Read on Twitter
Karl here.
Normally I share a few words on this day every year eulogizing Brandon. Each year I am intentional about highlighting different themes of my memories of him to, hopefully, encourage #cf97 to draw their own personalized meaning from 'Stand and Deliver'.
Normally I share a few words on this day every year eulogizing Brandon. Each year I am intentional about highlighting different themes of my memories of him to, hopefully, encourage #cf97 to draw their own personalized meaning from 'Stand and Deliver'.
I usually spend several weeks drafting this message, revising and seeking advice from my chosen family and close friends. This is a labor of love and I am honored when folks reach out to share their own personal connections to the life and words of a man they may have never met.
I didn't do that this year.
Brandon hated those who attained power with the intent of abusing it. He was a patriot, not in cheapened Fox News sense of the word but as someone that believed in the higher ideals of what America could and should be.
Brandon hated those who attained power with the intent of abusing it. He was a patriot, not in cheapened Fox News sense of the word but as someone that believed in the higher ideals of what America could and should be.
Brandon was always growing and asking probing questions to further his understanding of the world. He was intensely interested in the experiences of others and, despite his reputation as a bit of a loud mouth, close friends knew he was one of the best listeners around.
He entered his military service as an advocate of the wars but left as a harsh critic - motivated by the suffering and loss he witnessed firsthand. His sincerely held views transformed due to his unusually keen sense of empathy and ability to put himself in another's shoes.
It is impossible to know with certainty but, as someone who knew him, well I'm confident he'd be exercising that sense of empathy today to lift up the voices of those at the intersections of oppression and to express solidarity with their fight.
I believe he would have recognized this descent into authoritarianism as a profound affront to the ideals he cherished and would have fought against them passionately. Anyone that knew him knows that when got riled up about something, it was serious business.
As a call to action this year: use your empathy to grow and to understand those around you. Personal growth is a good thing and it helps us become better-informed more compassionate members of the #cf97, Chicago, and worldwide communities.
We're collectively experiencing a profound time of loss - of loved ones and friends - due to COVID and a whole range of other causes.
For me it is empowering to share memories that keep loved ones alive. Grieving, however, is a personal process. If you want to talk, call me.
For me it is empowering to share memories that keep loved ones alive. Grieving, however, is a personal process. If you want to talk, call me.
Don't stop fighting, don't stop learning, and believe in other's ability to grow and change for the better.
