Thank you for this inspiring essay. You help us recognize the full humanity of Bushnell's sacrifice, one that at first glance seems so unfathomable and contrary to life. You guide us to look more deeply within ourselves to see the reverence for life in his sacrifice, and so challenge us to live with greater purpose.
“self-immolation is not a relinquishment of life but a transcendent grasp on the moral fibers of society” This piece made me cry. Beautifully written. A must read for anyone tired of the pathetic, disingenuous reporting on Aaron. Thank you x
Absolutely the best piece I have read on Aaron’s blazing sacrifice for humanity. May the needle not only be moved, but pegged towards Justice and Peace.
Fredrick as you honor the unyielding flame of Aaron, your words set fire to our hearts and minds this morning. Moving into today with “ the full commitment of our hearts, minds, resources, and time”.
So beautifully said. When I learned of his sacrifice, I immediately thought of the rage I have felt. It seemed to me that our anger, often called a fire in our belly, was manifested by Aaron for the world to see. An anger that will not just go away, but grow stronger and louder. It will not be ignored. It is utterly shameful how the media outlets have covered it. I don’t know if it will change anything, but NPR allows us to contact them in order to comment on an article. Maybe a campaign of complaints could do something?
I looked through some of Mr. Joseph's articles and, it's clear, he and I agree on very little. But his article on Aaron Bushnell and the one I wrote for the Odysseus Unsheathed stack are in perfect harmony.
There is no greater testament to the power of Aaron Bushnell's unbelievably brave sacrifice. It cut to the core of the human condition and made us look at the stripped down essence of what it means to be a human.
Absolutely beautifully written and articulated. Thank you for this passionate and insightful tribute to a young man who made the ultimate sacrifice in order to save the lives of others.
Thank you for this powerful reflection on Aaron's sacrifice. I wish I had words that could come close to telling you how much this piece means to me.
I really appreciate the historical framework, the honoring of Aaron's bravery and strength of calling, (even if we don't feel his action was the best use of his life), and amplification of Aaron's call to arms.
Thank you for this, Fred. I remember the difference the monk's self-immolation made--and didn't make. That war on the Vietnamese people continued as if it were just and justifiable--which, of course, it was not. Please let me know when you're available to return to the show to discuss your new book. Best, Janus Adams
Or maybe, like both sides in this, he was severely mentally ill. Sane people would say "this has gone too far" rather than "oh my what a hero!" Everyone from sociopaths like Netanyahu and his party and loon American Jews like Bill Ackman to the terrorists like Hamas to suburban gay American young people who don't seem to get it that they'd be arrested or killed in an Arab state and black folks who are blithe to Donald Trump and GOP here yet whine about Gaza need to wake up and get SANE. Quickly.
Thank you for this inspiring essay. You help us recognize the full humanity of Bushnell's sacrifice, one that at first glance seems so unfathomable and contrary to life. You guide us to look more deeply within ourselves to see the reverence for life in his sacrifice, and so challenge us to live with greater purpose.
“self-immolation is not a relinquishment of life but a transcendent grasp on the moral fibers of society” This piece made me cry. Beautifully written. A must read for anyone tired of the pathetic, disingenuous reporting on Aaron. Thank you x
May God bless you abundantly for writing this moving tribute.
Absolutely the best piece I have read on Aaron’s blazing sacrifice for humanity. May the needle not only be moved, but pegged towards Justice and Peace.
Fredrick as you honor the unyielding flame of Aaron, your words set fire to our hearts and minds this morning. Moving into today with “ the full commitment of our hearts, minds, resources, and time”.
“The work of Justice is not for the faint of heart” What a beautiful tribute to Aaron and his sacrifice.
Thank you for your Voice ❤
So beautifully said. When I learned of his sacrifice, I immediately thought of the rage I have felt. It seemed to me that our anger, often called a fire in our belly, was manifested by Aaron for the world to see. An anger that will not just go away, but grow stronger and louder. It will not be ignored. It is utterly shameful how the media outlets have covered it. I don’t know if it will change anything, but NPR allows us to contact them in order to comment on an article. Maybe a campaign of complaints could do something?
Yes, transcendent is the word.
I looked through some of Mr. Joseph's articles and, it's clear, he and I agree on very little. But his article on Aaron Bushnell and the one I wrote for the Odysseus Unsheathed stack are in perfect harmony.
There is no greater testament to the power of Aaron Bushnell's unbelievably brave sacrifice. It cut to the core of the human condition and made us look at the stripped down essence of what it means to be a human.
There is good. There is evil. Pick one.
Rest in Peace and Glory, Aaron, Our Brother
Absolutely beautifully written and articulated. Thank you for this passionate and insightful tribute to a young man who made the ultimate sacrifice in order to save the lives of others.
Thank you for this powerful reflection on Aaron's sacrifice. I wish I had words that could come close to telling you how much this piece means to me.
I really appreciate the historical framework, the honoring of Aaron's bravery and strength of calling, (even if we don't feel his action was the best use of his life), and amplification of Aaron's call to arms.
Thank you for this, Fred. I remember the difference the monk's self-immolation made--and didn't make. That war on the Vietnamese people continued as if it were just and justifiable--which, of course, it was not. Please let me know when you're available to return to the show to discuss your new book. Best, Janus Adams
Or maybe, like both sides in this, he was severely mentally ill. Sane people would say "this has gone too far" rather than "oh my what a hero!" Everyone from sociopaths like Netanyahu and his party and loon American Jews like Bill Ackman to the terrorists like Hamas to suburban gay American young people who don't seem to get it that they'd be arrested or killed in an Arab state and black folks who are blithe to Donald Trump and GOP here yet whine about Gaza need to wake up and get SANE. Quickly.