I just made the time to read this. What a great piece. What an incredible life. I knew fragments of Lafayette's history, but not the entire scope. And to think it started when he came to the colonies at 19 -- 19!!!
A chef's kiss to the conclusion of the piece. That was perfect. Thank you.
Cathy, Thank you the extraordinary account of Larayette's life and times. It is a superlative work of thought and writing. And what can we conclude from Lafayette's story? That men, despite their many faults, can evolve, can change and still hold true to their core beliefs. They still can be a force for good.
When I was in Paris, my French tour guide was shocked that I would recognize the statue of Lafayette. Sadly, most Americans do not know his (and France) contributions to our countries formation.
Layfayette was like a real like Candide - and I cannot help but love him for it. Reading this brought tears to my eyes. But then again I get teary-eyed at Robin Hood and King Arthur and Thoreau.
Thank you kindly, Cathy Young, for a great history class. This monk sees that the misunderstanding of history, by not looking at events objectively, is the reason so many folks behave like idiots, in this monk's very humble opinion.
Right wing nuts, left wing nuts...they both end up being anti-Semitic. Palestinians are humans and have human rights. and yet, hamas raping and killing is not ok. Oy vey!🙏
I have always been interested in Lafayette and his role in the American revolution and subsequent French political upheavals. Thank you for this excellent essay. A remarkable man holding many of the contradictions of evolving US democracy.
I just made the time to read this. What a great piece. What an incredible life. I knew fragments of Lafayette's history, but not the entire scope. And to think it started when he came to the colonies at 19 -- 19!!!
A chef's kiss to the conclusion of the piece. That was perfect. Thank you.
Thanks much, Cathy, for this piece on a truly admirable man.
Cathy, Thank you the extraordinary account of Larayette's life and times. It is a superlative work of thought and writing. And what can we conclude from Lafayette's story? That men, despite their many faults, can evolve, can change and still hold true to their core beliefs. They still can be a force for good.
Thank you - most enlightening.
This is a man to be admired. Many admirable men have flaws, but in reading this I see to the core of Lafayette, and it is a shining core.
Great piece!
Great read!
When I was in Paris, my French tour guide was shocked that I would recognize the statue of Lafayette. Sadly, most Americans do not know his (and France) contributions to our countries formation.
Layfayette was like a real like Candide - and I cannot help but love him for it. Reading this brought tears to my eyes. But then again I get teary-eyed at Robin Hood and King Arthur and Thoreau.
Thank you kindly, Cathy Young, for a great history class. This monk sees that the misunderstanding of history, by not looking at events objectively, is the reason so many folks behave like idiots, in this monk's very humble opinion.
Right wing nuts, left wing nuts...they both end up being anti-Semitic. Palestinians are humans and have human rights. and yet, hamas raping and killing is not ok. Oy vey!🙏
Fantastic work.
I always felt moved thinking about the story of the American forces arriving to help France in WWI and visiting his grave on July 4th.
Lafayette, we are here.
This year I feel a bit sad thinking about it. May we one day become the United States Lafayette thought we could be again.
Thank you so much for this.
As an older American, my history lessons about Lafayette began and ended with his involvement in the American Revolution, much of it glorified.
I had no idea of his rich history afterwards.
My pleasure!
A wonderful piece. I learned a lot from it.
May we stay as optimistic, hopeful, and joyous to the cause of liberty as Lafayette.
Wow, thank you for this condensed history lesson!
I have always been interested in Lafayette and his role in the American revolution and subsequent French political upheavals. Thank you for this excellent essay. A remarkable man holding many of the contradictions of evolving US democracy.
Terrific essay. Thank you.