A HOLIDAY BLOG GREETING
Thank you.
I have appreciated all your thoughts, comments, ideas and dissent on this blog site over the last couple of years, many of which have been enlightening and informative. I know we are not always in agreement, but America is a wondrous place where free speech and exercise of our rights give us the forum to espouse whatever opinions we have, so long as we don’t incite the violation of laws or threaten harm to anyone else. Few places on planet Earth allow that. Yet we take it for granted. We think it will always be here. It might not.
As we speak, countries all over the world, including some in Europe are acquiescing to intimidation which will prohibit the exercise of free speech and expression of opinion. The change is happening. Those kinds of restrictions exist throughout Asia, Africa, the mid–east and some places in South America. We don’t want that ever to reach America.
In that regard, please indulge me with a very short story. Not long ago, in preparation for an upcoming performance, I was practicing music with a Russian-born friend who immigrated to the U.S. in 1990. We’ll call him Nicolas. A humble man, he had come to America as a scientist and raised his family here. He played great Russian folk music on guitar, and I enjoyed playing a schmaltzy violin with him.
I mentioned that we would soon get some local publicity for our show. At that moment, the mood changed. With his thick Russian accent he said to me, “No. No. Please, don’t use my name in the newspaper about us playing music.”
“Why not?” I asked, somewhat stunned.
My friend bore a somber look on his face. “Well, ” he hesitated. “No one at my work knows I play this music.”
“So?” I said. “What’s the problem?”
“Well, I don’t want to get fired. You never know.”
Then it hit me. Nicolas’ fears were still mired in totalitarian Russia. He had long left the oppression of strict communism — eighteen years — but communism never left him. It was a stark reminder of how much of the world is prohibited from free exercise of thought and expression. The KGB left a mark on Nicolas that still burned inside his belly.
I am a great lover of this country. I never want to see that happen in America. That’s why I write so passionately about retaining the freedoms our forefathers outlined for us, and that every inch we move closer to a more powerful government controlling our lives is another inch toward the dissolution of our individual liberties. When those inches start adding into feet and yards, then miles, it’s a slow process which we don’t often realize until the end result. Then it can be too late. There are forces at work today who have fierce designs on doing just that. It doesn’t take a scholar to know that, only a person who delves a little and cares a lot.
Meanwhile, I will always respect those who disagree on this site so long as it is done respectfully. I think I’ve only deleted four responses in two years, and that was because of foul or insulting language that had no place on my blogs. And to all my supporters, my deepest appreciation for all the contributions you have made. Even if you do not comment on line, I know you are reading and — when you so choose — passing my articles on to others.
And for those who cannot present logical arguments, and assign me labels like “radical” or “right wing extremist” and so forth, remember the story of Nicolas. I’m only doing my part in preventing you and me from heading in that direction.
Wishing all of you a great holiday, and a wonderful 2010.
Thanks
Marshall Frank
enjoy your articles and opinions of others.
happiest of the season to you marshall.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you Marshall.
Marshall, Sometimes I agree with you and sometimes I don’t, but I always enjoy your blog and appreciate that you don’t try to suppress dissent.
Happy Holidays to you and all your readers!
Marshall,
Thank-you for sharng all your comments and insights.
Most of all, thank you for your friendship.
Merry Christmas
Jack and Sylvia
Here’s to you and your words of wisdom, Marshall! May you continue to speak out for the American way of life.
Merry Christmas and a haappy and prosperous new year.
Reed
Great story, you are right… that is what makes our country great! The wish that I have for the New Year is: May we all learn to get together better to accomplish more. Rather than this stalemate….enjoy your blog very much
thanks Marshall
Marshall:
To you and all the “bloggers” Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all, regardless of opinions and political positions.
Marshall, thank you for doing all of the research in presenting these interesting blogs. I know that when you make a statemenmt it is backed up by hours of study and data that has been gleaned from every source available to you.
It is unfortunate that the dissenters do not do anything but denigrate the work you so studiously do to make a point. They have nothing to add but derision and their left wing point of view. I feel sorry for them.
Happy Holidays and we will get with you soon. Love to Sue.
Frank and Annemarie
Marshall, Great article, as per your usual~!
What a wonderful story about your friend, a story that made me think….as many of your articles do. Please keep up the great writing, and I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!
Laura
10-4, Bro.
40 Charley
Marshall, so very true. We aren’t living in the same country we lived in even a few short years ago, and we seem to be quickly losing those things we took for granted, things that gave us comfort and were part of our proud heritage. Thank you for being a beacon of truth this past year and please keep up the great work! Merry Christmas and a very happy new year!
Sharon
Thanxs for all your insights. As you have stated on numerous times, this is a very dangerous and difficult time for our great country and our Constitution.
Let’s hope and pray for a better new year. Regards Richard
Marshall, Hope you and Suzanne have a great & Happy Holiday season. I sincerely appreciate your studious efforts and your blogs. May you always be forthcoming in your thoughts and writings.
Your Friends, Paul & Pat
As always, you are the brightest child.
Happy Holidays to all and a very Healthy New Year…………..xoxoxo
Marshall,
God bless you for giving all of us the opportunity to express our feelings. We certainly don’t get that from Congress, the mainstream media, or other blogs. You are a true patriot and I know you are fighting for all of us. Merry Christmas to you and Suzanne, and much love in the coming year. Les
To one who has known you longer than most, I thank you for your comments. Woody and I wish you both a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. T
Kepp on keeping on! Tho’ retired,you are not just following the shade around a palm tree! Enjoy your blogs…and your friendship. A great 2010 to you and Suzanne…and all of us.
Pat
I am a firm believer that most people in America take our freedom for granted. Our freedoms reach far beyond the spoken word. However, it is great to agree to disagree.
There are very few places on this earth that can make that statement.
As I write this on Christmas Eve, I wish everyone could (because I know it is not possible, nor practical) stop all the political arguing, bitching and moaning about how bad things are and just take a moment to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. Just for a little while.
Merry Christmas, Ron & Lynda
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU AND YOURS MARSHALL.
MAY YOUR 2010 BE BLESSED WITH HEALTH AND HAPPINESS. YOU ARE A GREAT AMERICAN.
LOVE GLORIA SGRO DISANTO
Marshall, Thanks for a great year of reading. I pray that you, your family and all the bloggers on this site experience a safe and wonderful CHRISTMAS and joyful New Year. We live in the greatest Country in the world and with hard work and the graces of God, we will continue to do so for many, many more decades. ll
Back at you big guy. And I don’t mean in a physical way. You are “big” in so many ways that really matter in this world. I respect and admire you far more than you realize. I always have and always will. John
A very Merry Christmas to you and yours, Marshall, and to all who read your blog.
Marshall:
May everyone have a wonderful Christmas and all look towards a great new year as we all live in interesting times.
Merry Christmas to all, and let everyones opion be granted.
Well said Marshall!
I think a great & sneaky threat to our freedoms comes now from the UN, where the
very concept of freedom is a stranger.
UN pressure for restrictions on free speech
are not new. Few UN Member States share our respect for Free Speech. Fewer still can even ponder an “Individual Right to Arms.”
IMHO, the Obama Admin.’s devotion to Big
Goverment socialized control, threatens all the freedoms of our “Bill of Rights.”
So, as I wish you and your family the best
for this Holiday Season, I look forward to
your Blogs to come in 2010, in defense of
America’s Freedoms. Now, if I may…..
…Right Hand Salute TO: all our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen & Marines away from their families this Christmas. “Stop the Cavalry”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hVEdE0O5tA
Marshall, as usual you are hitting the nail squarely on the head again. But I don’t consider this a waste of time, space or effort because, as unbelievable as this may seem, we still have people who do not understand this truth, and for their own contorted reasons work against this very basic type of freedom. And, some such people are often in our government as elected representatives. So keep writing. And a very, very MERRY CHRISTMAS to you and yours.
Joe
Merry Christmas to you and Suzanne, and so enjoyed your music tonight.
We may not be able to save the rest of the world, But we sure as hell can try to save America!
Marshall, keep your spirit strong and blog on target, as usual.
Do you want to run for President?
Fred Schlafly
Marshall,
We don’t always agree however I’ve always respected you and your opinions as you have mine. I wish you a happy and healthy holiday season and new year.
I’m looking forward to another year of sharing the blessing of free speech with you.
Marshall keep being you! I have confidence in Suzanne to keep you in line.
Marsh, I always look forward to receiving your thoughtful writings, and am never dis-satified with what the latest one concludes.
To day I forwarded a letter from a cousin in Ca. Terry added a copy of a letter written by Calif doctor to his senator and I have to say, in line with your topic today, THIS SCAREES THE HELL OUT OF ME.
for any who may have voted for Obama, ask yourself if you still believe his “change you can believe in” is in the best interest of this nation and each of you personally>
I’ve rantedd enough for one day, so I’ll just say merry Christmas and happy new to you, Suzanne and everyone to whom you send your blog.
Jay
To all of you have a wonderfull holiday and enjoy your famlies.
Marshall,
Thank you for your insightful blogs and your opinions; which I have endear for thirty some years.
I invite you to the Arsht Center to hear some great orchestra’s this coming year. Bring your violin and I will give you some alone time at the Concert Hall.
My joy bless your heart always!
David
If we had more Americans like you, maybe our Country wouldn’t be in its present condition. What you’re doing is very important to us all, irrespective of our political beliefs. You’re very special to us, so take care of yourself, and we wish you and Sue all the best in the coming year. Love to you both, Kathy, Sean, Shaara, and Don, in spirit.
Merry Christmas Frank,
Keep on blogging.
Marshall….Well, here it is again, another year. I think back to all of those years I’ve lived and the “changes” I’ve seen. Family marrying and moving on. My dear Mother dying two months ago & the profound sadness I felt and “still” feel. My oldest grandchild entering college….whew! Where has the time gone.
I find myself reminiscing…swaying in the hammock bye the pool and trying to stay ahead of life. AND….sometimes in a brief & private moment, it occurs to me that my world has changed beyond even my own recognition . My government has changed, and I am afraid. Oh, not afraid for me. I am afraid for my youngest grandchild because at three years old she faces a world so much more dangerous than I faced. The mores & value judgements that I embraced are changing so fast that I can’t keep up with them. And, suddenly I think back to guys like you, Dr. Joe Davis (the famous Medical Examiner for those of you who don’t know him) & other people that is in or has passed thru my life, & somehow a clamness comes over me. I see the “GOOD” of humanity. I see the effort by folks like you and others who encourages us to “try.” To try to KEEP our country & our values…and to stand and be counted for teaching the difference between GOOD & EVIL. So, Marshall, I thank you (for myself) for your friendship and for my family, for your efforts to keep the “Good Fight” alive. God bless you and all here.
Marshall, as always, I view you as a friend, a fellow writer and a very intelligent and caring person. I would like to just say to you, I hope you have a Merry Christmas, Happy Holiday season, and most of all a healthy New Year.
And a Merry Christmas Blog Greeting to your sir!
Marshall, best wishes to you and yours. “Fairness” and “justice” require that both sides have a basic understanding of what the terms mean. Committed fanatics, (ref: The True Believer by Eric Hoffer) regard such terms, along with “mercy”, as weakness on our part which validates their cause.
Marshall, While I don’t always post a response to your blogs, I always enjoy reading them and hope you continue for many years to come.
I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and best wishes for the New Year.
Marshall,
perhaps I am naive but I believe that no truly thinking person can be a captive of either the doctrinaire right or left. My own views owe nothing to either end of the spectrum and neither do yours; if they did, I wouldn’t bother to keep coming back to learn what you have to say. So best wishes of the season to you and Suzanne.
Jan Siren
I have enjoyed being part of this blog over this past year, Marshall, the first of its kind I have joined. We appreciate the hours of research you do before you offer any opinion you do on any subject you study, which gives us a basis to form, or modify, and agree or disagree with what any member of our “discussion group” thinks. I find this find intellectually stimulating, and am happy to find so many others who find it is good that we can agree to disagree!
I hope you are enjoying a good holiday, with family if you have one, and may we all enjoy the next year with our “blog group”!
Wife Ann and I read you because we always learn something – it is us who should thank you. We agree with all you do to safe guard our freedom. All the best in 2010 Marshall! Andy
Hi Marshall: I’ve enjoyed immensely your extremely well written as well as well researched articles. Keep up the good work as there are so few who can express the thoughts of so many as you can. Tom
I take your words at face value but still feel there is a disconnect in what you espouse and how your words would be operational. Nicholas was a victim of Soviet oppression, and all of use can relate to his experiences of fear and discriminaiton. In my life time, Fascism which ruled in Germany, exterminated twenty million human beings. Six million were Jews. The reasons for exterminating them by the German State has a frightening similarity to the opprobrium Marshall Frank casts on Islam and Moslems. Just substitute Jew for Islam in his rantings and you will be amazed. I do not think Frank realizes what his words connotate, including the contempt he shows toward Obama, but I hope he will ponder and look closely at how he is supporting the same ideology that the extreme rightist do not only in the US, but among nationalist, fascist and Black or Jew haters every where. There is an organization in the US which monitors hate, The Southern Poverty Law Center in Montgomery Alabama. Morris Dees is the director. Frank would be advised to connect with them for understanding of how his message comes across.
The Marshall Frank I know holds no contempt for anyone and certainly does not espouse any extreme ideology such as the hatred shown by fascist or right-wing fundamentalism. As an Obama follower however, I would wish for him to show a little patience while this new administration works to undo eight previous years of poor leadership and our misguided involvement in an unnecessary war in Iran.