Thursday, September 17, 2020

Belgium-WW1 victim or perpetrator of slavery?

 Dear Barry,

  I am writing to you today from a bath in Belgium. Or a tubby as my family calls them these days. I don't know if I told you before I headed over to Germany, but part of my job requires monthly trips to Belgium and quarterly trips to Italy. Last month was great because Matilda and Kendra were able to join me. This time not so much. I'm over here by myself and it's a bit annoying. Have you ever had the experience where you enjoy so much the company of someone that when you're not with them, normally enjoyable experiences are less so? 

I know you have. I remember talking with you about Lauren and exactly this. So you know how it is. I'm here in an upgraded hotel suite with an en-suite hot tub, good food, and Belgium Trappist beers and I miss my girls. 

Okay, enough whining, that wasn't why I am writing to you. I was just writing to say I wish you could be over here and discuss with me all of the intricacies of world history. Belgium, the hapless victim of WWI and II, has a horrific history of its own that we seemingly (or conveniently) forget. The more I travel and experience in this world, the more I realize that this false dichotomy of good and bad or good and evil, is really just a way to make us feel ___. I don't know exactly to be honest. 

And that's why I wish you were here to talk to. I'd make the bold assertion that there's been no truly good or bad country and you'd slowly tilt your head, genuinely think of all the possible answers and then answer with an truly astute answer of the man who once with a 4th grader winning the Middle School geography championship. Or just a great listener and better thinker. Either way, I cannot wait to hear what you think about Europe.


Until next time,


Danny

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