My mum and dad lived in Berlin in the 70’s. My mum was barely 20 when she arrived, if that. She rapidly learned German and decided that she had to get to see life in the East. She did, she worked and was able to cross the border. There were trusted east Berliners who were able to work with her too.
It was a revelation and an incredibly formative experience. She only heard a woman snap and show her true thoughts once, as they were all so careful with what they said. They were always watched by their friends, family and neighbours. The woman said- how would you like to live here, like this? Then she regained her composure and continued.
Another woman didn’t believe you could get electric carving knives; that this was western propaganda. My mum took it to work the next day and the woman was speechless. She then took it everyday and the woman cut her bread etc with it and brought it back after lunch each day. Mum saw the finest meats, breads and coffee go out the back door of the shops and straight to the embassy and to the politicians, whilst the people queued and queued for small portions of substandard food.
Some, who were allowed to leave east Berlin when they retired, struggled with the choices available in the west. A lifetime of no choices and then suddenly there were many choices in the shops, in everyday life. For some this was too much and they sought the solace of the familiar regime. The colour of the West, in clothes, music, entertainment, after the drab sameness of the east must have been overwhelming.
Generations have lost their lives and lifetimes to tyranny over the millennia. The writing is on the wall and yet so many cannot see it. Imagine having your whole life stolen by a regime and knowing nothing else?
Great article. Bless you! If there’s justice on the world, may you long continue to enjoy Merlot with pals round that table. Only good friends now sit with me round mine and vice versa. Someone wise once said: ‘ Sit with warriors. The conversation is different.’ So true.
This is a masterful work and, in my opinion, your best. The religious aspect of your treatise is not to be dismissed, as it's definitely part of history's big picture - albeit a smudge, interpreted as freedom.
The more we talk and publish, the more those with power will resort to suppression and ultimately murder. So - should we preempt the inevitable and rise using violence? Even if it were possible, I'd still say no because the groundswell of public opinion has yet to change enough for the state backlash to be resisted. And what would follow?
I'm at my, wholly unfashionable, reproduction mahogany table but give due respect to your tulip version. You see - colour is not important - it's diversity that counts.
Linking the stages of grief in the intro and towards the end, beautifully and sensitively done Abs. A powerful piece. I often wish I could have the Abi daily family crowded round my kitchen table xxx
Thank you for this wonderful piece of writing. A friend posted it into my private Telegram group and I wrote there:
"That's beautiful...and chilling at the same time, because she's right, (unless there is nuclear war). I can't see any other path now. It is not a matter of 'if' but 'when'. I still have a vague optimism, but I think that is simply because we humans are inherently optimistic in some part of our being, whatever happens."
Excellent piece, I really enjoyed it. I like how it’s a serious, reflective article but you still managed to get the word ‘spunked’ in there…..beautiful. 👏
This article is spectacular!! Thank you so much for this. It helps to order my 'overthinking' just by reading it, and also stimulates intellectual thought (which is greatly lacking in me usually).
I am so tempted to send it to my mother. But I recently read some good advice - not to try to wake people up - that they simply won't until they are ready (I think of it as the wind in Aesop's fable - my efforts causing them to pull their beliefs tighter around them like the coat in the fable. I am trying to work out how to be the Sun instead).
My mother is a HUGE Starmer fan, so she might immediately discount it all based on criticism of him. Plus I only just sent her a YouTube video of Alex Thomson explaining who really rules the world.
I might wait a while and then forward her this article. I can't see how anyone with any intelligence could fail to appreciate it in some ways at least.
I didn’t get it done as fast (8mins) but Jacqui is right. Bosh! Love the line about numerology! This stuff is hidden in plain sight. One doesn’t need to jump into magic numbers and symbols to see it. Not only is that numerology stuff nonsense but actually has no historical track record of revealing anything or helping anyone ever fight their way out of totalitarian regimes. Numerology is for those who don’t really approach anything seriously but convince themselves they do: sign of cosplay freedom fighters?
Wonderful article. My grandfather was Russian. His family were lucky to immigrate to the US and avoid a great deal of the horrors of communism. The history of the Russian people has been one of difficulty, but communism was especially grim. Thank you for bringing the Russian experience forward as yet another reminder of what we are hurtling towards. It's great to have you back. Take care of yourself. You are a light in the darkness for many of us.
Like a ‘Saarinen Tulip table’ Abs, on its surface this piece is beautifully crafted. By design elegant, yet strong with a purpose for others to find hope in. Like lunar marble, etched through it are lines of exquisite detail revealing the patterns we need to observe if goodness is to win out. Those who will sit in the round will share lived experiences, just as others from the past did, for within those conversations lies truth. To the youth of today, please pull up a seat. xx
Terrific article Abi, a joy to read.
My mum and dad lived in Berlin in the 70’s. My mum was barely 20 when she arrived, if that. She rapidly learned German and decided that she had to get to see life in the East. She did, she worked and was able to cross the border. There were trusted east Berliners who were able to work with her too.
It was a revelation and an incredibly formative experience. She only heard a woman snap and show her true thoughts once, as they were all so careful with what they said. They were always watched by their friends, family and neighbours. The woman said- how would you like to live here, like this? Then she regained her composure and continued.
Another woman didn’t believe you could get electric carving knives; that this was western propaganda. My mum took it to work the next day and the woman was speechless. She then took it everyday and the woman cut her bread etc with it and brought it back after lunch each day. Mum saw the finest meats, breads and coffee go out the back door of the shops and straight to the embassy and to the politicians, whilst the people queued and queued for small portions of substandard food.
Some, who were allowed to leave east Berlin when they retired, struggled with the choices available in the west. A lifetime of no choices and then suddenly there were many choices in the shops, in everyday life. For some this was too much and they sought the solace of the familiar regime. The colour of the West, in clothes, music, entertainment, after the drab sameness of the east must have been overwhelming.
Generations have lost their lives and lifetimes to tyranny over the millennia. The writing is on the wall and yet so many cannot see it. Imagine having your whole life stolen by a regime and knowing nothing else?
Thanks for this - very interesting indeed. x
Brilliant article! Loved reading it! X
Bloody hell, you're a fast reader. I only posted it 3 minutes ago! THANK YOU X
I’m a super fast reader!
Me too :)
Number 5 is alive. You read faster than short circuit.
Great article. Bless you! If there’s justice on the world, may you long continue to enjoy Merlot with pals round that table. Only good friends now sit with me round mine and vice versa. Someone wise once said: ‘ Sit with warriors. The conversation is different.’ So true.
But you’re right. A dog is essential to the mix!
There is a saying "don't eat with people you would not want to starve with". I don't know who said it first but it makes you think!
wow
This is a masterful work and, in my opinion, your best. The religious aspect of your treatise is not to be dismissed, as it's definitely part of history's big picture - albeit a smudge, interpreted as freedom.
The more we talk and publish, the more those with power will resort to suppression and ultimately murder. So - should we preempt the inevitable and rise using violence? Even if it were possible, I'd still say no because the groundswell of public opinion has yet to change enough for the state backlash to be resisted. And what would follow?
I'm at my, wholly unfashionable, reproduction mahogany table but give due respect to your tulip version. You see - colour is not important - it's diversity that counts.
Briliant article. I had to google the table but it is indeed a beautiful piece of furniture.
Cheers, Wendy. I'll put a link in! X
Linking the stages of grief in the intro and towards the end, beautifully and sensitively done Abs. A powerful piece. I often wish I could have the Abi daily family crowded round my kitchen table xxx
Thank you for this wonderful piece of writing. A friend posted it into my private Telegram group and I wrote there:
"That's beautiful...and chilling at the same time, because she's right, (unless there is nuclear war). I can't see any other path now. It is not a matter of 'if' but 'when'. I still have a vague optimism, but I think that is simply because we humans are inherently optimistic in some part of our being, whatever happens."
All the best, from New Zealand
Excellent piece, I really enjoyed it. I like how it’s a serious, reflective article but you still managed to get the word ‘spunked’ in there…..beautiful. 👏
haha - she slips in "shit", "fart" and "piss" too.
Indeed, it would be wrong not to 😃
Lol 😂
Beautiful, beautiful essay. Restacked. Thank you Abs.
This article is spectacular!! Thank you so much for this. It helps to order my 'overthinking' just by reading it, and also stimulates intellectual thought (which is greatly lacking in me usually).
I am so tempted to send it to my mother. But I recently read some good advice - not to try to wake people up - that they simply won't until they are ready (I think of it as the wind in Aesop's fable - my efforts causing them to pull their beliefs tighter around them like the coat in the fable. I am trying to work out how to be the Sun instead).
My mother is a HUGE Starmer fan, so she might immediately discount it all based on criticism of him. Plus I only just sent her a YouTube video of Alex Thomson explaining who really rules the world.
I might wait a while and then forward her this article. I can't see how anyone with any intelligence could fail to appreciate it in some ways at least.
I didn’t get it done as fast (8mins) but Jacqui is right. Bosh! Love the line about numerology! This stuff is hidden in plain sight. One doesn’t need to jump into magic numbers and symbols to see it. Not only is that numerology stuff nonsense but actually has no historical track record of revealing anything or helping anyone ever fight their way out of totalitarian regimes. Numerology is for those who don’t really approach anything seriously but convince themselves they do: sign of cosplay freedom fighters?
Wonderful article. My grandfather was Russian. His family were lucky to immigrate to the US and avoid a great deal of the horrors of communism. The history of the Russian people has been one of difficulty, but communism was especially grim. Thank you for bringing the Russian experience forward as yet another reminder of what we are hurtling towards. It's great to have you back. Take care of yourself. You are a light in the darkness for many of us.
Like a ‘Saarinen Tulip table’ Abs, on its surface this piece is beautifully crafted. By design elegant, yet strong with a purpose for others to find hope in. Like lunar marble, etched through it are lines of exquisite detail revealing the patterns we need to observe if goodness is to win out. Those who will sit in the round will share lived experiences, just as others from the past did, for within those conversations lies truth. To the youth of today, please pull up a seat. xx
Phenomenal.
Excellent essay.
I too watch in horror as the totalitarian boa constrictor squeezes the life out of us.
One of your finest Abby! Loved to read you spent time in Russia. So did we. I can relate.