11 Comments
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Kristen Malcolm's avatar

Wow. I was expecting merely to read a good story, but got so much more. I definitely needed to read this today. Thanks for both the good story and the reminder of a truth we so easily forget.

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Rob (c137)'s avatar

When you stood up to that tyrant, you were at the time the one of the very few. I too had done similar things with teachers who played vicious control games on students. I even stood up for others.

Nowadays, I think the number of people like us increased. It's still not at a critical mass yet (theorized at 3% as history shows with civil rights and other changes the crooked politicians had to implement). However due to con-vid, it's been dramatically increasing. Sooner or later, pop. No more bullshit because people are finally standing up to the people who reinforce authoritarian shit.

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Chris Youngblood's avatar

Right on Rob! I'm glad to hear you stood up for others too. Always appreciate your insights.

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Barbara Wegner's avatar

Even if we can’t, as a single person, stop an authoritarian, we can always be a speed bump and make them think twice or slow down in the future. Then at least we did something, and we can still have some self-respect.

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Jacqueline Rendell's avatar

I love this story. I can really feel what you are expressing so powerfully here, Chris. Thank you for being you, and for holding the ground for what’s good and real and true. 🙏❤️✨

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Jacqueline Rendell's avatar

Yes, it was definitely a story that needed telling!

I have to admit, it'll be my very first Zoom performance! Having to change how I usually play my songs due to distortion/sound challenges but I'm cool with that!! See ya later! :)

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Chris Youngblood's avatar

I’m sure it will be great!

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Jacqueline Rendell's avatar

Me too! All of it. 😊

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Chris Youngblood's avatar

I'm glad you loved it and the feeling came through Jacqueline! That story is one I think of occasionally but never wrote about. I figured now was the time. Looking forward to seeing you and your performance at Salon 2 tomorrow!!

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William Hunter Duncan's avatar

I didn't learn the power of no until later in life. It became my favorite word. It probably still is.

It is not often I hear someone other than myself say that people are divine. I think you were at the Salon last night? Subscribing.

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Feb 2, 2024
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Chris Youngblood's avatar

I laughed so hard at the story of your mother and the teacher. Love it! You are correct about showing respect to get it. My son told me the other day that a kid he has a class with told him, "Your dad is really cool man." This was only because I had a nice conversation with him at the gym. I also asked him about his life, just stuff like sports, school, etc. Then he opened up. Teenagers want to open up to adults. I spoke to him no different than I would to any adult. I'm glad you loved the story. It's one I think of from time to time but never wrote about it. I figured now was the time. Be well!

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