There’s a process in twelve step recovery programs of making amends for harms we have caused others. It’s designed to help us repair our relationship with others and with ourselves. Noel's Notes is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
I truly enjoy your writing - as a friend of Bill W - i find the 12 steps to be a fantastic guide to living and growing in balance in the midst of all the social/political madness -
America does need to do a fearless and searching moral inventory to unearth all of our shadows...and then make amends. On some level this is the most challenging if the steps though once worked through, the most freeing.
Thank you Noel for historical take on Lindbergh, after Pearl Harbor Lindbergh wanted to fly for the United States, FDR refused the offer.Lindbergh had received a medal from the Nazis . So much of this hate and division has never gone away, it’s sadly repackaged itself in suits and political offices. The American first slogan is still the rant of Republicans and their followers. Until we own our Historical past injustices and not fear them, we will never heal!
However did you get to be so wise Noel? This sentence absolutely strikes at the heart of what’s wrong in this country “Perhaps a clear-eyed view of American history along the lines of the moral inventory I described earlier is in order”. There’s no “perhaps” about it. The ☮️ of the entire world is at stake.
This is so well written as it totally gives the needed thoughts to change this country to become what the real goals were and still are. We must all remember the Four Freedoms and what they mean.
I really believe that so many people have lived through the abusive realities of today and the treatment of people of color and yes even woman today and this is so sad to see a country with so much act this way.
I haven't yet watched the Ken Burns documentary so once again - Noel educating those of us who were unaware of Charles Lindbergh's beliefs. Thank you, Noel, as always. 🔥
Your broadening of the humble, observant, non-narcissistic tenets of recovery has always been apparent, Noel. Nowhere more than here, though! Thank you for all of it.
Thank you for this thoughtful piece. You are one of my favorite people to follow. I look forward to all of your posts, car rants, and podcasts. The world needs more people like you.
Thank you for writing this incredible piece. I love your car rants and your podcast. You are a warrior and you’re always down for the cause. You freaking ROCK. Thank you for all you do🙌🏾☀️
The Ken Burns documentary was so excllent, right on par with his others. Not only did I not know about Charles Lindbergh, but Henry Ford as well. "America First" origins can be traced right back to the KKK and those signs were on full display on the infamous march on Washington. It is astonishing to me that the Boards of Education omit these things from our historical teachings. Unless one wants to dig a little deeper for themselves to learn the true history of their country, unfortunately, this is what we are fed. It's no different here in Canada. We learned more about the US and other countries than we did our own. There is a shameful past here too; one that we are trying to rectify through the Truth and Reconciliation recommendations. The progress has always been slow, but there has been progress. I attended the Truth and Reconcilation hearings while they were here and it was one of the most impactful, profoundly sorrowful days - but one that was necessary for me to 'step' into to begin to learn about the atrocities of our own past. You pegged this perfectly, Noel, equating it to the task of implementing a 'fearless moral inventory of ourselves' as a nation. One of my beloved mentors with a profound sense of his own moral compass to facilitate the beginning of healing this country, was the late, great Gord Downie. He opened up the dialogue through lyrical erudition and musical brilliance.
Empathy, compassion and education are just some of the keys that will open up the dialogue. Chanage takes a long time, but it does happen and for all those who are willing to fight for it, we will all be better for it for generations to come.
"The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice." ~MLK~
Wow Noel, this is the best article I've read that puts everything into perspective. How are we going to fix our country? Major overhaul is absolutely the correct answer. Dem's, Independent's & We The People are going to have to fight like we've done before against the domestic terrorists. Everyday life that makes our country great is at stake. Let's make Martin Luther King proud & stand up against them! I'm ready to march!
Noel, I'll buy your book when you write it.
I truly enjoy your writing - as a friend of Bill W - i find the 12 steps to be a fantastic guide to living and growing in balance in the midst of all the social/political madness -
This is one of your best!
Excellent essay.
Thanks once again for your clear-eyed view!
America does need to do a fearless and searching moral inventory to unearth all of our shadows...and then make amends. On some level this is the most challenging if the steps though once worked through, the most freeing.
Thank you Noel for historical take on Lindbergh, after Pearl Harbor Lindbergh wanted to fly for the United States, FDR refused the offer.Lindbergh had received a medal from the Nazis . So much of this hate and division has never gone away, it’s sadly repackaged itself in suits and political offices. The American first slogan is still the rant of Republicans and their followers. Until we own our Historical past injustices and not fear them, we will never heal!
However did you get to be so wise Noel? This sentence absolutely strikes at the heart of what’s wrong in this country “Perhaps a clear-eyed view of American history along the lines of the moral inventory I described earlier is in order”. There’s no “perhaps” about it. The ☮️ of the entire world is at stake.
This is so well written as it totally gives the needed thoughts to change this country to become what the real goals were and still are. We must all remember the Four Freedoms and what they mean.
I really believe that so many people have lived through the abusive realities of today and the treatment of people of color and yes even woman today and this is so sad to see a country with so much act this way.
I haven't yet watched the Ken Burns documentary so once again - Noel educating those of us who were unaware of Charles Lindbergh's beliefs. Thank you, Noel, as always. 🔥
Your broadening of the humble, observant, non-narcissistic tenets of recovery has always been apparent, Noel. Nowhere more than here, though! Thank you for all of it.
Incredible piece Noel. Thank you for your clear powerful voice.
Thank you for this thoughtful piece. You are one of my favorite people to follow. I look forward to all of your posts, car rants, and podcasts. The world needs more people like you.
Thank you for writing this incredible piece. I love your car rants and your podcast. You are a warrior and you’re always down for the cause. You freaking ROCK. Thank you for all you do🙌🏾☀️
The Ken Burns documentary was so excllent, right on par with his others. Not only did I not know about Charles Lindbergh, but Henry Ford as well. "America First" origins can be traced right back to the KKK and those signs were on full display on the infamous march on Washington. It is astonishing to me that the Boards of Education omit these things from our historical teachings. Unless one wants to dig a little deeper for themselves to learn the true history of their country, unfortunately, this is what we are fed. It's no different here in Canada. We learned more about the US and other countries than we did our own. There is a shameful past here too; one that we are trying to rectify through the Truth and Reconciliation recommendations. The progress has always been slow, but there has been progress. I attended the Truth and Reconcilation hearings while they were here and it was one of the most impactful, profoundly sorrowful days - but one that was necessary for me to 'step' into to begin to learn about the atrocities of our own past. You pegged this perfectly, Noel, equating it to the task of implementing a 'fearless moral inventory of ourselves' as a nation. One of my beloved mentors with a profound sense of his own moral compass to facilitate the beginning of healing this country, was the late, great Gord Downie. He opened up the dialogue through lyrical erudition and musical brilliance.
Empathy, compassion and education are just some of the keys that will open up the dialogue. Chanage takes a long time, but it does happen and for all those who are willing to fight for it, we will all be better for it for generations to come.
"The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice." ~MLK~
Thank you, Noel!
Wow Noel, this is the best article I've read that puts everything into perspective. How are we going to fix our country? Major overhaul is absolutely the correct answer. Dem's, Independent's & We The People are going to have to fight like we've done before against the domestic terrorists. Everyday life that makes our country great is at stake. Let's make Martin Luther King proud & stand up against them! I'm ready to march!