I write southern historical fiction, local history, and I've written a devotional book. The two novels I'm writing are set in Virginia and the Carolinas in the 1760s. My weekly blog started out to follow my journey as a writer and a reader, but in 2025 it has been greatly expanded to include current events and politics in the United States as I see our democracy under attack from within. The political science major in me cannot sit idly by and remain silent.
26 thoughts on “I was so moved, I just had to repost…”
Amen, Janet. I just reblogged it too. For shame, for shame-when an alleged bone-spur draft evasive man finds it not only acceptable, but even commendable, to remove evidence of the parts of this nation’s history that he finds lacking merit.
Oh, wow! That’s great, Pat. The more people we can reach with Tangie’s blog post today, the better. The entire action Hegseth took on this is horrendous, but when I read the part about changing Gen. Rogers’ “medal” to “deimedal” I blew a gasket.
I am heartbroken and outraged by what is happening in America. The history, the progress, and above all, the humanity that is being erased—it’s devastating. People who fought, struggled, and paved the way for a better world are being wiped from the records, as if they never existed. But heroes can never be erased. And good people will never be forgotten. No matter how hard some try to erase them, their impact remains, their legacy stands, and their truth will outlive those who seek to silence it.
Erasure is not justice. And we can not look away.
Hegseth is an f’-ing a**-hole to ass-u-me that.. While I know that some DoD medals are I was there medals like occupation medals after the war is over or given out at retirement based upon rank, or even exaggerated write-ups like a few Purple Heart medals, I have never heard of Medals of Honor being given out just because. I have read more examples where it was recommended, but the higher-ups turned it down for lesser medals because of the race of the individual up for the award.
I have spent the morning doing research on this story. I also read about it in the Guardian and on Military.com. He is still listed on two different government sites as well as the original site, which makes me wonder if the site was hacked or restored. Would be interested to see how this came to into being.
I know. It felt like a gut punch. I can’t imagine how veterans and the families of those buried at Arlington National Cemetery and now erased must feel. “deimedal” just hit rock bottom.
After being attacked by a high school classmate in the wee hours this morning on Facebook, I responded as civilly as I could at 4 a.m. and I haven’t looked at FB since. I spent the entire day and tonight until a few minutes ago editing my devotional book. It’s after midnight now, so I’ll have to decide if I want to get back on FB tonight. I’ve really had it with all the people who still support Trump. I don’t understand how they can hate America that much. For someone to tell me on FB that “watching this is a beautiful thing” made me want to throw up! You have my curiosity up now, so I’ll probably get back on FB before I go to bed. I’ve decided to remain quiet is to be complicit. I just have to speak out and let the chips fall where they may. Hang in there!
Pat, I started seeing general reports about the military records of Blacks, Hispanics, and women being taken off government websites Saturday morning. When I saw the first report, I passed it off as fake news. Then, I kept seeing it popping up on legit sites. Not having been familiar with the details that used to be on the websites, it’s hard to know what’s missing now. With a bunch of teenage computer geeks in charge of the government now, I shudder to think what is going to be destroyed or erased forever. They have no sense of history and apparently absolutely no appreciation for our democracy. What takes 100 years to build can be destroyed in the blink of an eye.
Matroos, I am heartbroken and angry at what is happening to my country. My parents were young children during World War I, young adults during The Great Depression, and my father worked in a war plane manufacturing plant during World War II. I’m glad they didn’t live to see what is happening now. The erasing of history — especially of minorities — is exactly what the Nazis did. It frightens me to see America going down that path of hate and destruction. I can’t believe what I’m seeing. You are right in saying that we cannot look away, and I concluded weeks ago that I have to speak out and face whatever consequences come my way. Bullies are already attacking me on Facebook, but I can take it. Thank you for your comments.
And to think…. a draft dodger is behind all this. President Bone Spurs knows nothing about history and is so insecure that he can’t bear for anyone but himself to get any recognition. He showed his true colors when he disrespected John McCain for having been a POW for seven years. I thought that incident would be the end of Trump. Boy, did I miss gauge the level of hate and stupidity in America!
Dear Janet, I’m so sorry to hear that you are being attacked on Facebook. I would suggest not reading those comments anymore, as they will only bring you down. I, too, know the stories from my parents, who lived through World War II. The horrors are beyond words. And it seems like we are heading straight towards something similar again.
We have been warned to keep an emergency supply at home in case we get cut off from gas, electricity, or the internet… The threat from Russia is strong. And yet, we cannot even complain compared to what people in Gaza are going through these days. I deeply care about the fate of so many, as I used to be a Dutch teacher for non-native speakers, mostly refugees from all over the world. I am still involved in this work, so you can understand where my concerns come from.
I wish you strength and courage. Let’s hope for the best and that things do not escalate further. May the tide turn—not least for the sake of our children and grandchildren.
Dear Matroos, thank you for your concern, but I can deal with bullies. This particular one was a classmate of mine. When you’ve known someone for 65 years, you think you know them. I guess that’s no longer true as people are choosing sides. I responded to his Facebook comment and told him we weren’t going to change each other’s minds, so I thought we needed to agree to disagree. Of course, he replied because people like that always have to have the last word. I ignored it.
Living in Europe during World War II, I’m sure your parents saw and heard unspeakable horrors and sacrifice. I’m horrified that you have been warned to keep emergency supplies! And all this uncertainty is being caused by one insecure rich man in America who delights in playing games with peoples’ lives. I will never understand why anyone voted for him the first time, much less again in 2024. Part of it was that the macho mindset in the United States prevents a large segment of the population from voting for a woman for President. That added to the racial prejudice which is more prevalent than I thought a few short years ago and I guess it was a recipes for the perfect storm on November 5 for Trump to be re-elected. I truly do not understand how he has brainwashed so many people and zeroed in on the worst inclinations humans are capable of. We have been extraordinarily blessed here in America, so I don’t understand where all this distrust and hate is coming from. One would think that people who are raised together and exposed to the same life experiences would be in agreement on basic things like democracy, but it’s not true. I know of instances in my own extended family in which a mother is very actively against Trump, but her son and her brother are very much supporting everything he’s doing. I’ve always read that that was the way it was during the American Civil War, so I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised such confusing differences of opinions within families exist again today.
In your first comment on my blog you said you’re in a book club with people from The Netherlands and Belgium. I’m curious to know if you are familiar with the artwork of a high school classmate of mine, Teresa Beth Hough. She lived in The Netherlands for a while and later lived in Belgium. She was commissioned to paint a series of pieces in conjunction with the anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo a few years ago. Sadly, she died of cancer in February 2020. I was just curious if you had perhaps heard of her.
I appreciate your comments and look forward to corresponding with you throughout whatever lies ahead. I hope in a few years we’ll be able to look back on 2025 and say it wasn’t as bad as we thought it was going to be. I pray that will be how all this turns out. It’s difficult to be optimistic.
Dear Janet, in the Netherlands and Belgium, it is recommended to have an emergency supply at home, including a flashlight and a battery-powered radio. Many people have already taken these precautions. There are concerns about Russia’s hybrid warfare, as undersea internet cables and gas pipelines are regularly damaged by Russian ships and submarines. People fear a major disruption. Additionally, there is significant rearmament taking place. NATO leader Mark Rutte stated: “Either Europeans learn Russian, or they arm themselves.”
We strongly supported Kamala Harris, but unfortunately, it was not meant to be. It is incomprehensible that Trump has come to power again. Ordinary people have to undergo psychological tests for a simple job, yet this does not seem necessary for a president. It feels as if the world is choosing unscrupulous madmen.
I did not know Teresa Beth Hough, but I looked her up and I am glad you made me aware of her. She was married to Jaap Koestal, a Dutchman. Beth was especially appreciated for her artistic contributions to the 200th anniversary commemoration of the Battle of Waterloo in 2015, for which she created over eighty plein air paintings. She also created coloring books about the Battle of Waterloo to introduce children to history and art. She was clearly a remarkable woman.
Dear Matroos, I’m glad you were able to find so much information about Beth Hough Koestal. Her professional name was Teresa Beth Hough, and I apologize for not giving you her married name. I never got to meet Jaap. Beth was an extraordinary talent and everyone in our high school class knew she was destined to be a fine artist. She was smart, funny, compassionate, and just an all-round good person. She was so highly thought of as a teenager that she was elected president of our high school class of 200 students. My connection with her in her later years was limited to email. She sent me some of the sketches for her coloring book to get my opinion and feedback. She loved her adopted home and was thrilled and honored to get to do so many pieces related to the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo. Beth’s mother is still living. I have often thought how tragic it must be for a mother to out-live her child.
Thank you for explaining about the precarious position The Netherlands and Belgium are put in by Russia. I was not aware of the situation with the undersea internet cables, etc. I am horrified by the statement made by Mark Rutte! It is that depth of fear on the part of everyday people on the European continent that the average America is not aware. Sadly, Americans tend to be self-absorbed. We tend to think the world revolves around us. The destruction from within at the hands of Trump and his minions will surely teach us that the world is bigger than the United States. I try to get some of my news from the BBC and from the NHK in Japan. Unfortunately, that news network in Tokyo was abruptly removed from my TV reception last week. I do watch CNN as well as ABC, CBS, and NBC news programming, but none of them report enough on news from around the world. As the younger generation in America tends to get its news on TikTok, I fear “the dumbing down of America” will only get worse. Our public schools are teaching students less and less about our colonial history and the American Revolution. Without a solid background in that era, the younger generation cannot and will not have a real appreciation for democracy. So much is being lost! It is beyond sad, and there is only so much a single citizen can do.
I am appalled that Trump is negotiating with Putin. It should be Zelensky at the negotiating table — and not Trump! The world (and 50% of Americans) know that the truth is not in Trump or Putin. Zelensky understands that better than anyone — and he is being pushed to the side. How in the world did things get so messed up? I guess the root of the problem is the uninformed, misled, gullible American public. I am so embarrassed for my country now! Half of us are… and we apologize for what the only half of us have done to our country and the world at large, particularly to Europe. As a Christian, I am supposed to forgive; however, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to forgive the voters who put Trump back in the White House.
Janet's Writing Blog 
Amen, Janet. I just reblogged it too. For shame, for shame-when an alleged bone-spur draft evasive man finds it not only acceptable, but even commendable, to remove evidence of the parts of this nation’s history that he finds lacking merit.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, wow! That’s great, Pat. The more people we can reach with Tangie’s blog post today, the better. The entire action Hegseth took on this is horrendous, but when I read the part about changing Gen. Rogers’ “medal” to “deimedal” I blew a gasket.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am heartbroken and outraged by what is happening in America. The history, the progress, and above all, the humanity that is being erased—it’s devastating. People who fought, struggled, and paved the way for a better world are being wiped from the records, as if they never existed. But heroes can never be erased. And good people will never be forgotten. No matter how hard some try to erase them, their impact remains, their legacy stands, and their truth will outlive those who seek to silence it.
Erasure is not justice. And we can not look away.
LikeLike
Hegseth is an f’-ing a**-hole to ass-u-me that.. While I know that some DoD medals are I was there medals like occupation medals after the war is over or given out at retirement based upon rank, or even exaggerated write-ups like a few Purple Heart medals, I have never heard of Medals of Honor being given out just because. I have read more examples where it was recommended, but the higher-ups turned it down for lesser medals because of the race of the individual up for the award.
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I don’t understand how many veterans are not standing up and voicing their opinion. I see so many asking to support our veterans and yet nothing.
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Janet you inspired me also. I probably just started a crap storm on Facebook (you’ll see my post), But I just couldn’t keep quiet on this any longer
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I have spent the morning doing research on this story. I also read about it in the Guardian and on Military.com. He is still listed on two different government sites as well as the original site, which makes me wonder if the site was hacked or restored. Would be interested to see how this came to into being.
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Oh, NO! Just when you think that XXXXXXXXXXX can’t go any lower, he goes lower. I feel sick to my stomach.
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I know. It felt like a gut punch. I can’t imagine how veterans and the families of those buried at Arlington National Cemetery and now erased must feel. “deimedal” just hit rock bottom.
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They claim to “support the troops”, etc., but then they fire thousands from the VA. Actions speak much louder than their empty words.
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After being attacked by a high school classmate in the wee hours this morning on Facebook, I responded as civilly as I could at 4 a.m. and I haven’t looked at FB since. I spent the entire day and tonight until a few minutes ago editing my devotional book. It’s after midnight now, so I’ll have to decide if I want to get back on FB tonight. I’ve really had it with all the people who still support Trump. I don’t understand how they can hate America that much. For someone to tell me on FB that “watching this is a beautiful thing” made me want to throw up! You have my curiosity up now, so I’ll probably get back on FB before I go to bed. I’ve decided to remain quiet is to be complicit. I just have to speak out and let the chips fall where they may. Hang in there!
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Pat, I started seeing general reports about the military records of Blacks, Hispanics, and women being taken off government websites Saturday morning. When I saw the first report, I passed it off as fake news. Then, I kept seeing it popping up on legit sites. Not having been familiar with the details that used to be on the websites, it’s hard to know what’s missing now. With a bunch of teenage computer geeks in charge of the government now, I shudder to think what is going to be destroyed or erased forever. They have no sense of history and apparently absolutely no appreciation for our democracy. What takes 100 years to build can be destroyed in the blink of an eye.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Matroos, I am heartbroken and angry at what is happening to my country. My parents were young children during World War I, young adults during The Great Depression, and my father worked in a war plane manufacturing plant during World War II. I’m glad they didn’t live to see what is happening now. The erasing of history — especially of minorities — is exactly what the Nazis did. It frightens me to see America going down that path of hate and destruction. I can’t believe what I’m seeing. You are right in saying that we cannot look away, and I concluded weeks ago that I have to speak out and face whatever consequences come my way. Bullies are already attacking me on Facebook, but I can take it. Thank you for your comments.
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And to think…. a draft dodger is behind all this. President Bone Spurs knows nothing about history and is so insecure that he can’t bear for anyone but himself to get any recognition. He showed his true colors when he disrespected John McCain for having been a POW for seven years. I thought that incident would be the end of Trump. Boy, did I miss gauge the level of hate and stupidity in America!
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All of those men and women who fought and died for democracy are very much on my mind these days.
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Dear Janet, I’m so sorry to hear that you are being attacked on Facebook. I would suggest not reading those comments anymore, as they will only bring you down. I, too, know the stories from my parents, who lived through World War II. The horrors are beyond words. And it seems like we are heading straight towards something similar again.
We have been warned to keep an emergency supply at home in case we get cut off from gas, electricity, or the internet… The threat from Russia is strong. And yet, we cannot even complain compared to what people in Gaza are going through these days. I deeply care about the fate of so many, as I used to be a Dutch teacher for non-native speakers, mostly refugees from all over the world. I am still involved in this work, so you can understand where my concerns come from.
I wish you strength and courage. Let’s hope for the best and that things do not escalate further. May the tide turn—not least for the sake of our children and grandchildren.
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Amen, Janet. I had to laugh at an article I read today, that one of the books banned in DOD Schools in JD Vance’s Hillbilly Elegy.
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They say victors write the history–if this is the victory, I’d hate to see the defeat.
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Mine as well, Liz. How very disappointed they would be with us.
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Thank you, Pat, for giving me something to laugh about this evening! If they’re going to ban books, that one deserves to be on the list!
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That’s the truth! Trump said we’d get tired of winning. If this is winning… I’m beyond tired. I’m exhausted!
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Dear Matroos, thank you for your concern, but I can deal with bullies. This particular one was a classmate of mine. When you’ve known someone for 65 years, you think you know them. I guess that’s no longer true as people are choosing sides. I responded to his Facebook comment and told him we weren’t going to change each other’s minds, so I thought we needed to agree to disagree. Of course, he replied because people like that always have to have the last word. I ignored it.
Living in Europe during World War II, I’m sure your parents saw and heard unspeakable horrors and sacrifice. I’m horrified that you have been warned to keep emergency supplies! And all this uncertainty is being caused by one insecure rich man in America who delights in playing games with peoples’ lives. I will never understand why anyone voted for him the first time, much less again in 2024. Part of it was that the macho mindset in the United States prevents a large segment of the population from voting for a woman for President. That added to the racial prejudice which is more prevalent than I thought a few short years ago and I guess it was a recipes for the perfect storm on November 5 for Trump to be re-elected. I truly do not understand how he has brainwashed so many people and zeroed in on the worst inclinations humans are capable of. We have been extraordinarily blessed here in America, so I don’t understand where all this distrust and hate is coming from. One would think that people who are raised together and exposed to the same life experiences would be in agreement on basic things like democracy, but it’s not true. I know of instances in my own extended family in which a mother is very actively against Trump, but her son and her brother are very much supporting everything he’s doing. I’ve always read that that was the way it was during the American Civil War, so I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised such confusing differences of opinions within families exist again today.
In your first comment on my blog you said you’re in a book club with people from The Netherlands and Belgium. I’m curious to know if you are familiar with the artwork of a high school classmate of mine, Teresa Beth Hough. She lived in The Netherlands for a while and later lived in Belgium. She was commissioned to paint a series of pieces in conjunction with the anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo a few years ago. Sadly, she died of cancer in February 2020. I was just curious if you had perhaps heard of her.
I appreciate your comments and look forward to corresponding with you throughout whatever lies ahead. I hope in a few years we’ll be able to look back on 2025 and say it wasn’t as bad as we thought it was going to be. I pray that will be how all this turns out. It’s difficult to be optimistic.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Janet, in the Netherlands and Belgium, it is recommended to have an emergency supply at home, including a flashlight and a battery-powered radio. Many people have already taken these precautions. There are concerns about Russia’s hybrid warfare, as undersea internet cables and gas pipelines are regularly damaged by Russian ships and submarines. People fear a major disruption. Additionally, there is significant rearmament taking place. NATO leader Mark Rutte stated: “Either Europeans learn Russian, or they arm themselves.”
We strongly supported Kamala Harris, but unfortunately, it was not meant to be. It is incomprehensible that Trump has come to power again. Ordinary people have to undergo psychological tests for a simple job, yet this does not seem necessary for a president. It feels as if the world is choosing unscrupulous madmen.
I did not know Teresa Beth Hough, but I looked her up and I am glad you made me aware of her. She was married to Jaap Koestal, a Dutchman. Beth was especially appreciated for her artistic contributions to the 200th anniversary commemoration of the Battle of Waterloo in 2015, for which she created over eighty plein air paintings. She also created coloring books about the Battle of Waterloo to introduce children to history and art. She was clearly a remarkable woman.
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Dear Matroos, I’m glad you were able to find so much information about Beth Hough Koestal. Her professional name was Teresa Beth Hough, and I apologize for not giving you her married name. I never got to meet Jaap. Beth was an extraordinary talent and everyone in our high school class knew she was destined to be a fine artist. She was smart, funny, compassionate, and just an all-round good person. She was so highly thought of as a teenager that she was elected president of our high school class of 200 students. My connection with her in her later years was limited to email. She sent me some of the sketches for her coloring book to get my opinion and feedback. She loved her adopted home and was thrilled and honored to get to do so many pieces related to the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo. Beth’s mother is still living. I have often thought how tragic it must be for a mother to out-live her child.
Thank you for explaining about the precarious position The Netherlands and Belgium are put in by Russia. I was not aware of the situation with the undersea internet cables, etc. I am horrified by the statement made by Mark Rutte! It is that depth of fear on the part of everyday people on the European continent that the average America is not aware. Sadly, Americans tend to be self-absorbed. We tend to think the world revolves around us. The destruction from within at the hands of Trump and his minions will surely teach us that the world is bigger than the United States. I try to get some of my news from the BBC and from the NHK in Japan. Unfortunately, that news network in Tokyo was abruptly removed from my TV reception last week. I do watch CNN as well as ABC, CBS, and NBC news programming, but none of them report enough on news from around the world. As the younger generation in America tends to get its news on TikTok, I fear “the dumbing down of America” will only get worse. Our public schools are teaching students less and less about our colonial history and the American Revolution. Without a solid background in that era, the younger generation cannot and will not have a real appreciation for democracy. So much is being lost! It is beyond sad, and there is only so much a single citizen can do.
I am appalled that Trump is negotiating with Putin. It should be Zelensky at the negotiating table — and not Trump! The world (and 50% of Americans) know that the truth is not in Trump or Putin. Zelensky understands that better than anyone — and he is being pushed to the side. How in the world did things get so messed up? I guess the root of the problem is the uninformed, misled, gullible American public. I am so embarrassed for my country now! Half of us are… and we apologize for what the only half of us have done to our country and the world at large, particularly to Europe. As a Christian, I am supposed to forgive; however, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to forgive the voters who put Trump back in the White House.
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❤️❤️❤️
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Thank you, Laleh.
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