Let's write about Revolutionary War cemetery remains- Rest In Peace

This echo report was published in The Washington Post by Kathleen Parker:

Soon, 14 Revolutionary War soldiers will finally rest in peace

Volunteers in Camden, South Carolina, conduct a funeral honors ceremony for Patriot soldiers whose remains were recently discovered at the Camden Battlefield. (Kathleen Parker /The Washington Post)

CAMDEN, South Carolina — A Swedish mother visiting her daughter watched in wonderment at the crowd gathered for a funeral honors ceremony for Revolutionary War troops — replete with a parade, a play, prayers and a plethora of dignitaries — to honor 14 soldiers who died on Aug. 16, 1780.

I turned to her and said, “We love our wars.” To which I should have added, “And we love our warriors.”

The soldiers’ remains were discovered last fall, buried as shallow as six inches deep in the sandy soil where they fell during the Battle of Camden. Thanks to the work of archeologists, coroners and historians, aided by buttons and other military paraphernalia, the battleground remains have been determined to belong to 12 Continental soldiers, one British loyalist and one British regular. Thirteen were honored as heroes in ceremonies planned by countless volunteers, both civilian and military. The 14th individual was determined to have had at least some Native American ancestry and so will be buried with help from the Catawba Nation and the Lumbee Tribe.

In fact, the reinterment of all the soldiers at the Camden Battlefield site is being delayed until the U.S. Army and the South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust can turn the ground into a military cemetery. The Army, which has a legislative mandate to protect military remains in perpetuity, buries its dead only in military cemeteries. For now, at least, the carefully crafted coffins are being held in a safe place until preparations for the cemetery are completed.

The Battle of Camden is historically important for many reasons, not least because it was the bloodiest battle in the American Revolutionary War but also because, well, Camden lost, bolstering Britain’s “Southern Strategy,” its plan to concentrate its forces in Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia. Even though the Patriots far outnumbered the Loyalists — 4,000 to 2,000 — they were out-trained and out-equipped, and many of them had dysentery. Whereas the British were armed with fancy bayonets affixed to their rifles, the often underage Patriots had only primitive, inaccurate muskets — if any — that they hadn’t been trained to use.

More than 900 Patriots died in the Battle of Camden. Another 1,000 were captured, many of them consigned to prison ships to waste away of disease and malnourishment. Among the British soldiers at Camden, just 68 died, 245 were wounded and 11 went missing.

The Southern Strategy — a concept most Americans probably identify with Richard Nixon — was at this time the work of King George III, or at least his military advisers. 

Long before the Civil War, the South was identified as unique and separate, which, then as now, wasn’t necessarily a compliment. Beginning in the 1660s, the Carolina Colony, which stretched from Virginia south to Florida and west to the Pacific Ocean, was populated by hardscrabble farmers in the northern half and planter-barons overseeing vast estates under slave labor in the southern half.

The remnants of those times and events can be seen today in a patriotic devotion to “place,” in the number of steeples per capita, and in the strong identification with war — and defeat — and with the military in general. There’s a reason that the South produces more military recruits (41 percent) than any other part of the country.

Streets and houses in Camden pay homage to military leaders, including some from the other side, who fought or died in one battle or another. A major thoroughfare, DeKalb Street, honorsMaj. Gen. Johann de Kalb, who led a division of Maryland and Delaware Continentals southward and died from wounds sustained in the Battle of Camden. 

Visitors here can’t miss the Georgian-style Kershaw-Cornwallis house, named both for town founder Joseph Kershaw, who built it, and for Lord Charles Cornwallis, who marched to Camden with 2,500 British troops and seized the home as a supply post.

We take our wars and our warriors seriously.

An exception to this rule is British-born Gen. Horatio Gates, who in addition to slandering the man whose job he wanted, George Washington, fled the Battle of Camden and galloped 180 miles north to escape the fate of so many under his command. Fittingly, he was the butt of several hilarious jokes in a local play, “The Battle of Camden,” written by Tony Scully, a transplanted Hollywood screenwriter and former Camden mayor. His stellar hour-long production ought to be adopted by school and local theater groups.

It featured local actors as well as a handful of cadets from Camden Military Academy, an impressive student drum and fife team (brothers Matthew Slade, 13, and Jonathan Slade, 15), and an interesting trio of women in wartime solidarity — a Native American, an African American (enslaved) and a White plantation mistress. The three testified to their various stations but also to their shared efforts to help the Revolution with healing, sewing and cooking. The play’s combination of history and seriousness had just enough humor to keep people in their seats.

Ceremonies began early on April 22, with a solemn procession of horse- and mule-drawn caissons loaded with the flag-draped coffins of the dead soldiers. I should mention that all the details of these events were the product of meticulous planning and local people volunteering their skills. The coffins were handcrafted by former theologian and minister Philip Hultgren, who learned woodworking from his Swedish-emigrant grandfather. Every nail was hand-forged by Jack Hurley, a retired University of Memphis history professor and a self-taught blacksmith. To be true to the period, Hurley created 30 two-inch nails per coffin, each one needing about 100 blows from his 4-pound hammer to create.

Hultgren’s authentic 18th-century-style coffins have six corners. Each one measures 5 feet, 6 inches in length and is finished with linseed oil.

“I wanted them to look like they were fashioned by someone who cared and who was a hands-on kind of person,” Hultgren said, adding, “They’re not perfect, but they look really good, and they have that sense of this is real, this is what a family would do.”

So it might have been in the summer of 1780. And so it is in the spring of 2023. Yes, we love our warriors. May they finally, eventually, rest in peace.

Let's write about cooking without a recipe

From the benefits of cooking with a dash of this and a splash of that!

Echo essay by Sudha Balagopal published in Hannaford "Fresh" magazine.

Butter chicken:  https://www.indianhealthyrecipes.com/butter-chicken/

Sudha Balagopal is the author of the novel "A New Dawn", two short story collections and the novella "Things I can't tell Amma".

Sudha Balagopal: Author

When someone asks me for a recipe, I'm likely to use language like, "a touch of salt" or "a splash of oil".  You won't find measuring tools in my kitchen.  I prefer to cook in dashes, pinches, and sprinkles- creating deliciousness through the inexact.  Sure, there are benefits to cooking with precision, knowing exactly how much to shop for, having a set of clear guidelines to follow. But,growing up in India, I watched my grandmother and mother cook thin, crispy dosas, rich smabar and spicy coconut chutney, all without a recipe in sight.  And beyond this approach being in my blood, it's also a terrific way to make my cooking more flexible, engaging and creative. 

Approximation allows for flexibility, especially when it comes to making the South Asian meals I grew up eating.  When I immigrated to the U.S., in teh 1980s, I couldn't find the ingredients I used to easily pick up back home like lentils for dal, basmati rice for the fried rice dish pulao, or Indian semolina for upma, a thick spiced porridge.  So, I turned to approximation, substituting yellow split peas for lentils, American long-grain rice for basmati, and cream of wheat for semolina.  Even with the substitutions, the warmth of home enveloped me whenever I sat down to eat. 

Cooking this way also engages my five senses and keeps me present. When making chole, chickpeas in an onion tomato gravy, the rich color tells me I have added just the right amount of spices.  When cooking the broth rasam, I'm tasting for that certain tomato-y-tang.  When warming cumin or mustard seeds in hot oil, I listen for the sizzle.  I rely on my senses to tell me when the dish is right or when it may need just a hint more of something else.

By using those senses and that flexibility, a dish is born!  Moreover, it is stamped with my own personal take.  Even something as simple as rice can be personalized by adding extra water for softer rice or a bit less for firmer grains, tossing in a sprinkle of cayenne pepper, seasoning it with a dollop of ghee or a drizzle of vegetable oil, or garnishing the finished dish with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.

Finding the preference point might mean making adjustments until I arrive at my "yum" moment.  But, it's that "yum" moment for which I substitute, trust my senses and stamp what I create with my personal tastes. Indeed, it's that "yum", for which I've given myself the license to be inexact.

Let's write about a spiritual connection to Cardinals: Those gorgeous red birds

Indeed, my Italian mother believed in the power of birds to bring spiritual meaning into our souls and that they may even represent the spirits of loved ones who are communicating with the living.

In fact, we often see cardinals in our Maine yard.  We have also been aggravated by a cardinal that insisted on pecking at his reflection in our dining room window; and he began his narcissistic reflexive actions at the crack of dawn. 

Obviously, this echo inspiration published in The Power of Positivity, by Kristen Lawrence, supports the spiritual power of nature expressed to us by birds, particularly the cardinals.  I have taken several photographs of cardinals in our yard and happily include them in this blog.

L'Heureux photograph

No matter how often cardinals visit your backyard, seeing these magnificent birds never gets old. Their vibrant red feathers and sweet, cheerful songs bring happiness to everyone they visit. Luckily, cardinals don’t migrate, so if you live in the eastern U.S., you can enjoy them year-round.

Along with their striking appearance, cardinals captivate many people because of their ties to the spiritual world. Some believe this beloved bird represents a messenger from the heavenly realm or a loved one trying to capture their attention. Other popular interpretations of cardinals include transformation, true love, good luck, or a message from an angel.

In Native American traditions, some tribes believe cardinals comfort those who have recently lost a loved one. The bold red bird also represents monogamy since they mate for life. Therefore, many tribes think that single people who spot one will find love soon. Finally, other Native American tribes like the Pima believe seeing a cardinal means rain will follow shortly.

However, regularly encountering cardinals will mean something different to everyone based on personal beliefs and circumstances. 

L'Heureux photograph

If they appear in your backyard often, they may have an important message to relay. Below, we’ll delve deeper into the symbolism of cardinals and share some interesting facts about them.

Five Common Meanings Of Seeing Cardinals

1. Seeing cardinals could signify a message from a departed loved one.

L'Heureux photograph

Many people feel comforted when they notice a cardinal nearby after losing a family member or friend. Some believe these birds visit grieving family members to offer solace and support. They serve as messengers for departed loved ones who want to assure their families that they’ve arrived at a better place. So, if you notice any of these lovely birds, it could mean someone from the spirit world wants to connect with you.

2. A reminder to not cling to the physical realm.

While these powerful spirit animals want to comfort you after suffering a bereavement, they also have another important message. Cardinals want to remind you not to fear death or become too attached to earthly life. Nothing lasts forever, so you should neither avoid nor cling to the physical realm. These adorable birds want to share the message that our souls are eternal, so death means nothing in the grand scheme of things.

Cardinals often visit funerals and cemeteries to support families who have lost a loved one. It’s a sign from beyond that we will reunite with our families and friends who have passed on someday.

3. Cardinals also represent good fortune.

These brilliant red birds also signify good luck and abundance, reminding us to pay attention to all the beauty in the world. Many people, including Native American tribes, consider the cardinal a positive omen. Since they always lay twelve eggs, some tribes believe this also represents a sign of luck. Whether or not you agree with this interpretation, seeing a cardinal is always a sight to behold.

L'Heureux photograph

4. A sign to treasure your relationships and remain open-hearted.

Did you know cardinals mate for life and build a nest in the same place year-round? Because of this, many people associate these vividly colored birds with domestic bliss, family life, and monogamy. If you’re in a relationship, it’s a sign to remain faithful to your partner and fully appreciate them.

Moreover, the red birds also want to remind single people to remain open to love and cherish their other relationships. Some believe the cardinal signifies romance on the horizon for anyone looking for their special someone.

Also, the cardinal can represent friendship since these birds are known for being sociable and chummy. In summary, this feathered friend signifies love in all its forms, reminding us to treasure the people in our lives.

5. The cardinal could indicate the presence of an angel.

Since departed loved ones often communicate through cardinals, it’s not farfetched to believe guardian angels do so as well. Some think seeing these spirit animals means an angel wants to share a message from beyond. Perhaps the heavenly being wants to protect you or offer guidance. Sometimes they have specific messages for you based on circumstances in your life that you have struggled with recently.

If you feel a presence in the room or a chill in the air upon seeing a cardinal, this strongly suggests an angelic or spiritual being is nearby. Try to calm your mind and listen to your intuition — it will give you the message you need to hear.

Interesting Facts About Cardinals

• Seven states have designated the Northern Cardinal as their state bird: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia.
• Cardinals, also known as redbirds, represent one of only a few species of North American songbirds whose female sings.
• The redbirds have over 24 songs, and mates often communicate with song phrases during nesting periods. Females often sing while sitting in the nest to let males know when to bring food.
• Male cardinals get their vivid red hue from their diet, consisting mainly of mulberries, hackberries, and blackberries. Eating a diet rich in berries helps males develop brighter feathers, which they use to attract mates.
• Their name comes from the red robes worn by cardinals of the Catholic church.
• Northern Cardinals live mainly in the East, Midwest, and Southwest U.S. They’re spotted in various climates such as swamps, forests, deserts, city parks and backyards.

Final Thoughts on Spiritual Interpretations of Cardinals

The universe often sends messages through spirit animals, such as the beautiful cardinal. In Native American traditions and other cultures, it’s said that the redbird represents love, positivity, and messages from spiritual beings. Many believe angels and departed loved ones share important information from the heavenly realms through cardinals. Others say these birds show up when you need a sign to seize new opportunities or take risks.

Let's write about the definition of hush money!

An revealing echo essay published in The New Yorker titled "You Don't Say", Department. By Zach Helfand

When Donald Paid Stormy: A History of Hush Money

Buying silence is as old as Genesis. Among the hushers: Bill Cosby, Michael Jackson, Bette Davis, and a U.S. President with a special friend called Jerry the Penis.

Is it a stretch to submit that Donald Trump is served a looming indictment for mishandling a payoff to the porn star Stormy Daniels, and not, say, for inciting an insurrection, because the Stormy Daniels case has an obvious tagline? 

Donald Trump paid $130,000 to Stormy Daniels with laundered money he used from his campaign funds, giving the dough to Michael Cohen as payment for legal services, who then paid it out to Stormy.  Obviously, Trump was cheap. Clearly, tRrump did not pay Stormy nearly enough and his underhanded illegal deal is now exposed for what it was- bribery for sex (and, by the way, while his wife Melania was pregnant and giving birth to their son!)

Pick any news outlet—Times, Fox, Breitbart. It’s always the “hush-money case.” Here’s a concept you can sell. Epsteins, Weinsteins, Charlie Sheens. It’s easily comprehensible, onomatopoeic. Hush.  (Okay - "onomaopoeic"?  In other words, nearly universally understood because "hush" is a stand alone word, in describing itself.)

Indeed, the term is sultry, lubricious; typically what’s being hushed is evidence of sex. Unlike the confidential legal settlement or the corporate N.D.A., hush money carries a whiff of the entrepreneurial. When Joseph Addison and Richard Steele started The Tatler, in 1709, they courted it. “I expect hush-money to be regularly sent for every folly or vice any one commits in this whole town,” Steele wrote. He was the first to employ the term but not the practice; for about as long as people have been saying stuff, others have been paying them not to. In Genesis, the King of Gerar tries to seduce Abraham’s wife, then pays him off with sheep, oxen, and servants. The King calls it “a covering of the eyes.” See nothing, say nothing.

What’s the going rate these days for silence? Inflation doesn’t compute precisely for sheep and oxen. Michael Jackson paid two hundred million. Bill Cosby paid three and a half, Bill O’Reilly forty-five. The sum depends on what you’re trying to hush up. 

When Bette Davis’s husband recorded her in bed with Howard Hughes, she paid him seventy-five thousand dollars to keep it private. Jerry Falwell, Jr., provided the pool boy, whom Falwell liked to watch in bed with his own wife, with around two million. (Michael Cohen, Trump’s fixer, helped broker a deal.) Rudy Giuliani, in his capacity as Trump’s lawyer, once offered a mathematical model. “I never thought a hundred thirty thousand was a real payment,” he said, of the sum Trump paid to Daniels. “It’s a nuisance payment. When I settle it as real or a real possibility, it’s a couple million dollars.”

“That’s a preposterous statement,” the victims’-rights lawyer Gloria Allred said last week, when solicited for an expert opinion. “It’s not like buying a car.” A few years ago, Allred was criticized in the Times for negotiating a confidentiality settlement between a client and Harvey Weinstein. In response, she noted that the settlement didn’t preclude criminal charges; it was just a modicum of justice. She thought “hush money” conveyed the wrong message. “It’s a negative term,” she said. (William Safire called it “always strongly pejorative.”) “There’s nothing inherently wrong, and there’s a lot that’s right, when two people want to settle a matter.”

Through the ages, hush money has nevertheless been associated with dirty dealing. Thucydides hinted at it disapprovingly, Dickens scorned the payee more than the payer, Dostoyevsky viewed it as a transaction on the road to Hell. Sweeney Todd was hit up for hush money by his tonsorial rival; he slit the guy’s throat instead.

In the real world, the power dynamics are often lopsided. An alarming number of silencers are Presidents and their ilk: Hamilton, Jefferson, John Edwards. J.F.K. paid hush money of sorts, in the form of political capital, to J. Edgar Hoover, who’d discovered one of his affairs. Warren Harding sent hush money every year to a spurned mistress in possession of his love letters, which featured recurring characters that included Jerry the Penis. “Wish I could take you to Mount Jerry,” Harding wrote in one. “Wonderful spot.”

On the Watergate tapes, discussing the burglars, Nixon may have uttered the phrase “hush money” to his adviser Charles W. Colson, or maybe just something that sounded like it. (“Shush, honey”?) Decades later, Trump was recorded discussing a different mistress with Cohen. Was that Trump saying “Pay with cash”? Giuliani, never one to self-hush, argued on Fox News that Trump actually said, “Don’t pay with cash.” Giuliani explained that he had experience with surreptitious recordings: “How about four thousand hours of Mafia people on tape? I know how to listen to them, I know how to transcribe them. I’ve dealt with much worse tapes than this.” Folly, vice. Cover thine eyes.

What’s a wrongdoer to do? A call was placed to Eric Dezenhall, a crisis-management specialist who has advised such clients as the Sacklers and ExxonMobil and who has consulted on scores of secret settlements. “One of the things you hear is, It’s the coverup that gets you,” Dezenhall said. “That’s not true! This shouldn’t be taken as something I advise or support, but coverups work all the time.”

Of course, they work only if the public doesn’t hear about them. “Twenty years ago, if you wrote somebody a check to stay quiet, it would stay quiet,” Dezenhall said. “The problem today is people take your money, and then they go on TV anyway.” Not all of them, though. Who knows what Dezenhall’s clients—billionaires, celebrities—have kept hushed up? 

Dezenhall does, but he couldn’t possibly say.