CORRECTION on 16 April 2025 column
Duffel Bag reference
Gentle readers, of course the “Duffel Bag” reference is a parody, except it expresses the views that seem to characterize entire segments of our society of late. Secretary Hegseth’s explanations mirror many of the concerns I mentioned in this morning’s column, even if the specific citation I provided is a spoof.
Secretary Hegseth did not, it would appear, make that particular pronouncement but his campaign to rollback references to anyone he interprets as linked to DEI are quite real and on-going. I regret my error in this piece.
I apologise for confusion I engendered but my concerns about that violence potentially resulting from category of reactions are real. My point was not so much about the specifics purported writing of DEI as cited but in the fear that we see people embrace those sorts of views as justifications for violence.
I should have been clearer in my argument.
Thank you for those of you who took me up on my suggestion to give me feedback as that’s completely my goal.
Again, my error and sincere clarification.
Be well and be safe. Oh, and be as correct as possible. FIN
Thank you, Cliff, for an extremely thoughtful response. I appreciate the precarious state we are in.
I tried to comment at the main article, but it wouldn’t work.
So, I was thihking “Duffel Blog”.
I agree that we have folks not willing to accept and wait for next year, to use a baseball term. Two assassination attempts on a Presidential Candidate. Burning the Governor’s Executive Home in PA. Burn a Tesla Day a fortnight ago. Yes, I am worried. I am especially worried because i see the Democratic Party rudderless and the danger of radicals rearing up to take leadership.
But, I am optimistic. We seem to work our way through it. As for Bragg and Benning, and all the others, in some recess of my mind I think they too were patriots, but loyal to a different view of who we were (are). However, when Robert E Lee surrendered, the majority tried to work within the system. Some didn’t. Fie on them. We, as a nation, were able to work back to a Federal System.
As for Jackie Robinson, I see him as an example of discipline and self control, who is a fine example for all of us. He put the game before himself. We should celebrate that.
Cliff