This reminded me of the time I was in Cuernavaca, Mexico staying at a motel run by a guy my best friend had met the previous year when on her sabbatical to Latin America, studying Spanish and learning about the Hispanic culture. We both taught mostly Mexican children, and illegal aliens, in LA, CA's inner city throughout the 70's.
Anyway, the motel owner invited me for a game of tennis at the local country club. As we left the courts, I recognized the man exiting the clubhouse.... the Shah of Iran! He looked at me and smiled! I felt a jolt of excitement. I don't know why. Maybe because he was so rich and powerful.
He, too, did unspeakable things to his countrymen and women.
It's incomprehensible why men in power are so ruthless and uncaring. Imagine what good they could do for society with a more humane bent?
Agreed. The thought of him being human only lasted for that split second. And it surprised me. Your story about the Shah is fascinating, and “jolt” is a good word. Wish I’d have thought of it.
Such a pleasure working with @rachelkramerbussel for this essay. I'm honored that Open Secrets Magazine accepted it.
Thanks for bringing us along on your bike ride and your journey through activism.
He may be human, but he's despicable.
This reminded me of the time I was in Cuernavaca, Mexico staying at a motel run by a guy my best friend had met the previous year when on her sabbatical to Latin America, studying Spanish and learning about the Hispanic culture. We both taught mostly Mexican children, and illegal aliens, in LA, CA's inner city throughout the 70's.
Anyway, the motel owner invited me for a game of tennis at the local country club. As we left the courts, I recognized the man exiting the clubhouse.... the Shah of Iran! He looked at me and smiled! I felt a jolt of excitement. I don't know why. Maybe because he was so rich and powerful.
He, too, did unspeakable things to his countrymen and women.
It's incomprehensible why men in power are so ruthless and uncaring. Imagine what good they could do for society with a more humane bent?
Agreed. The thought of him being human only lasted for that split second. And it surprised me. Your story about the Shah is fascinating, and “jolt” is a good word. Wish I’d have thought of it.
Powerful👏🏻
I bike along the intracoastal while staying at our winter place in Wellington. Beautiful, despite all the annoying hoopla around Mar a Lago.
It is a good route to ride along the water. Maybe we’ve passed each other at some point!
Thank you.