Last week’s edition of Extras was very popular, so let’s keep up the reading momentum! This week focuses on definitions of patriotism, perspectives on survival, responses to hate, and visions of hope. Click on one or more of these articles, and let me know what you think. Also, please welcome new subscriber Nora!
How the Obama era gave us a dangerous patriotism
I’ve been looking for some good writing about Colin Kaepernick and his protest of the National Anthem, and here’s the first piece I like. Author John Blake argues that kneeling during the Star Spangled Banner is as patriotic as standing, given that our country was founded and built on dissent.
We live in Aleppo. Here’s how we survive.
This gripping firsthand account of living under siege in Aleppo reminds us that our world is a very big place, and that war and strife and suffering are all very real things, and that maybe we should check ourselves a bit before going on and on about our own small inconveniences.
Oakland student Chi likes her Kindle. Donate $10 to paypal.me/kcp so she can request another book to read!
Arizona Republic: A response to threats about our presidential endorsement
After the Arizona Republic endorsed Hillary Clinton for president, the first time that the conservative newspaper supported a Democrat in its history, the newsroom received threats of violence. Here is the publisher’s thoughtful response, which brings me hope that the old-fashioned press may help in healing our democracy.
The Last Whale Hunt for a Vanishing Village
The Alaskan village of Kivalina, which lies above the Arctic Circle, will succumb in 10 years to climate change. Before that inevitability, its 468 residents would like to do something that hasn’t happened for more than 20 years: catch a bowhead whale. (This article is a little out of this world.)
OK, Loyal Subscribers: It’s time that Iserotope Extras gets a new name, and it’s time that we brainstorm together! Email me with your ideas! Here are a few to get you started: Acumen, Things That Matter, A Matter of Words. Go at it, and I’ll see you next week on Thursday at 9:10 am!