Comments for Who's Afraid of Social Democracy?

Comment on Condolences Book by james andrea

james andrea — Sun, 20 Jan 2013 03:37:12 +0000

Though it is late, I would like to join in adding my name in this condolence book. So many of the sentiments above and from so many different people attest to the dynamic personal qualities of Elizabeth Young-Bruehl aside from her stellar scholarship. It was a privilege to have shared my comments in the early days of this blog.

Comment on Condolences Book by Rose

Rose — Sat, 01 Dec 2012 23:04:40 +0000

One year later, remembering Elisabeth and wishing her loved ones peace.

Comment on Condolences Book by Fabienne Leleux

Fabienne Leleux — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 21:47:25 +0000

I discover, with great pain, that you are dead, dear Elisabeth Young-Bruehl. I was searching your adress to write to you about Anna Freud.
I will thank you for your work about AF and, more, for your contribution to my PHD.
Fabienne Leleux
France

Comment on #60. Tax evasion, tax aversion, and the starve the government movement by Doug Dern

Doug Dern — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 17:26:26 +0000

I think Bush damages will last for decades. But on a brighter note the Baseball team the Texas Rangers only took 20 years to recover from the damage that George Bush did when he was the owner. One needs to remember that the first law Bush passed in his second term was the Bankruptcy reform act.

Comment on Condolences Book by Christian Volk

Christian Volk — Fri, 25 May 2012 13:08:58 +0000

Dear Elisabeth,

I was completely shocked when I received the message. I remember it well, when we met in Berlin for the first time. I was still a student; just finished my Magister and eager to write a dissertation on Arendt and the law. You told us how you started and got organized for writing THE Arendt-biography and we were so happy that you spend so much time with us, that we were able to share ideas, receive support and that you listened to our stories as well. I just want to thank you for all the conversations we had – via email or face-to-face – on Arendt and Politics in the last years. I want to thank you for all your efforts in getting my book published in English and I want to thank you for a great evening in NYC in 2007…

I send my condolences to your wife and family…

Comment on Condolences Book by Eva von Redecker

Eva von Redecker — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 16:51:15 +0000

When I first heard about Elisabeth’s death, I could only think of Christine.
I found it – still find it – simply unacceptable that this most beautiful, passionate and companionate relationship, the wonderful and funny story of which I recounted so many times as a proof that happiness is possible, should be broken by death just like that, just like in bad old lesbian films, assimilating it to some romantic narrative rather than the dynamic, radiating, most lively example of love I know.
It was my friend and flatmate Mona who first found words. As so many of my friends, she has briefly met Elisabeth (somehow there was always a party when she was visiting). Crying along with me, Mona plainly said: “And I wanted her to come to Mesendorf (our newly set up land commune/artist colony outside Berlin) and once in my life have someone like her look at my paintings.”
This wish seems so very telling of the impact Elisabeth had on innumerous lives. Her presence, her gaze, her judgement, were so uniquely powerful and generous. It definitely inspired a profound reorganization of my life and -self. Back at a time of utter consanguine shipwreck, her queer kinship saved my soul.
Her friendship brightened my life. Being able to rely on the fact that what I did was indeed to be shared with her, exposed to her kind scrutiny, made me at home in the world and somehow responsible for it. Navigating my life seems a lonelier and less rewarding task now. Couldn’t we at least go on argueing whether academic philosophy was good for anything at all? But a lot of this can be bridged in imagination and commemoration. I’m used to the long gaps between our transatlantic commutes and I am steering friendlier waters these days.
What weighs heavier is the little things. Not having her stay over in our new place. No more shared culinary and oenological indulgence. Fiery debates about politics. And academic gossip. The joy of taking her out to the most obscure and original spots in Berlin. And the joy of being taken to the most must see exhibition in London – or the best place to swim in Hudson Bay. Those days of mutual visits, carefully wrung from crazy diaries. One could just link in with her intensity. Elisabeth had this wonderful gift to turn everything that caught her gaze into something that mattered. It was redeeming to be seen that way, but I will miss even more the irrevocable loss of sharing that vibrant perspective, a few days at a time, once or twice a year.
I would so have loved to show Mona’s paintings to her.

Comment on Condolences Book by Debra Brackett

Debra Brackett — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 03:08:22 +0000

KS Iyengar together on his book tour in NYC. And I was so grateful that she found a new, wonderful life partner in Christine. I cannot fathom your loss, as I feel seared through the heart myself. I appreciated the way Elisabeth welcomed me into her life and cared about me. I wanted to tell her that I had visited Freud’s house in Vienna last March, and that some of the conversations we had in the park were right on target–and things were coming to fruition now; that I think of her often although we are not in touch, b/c there is so much going on in the world that is relevant to her approach to social justice. I often used to remind Elisabeth to stay in the moment b/c she seemed to get lost in her head sometimes. I guess she has had the last word–this early departure is a clear message to appreciate the moment you have today–and to speak truth to power and take action to right the wrongs that you see. Her untimely death is a loss to all. I am so sorry, Christine.

Comment on Condolences Book by Debra Brackett

Debra Brackett — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 03:00:24 +0000

Only the good die young. Or so it seems in light of this information which only now has found its way to me. I knew Elisabeth in the context of personal fitness/friend. We shared early morning runs in the Wissahickon in Philadephia in the 90s, and stayed in touch through her move to NYC. We saw B

Comment on In Memoriam: Elisabeth Young-Bruehl (Written by Dominique Browning) by Jennifer Lehr

Jennifer Lehr — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 19:39:43 +0000

hi dominique,

i found your blog researching Childism. i’m so sorry for your loss. elisabeth young bruel was obviously an incredible person. i’ve only now heard of her as i’ve believe for quite some time that we do live in a Childist culture and was thrilled to find someone as sharp and thorough who had articulated and explained the concept. i ma saddened, of course, that she is not here (for her and her family, of course) but also to promote this well-researched, seminal work. who might be able to carry the torch. i’d hate for this title not to get the attention it NEEDS.

thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings on elisabeth young breuhl. what an inspiration!

best,

jennifer lehr

Comment on #61. Personal Responsibility Under Dictatorship by Paula Mcdole

Paula Mcdole — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 04:53:01 +0000

Hello everyone,

I have been reading Childism and a few of these blogs.
I have not read the two that she is describing here but I must say, I seem to agree with Bakan; Elizabeth may see a fallacy in that he seems to say no one has a choice. This could be true but my experiences tell me he is on the right track. Irregardless if people ‘inside’ corporations have the power to act in a way to support children, by and large, it is not happening out here in reality.

So, what do I want to say here? I agree with Bakan, corporations are out of control; I think it is time we start discussing what can be done about it.

I want to offer two ideas and hope to see some discussion. The first is an idea by Jacque Fresco. I will not say much about it but offer a link to a video in which he describes his theories. My hope is that if you are an extremely critical person, you will at least see it’s potential. I think instead of completely dissing an idea, one should offer a worthy improvement. Please watch some of the other videos as well because he does not cover everything in this one video.
I will say one thing: I agree that the scientific method should rule the day; I agree that the majority of people do not have the slightest clue about what is best in any situation. If we keep the ‘majority rules’ (democracy) way of doing things, nothing will ever be agreed upon and ‘action’ will never take place. I know there are millions of people wanting something better for themselves and their children but have little or no power to make even a dent of a difference because they lack the appropriate type and kind of education to do so. I am a perfect example of this. In other words, the educational system is failing most of the people it is supposed to be helping. Here is the link:
http://www.thevenusproject.com/en/the-venus-project/resource-based-economy

The second: in Childism, she mentions education, I strongly endorse education, however, our system needs vast reform. Three main issues, in my opinion: a lack of life skills, critical thinking, and parenting/marital classes. These skills need to be introduced in elementary school and further expanded in high school. I’ve heard arguments that these types of things should be taught at home; however, one must first have knowledge in order to pass it on and second, have some idea about how to pass it on, effectively.

I have much more to say but I will leave here for now…