Welcome to Litsy!

I spent most of my time as a #longtimefed more or less in the realm of soft power. It‘s another topic I can‘t possibly do justice to in 451 characters, except to say I know whereof I speak when it comes to this area.

Pulling direct aid from the developing world, especially in the cruel and abrupt way we did so, opens up a huge space for China to swoop in. But we “need Ukraine‘s minerals” to combat China.

Then we humiliate Zelenskyy in the WH.*

I was influenced into buying the TikTok bookshelf. I love it! I‘m thankful my husband helped me (read: did it himself) put it together because it was complex. Thinking about getting another….its so nice that it doesn‘t have to go against a wall.

I could honestly repost Mulvaney‘s entire conversation, but I think I‘ll just highlight this. #mulvaney #mickmulvaney #thedivider #peterbaker #susanglasser #ukraine #russia #foreignpolicy #corruption #donaldtrump #impeachment #presidency #internationalpolitics #worldhistory #history #politicalscience

A long, quite involved audiobook about the state of immigration in the United States by way of Mexico and elsewhere in Central America. Blitzer goes back to cover a history of immigration, including policies and the political climate around the topic, and continues into the present day. He profiles individuals to humanize the topics of deportation, detention, and even parent-child separation at the border. ..to be continued in 2025 😱

This was really interesting. A Marine Corps legend I first heard about in boot camp, and why I read it. I was curious as soon as I heard of it. He really breaks down the how and why of so many things this country & our military do & how they are flawed. He also gives his plan of how things can be done better. Being written after only the 1st World War and before nuclear weapons, some of the ideas are dated. Not to say some wouldn't still work tho.

This 500 page book is engaging, encompassing, and complex. Spanning 40 years, multiple countries, people, policies, methods of torture, and hope, this follows a few people living through immigration, deportation and escape. It‘s an incredible read- and expertly gives context to a complex multi-national issue. Exceptional.

Language alert! Sometimes, it can be so simple. #barackobama #obama #thecallofhistory #foreignpolicy #politicalscience #peterbaker #internationalpolitics #history #worldhistory #americanpresidency #unitedstates #presidency

repost for @puddlejumper

Dice roller this month because I have my niece and I'm scared she will steal my dice. Little goblin in the making!

June's #roll100

Roll 1 = 66
Roll 2 = 7
Roll 3 = 24

Let me know what you're reading by tagging @puddlejumper

#two4tuesday

1. I have 3 possible options: (a) Diagonally Parked in a Parallel Universe; (b) Well That Didn‘t Go As Planned; or (c) Traveling Purposefully in a Vague Direction

2. I‘m not sure how I‘d define a life “well-lived” but Madeline Albright has certainly had an interesting life.

#2023yearend