed for many years. He died of a heart attack on the opening day of Congress in 1965. He was sitting at his desk writing notes for some upcoming legislation he strongly supported.
Jim, you are so right. Congressman Fogarty was the epitome of what an elected official was and should be. An ingenuous man of honesty and integrity who represented those who elected him. And one who made a difference. Thank you for reminding me of this great man.
Wonderful; similar memories
So nice to share
Oh how I wish for those times again, but alas I don't have choices. I dislike and have no trust in the candidates that are running this time or last time and I don't want to vote for the lesser of two evils. I fear for my granddaughter, who is the US Navy. I fear for the world and all the hatred and killing that is going on. I pray always for peace in the world. But alas, I don't see that happening.
I understand, Natalie. But consider voting. It's your American right.
I do vote, even if it is a write-in.
Excellent
I remember John O. pastore tried very hard to keep sex, profanity and the like out of movies, congress , etc.
Eisenhower was certainly appreciated by most throughout WW2.
However, when he mentioned why his choice for the hell-hole for our US soldiers to land on D-Day,
….because the British and the foreign soldiers had seen tough going already, they deserved “easier” landing areas. I had no quarrel with the latter but ….remember….in my thinking….D-Day for our troops was almost an impossibility ! Right, I did loose good thoughts about the General.
Understood, Joe. Tough days, difficult decisions. But whether right or wrong, I believe they were made by men with integrity.
Always appreciate your comments. Words of wisdom, Dr. Ed!
I won’t forget!
Nice job,thanks
Thanks, Frank
Ed, your Dad was right I think. I hope so. Sort of like Winston Churchill who said America always gets it right but only after trying out all the other alternatives.
That seems to be now true also of both of our major political parties. They both seem scraping away at the bottom of the campaign issues.
The voters are stuck with these vicious personal attack campaigns devised by public relations managers to define how we should choose our national leaders.
For an idealistic person like yourself this must be a very hard voting decision.
Just not easy, Jim.
I remember those days well. My father ran against an endorsed Democrat..what else in RI…for a North Providence School Committee seat. It was an at-large .
He lost by 50 or 60 votes….all paper…and a recount.
You are correct in that life continued. There was no riot, protest, and we did not destroy public property!
Everyone went on their daily lives.
What is going on today is an abomination against humanity…if we still have it.
We…our generation…allowed politicians to totally screw up this country. If todays generation continues to allow this behavior, I cannot understand what this country will be.
A bit frightening, Ed, but I am optimistic. If we could get through a Civil War where we killed over 600,000 of our very own men, our men and boys, we can get through anything.
Ed, I am cautiously optimistic and hope, and somewhat believe, there is a light at the end of this seemingly endless abyss…
Yup
I couldn’t agree more. I loved this one, Ed
Thanks, Marty
Thank you for your thoughtful and incisive article. Kindness and respect are basic to society. I heard someone say, “kindness is catchy”.
Kindness, respect with a touch of humility, integrity, and honesty will go a long way, John. let's hope.