Jeff this is incredible. The structure of a letter to a past self was perfect. "Serving is not the same as indulging" hit me so powerfully. This applies to so many things outside of politics. I think so many people have been through a similarly dynamic political ride the last 8 years. Even if their details are different, even opposite of yours, I think you touched a piece of everyone here. I was riding along the whole time. Super emotional ending too. Thank you for this!
Jeff Jeff Jefff… oh my heart! This is the man I know and love and who is so powerfully loving the world back into a place we might all feel at home in again one day. Thank you for writing this… to yourself… To us… to America… to Spencer… and your beautiful son.
Recently there have been quite a few mea culpas, from Hanania-adjacent ex-rightish thinkers. Which is very good. But also feeds my constant doubt:
Maybe for all this intelligentsia over invested in their own main weapon. 🧠
If middling IQ journalist could see orange scam for what it was, while supposedly Elite Human Capital were so engrossed in writing about writing, hanging out and podcasting with other high brow gay-or-straight bar-going, Twitter-storming, oh-so-smart crème ala crème that they could not. 🤓
Maybe all these pundits are worth much less that they claim, and what their book sale numbers and follower counts were supposed to indicate. 🏆
Maybe big heart and more basic principles is all we really need in political scene. 🌼
Maybe people voted 🍊 because the thinkers used long words and called them Low Human Capital few times too many. 🪙
Jeff shows a lot of reflection. He knows very well how much pain can transform a healthy mind, and how much of a puppet educated mind is to the quiet driver in our heart that is always holding the wheel. 🌟
There were so many sentences I needed to read again for all they articulated: "It feels brotherly, but this is grief-stricken logic." And "You honor him by embracing your privilege and using it to serve, not by stewing in grievances like a sullen child. Serving is different from indulging." And especially that final sentence, just stunning. Thank you for this beautiful essay; thank you for being a good man.
Wonderfully raw, Jeff. Thanks for explaining to yourself and those who admire and respect you (that certainly includes me) this path you’ve traversed. I’m intrigued to see what’s next.
Wow Jeff. Thanks for sharing this. So much of what you’ve shared sounds like where in was in 2015 and where I am today. My youngest son is named Spencer. He turns 28 in December and has become a great man. You have so much to look forward to as you raise your son. He will emulate your actions and words. He’s lucky to have a father committed to growth and change. Keep up the good works. Cheers.
"Earnestness, talent, and a chip on the shoulder is a dangerous combination. Ground yourself in your moral compass and learn to say no to certain people and situations." Great post, Jeff.
Dear Jeff: this was such a profound introspective piece. I marvel at the causal relationship you draw between the loss of your brother and your involvement with Trump and his seizure of the Republican party. Trump's message was so seductive and struck the right chords with so many Americans they were (are) willing to overlook his complete unsuitability for office. His term as the emperor with new (no) clothes started with his claim that he had the largest crowds at his inauguration.
When I was 18, I lost my brother in a senseless car accident. He was 2 years younger and his death was not as affecting to me because he was 2 years younger. However, he was the "normal" one and would have had a large family and all that that implies. I miss him more than I usually admit. Religion was no consolation and I've rooted out the Catholic dogma that was so effectively planted. I'm also a lapsed Libertarian and I'm eager to follow your progress and see where it takes you. Warmest regards.
Jeff this is incredible. The structure of a letter to a past self was perfect. "Serving is not the same as indulging" hit me so powerfully. This applies to so many things outside of politics. I think so many people have been through a similarly dynamic political ride the last 8 years. Even if their details are different, even opposite of yours, I think you touched a piece of everyone here. I was riding along the whole time. Super emotional ending too. Thank you for this!
Thanks, Justin, for the acknowledgement. Appreciate your reading this!
Jeff Jeff Jefff… oh my heart! This is the man I know and love and who is so powerfully loving the world back into a place we might all feel at home in again one day. Thank you for writing this… to yourself… To us… to America… to Spencer… and your beautiful son.
Thanks Helen, appreciate your support <3
Very beautiful and raw.
We need more of these. ❤️
Recently there have been quite a few mea culpas, from Hanania-adjacent ex-rightish thinkers. Which is very good. But also feeds my constant doubt:
Maybe for all this intelligentsia over invested in their own main weapon. 🧠
If middling IQ journalist could see orange scam for what it was, while supposedly Elite Human Capital were so engrossed in writing about writing, hanging out and podcasting with other high brow gay-or-straight bar-going, Twitter-storming, oh-so-smart crème ala crème that they could not. 🤓
Maybe all these pundits are worth much less that they claim, and what their book sale numbers and follower counts were supposed to indicate. 🏆
Maybe big heart and more basic principles is all we really need in political scene. 🌼
Maybe people voted 🍊 because the thinkers used long words and called them Low Human Capital few times too many. 🪙
Jeff shows a lot of reflection. He knows very well how much pain can transform a healthy mind, and how much of a puppet educated mind is to the quiet driver in our heart that is always holding the wheel. 🌟
All true
Sorry for your loss.
Thank you
There were so many sentences I needed to read again for all they articulated: "It feels brotherly, but this is grief-stricken logic." And "You honor him by embracing your privilege and using it to serve, not by stewing in grievances like a sullen child. Serving is different from indulging." And especially that final sentence, just stunning. Thank you for this beautiful essay; thank you for being a good man.
Thanks Alissa!
Wonderfully raw, Jeff. Thanks for explaining to yourself and those who admire and respect you (that certainly includes me) this path you’ve traversed. I’m intrigued to see what’s next.
Thanks for your kind comments Steve.
Wow Jeff. Thanks for sharing this. So much of what you’ve shared sounds like where in was in 2015 and where I am today. My youngest son is named Spencer. He turns 28 in December and has become a great man. You have so much to look forward to as you raise your son. He will emulate your actions and words. He’s lucky to have a father committed to growth and change. Keep up the good works. Cheers.
Thanks so much Stan
"Earnestness, talent, and a chip on the shoulder is a dangerous combination. Ground yourself in your moral compass and learn to say no to certain people and situations." Great post, Jeff.
Thank you Libby
Dear Jeff: this was such a profound introspective piece. I marvel at the causal relationship you draw between the loss of your brother and your involvement with Trump and his seizure of the Republican party. Trump's message was so seductive and struck the right chords with so many Americans they were (are) willing to overlook his complete unsuitability for office. His term as the emperor with new (no) clothes started with his claim that he had the largest crowds at his inauguration.
When I was 18, I lost my brother in a senseless car accident. He was 2 years younger and his death was not as affecting to me because he was 2 years younger. However, he was the "normal" one and would have had a large family and all that that implies. I miss him more than I usually admit. Religion was no consolation and I've rooted out the Catholic dogma that was so effectively planted. I'm also a lapsed Libertarian and I'm eager to follow your progress and see where it takes you. Warmest regards.
Thank you for the kind words John, and sorry for the loss of your brother. It is profound how long the thread of grief persists.
This was such a powerful essay Jeff. One I will continue to return to and reflect on.
Thank you for sharing. Big accomplishment to hit publish.
Thanks Tommy
My initial response was “Holy Shit!” This was super powerful, Jeff. i echo Tommy’s comments. Congrats on your courage to write this.
Thanks for sharing, Jeff. Very affecting.
Thanks Randy
Thank you for sharing, quite touching.
I didn't realize you have emotions, Richard. But seriously, thanks for your support and friendship.
Jeff, this was so beautifully written. Thank you for sharing.
thank you!
This is beautiful and moving Jeff. Thanks for opening up so vulnerably.
thanks Latham!
Wow, Jeff. This is both really insightful and moving. Thank you for sharing your story.
Thanks Sandra!