Reflections on citizenship, democracy, literature, and contemporary American life. Serious book reviews, social satire, and comedy not for everyone.
Ben East’s nonfiction debut recounts how JFK’s bold experiment shaped diplomatic careers and influenced modern American diplomacy.
The figures highlighted here tracked looted antiquities after the invasion of Iraq, re-established diplomacy in Afghanistan after 9/11, and secured village infrastructure while war raged in Vietnam. As hostages in Iran, they maintained diplomatic discipline to bridge a volatile cultural divide. These are individuals of deep courage and conviction, whether integrating a southern U.S. high school or finding comfort in African village beliefs to cope with personal tragedy.
Read, Listen, Watch
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“Be obsessed. Obsession is a very good thing.”
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Go Big, Write Big, said nobody ever.
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One last time I’ll flick the switch to light the tree and warm my home with that iridescent glow, more a mood and vibe than actual color associated with words.
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I met him in Accra when the Carter Center visited Ghana for an update on its Guinea Worm eradication program. He was humble, polite, and eager to hear from the embassy briefers.
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December was a productive month and a needed revitalization of my purpose as a writer. I hope others are finding similar wind at their backs, and that it will continue to blow us into and through the new year.
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Self-interest and party over country has sucked the prospect of moral authority from all political leanings.
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There’s even a Q in our shower.
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what the fuck, WordPress AI?
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Who else inspired me this year? Do you want to hear about the teachers in my sons’ classrooms, their coaches and music gurus, the everyday heroes who drove them here and cheered for them there, the aunts and uncles and grandparents who served as role models?
Ben East Books 