NIght Off

 Taking tonight off! Hope you have a good Sunday!

Fair Reflections

My friend in Connecticut went to a fair in the next town over from her this past week. She said it was a wonderful experience and even mentioned that she plans to write her reflections down. I hope she shares them with me.

That got me thinking—what a neat travel project it would be to go around the country visiting state fairs and writing about the differences. I’ve only been to the California State Fair years ago and to the Minnesota State Fair once. I can’t say I’m much of a fairgoer. I usually enjoy myself once I’m there—it’s just the idea of the crowds that puts me off. The good news is that outdoor crowds feel much easier to handle than indoor ones.

Curious, I wondered if anyone else had already written about this idea. I came across a piece called Why the State Fair is One of America’s Most Iconic Traditions (America Rewind). Even if you’re not a fair lover, the article is worth a glance—it has a reference list that really highlights the cultural importance of state fairs in America.

References

• National Association of State Fairs – History and Evolution of State Fairs

• Smithsonian Magazine – The Cultural Impact of State Fairs in America

• Library of Congress – Agricultural Exhibitions and Their Influence on Society

• American Heritage Journal – The Role of State Fairs in American Tradition

• Historical Society of the Midwest – A Look at State Fairs Through the Decades

According to my reading, 48 states and Washington D.C. host a state fair. Connecticut and Rhode Island don’t, but both celebrate with a variety of regional fairs and festivals throughout the year.

Although we didn’t make it to the Minnesota State Fair this year, I’ve been entertained by videos of fair food adventures. One man makes a whole series about finding stands without long lines, and sometimes the hidden gems turn out to be delicious. If my food budget were unlimited, I know I’d have a heyday trying everything.

So now I’ll turn it over to you—what are your favorite fair memories? Whether from a small local fair or one of the big state ones, I’d love to hear the stories that stand out to you.

A Voice That Gives Me Hope

Robert Reich

After delightfully starting my morning with a video chat with my friend in Connecticut and her sister, I spent the rest of the day reading Terry Pratchett and watching YouTube videos. My favorite video was an interview with Robert Reich about his book Coming Up Short (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_Jz_nxtZlI).

I subscribe to Reich on Substack and am a big fan. For those who may not know who he is, here’s a short description ChatGPT wrote for me:
“Robert Reich is an American economist, professor, author, and political commentator who has been a leading voice on economic inequality and public policy for decades. He served as Secretary of Labor under President Bill Clinton from 1993 to 1997, where he focused on workforce training, raising the minimum wage, and improving workplace safety. Reich has written numerous books on the economy, politics, and social issues, often emphasizing the dangers of concentrated wealth and power. He is also a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, where he teaches public policy, and he frequently shares his views through essays, documentaries, and social media. Known for his clear explanations of complex economic issues, Reich has become one of the most recognizable advocates for progressive economic reform in the United States.”

I started following Reich because of his excellent short videos that explain economics in ways that actually make sense. He argues that both Democratic and Republican presidents alike have catered to Wall Street, and in doing so, weakened the middle class. As wealth moved to the top, so did power. This left many Americans feeling like they had no future, paving the way for the Tea Party, and later MAGA. People across the political spectrum were craving someone authentic to come shake things up. Reich believes that if Bernie Sanders had run against forty-seven instead of Hillary Clinton in 2016, Sanders would have won.

In other words, Clinton’s loss wasn’t because she was a woman, but because she was viewed as part of the status quo.

Sadly, forty-seven’s current economic choices are once again putting more money and power into the hands of the very wealthy—while leaving the middle class behind.

Reich, who is the same age as forty-seven (as well as Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, and Cher—all born in 1946), somehow still gives me hope for the future.

Maybe it’s just his mix of wisdom and persistence that makes me feel encouraged. If he can keep fighting for fairness at nearly 80, maybe the rest of us can keep believing things can change too.

Epstein Survivors Speak Out

Attorney Bradley Edwards speaks during a press conference to discuss the Epstein Files

 Transparency bill, directing the release of the remaining files related to the investigations

 into Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., 

September 3, 2025. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst

Listening to the Epstein survivors speak today is heartbreaking. What an American tragedy that justice has not been done.

I admire the women who have come forward to tell their stories of rape and abuse by Epstein and his so-called “friends.” They were further victimized in 2008 when Epstein was given a plea deal for sex trafficking underage girls. He was placed on a work release program in Florida — a system that allowed him to continue his depraved lifestyle. Then, in July 2019, New York filed charges of trafficking against Epstein. His alleged suicide in August was a coward’s way out — a final escape to never face the survivors or be held accountable for his actions.

I don’t know what creates a monster like Epstein (or any of the men sharing his depravity), but I do know that he and those who protected him are evil.

I think of Ellie Nesler walking into a courtroom and shooting Mark Driver five times, killing him instantly. At the time — 1993 — Megan was just one year old. I was in a phase where I couldn’t read about harm to children without bursting into tears and crying for hours. I don’t believe in vigilantism or the death penalty. But I do understand why Ellie Nesler made that decision — Driver had previous molestation convictions. Still, two wrongs don’t make a right.

Listening to Marjorie Taylor Greene today isn’t my favorite activity, but I respect that she is standing behind the bill to release all of Epstein’s files. Her speech reflected the fact that the Epstein case and the issue of molestation are not partisan issues. Two other Republican women, Lauren Boebert and Nancy Mace, have joined MTG in defying the White House and supporting the release of these files.

You can read about and listen to the survivors from several sources. One is the BBC: https://www.bbc.com/news/live/cpwywe5ee84t

The good news is that the Epstein survivors plan to compile a list of his known associates. As one survivor said, “We gave the U.S. government twenty years to do something. We are waiting no longer.” Allegedly, MTG has offered to read the list into Congress if asked.

Congress needs just two more Republicans to sign the discharge petition to release all Epstein files (with only survivor names redacted). The bill was introduced by Thomas Massie (R-Kentucky) and Ro Khanna (D-California). All 130 Democrats have signed it. Khanna has said the bill will remain on the floor until they get the final two signatures. Meanwhile, 47 is calling the Epstein files a “Democrat hoax.” Remember, that was the same person who promised his MAGA followers he would release the files when elected.

I hope justice will finally catch up with Epstein and those involved. These survivors deserve the truth, and our collective voice can help ensure that the system finally acts. We must stand against the evil and protect the innocent.

Essay by Anand Giridharadas: S'mores and Raids

I found this essay by Anand Giridharadas hauntingly real. It is a juxtoposition of a normal summer and the changes we heard about in our government. 

You can read (essays) and see (podcasts) Giridharadas' work on Substack.

Forwarded this email? Subscribe here for more ESSAY: S'mores and raids Summer under fascism Anand Giridharadas Sep 2   READ IN APP   The magnolias are coming in nicely. Did you hear about the National Guard? I can never find the pump for the inner tube. Did you hear they’re reining the the anti-corruption prosecutors? You can have two scoops, but promise you’ll eat dinner. Did you hear a teacher had to take down a sign saying, “Everyone is welcome here”? I can’t believe you grew those tomatoes. Did you hear they’re purging all these federal workers? And those tomatoes with the peaches — ridiculous! Did you hear Harvard is now handing over employees’ immigration records? Any good swimming holes around here? Did you hear they’re pushing out the head of Voice of America? Two carousel tickets, please. Did you hear they’re investigating Letitia James? Point your feet downstream so you don’t hit a rock headfirst. Did you hear they’re investigating Joe Biden? It’s three points if the bean bag falls into the holeDid you hear about the white South African refugees who just arrived? Just throw it right on the grill. Did you hear they’re going after public media? Don’t forget the strap underneath so the life jacket doesn’t slide up. Did you hear they’re threatening states that tried to expand access to voting? If it’s still light out, shall we go for a stroll after dinner? Did you hear they’re undoing all the incentives for switching to wind and solar? Can we stay up late and watch a movie? Did you hear the White House wants to ban “woke AI”? I’ll have the fried clam bellies. Did you hear he’s talking about the federal government taking over city policing? I’m telling you, it’s the song of the summer.. Did you hear about the ICE raids everywhere? Don’t forget sunscreen, sweetie. Did you hear the Supreme Court said judges can’t block unconstitutional laws nationwide anymore? Stay hydrated. Did you hear about the white South African refugees who just arrived? Just throw it right on the grill. Did you hear they’re going after public media? Don’t forget the strap underneath so the life jacket doesn’t slide up. Did you hear they’re threatening states that tried to expand access to voting? If it’s still light out, shall we go for a stroll after dinner? Did you hear they’re undoing all the incentives for switching to wind and solar? Can we stay up late and watch a movie? Did you hear the White House wants to ban “woke AI”? I’ll have the fried clam bellies. Did you hear he’s talking about the federal government taking over city policing? I’m telling you, it’s the song of the summer. Did you hear the tariffs are actually going to happen? I’ll meet you at the floating dock in half an hour. Did you hear about the loyalty tests? There is nothing like Italy in the summertime. Did you hear about the new travel ban? It’s basically a slushy. Did you hear he declared a crime emergency in D.C.? Can I borrow a bathing suit? Did you hear he’s trying to end mail-in voting? It’s more work to squeeze the lime juice, but it’s totally worth it. Did you hear he wants all federal buildings to follow a certain architectural style now? Do we have the stuff for s’mores? Did you hear they’re shutting down the Corporation for Public Broadcasting? I think let’s take it outside and make a picnic of it. Did you hear they’re cutting childcare on campuses? I can’t believe summer’s over.

 

Labor Day at Home

                                                                     Photo from the DOL website

Labor Day always feels like the last of summer. It’s a day to slow down, spend time with family, and maybe squeeze in one more cookout or day with the kids before fall really takes over. At the same time, it’s good to remember that the holiday was created to honor the hard work of ordinary people—the kind of work that keeps our lives running day to day. It’s both a break and a reminder of the value of work itself.

Labor Day began in the late 1800s when workers across the country wanted better pay, safer conditions, and shorter hours. The very first Labor Day parade took place in New York City in 1882, when thousands of workers marched together to make their voices heard. A dozen years later, in 1894, Congress made it a national holiday. Ever since, the first Monday in September has been a time to honor the people whose hard work builds and sustains our communities.

I chose to spend my Labor Day organizing paperwork. Yesterday my new two-drawer filing cabinet arrived, and it felt wrong to have it sitting empty while another drawer was stuffed to the gills with a mishmash of papers. I woke up this morning determined to right that wrong.

I took the time to sort and create files for all the folders the previous owners had left behind. More than once I’ve needed a manual and spent 20–30 minutes digging around for it. Now everything has its own folder and a proper place.

Meanwhile, Joe spent most of the day outside weeding. He says weeding isn’t labor for him—it’s something he enjoys, with his hands in the dirt and the yard taking shape.

It may not have been a grand holiday, but it was a good day—full of the kind of ordinary work that makes life run smoother and our home feel more settled.

If you want to read more about the history of labor day: https://www.dol.gov/general/laborday/history