Linda Belliveau:
CLASS OF 1973
Issaquah High SchoolClass of 1973
Issaquah, WA
Linda's Story
Hello all fellow grads…..
Life has some interesting twists, even in our sunset years. I wanted to share my thoughts on our upcoming elections in 2024 as many of you know how politically engaged I remain, but my personal story has unfolded in such an unpredictable and positive way. It explains the internal fortitude I’ve measured; the decades of dedication to protect our Democracy, the values granted to all under that umbrella and the very Constitution that scribed our inalienable rights by the Founding Fathers, now so under threat. However, I’m getting ahead of myself. So, my known history. Way back in the 50’s/60’s, the Nohavec children were all adopted….myself and three brothers through a legitimate agency in St Louis. Some 65 years later, and DNA Ancestry, my recent story begins. I am blessed to discover, I am a Davis/Young….a long awaited confirmation of my heritage and what has defined me. My bio family has embraced me, given me such insight, love and acceptance (and now I know where my height comes from)! My bio mom had a long life, passed this May at 93 y/o. I have four 1/2 siblings, two sisters of whom I’ve become very close to. They visited within 2 months after knowing of my existence….it’s as though we were never parted. Just for fun, we are headed to Paris Sept 2024 to connect and do what sisters do, I guess. Since I only had brothers growing up, it’s a new adventure I’m looking forward to. As an avid historian (of all things), I was beyond measure when my family bestowed a copy our esteemed lineage, aka family tree in a large portfolio last Christmas. Stories and photos, bibles with births/deaths, marriages, and well, it’s just a bit overwhelming. Humbly, I now recognize I stand on the shoulders of giants. Men and strong women that built and facilitated much history and settlement in America….some good, some not so. There is a family reunion each year at the old Virginia plantation and I’ll be attending as invited. Our lineage goes back to William the Conquerer, plus many incarnations of esteemed captains of liberty and democracy. Members of the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution), Revolutionary Colonels, Writers of the Constitution, Militia, Minute Men, Presidents (not Washington), Congressmen (politicians too numerous to list).….well known historical figures, frontiersman James Bowie, founder of the LDS/Mormon religion, Brigham Young, all relatives to the Davis/Young family. Just for comic relief, Lucille Ball, Doris Day and George Clooney are all in the distant family too. Of course, a few ugly racial injustices as owning 34,000 acres in Virginia at the plantation meant monumental slave holdings. Civil War brought true division in the family between Confederates and the Union, many battles, many losses. So again, I can honestly state, verified by historical documentation, I stand on the shoulders of giants when it comes to this country. It defines who I am and explains my passion for America, righting injustices and upholding our Democracy…...it’s genetic, it’s a birthright. Therefore, with all those that have come before us, honoring those that have given the ultimate sacrifice fighting to protect our Democracy, their dedication to ensuring America remains a bright beacon of hope, with justice for all, I implore you to vote Democrat in the 2024 Presidential election as well as other races around the country. It’s long overdue to eradicate this radicalized Republican autocracy of fascist doctrine perpetuated by Trump and his loyalists, Fox News and many other media sources. It’s all false rhetoric. From the conspiracies they manifest to the claims of Jan 6th insurrectionists being patriots. Rupert Murdoch has been accused numerous times, not just in the US but around the world of biased misleading coverage in order to support his business interests. Even the Wall Street Journal, a once respected news source is now owned by Murdoch (as well as many national/international media publications). Recognize Dominion successfully brought suit against Murdoch and Fox News for defamation and non factual reporting about the 2020 election results. A continuous onslaught of lies that mislead the public (to this day!), all to benefit business interests, increase ratings and greed. Settled out of court, Murdoch adjudicated to pay $787M in damages, plus Fox personnel complicit in the deception were expelled. They are also required to post in their programming all commentary is based on opinions and for entertainment purposes, not factual in content. The fallout of such rhetoric has culminated into an infectious disease of false reporting and narratives supported by complicit and willing, malleable Republican leaders in this country. Whether appointed or elected, majority of Republicans and their alliances are in allegiance to an unhinged, now convicted felon, aligned to his manifesto of retaliation and unconscionable actions. They are focused on one goal….willing to destroy our freedoms and rights as Americans; to subjugate and control, to assault and delegitimize our legal institutions and elections. It’s a systemic lawlessness being subverted on our trusted legal system right up to the Supreme Court. Negligent in taking action, ignoring their oaths, partisan alliances, knowing all too well the consequences…Republicans recognize it means the fall of Democracy in this nation. It’s calculated. Therefore, Americans that still believe we must honor and defend the rights of our Constitution need to engage and wake up! Collectively, we must take every action going forward to keep Trump as far from the White House and regaining the most powerful office in the free world. No question, Republicans support Trump and their party allegiance over our country; they’ve willingly kissed the ring of autocracy, fomenting violence against our nation, our citizens that stand against intimidation and tierany. Republican candidates are seeking terms in office in states where they do not reside. Their goal is to unseat Democrats in every political format possible. Defined by staying or gaining in power, for wealth, immunity or to avoid prison, take your pick....Expand for more
The GOP is vastly broken. SCOTUS is broken…..majority of them are loyalists, morally corrupt and influenced by dark money and religious dogma. Their oaths to America and our judicial system are vacant, aligned to partisan and religious interests, not the American people. Be prepared those Republican appointed judges may grant immunity to the ex President. However, that also means any sitting or future President as well will have immunity. (A nightmare to consider how that affects our military.) Since reality seems to have alternate facts based on false narratives perpetuated by the right, let’s revisit the very first freedom of the First Amendment to the Constitution. That is to guarantee “separation of church and state” (as most people will recognize that phrase although written in different context). Our country is under siege. One by one, we are losing our freedoms and the majority of Republicans are supporting that mandate. The covert gerrymandering of voting districts that do not recognize the popular vote, outright non certification of elections being flaunted by Trump/Republican supporters are fact. Roe vs Wade overturned. Next will be birth control. Then onto our freedom of speech. Trump already attempted to silence two MSNBC commentators while in office. More recent, the jury and persons that testified for the prosecution are now under threat by MAGA loyalists; these brave Americans performed their duty by upholding the law, as a unified and unbiased collective of our citizens. That, my friends, is courage. Yet their security and freedoms granted to them as Americans is seriously now compromised and under threat. Every juror knows this and thus, not one has come forward for interviews (not even covertly). I’m so very hopeful their identities will not be discovered. Trump supports if not foments his loyalists to perform the same retaliatory actions as Putin, Kim Jong-Un and their autocratic manifestos enlist; listen closely and clearly to the alarming and dangerous historic rhetoric Trump is expressing. Hitler’s lunacy and the Third Reich ideology being embraced! (If none of this alarms you, reference current interview, Time Magazine.) Trump is stupid, easily manipulated, erratic and our foreign adversaries know it. They placate to his ego…he’s easily manipulated by money and obsessed with his perceptible power. Europe is in threat of an expanding war….NATO and our democratic alliances are alarmed. They should be. They’ve heard it all before from those that were witness to the atrocities. European nations are now preparing and expecting a Democratic collapse in the United States. It’s real, it’s frightening. Germany for one, recognizes the disaster to come if a Trump prospective future manifests here. They and other nations are preparing contingency plans to address that outcome. Why are some Americans so blind and resolute to deny facts, many complacent and unwilling to engage to protect our freedoms? Is it a cult mentality or sheer ignorance? My perspective, I’ve witnessed the dumbing down of our educational standards, the manipulation or complete dissolution of historical truths, embracing a twisted reality. Religious zealots fear truth. They are attempting, state by state to deny liberties to fellow Americans that subscribe to a different lifestyle or philosophy. We’ve witnessed their step by step successes. Recently, the assault to ban selected books and literature in our schools and public libraries that do not subscribe to their doctrine. Republicans are determined to secure braces on your freedoms, your rights and diminish our intellectual capital. Their political tactics as well as alliances with foreign AI is alarming but calculated if not premeditated. It is and will continue to negatively influence the masses with synthesized non truths. It’s a monumental threat to us as a nation; a deliberate attempt to overturn and control elections. To favor a particular candidate of their choosing…disavowing the popular vote and manipulating the Electoral College. Currently, my suggestion is to not focus on one or two issues important to yourself and thereby promoted by a candidate, but you must consider all records of performances of their agendas. The 2024 elections come down to this….Democracy vs Autocracy. Gain insight from reputable sources, know your candidates before casting your vote. We need Democratic leadership not Republican criminal enterprise. Do not become complacent. Fight for your Constitutional rights….for you, for others. Get active, get involved. Closer to home, Washington State is also now faced with a choice for a new governor. Top three….GOP endorsed Semi Bird (criminal history), Trump/Republican supporter, Dave Reichert or our Attorney General since 2013, Democrat Bob Ferguson. I’m hopeful, we as enlightened Washington residents, will retain our Democratic blue standing by electing a proven leader that represents all of us. In my book, that would be Bob Ferguson. Few are aware that Republicans in WA state along with grassroots efforts are legislating to change any and all doctrine that references “Democracy” and change to “Republicanism.” Do your research….recognize most of the Red states supporting the radical Republican right agenda are the least educated, lowest tax payers, lowest wage earners yet comprise the highest demand of public resources. You still have a choice. For you, your children and grandchildren, some of you with great grandchildren. What legacy do you want them to inherit? Destabilization of society and the world? Subjugation of women, our peoples, our precious Democracy as a fading memory? Please have open discussions….it’s imperative while we still have our First Amendment Rights; that being Freedom of Speech and Freedom of the Press. I stand for Truth so I’m in the political trenches fighting for all those that do not and remain blind. As true to my warrior spirit and American heritage, I will combat any threat to our country as my honored ancestors did. I hope you will join in securing that future as well by getting involved or donating to national or state Democratic campaigns. Best….Linda
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