I do hope you keep writing! I appreciate (with the deepest levels of respect for the Palestinian and neighboring nations under attack) everything I am learning. But, I need to do something beyond learning!
One thing that would help me is your consideration of listing a few 'into action' steps people of different levels of sophistication and capability could consider picking up and digging in to doing. Even one or two sentences and a link would be great. On the scaling argument, I'm all for it personally. You have a unique perspective of relatively recently (2023+) fully immersing in support of Palestine, and the path you took to logically understand and share your thoughts and feelings along the way. My point is, a lot of Americans and other westerners around the world can also see the injustice, but feel helpless not knowing what they can do as an individual. So, maybe consider sharing ideas that include things like how individuals can engage their social networks though social media, living room coffees, book clubs etc. Links to information resources, social media images and talking points, campaign materials etc. The challenges is now we have gone coming up on three years, and people have fell into a 'I'm only one person' mode. Your helping us see how we can refocus, engage, and inform our networks could be valuable. If there are already campaigns like this, then sharing those too would help. Just one thought. This is a fight I want to be in, but I get dissuaded by the magnitude, and if I had smaller battles I could fight locally, that might help me get more engaged. I think you're in a great position to help light that fire under a lot of US residents who feel, but are not, helpless.
All of the above. Lol! Personally, I like it small and cozy. But I'm not adverse to up scaling either. I think you should do what you think is best for you 🙂
I agree and also think, if it feels right for you, scaling would be great! For Palestinians, and especially for how the singular issue of Palestine encapsulates the global structure that is based on violent colonialism and ethnic supremacy, we very much need everyone to be as vocal as possible right now so we can turn the tide. Your writing is powerful Tom. Thank you.
I am not well read or articulate like you. But I read you as a humble human being , being good human is the essence of a human being; that is all that matters.
We all are a product of our upbringing, environment, and experiences. Please continue as is, I read it regularly.
Unless you want to monetize, leave the scaling to organic natural rhythm. People will flock to you naturally to find the truth.
I think you should keep writing. My apologies for not keeping up lately...Life has had its twists and turns. Tom, you're a fantastic writer, thinker, and all-around amazing human being for dedicating so much time and energy to the Palestinian cause. Your own story needs a wider audience. As we've seen the sea-change in the last few years, as your own awakening has chronicled, as other activists have really moved the needle and then-some, there is a place that you fill that so many of the other voices don't - I'd say you're more on the spectrum of a Jennifer Welch, for being someone from some version of the "American Heartland" who has taken up this cause. And maybe reaching out to her and telling your story, sharing what you've been doing might be something that could help you crystallize an understanding of your own role. Amazingly, for everyone who has been tracking for a long time, this issue is going to be front-and-center for the midterms, front-and-center for 2028. I think you can be the voice of the everyday, "average" (tho' you are not at all average) American - yes, white American male - who is trying to make sense of what has happened to the American Dream and who he was supposed to be in that mythical picture - trying to make sense of American decline, when October 7 happens and some fuzzy scenes start to come into focus. Like Omar El-Akkad's book, a series of essays, just as you have laid out here - why should we care? why should anyone care? Why should this issue be front and center for anyone who cares about America? You're not Jewish, Palestinian, Arab, Muslim, immigrant, POC, etc. You are the very identity that people used to think of as the "typical" American (except you are clearly not a narcissistic asshole). No one can take that core identity away from you and no one can take away your courage and the quality of your voice. Keep trying to answer the question - why should YOU, as an American, care about this issue? There are so many facets. To care, to rage, to explain, to persuade, to bear witness, to judge, to criticize, to enlighten, to give hope... This issue is so intrinsically tied to whatever the hell any of us thought was the "myth" of becoming American, the Dream, the Promise, the Freedom, the Privilege, the house on the hill, the fantasy... Jia Tolentino has a book of essays - Trick Mirror - a collection of reflections that became a wise, thoughtful set of perspectives on Self and Society in relation to changing, trending forms of popular media and culture. It was all about her until it became all about this aspect of American society. That's what you're about. Your work is very POV - It's all about you, as it should be, but all about how this particular issue has hit a nerve - and it's hit a nerve for a lot of people. But not every "ordinary" American decided to tackle the issue like you have. Write more, write longer, you're already writing deep, but go deeper... Write about why others should care, ask them why they do or don't, and then write about what you found out. It's crazy what has happened - So many prominent voices are saying this issue is on the ballot this Fall and will be on the ballot in 2028. Your voice is one of the reasons. People like you are the why. If you still have it in you to keep reflecting, reacting, and voicing, then keep going. And then start figuring out how to highlight the best pieces, publish a few, and either someone will come find you, or you can self-publish. But the question you're answering is Why Should Ordinary Americans Care About Palestinians? It is as simple as that.
This is great feedback, thanks so much LC. No need to apologize, there aren’t enough hours in the day for me to keep up with all the writers I’d like to keep up with. I think you’re absolutely right that my value as a commentator comes from my being an ordinary American who cares about Palestinians. Cheers.
I have ideas on how to expand your reach, which I will share below. The aspect of your work that is most appealing to me is the candid expression of where you have been and how it impacts where your beliefs are now. The evolution of your journey re Palestine is compelling - from peripheral at most to “true north” as you’ve put it. IMO, it’s not you that should change, but the society that is not moved en masse by your heartfelt messages. But that is a completely different commentary.
If you’re interested in growing your subscribers, perhaps these suggestions might interest you: (1) brief/focused interviews of people you mention (most in this movement are willing to talk) and collaborate with them on publication; (2) begin with a quote from someone relevant to the piece you’re writing and tie it to your present day observations (although she’s a complete genocide enabling, establishment Dem Zionist, HCR’s historical references are quite interesting); (3) highlight T4P success stories.
Thanks much, T. I really like the idea of interviews. I don't remember if I've mentioned it here but I've started doing interviews with authors for a T4P "book club" but there's no reason I can't interview others too. Interesting comments about HCR... I've found her commentary insightful when I've come across them, but the glaring absence of a strong stance against genocide has always rubbed me the wrong way. I haven't read enough of her stuff to know if that was a pattern or if I just happened to miss it.
I do hope you keep writing! I appreciate (with the deepest levels of respect for the Palestinian and neighboring nations under attack) everything I am learning. But, I need to do something beyond learning!
One thing that would help me is your consideration of listing a few 'into action' steps people of different levels of sophistication and capability could consider picking up and digging in to doing. Even one or two sentences and a link would be great. On the scaling argument, I'm all for it personally. You have a unique perspective of relatively recently (2023+) fully immersing in support of Palestine, and the path you took to logically understand and share your thoughts and feelings along the way. My point is, a lot of Americans and other westerners around the world can also see the injustice, but feel helpless not knowing what they can do as an individual. So, maybe consider sharing ideas that include things like how individuals can engage their social networks though social media, living room coffees, book clubs etc. Links to information resources, social media images and talking points, campaign materials etc. The challenges is now we have gone coming up on three years, and people have fell into a 'I'm only one person' mode. Your helping us see how we can refocus, engage, and inform our networks could be valuable. If there are already campaigns like this, then sharing those too would help. Just one thought. This is a fight I want to be in, but I get dissuaded by the magnitude, and if I had smaller battles I could fight locally, that might help me get more engaged. I think you're in a great position to help light that fire under a lot of US residents who feel, but are not, helpless.
That's a great idea, Jerry. I'll start adding a block at the end of every post that has a list of resources and tips for action. Thanks!
All of the above. Lol! Personally, I like it small and cozy. But I'm not adverse to up scaling either. I think you should do what you think is best for you 🙂
Thanks Jasmine!
You're welcome 😊
I agree and also think, if it feels right for you, scaling would be great! For Palestinians, and especially for how the singular issue of Palestine encapsulates the global structure that is based on violent colonialism and ethnic supremacy, we very much need everyone to be as vocal as possible right now so we can turn the tide. Your writing is powerful Tom. Thank you.
Thank you for reading and for the kind words!
Hi Tom,
I am not well read or articulate like you. But I read you as a humble human being , being good human is the essence of a human being; that is all that matters.
We all are a product of our upbringing, environment, and experiences. Please continue as is, I read it regularly.
Unless you want to monetize, leave the scaling to organic natural rhythm. People will flock to you naturally to find the truth.
in humanity,
learning to be human.
Thank you so much, Ahmed.
I think you should keep writing. My apologies for not keeping up lately...Life has had its twists and turns. Tom, you're a fantastic writer, thinker, and all-around amazing human being for dedicating so much time and energy to the Palestinian cause. Your own story needs a wider audience. As we've seen the sea-change in the last few years, as your own awakening has chronicled, as other activists have really moved the needle and then-some, there is a place that you fill that so many of the other voices don't - I'd say you're more on the spectrum of a Jennifer Welch, for being someone from some version of the "American Heartland" who has taken up this cause. And maybe reaching out to her and telling your story, sharing what you've been doing might be something that could help you crystallize an understanding of your own role. Amazingly, for everyone who has been tracking for a long time, this issue is going to be front-and-center for the midterms, front-and-center for 2028. I think you can be the voice of the everyday, "average" (tho' you are not at all average) American - yes, white American male - who is trying to make sense of what has happened to the American Dream and who he was supposed to be in that mythical picture - trying to make sense of American decline, when October 7 happens and some fuzzy scenes start to come into focus. Like Omar El-Akkad's book, a series of essays, just as you have laid out here - why should we care? why should anyone care? Why should this issue be front and center for anyone who cares about America? You're not Jewish, Palestinian, Arab, Muslim, immigrant, POC, etc. You are the very identity that people used to think of as the "typical" American (except you are clearly not a narcissistic asshole). No one can take that core identity away from you and no one can take away your courage and the quality of your voice. Keep trying to answer the question - why should YOU, as an American, care about this issue? There are so many facets. To care, to rage, to explain, to persuade, to bear witness, to judge, to criticize, to enlighten, to give hope... This issue is so intrinsically tied to whatever the hell any of us thought was the "myth" of becoming American, the Dream, the Promise, the Freedom, the Privilege, the house on the hill, the fantasy... Jia Tolentino has a book of essays - Trick Mirror - a collection of reflections that became a wise, thoughtful set of perspectives on Self and Society in relation to changing, trending forms of popular media and culture. It was all about her until it became all about this aspect of American society. That's what you're about. Your work is very POV - It's all about you, as it should be, but all about how this particular issue has hit a nerve - and it's hit a nerve for a lot of people. But not every "ordinary" American decided to tackle the issue like you have. Write more, write longer, you're already writing deep, but go deeper... Write about why others should care, ask them why they do or don't, and then write about what you found out. It's crazy what has happened - So many prominent voices are saying this issue is on the ballot this Fall and will be on the ballot in 2028. Your voice is one of the reasons. People like you are the why. If you still have it in you to keep reflecting, reacting, and voicing, then keep going. And then start figuring out how to highlight the best pieces, publish a few, and either someone will come find you, or you can self-publish. But the question you're answering is Why Should Ordinary Americans Care About Palestinians? It is as simple as that.
This is great feedback, thanks so much LC. No need to apologize, there aren’t enough hours in the day for me to keep up with all the writers I’d like to keep up with. I think you’re absolutely right that my value as a commentator comes from my being an ordinary American who cares about Palestinians. Cheers.
I have ideas on how to expand your reach, which I will share below. The aspect of your work that is most appealing to me is the candid expression of where you have been and how it impacts where your beliefs are now. The evolution of your journey re Palestine is compelling - from peripheral at most to “true north” as you’ve put it. IMO, it’s not you that should change, but the society that is not moved en masse by your heartfelt messages. But that is a completely different commentary.
If you’re interested in growing your subscribers, perhaps these suggestions might interest you: (1) brief/focused interviews of people you mention (most in this movement are willing to talk) and collaborate with them on publication; (2) begin with a quote from someone relevant to the piece you’re writing and tie it to your present day observations (although she’s a complete genocide enabling, establishment Dem Zionist, HCR’s historical references are quite interesting); (3) highlight T4P success stories.
Thank you for what you bring.
Thanks much, T. I really like the idea of interviews. I don't remember if I've mentioned it here but I've started doing interviews with authors for a T4P "book club" but there's no reason I can't interview others too. Interesting comments about HCR... I've found her commentary insightful when I've come across them, but the glaring absence of a strong stance against genocide has always rubbed me the wrong way. I haven't read enough of her stuff to know if that was a pattern or if I just happened to miss it.