Thank you so much for everything. We do appreciate it and we are lucky to have you in this fight together.
I just reread On Tyranny and keep reminding myself Stay Calm when the Unimaginable Happens. And of course keep encouraging others not to obey in advance.
I always assumed (meaning I certainly could be wrong) that you left the country because you saw what was happening politically, and continues to happen, here in the US. I never thought of it as cowardice or political regression, but I did think that, with your knowledge and experience, you made a smart and very understandable move. In fact, I envied you! I'd have done the same in your place. I've always greatly admired your work. Best wishes.
Totally agree. You are a force for change in our world wherever you reside, and likely have even more freedom to speak out now. Thank you and we will anticipate continuing to hear your words of wisdom and encouragement and learn from your example. Take care! Live long and prosper!
While I knew and still know that you are working daily for Ukraine, peace, the world, it is good that you shared all this to reinforce your strength. You are my hero!
I see you've really taken on that message about not expecting other people to conform to your personal standards of perfection. Prof Snyder's specialist area is European politics. He sticks to his area. And you have no idea what he may have said or done or contributed either privately or in arenas where you haven't seen it. This is exactly what his talk is getting at.
Also, Cynthia has not said he is 'A hero', she has said he is 'HER hero', which in popular parlance means she finds his inspiring and energising and has learned from what he writes and says. She hasn't even said he's her ONLY hero! For all you know she has other heroes, some of whom may be very actively defending Palestinian rights.
Your comment precisely 'brings someone down', instead of 'bringing them up'. And enects your failure to comprehend what he means when he says that 'Action means imperfect people working together'. Do you not agreee with that? Ddo you only associate with people who are PERFECT?
Out of the current authoritarian’s playbook. Blame Biden. BTW, why wasn’t Gaza addressed when Trump was hobnobbing in the Middle East making business deals and trying to get a free jet? Do you have ideas on what we can do now?
I don't know you, but clearly you haven't been following Professor Snyder's professional career! Professor Snyder has been advocating for even stronger support of a Free and Democratic Ukraine since the Russian invasions. Speaking from personal experience no one [including me] is always correct, always supporting the correct cause and trusting and supporting politicians who fail to live up to their promises and potential.
Reading your response, I suspect that your primary source of news comes from social media and possibly Fox News and other NewsCorp publications. I would suggest that you start reading the Guardian, The New York Times and possibly the Washington Post (although I'm have more and more reservations about its editorial content).
In my opinion Professor Tim Snyder is a Real American Hero. He exemplifies bravery and is not an obvious coward like the draft dodging [I was subject to the Vietnam Era Draft] coward Donald (Bone-Spurs) Trump!
The destruction of Gaza was enabled by the Biden administration. One does not have to be an expert in Middle Eastern history to understand the deep moral depravity of it, or to speak out against it.
Public intellectuals with civil courage, did speak out. Many Jews are speaking out. Professor Snyder did not.
Again, that's his prerogative. - And also, he is not a hero.
The atrocities committed by Hamas (and their ongoing imprisonment of Israeli hostages, itself a war crime) do not justify the unspeakable and ongoing crimes committed against the residents of Gaza. Crimes against humanity in the sense of Nuremberg.
And tactically, for people who wish Ukraine the best: Many voters' revulsion against Biden/Harris' recalcitrance on Gaza likely swung the election to Donald Trump.
Hi Tim. Even without the explanation, I knew, as anyone with two brain cells to rub together, knew that you weren’t fleeing as a coward. Or even fleeing. Fleeing implies fear and desperation. My thoughts were that it was a meaningful and strategic move precisely because I know you are “still with us”, and could inspire from across the border. And why shouldnt you have moved, you as one who for so long has been pointing out what what happening. Take good care and thanks for all you’ve done and are doing.
But he is not with us. It is not the move; I would do the same thing. It is the silence and lack of voice. Our country is burning and Professor Snyder is quiet and absent.
Tim Snyder: I am sorry you have to defend yourself but I also read those that feel betrayed by your move. I have no such feelings. I see you as an international person, giving a lot yourself and moving around everywhere, and having the best, the highest of intentions plus the audience-very important. We all need that. This comes at a time here when people are thinking of leaving, making plans, and actually leaving for what they feel are or will be safer pastures for them. Or they are leaving out of fear, and the fear mongering of some. I hate to see foreign students turning away. We need them, not to sacrifice for us, but to join us. And we need to appreciate them for that and have their backs. We don't want to lose our universities or see them diminished.Trump does. I could go on about that. Personally, I am thankful for all you do and that you care so much and keep on.
PS--Welcome news this AM from Ukraine!!! More drones and more drone support from us!
PPS...Canada is wonderful, the Canadians we have met are too!
Wouldn't it be nice if we could all see ourselves as "international people"? The idea that we are sworn to allegiance to a single country, is in itself, a nationalistic perspective. When I've traveled, especially into Canada and Mexico, I'm glad to have such wonderful neighbors. I get what those in the EU like about their situation.
I want to protect Mexico and Canada as much as the USA, but I can only do so much with a single vote and voice. Travel is the best I can offer these North American neighbors.
Since the world wars this country has been on a "big collective ego trip" after we were saying we saved Europe, or saved the world. And then we went on from there, protected and encouraged, praised. The war torn countries and growing powers then and now have subscribed to this and let it be, letting us carry that ball. We took on the burdens and puffed ourselves up in spirit and also economically as the prize. We are now showing we are not as great as we say or we or they thought. The nirvana of everyone being international is far away. Maybe it's closer now that we are being taken down internally from our perch. We are fast imploding. We need urgently to take care of the serious existential problem at home now. That popped up when we collectively gave so much power to one person very undeserving (obvious to many) dangerously unfit man and his carefully selected coterie of unfit liars of ill intention. This lawless/ insane/ ill intentioned administration is now actively destroying us piece by piece.
As Biden would say "no joke". It's on us.
If we all were international- every country- we would be taking care of the existential problems of the planet.
Please, if you listen to nothing else today, listen to the last 6 minutes of this talk. I take to heart Synder’s clear political message. We must be very wary of “acting dismissively.” It feels like action, but it’s not. It’s a dangerous form of disengagement. On to June 14th.
My husband John Matthews were present at your first lecture at Yale, ever since that time we followed and admired your work. We believe that wherever you are you are always working for peace and justice.
Americans have long patted themselves on the back as always being the “best in the world” at everything. Despite evidence to the contrary. Charlie Sykes wrote about this in regard to JD Vance in today’s column. Though I am not a physician myself, I’m lucky to read some New England Journal of Medicine issues where many of the important studies on drugs come from other countries. Our myopia in regard to our own wonderfulness is ridiculous. We would be so much better off with some humble pie for a meal.
Tim... sorry, I should have opened with "Dr. Snyder" but, well...
Thank you for what you do and, especially, for who you are... your principles and your commitment to explaining complex issues in a calm, intellectually-honest context. You are my personal "gold standard".
Dear Dr. Snyder. Ultimately, the decisions we make, are based upon what is best for our family. Resistance to authoritarianism is an aspect of what is best for our families. We can resist in many ways from many places. Bless you, your family, and your continued leadership in our struggle.
When I was growing up in Oberlin, we had the Stechows, non-Jews who left Germany because they were appalled by Hitler’s rallies. Wolfgang Stechow was a renowned art historian, so they had no trouble finding employment. We all admired their foresight and courage. When intellectuals vote with their feet, it makes a valuable statement to the rest of the world about the inhumanity of the regime and prevents their being persecuted or forced to collaborate. I understand that you had various reasons for leaving and that you are still engaged and often physically present, but those of us who feel bereft over such departures need to focus our attention on those who are actually responsible for our situation: the regime and the people empowering it.
I am sorry you have left the US but glad you were in a position to have a "positive mid-life change" and all opportunities that Canada affords for you, your family and your new students. Thank you for the work you do. Best wishes for this family transition and for the generous and important work you and your wife do for democracy.. I am glad you are so willing to share about new and continued goals both personal and professional and the hard, hard, hard work that you and Marci continue to do. It is a privilege for those of us who have come to know you and your work. Thank you.
Thank you so much for everything. We do appreciate it and lucky to have you in this fight together.
Thank you so much for everything. We do appreciate it and we are lucky to have you in this fight together.
I just reread On Tyranny and keep reminding myself Stay Calm when the Unimaginable Happens. And of course keep encouraging others not to obey in advance.
Of all the good messages the last is the most important: TAKE TO THE STREETS!
You have had and will continue to have my support. Your work is immensely important.
I always assumed (meaning I certainly could be wrong) that you left the country because you saw what was happening politically, and continues to happen, here in the US. I never thought of it as cowardice or political regression, but I did think that, with your knowledge and experience, you made a smart and very understandable move. In fact, I envied you! I'd have done the same in your place. I've always greatly admired your work. Best wishes.
Totally agree. You are a force for change in our world wherever you reside, and likely have even more freedom to speak out now. Thank you and we will anticipate continuing to hear your words of wisdom and encouragement and learn from your example. Take care! Live long and prosper!
Same
You are much appreciated, wherever you reside. I always look forward to your posts, which I find heartfelt, authentic, and encouraging. ❤️
While I knew and still know that you are working daily for Ukraine, peace, the world, it is good that you shared all this to reinforce your strength. You are my hero!
Hero? Really?
Professor Snyder is an outstanding historian and sharp analyst of current events. - I want my heroes to be morally strong.
He's not.
Apparently he liked his good relationship with the Biden admin, so he did not speak out critically when it would have mattered. Prime example: Gaza.
That was his choice, and it was his to make for reasons of his own.
But hero? No.
I see you've really taken on that message about not expecting other people to conform to your personal standards of perfection. Prof Snyder's specialist area is European politics. He sticks to his area. And you have no idea what he may have said or done or contributed either privately or in arenas where you haven't seen it. This is exactly what his talk is getting at.
Also, Cynthia has not said he is 'A hero', she has said he is 'HER hero', which in popular parlance means she finds his inspiring and energising and has learned from what he writes and says. She hasn't even said he's her ONLY hero! For all you know she has other heroes, some of whom may be very actively defending Palestinian rights.
Your comment precisely 'brings someone down', instead of 'bringing them up'. And enects your failure to comprehend what he means when he says that 'Action means imperfect people working together'. Do you not agreee with that? Ddo you only associate with people who are PERFECT?
Out of the current authoritarian’s playbook. Blame Biden. BTW, why wasn’t Gaza addressed when Trump was hobnobbing in the Middle East making business deals and trying to get a free jet? Do you have ideas on what we can do now?
We know who he is! We don't know who you are!
No; & so far not exactly impressed.
I don't know you, but clearly you haven't been following Professor Snyder's professional career! Professor Snyder has been advocating for even stronger support of a Free and Democratic Ukraine since the Russian invasions. Speaking from personal experience no one [including me] is always correct, always supporting the correct cause and trusting and supporting politicians who fail to live up to their promises and potential.
Reading your response, I suspect that your primary source of news comes from social media and possibly Fox News and other NewsCorp publications. I would suggest that you start reading the Guardian, The New York Times and possibly the Washington Post (although I'm have more and more reservations about its editorial content).
In my opinion Professor Tim Snyder is a Real American Hero. He exemplifies bravery and is not an obvious coward like the draft dodging [I was subject to the Vietnam Era Draft] coward Donald (Bone-Spurs) Trump!
Do you want cheese with your whine or just a pacifier.
A virtue signaler, I see
The destruction of Gaza was enabled by the Biden administration. One does not have to be an expert in Middle Eastern history to understand the deep moral depravity of it, or to speak out against it.
Public intellectuals with civil courage, did speak out. Many Jews are speaking out. Professor Snyder did not.
Again, that's his prerogative. - And also, he is not a hero.
The atrocities committed by Hamas (and their ongoing imprisonment of Israeli hostages, itself a war crime) do not justify the unspeakable and ongoing crimes committed against the residents of Gaza. Crimes against humanity in the sense of Nuremberg.
And tactically, for people who wish Ukraine the best: Many voters' revulsion against Biden/Harris' recalcitrance on Gaza likely swung the election to Donald Trump.
Or the 90 million + Americans who did not vote.
Hi Tim. Even without the explanation, I knew, as anyone with two brain cells to rub together, knew that you weren’t fleeing as a coward. Or even fleeing. Fleeing implies fear and desperation. My thoughts were that it was a meaningful and strategic move precisely because I know you are “still with us”, and could inspire from across the border. And why shouldnt you have moved, you as one who for so long has been pointing out what what happening. Take good care and thanks for all you’ve done and are doing.
But he is not with us. It is not the move; I would do the same thing. It is the silence and lack of voice. Our country is burning and Professor Snyder is quiet and absent.
Tim Snyder: I am sorry you have to defend yourself but I also read those that feel betrayed by your move. I have no such feelings. I see you as an international person, giving a lot yourself and moving around everywhere, and having the best, the highest of intentions plus the audience-very important. We all need that. This comes at a time here when people are thinking of leaving, making plans, and actually leaving for what they feel are or will be safer pastures for them. Or they are leaving out of fear, and the fear mongering of some. I hate to see foreign students turning away. We need them, not to sacrifice for us, but to join us. And we need to appreciate them for that and have their backs. We don't want to lose our universities or see them diminished.Trump does. I could go on about that. Personally, I am thankful for all you do and that you care so much and keep on.
PS--Welcome news this AM from Ukraine!!! More drones and more drone support from us!
PPS...Canada is wonderful, the Canadians we have met are too!
Thank you Potter. Well Said
Wouldn't it be nice if we could all see ourselves as "international people"? The idea that we are sworn to allegiance to a single country, is in itself, a nationalistic perspective. When I've traveled, especially into Canada and Mexico, I'm glad to have such wonderful neighbors. I get what those in the EU like about their situation.
I want to protect Mexico and Canada as much as the USA, but I can only do so much with a single vote and voice. Travel is the best I can offer these North American neighbors.
Since the world wars this country has been on a "big collective ego trip" after we were saying we saved Europe, or saved the world. And then we went on from there, protected and encouraged, praised. The war torn countries and growing powers then and now have subscribed to this and let it be, letting us carry that ball. We took on the burdens and puffed ourselves up in spirit and also economically as the prize. We are now showing we are not as great as we say or we or they thought. The nirvana of everyone being international is far away. Maybe it's closer now that we are being taken down internally from our perch. We are fast imploding. We need urgently to take care of the serious existential problem at home now. That popped up when we collectively gave so much power to one person very undeserving (obvious to many) dangerously unfit man and his carefully selected coterie of unfit liars of ill intention. This lawless/ insane/ ill intentioned administration is now actively destroying us piece by piece.
As Biden would say "no joke". It's on us.
If we all were international- every country- we would be taking care of the existential problems of the planet.
https://contrarian.substack.com/p/trump-and-his-crew-are-nuts
I appreciate the effort you put into communicating this to us: in keeping with your values. Thank you
Welcome to Canada. We're happy to have you in our country.. 🇨🇦 The Munk school is something special and I hope you enjoy your time there.
Please, if you listen to nothing else today, listen to the last 6 minutes of this talk. I take to heart Synder’s clear political message. We must be very wary of “acting dismissively.” It feels like action, but it’s not. It’s a dangerous form of disengagement. On to June 14th.
My husband John Matthews were present at your first lecture at Yale, ever since that time we followed and admired your work. We believe that wherever you are you are always working for peace and justice.
Americans have long patted themselves on the back as always being the “best in the world” at everything. Despite evidence to the contrary. Charlie Sykes wrote about this in regard to JD Vance in today’s column. Though I am not a physician myself, I’m lucky to read some New England Journal of Medicine issues where many of the important studies on drugs come from other countries. Our myopia in regard to our own wonderfulness is ridiculous. We would be so much better off with some humble pie for a meal.
Tim... sorry, I should have opened with "Dr. Snyder" but, well...
Thank you for what you do and, especially, for who you are... your principles and your commitment to explaining complex issues in a calm, intellectually-honest context. You are my personal "gold standard".
Dear Dr. Snyder. Ultimately, the decisions we make, are based upon what is best for our family. Resistance to authoritarianism is an aspect of what is best for our families. We can resist in many ways from many places. Bless you, your family, and your continued leadership in our struggle.
When I was growing up in Oberlin, we had the Stechows, non-Jews who left Germany because they were appalled by Hitler’s rallies. Wolfgang Stechow was a renowned art historian, so they had no trouble finding employment. We all admired their foresight and courage. When intellectuals vote with their feet, it makes a valuable statement to the rest of the world about the inhumanity of the regime and prevents their being persecuted or forced to collaborate. I understand that you had various reasons for leaving and that you are still engaged and often physically present, but those of us who feel bereft over such departures need to focus our attention on those who are actually responsible for our situation: the regime and the people empowering it.
I am sorry you have left the US but glad you were in a position to have a "positive mid-life change" and all opportunities that Canada affords for you, your family and your new students. Thank you for the work you do. Best wishes for this family transition and for the generous and important work you and your wife do for democracy.. I am glad you are so willing to share about new and continued goals both personal and professional and the hard, hard, hard work that you and Marci continue to do. It is a privilege for those of us who have come to know you and your work. Thank you.