Too much to unpack. Perhaps she can be on one of Julie Gammacks’ zooms for an hour. Bob, I wish I could ask the two of you to talk more about the use of the word ‘fascism’ today in society and the phrase “cultural wars”. I agree we are battling for democracy and the future of our country--the problem is that the ‘other side’ believes just as strongly. (I just finished having beers and listening to 3 different R’s this week--one Trumper, one De Santis, one R who has run for statewide office; I hope all your readers do so. I believe the philosophy and practice of R leaders falls within the definition of Fascism; I also believe the word has almost become over-used and less impactful, especially when people from Tucker to Trump call left of center Fascists for so-called promotion of trans issues. My friends do not call me “fascist”, but they also tell me to my face that all politicians, esp. D’s, are corrupt and they know was a public official for several years. When it comes to cultural wars, the right has already co-opted and corrupted these words and phrases, as well as ‘politically correct’ and ‘woke’ ( read Susan Newman on woke, BTW). The Trump/Tucker crowd do not consider themselves fascist (again, they refer to us as Fascist). We need more George Lakoff-types to help deal with messaging during these battles for humanity and democracy. Thank you
Thanks for your thoughtful comment Ralph. I was hesitant to use the word "fascist" preferring authoritarian, but it has become clearer and clearer they are with trying to erase the past, banish people from society, ban books, voter suppression, ties to other authoritarian regimes that I fear we have to use it. They use words like "patriot," "conservative," and "Christian" when they are not. I don't think they are interested in healing. They are interested in suppression and white supremacy. I also think most of our Republican friends have no idea what they have been pulled into. Thanks.
I am so appreciative of your sharing this interview. You facilitated her sharing some profound thoughts about what is happening all around us. I especially appreciate her last thought of how important allies are in this fight for civil rights. Reminded me of the quote by Ethan Keller that says, “if you wanna be someone ally, but haven't been hit by stones being thrown at them, you aren't standing close enough to them yet.” Admiration for Pella librarian and board for standing strong during these difficult times.
Such a wonderful interview. I agree so much with her assessment that the media is doing a disservice by insisting on this idea of a culture war and not calling out that anti-trans rhetoric and book banning is an attempted takeover of Supremacists and facsists in the form of Donald Trump and Kim Reynolds. I'm so glad there are brave women like Diana Goetsch speaking at libraries in Red States. I wish I could have heard her in Pella, but your interview with her was the next best thing. Thanks for doing real journalism here in Iowa.
This interview was another of your incredible articles. Two mentions really stick with me. "What compromise is there with totalitarianism?" For everyone who keeps saying we must come together, this is the very problem. I repeatedly ask how were a slave holder and an abolitionist to come together in the 1850s. The second point is "useful idiots." This description is exactly my latest term for the Reynolds apparatchiks in the Iowa legislature, who simply pass the bills she demands. Thanks again.
Thanks, Bob. Some very important observations here, especially about the pitfalls of when we frame basic rights as "culture wars". I know I've done that too often.
Her perspective on "culture wars" is profound. I'm not sure I have ever written the words in a piece, but I have certainly followed the media frame on it.
I appreciate this interview very much. It is powerful.
Too much to unpack. Perhaps she can be on one of Julie Gammacks’ zooms for an hour. Bob, I wish I could ask the two of you to talk more about the use of the word ‘fascism’ today in society and the phrase “cultural wars”. I agree we are battling for democracy and the future of our country--the problem is that the ‘other side’ believes just as strongly. (I just finished having beers and listening to 3 different R’s this week--one Trumper, one De Santis, one R who has run for statewide office; I hope all your readers do so. I believe the philosophy and practice of R leaders falls within the definition of Fascism; I also believe the word has almost become over-used and less impactful, especially when people from Tucker to Trump call left of center Fascists for so-called promotion of trans issues. My friends do not call me “fascist”, but they also tell me to my face that all politicians, esp. D’s, are corrupt and they know was a public official for several years. When it comes to cultural wars, the right has already co-opted and corrupted these words and phrases, as well as ‘politically correct’ and ‘woke’ ( read Susan Newman on woke, BTW). The Trump/Tucker crowd do not consider themselves fascist (again, they refer to us as Fascist). We need more George Lakoff-types to help deal with messaging during these battles for humanity and democracy. Thank you
Thanks for your thoughtful comment Ralph. I was hesitant to use the word "fascist" preferring authoritarian, but it has become clearer and clearer they are with trying to erase the past, banish people from society, ban books, voter suppression, ties to other authoritarian regimes that I fear we have to use it. They use words like "patriot," "conservative," and "Christian" when they are not. I don't think they are interested in healing. They are interested in suppression and white supremacy. I also think most of our Republican friends have no idea what they have been pulled into. Thanks.
Thank you, thank you, thank you. Beautiful and brave and so important to share and organize, and act, and vote for a better world.
I am so appreciative of your sharing this interview. You facilitated her sharing some profound thoughts about what is happening all around us. I especially appreciate her last thought of how important allies are in this fight for civil rights. Reminded me of the quote by Ethan Keller that says, “if you wanna be someone ally, but haven't been hit by stones being thrown at them, you aren't standing close enough to them yet.” Admiration for Pella librarian and board for standing strong during these difficult times.
Thank you. And thanks for sharing the quote. Yes, lots to be admired in our librarians, for sure. Diana gave us lots to think about.
Thank you for talking to her and sharing this interview. Cannot wait to read her poetry.
Insightful thoughts that help to define, identify and understand the growing fascists influences that have emerged in plain sight. Thanks Bob.
I so appreciate Bob doing this interview, and people coming here to listen to it. FYI, here's Toni Morrison (a Nobel laureate and a prime target of recent book bans) speaking on the linkage of racism to fascism: https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4812102/user-clip-toni-morrison-racism-fascism
Such a wonderful interview. I agree so much with her assessment that the media is doing a disservice by insisting on this idea of a culture war and not calling out that anti-trans rhetoric and book banning is an attempted takeover of Supremacists and facsists in the form of Donald Trump and Kim Reynolds. I'm so glad there are brave women like Diana Goetsch speaking at libraries in Red States. I wish I could have heard her in Pella, but your interview with her was the next best thing. Thanks for doing real journalism here in Iowa.
Thank you. Insightful, courageous, honest. Great work, together.
This interview was another of your incredible articles. Two mentions really stick with me. "What compromise is there with totalitarianism?" For everyone who keeps saying we must come together, this is the very problem. I repeatedly ask how were a slave holder and an abolitionist to come together in the 1850s. The second point is "useful idiots." This description is exactly my latest term for the Reynolds apparatchiks in the Iowa legislature, who simply pass the bills she demands. Thanks again.
Thanks so much. Great points. You would like Diana. She's a great person.
Thanks, Bob. Some very important observations here, especially about the pitfalls of when we frame basic rights as "culture wars". I know I've done that too often.
Her perspective on "culture wars" is profound. I'm not sure I have ever written the words in a piece, but I have certainly followed the media frame on it.
Thanks Bob for this interview. Such a courageous woman.