Trying to Discover Peace Within the Political & Cultural Mayhem

 

It has certainly been challenging to navigate finding peace and serenity when we live in such a divisive political and cultural environment.

Politically, I’ve tended to be a conservative leaning Independent who supports the Constitution, believes strongly in the Bill of Rights, and that we Americans have a responsibility to vote, follow the rule of law, try to remain open minded, support our institutions, act with kindness and compassion to our fellow humans, and avoid vitriolic rhetoric. I support free speech, freedom of religion, the right to bear arms, the right to assembly, and the right of every  citizen to live without discrimination based upon color, sex, religion, country of origin, disability, or color.

I was taught to respect the office of the President even when I vociferously disagree with that individual’s policies or viscerally dislike the person. 

However, I struggle with certain pundits, media personalities, politicians, gangs, cohorts, universities, unions, states or any organization with a perceived slight that are attempting to undermine our social contracts. 

Anyone who discriminates against those with whom they disagree are violating the Constitution. Antisemitism violates the Constitution. Vilifying people from Israel violates the Constitution. Campaigning to overthrow the very heart of the American government should be considered treason rather than just violent rhetoric. Targeting legal residents that have committed no crimes is against all that we stand for. Making excuses for murder is unconscionable. 

We citizens have the tools to change what we do not like. It is called THE VOTE! There is far too much apathy within the American people. WE THE PEOPLE have forgotten that all politics is local. Failing to cast a vote in primary elections to prevent extremism on both sides leaves us with unpalatable candidates that do not reflect who most of us are: slightly right or slightly left of center. Most of us want common sense leaders that understand that political party should be secondary, at the very least, to the citizens they represent. That means compromise. That means that if one is President, he/she/them have a duty to represent all America s- not just party faithful. That means that each citizen council member, each mayor, each governor, each senator, each congressional representative has a responsibility to protect the entire electorate- not just sycophants.

That is my current frustration. Few appear to understand that responsibility.

Let us hope the pendulum swings. 

In Memoriam - John Grant Griffiths - Great Great Grandson of President Grant

On July 7, 2026, American Civil War historians lost one of its great characters, John Grant Griffiths, the great- great grandson of President Ulysses S. Grant.

I first met John in October 2005 at an artillery demonstration at Bolivar Heights Battlefield, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. John, my husband, and several other Civil War historians, are part of the living history group known as 2nd Maryland, CSA, The Baltimore Light Artillery. 

John was a fixture at Civil War reenactments beginning with the 100th Commemoration in1961. Notwithstanding the fact that his ancestor led the federal army during the Civil War, John enjoyed pursuing his love of history on both sides of the conflict- wearing both blue and gray.

He loved participating in television shows and movies, and as he aged often died his gray hair and beard so he could still, mostly, look the part. On occasion, he arrived at an event looking dapper in his linen civilian suits.

John was also the grandson of Major General Ulysses S. Grant III and Secretary of War Elihu Root. But he was most proud of his Great Great Grandfather.

My husband and I portrayed itinerant photographers during the 145th through 150th cycle of Civil War reenactments. We set up a 18 x 24 foot canvas studio making collodion images on glass and tin - mostly reenactors. John had a tintype made at every event. He would sit in our tent, happy to talk about history to all visitors,enjoying every second of the attention.

After one of the 150th Gettysburg reenactments, while we were waiting for rain to stop so we could pack up, I asked my husband Todd and our friend Bob Szabo what interested John other than the American Civil War. They looked at each other, started to laugh, and said at the same time- other wars! 

Everyone who knew John has a story to tell that will fill them with warm remembrances. 

The world has lost a true original. John was stubborn, told great stories, loved history, enjoyed educating the public, a good friend, and to the last-proud of his heritage.