My dad holds Nathaniel before exploiting him.
* A Note: People who write letters to the editor to their small town newspapers are generally crazy old coots. That may be true of my dad, but he makes some solid points nonetheless. As those who have heard me talk about my dad ad nauseam on the radio already know, he was an auto mechanic for 35 years (alternators, generators and starters) and now tutors kids part-time. He probably reads a couple books a week, as well as renting out his services to whack the weeds from neighboring lawns for $50. He is my idol. And possibly a crazy, old coot. Here is a letter he wrote to the venerable Record-Bee:
Letter to the editor:
A few weeks ago I went to Los Angeles to be with my daughter and son-in-law at the birth of their first child (and my first grandchild). It would be a C-section and we knew that going in: A week before, my daughter was handed a sonogram which said “Frank Breech.” Her first thought was that she had gotten the sonogram of the wrong child, a child named “Frank Breech.” She was soon to realize that “frank breech” means the baby is lined up to come out feet first, just the opposite of ideal.
The night before the surgery they took me to see the new Michael Moore movie, Capitalism, A Love Story. The movie had a newsreel of FDR, filmed a year before his death, earnestly expressing his vision of the fulfillment of the New Deal. FDR enumerated four things that every American should have: healthcare, decent housing, a decent job, and an education. That is the legacy I want to leave for my grandson. And, I want that for all children.
Then I thought, “what good are all these things if there is no planet?” And, how can we do any of these things while our precious resources and genius and life are spent on the folly of foreign wars?
What to do? I am prone to get self-righteous: I ride my bicycle to work a few days a week, I don’t eat meat, I go to Democratic Club Meetings, I occasionally volunteer to help. I tell people about what a champ I am (and, by implication, what losers they are) and it all makes me feel good. However, the reality is that I have not made a damn bit of difference. This thought leads to a “pity party.” But, then I remember the words of Norman Mailer, “self-effacement is the worst manifestation of the ego.” The other side of “self-righteous” is “I suck.”
But, they are two side of the same coin and only cause my mountain bike tires to spin. That having been said, I feel that I should try to work toward some worthy ideals. And, as the character of Shirley McLaine put it in the movies, “There aren’t that many shopping days ‘til Christmas.”
Somehow, I began to think about Lech Walensa and the Solidarity movement in Poland during the Cold War. At one time, I had thought that the movement spontaneously grew out of the working class. I was to find out later that that the movement was born at a meeting of a few college professors. “Solidarity” was born as an idea. Maybe, what we need are ideas.
However, many of the folks that have ideas have those ideas influenced by corporate power (money). Most of the elected leaders that I see on TV are gray haired men, widening at the girth, wearing big shiny rings, drooling with self-satisfaction, and taking care to do and say the things that will perpetuate their time in office.
So, here is my thought: change must come from the bottom (us). We need some ideas to fuel that change, and as starters, what better ideas than those propounded by FDR? I think that most of us could rally around those four crucial ideas. When my grandson or better yet, all our grandchildren ask us what we were doing when the dream soured, we better have an answer.
Nelson Strasser
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Tags: Craziness, General Stuff
Teresa you dad is a bit of a communist but it is too late now anyway
I’m only saying it because you suggested it, but that was one big load of crazy. I imagine 80% of non-old readers stopping about halfway through the second paragraph. Although old people can share so much with us younger folk, we all just look at it as one big ramble. But I guess we’re all guilty of it from time to time, and by the time we realize that nobody’s listening, it’s too late.
Hey Teresa!
I was watching TV last night and there’s a show called “Free Radio” that you should check out. It sucks, but that’s not why you should watch it. I’m pretty sure that the character Anna is based on you. Of course, you’re much hotter and way funnier.
Good name choices for your baby. My college class president was named Buster…elected in large part because his name was Buster!
I think I’m in love with your dad!
I hope your son brings you as much joy as my two boys have. Being a mother of boys will bring you more love then you will ever want. All the love you felt you missed out on as a child, young teen and a woman will be filled now from him. Don’t forget your bigger guy .. and I hope he is mature enough (as my husband) to know he is never forgotten, just moved over a bit while this little fella .. grows up to be as good as man as your father and husband .. and good friend Adam. Keep Adam around for that extra insight .. of that crazy Uncle Adam stories!! Julie
Wow, seeing you with your baby and your father made all the feeling rush back to me. My baby will be 7 months on Nov 2. I know it has been quite the journey for you. I felt so many of the things that you did. Even minutes before he was born I wondered if it was real and if somebody had made a mistake. I too had not really thought about kids. It wasn’t that I didn’t want them it was never the right time. Now I’m a 34 year old mom that can’t imagine my life without him. They truly change your life. Congratulations!
Great letter T’s dad!
Clearly snowman is in the minority here.
Congratulations! Thanks for the photo and you Dad’s words. He is now my Hero too. Great photo and your new baby and Daddy. Hope to hear you on a podcast soon.
Hi Teresa-
Good to see your Dad’s words in print. Thank you for the lovely grandpa picture, too.
Perhaps some future letters are in order?
Yes, how will we look in the history books? Nathaniel is one in the next generation that will be reading what we did or did not do.
Keep writing and inspiring Strasser Family!
Teresa,
Miss hearing you on the pod casts and on the Radio. Congrats on the little man. Isn’t it great seeing your dad proudly holding his new grandson? Only thing I find better then seeing proud Grandpa is seeing my husband interact with my son. Hope you are some how enjoying motherhood through the sleepy fog that often takes over. Now you know why parents love there boring little infants so much (it is so different when they are yours).
Hi T,
I am in need of a new blog entry from you! I know how being a new mom can kick your ass, so I will cut you some slack. Maybe a podcast with Adam soon? I am having Strasser withdraws………
Ta-ray-sa, I’ve loved your dad since the first time I heard him say your name. Now I know why. Enough said?
T,
Hope you and your son Nathaniel are doing well. Loved your Dad’s letter to the editor.
I miss hearing you on the radio and the podcast.
It must be a big adjustment to go from Miss to Mrs. to Mom.
Are you getting sleep?
While I strongly disagree with your dad’s politics, I agree that change should begin with all of us and I agree that most politicians are blowhards who’ll say or do anything to keep themselves in office.
I think it’s sweet that your dad was so moved by the birth of his grandson that he wrote this letter. I enjoyed hearing you talk about your dad on TACS. He sounds like a wonderful man and I’m envious of the close bond that you both share. Your little guy is going to have great times with his grandpa.
Can’t wait to hear you back on the podcast and see some pictures of you and the bambino here on your site!
Are you suggesting that you disagree with the notion that everyone should have:
Healthcare
A decent education
A job
Decent housing
??? Just because your party is currently out of office doesn’t mean you should necessarily oppose _every_ idea ever espoused by a Democrat – unless you really don’t believe every American should be safe and healthy.
Honestly, what kind of response to this letter is that? You don’t think the right to “life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness” encompasses those ideas above? Are there really Republicans who DON’T think people should get a decent education, or the opportunity to work and have housing? (I know where you stand on healthcare – basically, screw anyone who’s not me).
Ridiculous.
A: Yikes! No need to be hostile and rude. It’s quite possible to disagree with someone and still be polite.
B: You have absolutely no idea which political party I belong to or what my affiliation is, so you should probably stop with the assumptions.
C: While I LOVE a good, civil political debate, I’m not going to argue politics with you here…unless T (with all her spare time) starts a political forum, in which case I’d be totally down with it…in fact, I would have no choice but to get it on…I’m pretty sure it would be mandated. So how about we respect each others’ right to free speech, as I respect T’s dad’s. I may not agree with him on everything, but I respect his right to say what’s on his mind and I love that we live in a country where it’s ok to do that. And let’s agree to disagree and move on
D: Back to the point of this blog – T and the baby: while I’m here, I might as well submit another request for an appearance on the podcast.
Peace!!
Are you suggesting your friends/neighbors/the gov’t should provide for you, via their taxes:
Heathcare
A decent education
A job
Decent housing
???
Please.
I thought you weren’t going to engage in a political discussion?
And yes, I think my neighbors should personally hand me part of their income every Friday; that’s exactly what I was saying (eye-rolling here).
FYI: the “government” IS us. WE pay taxes to provide for society – i.e. US – it’s called rending unto Caesar his due and all that, if you lean religious, and it’s called benefiting for all of society, if you’re just plain old Democrat.
Whatever you may be (not Democrat, possibly “Independent”), your slant is typical GOP, which ironically claims to be holier-than-thou while not understanding the whole caring about all of humanity bit.
But we won’t talk politics; that wasn’t the point of the forum. I just can’t understand why his letter would elicit _any_ response that has to mention you disagreeing with him, when by your own point you say he has a right to say it.
But you couldn’t just say it was nice of him to care, could you? You had to point out that you didn’t agree _politically_, and yet now say this isn’t a political forum. Okay…
“And yes, I think my neighbors should personally hand me part of their income every Friday; that’s exactly what I was saying (eye-rolling here).”
Thats exactly what you were saying.
There is no process for turning lead into gold so the only way the government gets money to give to you is by taking it away from someone else.
God Bless Teresa, Nathaniel, and Papa Strasser
Well said, Nelson.
T, I’m anxiously awaiting your return to the podcast.
Thanks for Publishing this here, T!!
…and CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Us “Crazy Old Coots” Need To Continue to write Letters to The Editor because one day no one else will.
Passion versus Apathy…
Pick One.
I always enjoyed hearing you talk about your dad on the radio (I really miss the show!) & love this op-ed. Thanks for posting it.
That was the best letter to the editor since Virginia asked about Santa.
What movie did Shirley McLaine say that in? I love her. I love your dad. I miss my parents and this made me miss them even more. My dad would have loved to argue with your dad. (My dad was a conservative for the most part.)
Just take a moment and think how fortunate you are that your parents got to meet your baby boy.
He had me at “toward.” I bet Teresa doesn’t even need me to explain that one.
Now I know from which tree the “writing apple” fell in your family! Go Grampa!
I love your Dad. I am glad you have him.
It almost inspires me enough to call my Dad.
Wait! being sad and disappointed is not on my schedule today! oh well.
I am glad you have a cozy loving family.
Yea! Way to write, Nelson. I see writing talent runs in the family.
Very well said Mr. Strasser.
I heart Nelson Strasser.
The last letter to the editor I read was about changing the American Thanksgiving to the same date as the Canadian (Columbus Day to us). I love small town papers! Your dad definitely has more fries in his Happy Meal than that guy did. He’s a smart man, your Pops. Us, make a difference? What a thought!
Amen, Nelson Strasser!
Crazy old coot, your father is not, T.
If only all letters to the editors were so thought provoking and introspective…. Thank you for sharing this, T.
Congratulations!!!!!! I can’t wait for your next podcast appearance! We’re huge fans of yours, and so glad all went well!!!
I don’t like it
I expect amazing things from Nathaniel. It is clear that talent is abundant in the family.
your dad rules. great letter!!!! nathaniel is lucky to have such a grandpa.
Go Papa Strasser!!!! I have preggo hormones racing thru me right now, reading this just made me tear up a bit. Way to go Daddy-O !!!!! Congrats on your new bundle of joy!
I love your Dad! He’s a Rock star. Go Grandpa!!!
What a lovely papa you have!
Teresa…
Congratulation! What a beautiful little boy! Thanks for sharing your journey with us and I can’t wait to hear more.. I can see where you get your ‘way with words’ that I enjoy so much. You have a wonderful father…
What a great role model for his grandson!!
Hey T-
Wow! Cool words by your father. Easy to understand where you get your talent from. (though I bet there is more to it).
Any chance your mother could also share some written words?
Best,
Mark
Well now I know why I like you so much Teresa, your father is glorious he should write in more often!!
You go Papa Strasser.
Just a thought after reading this,since also became a new parent. One person can make a difference. The instant gratification isn’t there, but if you just be the best person you can be,and people see that. The lessons you teach ,they will teach to others and so the process begins. Even if you think you’ve only changed one life.Isn’t that worth it.
drivel