journal features

my generation is marrying off

the journal of Michael Werneburg

twenty-eight years and a million words

The Cottage, 2001.06.19

Yvonne managed to depress me with the news that two of my cousins – two daughters of my mom's cousin Neil, both of whom are younger than me – were married last year. (One of them to an NHL player whose name I certainly recognized). In any event, out of the entire generation on my mom's side, I'm one of only two who hasn't married, and I'm the older (by a year). Actually, I'm the third eldest out of that group of eight.

I have done precisely zero work on the novel since I arrived. At least I seem to be over the cold.

rand()m quote

Naturally the common people don't want war: Neither in Russia, nor in England, nor for that matter in Germany. That is understood. But, after all, it is the leaders of the country who determine the policy and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the peacemakers for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country.

—Hermann Goering