It is indeed a hopeful sign to see a new tree planted. Another very hopeful sign is that you're still publishing this letter and sharing your thoughts with a growing community. Environmental activist or "tree-huggers" as they are derisively known, learned a long time ago that the best defense against a chain saw is a chain wrapped around the tree where the destroyers want to cut; it breaks the cutting chain and slows the process. We, especially our representatives in the Biden administration, have about 60 days to wrap some chains around our institutional trees. Mr. Schumer is apparently taking advantage of some absentee GOP Senators to confirm judges on a wholesale basis and we should encourage President Biden to take advantage of the chance to cement his legacy by pre-emptive pardons where it is possible, lifting Trump's tariffs, and finalizing the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment. It won't be a roadblock, but the longer the destruction takes, the more time we'll have to develop strategies for retaking the House and Senate in 2026 and uniting behind an outstanding Presidential candidate in 2028.
Oh Dave – such an excellent analogy of wrapping trees in chains to protect them. I'm sure there is a lot of work going on right now in agencies to try to preserve what can be preserved – and delay destruction for as long as possible. We all have a role to play here...
Trees have always been my friend and I mourn their senseless destruction. Mother Gaia is angry about the killing of her trees and we all are feeling the heat of her anger.
I feel the same way – it's heartbreaking. But this community of folks is big-hearted and strong, and I've got all the faith in the world that we'll protect what we can...
I feel this so deeply. We sold a house which a huge, healthy live oak in the front yard, and within a month the new owners cut it down, leaving a foot high stump for a few years. We wouldn’t have sold them the home if I knew they were going to do that. I still get sad every time I pass the house. It looks so exposed.
Oh – my heart hurts to hear that. I'm so sorry. That's ... I'm speechless. People can be so thoughtless. I am learning that life means very little to some people.
And wearing pearls: another metaphor for something beautiful that can come from being irritated. If you’re an oyster.
Let’s make strings of human pearls. Were irritated but by taking care of ourselves from the inside out and contributing to the overall efforts with our jewels of wisdom, patience, action to smooth the grit, perhaps we can help repair the damage and faith lost by voters motivated by fear and greed. Maybe we can come up with plans to listen to the nation’s poor and rural voters and more and by listening and engaging we can win them back, instead of seeing them and so many more people (white women !?!) vote against their own best interest. And vote seemingly for themselves saying “to hell with everyone else.
You do great work! Thank you. Would love to connect.
Hi Carey! Thank you so much – and I absolutely love your analogy of pearls! That something so beautiful and lustrous is only created in response to irritation is poetic indeed... 💙💙
This poignant article was among the best since the election. Perfect analogy. Upon graduation from Elon University years ago, one of my daughters received an oak sapling. It was planted at my brother’s farm in North Georgia and nurtured for the first few years. It is now a full, towering oak tree, reminding us of the blessings of family and education. It thrives despite proximity to the black walnuts nearby that strive to eliminate all competitors. It will still be there long after Trump and his disaster of an administration are gone. We shall see to it. Thank you, Michele!
Thank you, Michele, for calling to mind tree memories past and present, and the symbolism for our need to lock limbs to create a barrier against the hoards who have no idea of how critical photosynthesis of our forests is. Both for our attempt to clean our air and our lungs. I remember when PALCO bought nearly every acre with redwood trees on the California coast. (Pacific Lumber Company) Previously redwood lumber was available at reasonable prices for saunas, paneling in homes, and was even used in cool, dry states (Idaho, Wyoming, eg) for fence posts for its rot and insect resistance. Pressure treated wood there? Not even available at builder supply businesses. PALCO-affiliated timber cutters began clear cutting, (zero erosion control and protection of waterways), and developed overseas markets. Prices skyrocketed and domestic availability plummeted. Am I advocating such “good uses” of our forests and local giants? Nope. I was thinking more of naked festivals to honor and celebrate the remaining gentle giants. Would I look old? Weakened muscles and complaining joints are in no way for me a deterrent. It’s not a beauty contest after all. Though taking such action will help to preserve the beautiful trees that remain today. Thank you, Michele, for your ongoing efforts for humanity.
Great analogy /branches of government- One of my favorite audio books is The hidden life of trees by Peter Wohlenben_ from the tree tops to the roots systems communicating underground from the mother tree supporting her children as they grow in the forest, sharing nutrients with those younger trees that are sick or struggling creating an ecosystem and can live to be very old, solitary trees are like street kids and in most cases die a lot earlier than those in a group. Our species could learn a thing or two from trees - reminds me of picture I took of the huge emancipation oak tree at the univ of Newport News or Phoebus in VA where President Lincoln read the proclamation emancipation and “The love tree” we called a large red oak we used to climb as kids.
We do what we can, every moment. I almost didn't read this because it will hit all of us. It is our wake up call since more Americans voted him in than I would care to acknowledge. I love you keeping as much alive as possible--it does take longer to grow than to destruct.
I will post a poem shortly...I wrote called Eloop Tickle...I wish I could navigate substack better...old , but learning.
This is a keeper! I will save it for inspiration. We should all be vigilant and reread it periodically leading up to the midterm elections of 2026. Share this with everyone in your contacts list. 💙💙💙
Your chainsaw image brought to mind Goldie Hawn in "Overboard," mumbling buh-buh-buh-buh from her wild encounter with a chainsaw.
It's terrifying to watch Trump's Apocalypse of Destruction being put into place, with the intended point of making us feel helpless and horrifying, because we can imagine what's next while the dust is settling. Thank you for expressing it well! Let's all stick together!
Absolutely – their goal is shock and awe. Knowing that, we need to steel ourselves and stand firm. If anything, Gaetz dropping out shows the impact of sustained and targeted pressure – and sticking together is a big part of continuing to make that happen!
It is indeed a hopeful sign to see a new tree planted. Another very hopeful sign is that you're still publishing this letter and sharing your thoughts with a growing community. Environmental activist or "tree-huggers" as they are derisively known, learned a long time ago that the best defense against a chain saw is a chain wrapped around the tree where the destroyers want to cut; it breaks the cutting chain and slows the process. We, especially our representatives in the Biden administration, have about 60 days to wrap some chains around our institutional trees. Mr. Schumer is apparently taking advantage of some absentee GOP Senators to confirm judges on a wholesale basis and we should encourage President Biden to take advantage of the chance to cement his legacy by pre-emptive pardons where it is possible, lifting Trump's tariffs, and finalizing the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment. It won't be a roadblock, but the longer the destruction takes, the more time we'll have to develop strategies for retaking the House and Senate in 2026 and uniting behind an outstanding Presidential candidate in 2028.
Oh Dave – such an excellent analogy of wrapping trees in chains to protect them. I'm sure there is a lot of work going on right now in agencies to try to preserve what can be preserved – and delay destruction for as long as possible. We all have a role to play here...
Indeed we do, and I suspect that the energy is building once those roles become more actively defined.
Much appreciated this metaphorical piece today. Thank you! One love
Trees have always been my friend and I mourn their senseless destruction. Mother Gaia is angry about the killing of her trees and we all are feeling the heat of her anger.
I feel the same way – it's heartbreaking. But this community of folks is big-hearted and strong, and I've got all the faith in the world that we'll protect what we can...
I feel this so deeply. We sold a house which a huge, healthy live oak in the front yard, and within a month the new owners cut it down, leaving a foot high stump for a few years. We wouldn’t have sold them the home if I knew they were going to do that. I still get sad every time I pass the house. It looks so exposed.
Oh – my heart hurts to hear that. I'm so sorry. That's ... I'm speechless. People can be so thoughtless. I am learning that life means very little to some people.
Perfect analog, Michele🌳🪚🇺🇸💙
Thank you, Diane! 💙
Beautifully thought out and crafted. Bummed about the tree that was felled. Mercy. Couldn’t they have just pruned it to allow for the sunshine?
And I know that’s the point. These folks are here BECAUSE they seek to take organizations down from the inside out.
To all of this I will respond with another substack column:
https://open.substack.com/pub/mariannewilliamson/p/a-dose-of-love-or-a-dose-of-courage?r=75hmm&utm_medium=ios
Choosing courage.
And love.
Protecting and planting.
And wearing pearls: another metaphor for something beautiful that can come from being irritated. If you’re an oyster.
Let’s make strings of human pearls. Were irritated but by taking care of ourselves from the inside out and contributing to the overall efforts with our jewels of wisdom, patience, action to smooth the grit, perhaps we can help repair the damage and faith lost by voters motivated by fear and greed. Maybe we can come up with plans to listen to the nation’s poor and rural voters and more and by listening and engaging we can win them back, instead of seeing them and so many more people (white women !?!) vote against their own best interest. And vote seemingly for themselves saying “to hell with everyone else.
You do great work! Thank you. Would love to connect.
Carey Sipp
csipppaces@icloud.com
Hi Carey! Thank you so much – and I absolutely love your analogy of pearls! That something so beautiful and lustrous is only created in response to irritation is poetic indeed... 💙💙
Thank you for the thank-you note. That you responded to me is a pearl in and of itself.
YOU are a gem!
This poignant article was among the best since the election. Perfect analogy. Upon graduation from Elon University years ago, one of my daughters received an oak sapling. It was planted at my brother’s farm in North Georgia and nurtured for the first few years. It is now a full, towering oak tree, reminding us of the blessings of family and education. It thrives despite proximity to the black walnuts nearby that strive to eliminate all competitors. It will still be there long after Trump and his disaster of an administration are gone. We shall see to it. Thank you, Michele!
That is a good omen
Thank you, Michele, for calling to mind tree memories past and present, and the symbolism for our need to lock limbs to create a barrier against the hoards who have no idea of how critical photosynthesis of our forests is. Both for our attempt to clean our air and our lungs. I remember when PALCO bought nearly every acre with redwood trees on the California coast. (Pacific Lumber Company) Previously redwood lumber was available at reasonable prices for saunas, paneling in homes, and was even used in cool, dry states (Idaho, Wyoming, eg) for fence posts for its rot and insect resistance. Pressure treated wood there? Not even available at builder supply businesses. PALCO-affiliated timber cutters began clear cutting, (zero erosion control and protection of waterways), and developed overseas markets. Prices skyrocketed and domestic availability plummeted. Am I advocating such “good uses” of our forests and local giants? Nope. I was thinking more of naked festivals to honor and celebrate the remaining gentle giants. Would I look old? Weakened muscles and complaining joints are in no way for me a deterrent. It’s not a beauty contest after all. Though taking such action will help to preserve the beautiful trees that remain today. Thank you, Michele, for your ongoing efforts for humanity.
Great analogy /branches of government- One of my favorite audio books is The hidden life of trees by Peter Wohlenben_ from the tree tops to the roots systems communicating underground from the mother tree supporting her children as they grow in the forest, sharing nutrients with those younger trees that are sick or struggling creating an ecosystem and can live to be very old, solitary trees are like street kids and in most cases die a lot earlier than those in a group. Our species could learn a thing or two from trees - reminds me of picture I took of the huge emancipation oak tree at the univ of Newport News or Phoebus in VA where President Lincoln read the proclamation emancipation and “The love tree” we called a large red oak we used to climb as kids.
We do what we can, every moment. I almost didn't read this because it will hit all of us. It is our wake up call since more Americans voted him in than I would care to acknowledge. I love you keeping as much alive as possible--it does take longer to grow than to destruct.
I will post a poem shortly...I wrote called Eloop Tickle...I wish I could navigate substack better...old , but learning.
This is a keeper! I will save it for inspiration. We should all be vigilant and reread it periodically leading up to the midterm elections of 2026. Share this with everyone in your contacts list. 💙💙💙
Beautifully stated. I love trees! 💙 💙 💙
Your experience resonates with mine, thank you for articulating it so clearly!
Exceptional piece Michele, the chainsaw analogy is perfect for this neofeudalism epoch!
Your chainsaw image brought to mind Goldie Hawn in "Overboard," mumbling buh-buh-buh-buh from her wild encounter with a chainsaw.
It's terrifying to watch Trump's Apocalypse of Destruction being put into place, with the intended point of making us feel helpless and horrifying, because we can imagine what's next while the dust is settling. Thank you for expressing it well! Let's all stick together!
Absolutely – their goal is shock and awe. Knowing that, we need to steel ourselves and stand firm. If anything, Gaetz dropping out shows the impact of sustained and targeted pressure – and sticking together is a big part of continuing to make that happen!