Thank you, Qasim, for reminding us of what you specifically went through in 2025, and what we, to lessor degrees, went through. Losing a parent (my Daddy died in 2002 and his lessons stay with me all days), is one of the hardest things for a body to go through -- they formed who you became. And all the trials, having your children witness the hate towards you, is especially difficult to bear, because we always want to protect our kids. To share, and be this frank with us, is a true gift from you to us -- thank you.
Happy New Year to you as well. I'm belated, but send my condolences for the loss of your father. Thank you for giving me the freedom to read your well thought out Let's Address This free. This also helps me give the freedom to support my single father son who parents a beautiful little boy with autisum.
Grief isn’t linear. Your feelings are valid and the holidays can be difficult to navigate, especially when the wound is so fresh.
Everything you do professionally is important work and the reason that you do it at all is because you are a genuinely good human being. So many of us see that and care about you as a human being.
Thank you for everything that you do and continue to do. You are an inspiration to me and many others.
Thank you for being willing to teach us. And thank you for making understanding the political climate easier. As others have stated, your humanity does shine
Calvin and Hobbes was my late brother's favorite strip and this one is a great example of why. My late father's favorite strip was Pogo, whose most famous observation was "We have met the enemy and he is us." Maintaining those dual attitudes of adventure and examination of conscience is the key to a life that is enjoyable and constructive.
You are my "discovery" in the world of online posts for 2025. Thank you so much for your work. My deepest condolences on the death of your father - may his memory and example continue to give you strength. I will contribute money when I am able. All best wishes for 2026.
That is one of the loveliest end of year pieces I have ever read, Qasim. Thank you and may your 2026 be a Blessed year for all in your family. Your grief at losing your father was incredibly moving. I am so sorry you lost him. I have to believe that he is now with the Angels, a Heavenly soul, who gave his son such compassion and Love. Thank you for all you write and do.
Live in, and for the moment. The passage of time is irrelevant. What we do in the here and now is what matters. The older I get, the more I cherish the present - the future is uncertain - it always is, no matter how old one is.
The earth is a closed system. As each of us dies we dissolve back into the molecules of that system ready to be absorbed and reconstituted. That is a form of eternity that puts the trumpists into the universal realm of chaos and nullifies their ridiculous self importance.
Thank you for your wisdom, your insight, and your understanding and why we must unite against fascism. And again sincere condolences for the loss of your dad.
“I don’t know what lies before us in 2026. But I know the fight against fascism and injustice will continue, and I know that we will get through it if we stand united and fearless. Indeed, the only way through is together.” My belief is that community will get us through this time. As you often say, “the system isn’t broken; it’s working exactly as intended.” Which is why this work seems so daunting. The US was founded on white supremacy; my hope is that more people will come to work to find a new, better way.
I’m sorry about your difficult year, especially losing your dad. He sounds like he was an exceptional man, and he passed that exceptionalism to his son. Losing those we love is deeply difficult. It doesn’t matter that none of us get out of here alive; it’s still a shock. A close friend of ours from when we lived in Mexico passed away suddenly on December 3. Ross was a poet, gourmet gluten-free chef, painter, and a thoroughly decent man. It is still difficult to imagine a world without him in it. But, he left his mark on the small community we lived in there. His wife Margarita will be keeping the bakery/cafe going. My heart is so broken for her.
I practice kindness every day, in every way I can, no matter how small. And send compassion to everyone suffering. I’ve found it’s a better way for me, as empathy devastates me; it’s not helpful to anyone when I spend my life devastated. They cannot steal our joy unless we let them.
Thanks for all you do, Qasim. Of course we worry about you. You carry so much on your shoulders. I hope those of us in your community ease that some. Peace to you and your family in the new year. Loved Calvin and Hobbes.
These are my some of my final thoughts for 2025. I’m impressed with how you swung that interview with NYC mayor-elect Mamdani and Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice Julie Su for your final 2025 radio broadcast, given how busy they currently are.
And from what you said on the broadcast, your dad seemed like someone who “had a heart” and “befriended those really in need.”
Also, I agree with what you have been saying recently about the contemporary Democratic Party and I am through with the “Vote blue no matter who” mentality. But, I don’t see the issue as one of “progressive” vs. “centrist” because I believe those terms to be meaningless labels.
I have seen more than a few self-identified “progressives” who have no misgivings about facilitating Israel’s genocide of Palestinians and, just as disturbingly and infuriatingly, have seen a few who have acted as apologist for Russia’s attempted genocide of Ukraine.
All of the hypocrisy among Democrats and “progressives” is partly why the U.S. has a fascist psychopath as its president right now. And I am not convinced that the national leadership of the Democratic Party understands this, especially around Gaza.
And I also don’t think they realize that the American people are in a populist, eat the rich mood due to the extreme wealth inequalities and cost of living crisis in the United States right now.
Amazingly enough, some Republicans and former Republicans like 2012 presidential nominee Mitt Romney, former Illinois Congressman Adam Kinzinger, and the writers at The Bulwark do realize this.
If Democrats think they can win the 2026 midterm elections without having moral clarity, a bold vision, and a sound policy agenda “(They may have) another thing coming.”
Finally, thank you for taking the time to respond to my comments when I post them. Very few of the writers whose Substacks I post comments on do. And I subscribe to a ton of them.
I haven’t commented for a long time, as this has been a really tough year for me, in many ways. I am inspired by your courage, resilience the spiritual depth which informs your life and work, Qasim. Thank you 🙏🏽
What stands out isn’t just which posts landed, but why they did. Facts paired with moral clarity, grief carried without losing principle, and action offered instead of despair. That’s not virality. That’s trust being built in real time.
Thank you, Qasim, for reminding us of what you specifically went through in 2025, and what we, to lessor degrees, went through. Losing a parent (my Daddy died in 2002 and his lessons stay with me all days), is one of the hardest things for a body to go through -- they formed who you became. And all the trials, having your children witness the hate towards you, is especially difficult to bear, because we always want to protect our kids. To share, and be this frank with us, is a true gift from you to us -- thank you.
Happy New Year to you as well. I'm belated, but send my condolences for the loss of your father. Thank you for giving me the freedom to read your well thought out Let's Address This free. This also helps me give the freedom to support my single father son who parents a beautiful little boy with autisum.
You always make my day! I'm old, I'm here. I stand up. My mind and my spirit are wealthy; my pockets are not. Keep on! thank you,
Grief isn’t linear. Your feelings are valid and the holidays can be difficult to navigate, especially when the wound is so fresh.
Everything you do professionally is important work and the reason that you do it at all is because you are a genuinely good human being. So many of us see that and care about you as a human being.
Thank you for everything that you do and continue to do. You are an inspiration to me and many others.
All the best to you in the new year, my friend.
open.substack.com/pub/jennyh998790/p/4b5?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web
Thank you for being willing to teach us. And thank you for making understanding the political climate easier. As others have stated, your humanity does shine
Calvin and Hobbes was my late brother's favorite strip and this one is a great example of why. My late father's favorite strip was Pogo, whose most famous observation was "We have met the enemy and he is us." Maintaining those dual attitudes of adventure and examination of conscience is the key to a life that is enjoyable and constructive.
You are my "discovery" in the world of online posts for 2025. Thank you so much for your work. My deepest condolences on the death of your father - may his memory and example continue to give you strength. I will contribute money when I am able. All best wishes for 2026.
That is one of the loveliest end of year pieces I have ever read, Qasim. Thank you and may your 2026 be a Blessed year for all in your family. Your grief at losing your father was incredibly moving. I am so sorry you lost him. I have to believe that he is now with the Angels, a Heavenly soul, who gave his son such compassion and Love. Thank you for all you write and do.
Honored. Thank you so much Catley.
Live in, and for the moment. The passage of time is irrelevant. What we do in the here and now is what matters. The older I get, the more I cherish the present - the future is uncertain - it always is, no matter how old one is.
The earth is a closed system. As each of us dies we dissolve back into the molecules of that system ready to be absorbed and reconstituted. That is a form of eternity that puts the trumpists into the universal realm of chaos and nullifies their ridiculous self importance.
Well said my friend.
Thank you for your wisdom, your insight, and your understanding and why we must unite against fascism. And again sincere condolences for the loss of your dad.
Grateful to you, Elizabeth.
“I don’t know what lies before us in 2026. But I know the fight against fascism and injustice will continue, and I know that we will get through it if we stand united and fearless. Indeed, the only way through is together.” My belief is that community will get us through this time. As you often say, “the system isn’t broken; it’s working exactly as intended.” Which is why this work seems so daunting. The US was founded on white supremacy; my hope is that more people will come to work to find a new, better way.
I’m sorry about your difficult year, especially losing your dad. He sounds like he was an exceptional man, and he passed that exceptionalism to his son. Losing those we love is deeply difficult. It doesn’t matter that none of us get out of here alive; it’s still a shock. A close friend of ours from when we lived in Mexico passed away suddenly on December 3. Ross was a poet, gourmet gluten-free chef, painter, and a thoroughly decent man. It is still difficult to imagine a world without him in it. But, he left his mark on the small community we lived in there. His wife Margarita will be keeping the bakery/cafe going. My heart is so broken for her.
I practice kindness every day, in every way I can, no matter how small. And send compassion to everyone suffering. I’ve found it’s a better way for me, as empathy devastates me; it’s not helpful to anyone when I spend my life devastated. They cannot steal our joy unless we let them.
Thanks for all you do, Qasim. Of course we worry about you. You carry so much on your shoulders. I hope those of us in your community ease that some. Peace to you and your family in the new year. Loved Calvin and Hobbes.
Thank you for your kindness, Paula. Every day. ❤️✊🏽
Qasim,
These are my some of my final thoughts for 2025. I’m impressed with how you swung that interview with NYC mayor-elect Mamdani and Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice Julie Su for your final 2025 radio broadcast, given how busy they currently are.
And from what you said on the broadcast, your dad seemed like someone who “had a heart” and “befriended those really in need.”
Also, I agree with what you have been saying recently about the contemporary Democratic Party and I am through with the “Vote blue no matter who” mentality. But, I don’t see the issue as one of “progressive” vs. “centrist” because I believe those terms to be meaningless labels.
I have seen more than a few self-identified “progressives” who have no misgivings about facilitating Israel’s genocide of Palestinians and, just as disturbingly and infuriatingly, have seen a few who have acted as apologist for Russia’s attempted genocide of Ukraine.
All of the hypocrisy among Democrats and “progressives” is partly why the U.S. has a fascist psychopath as its president right now. And I am not convinced that the national leadership of the Democratic Party understands this, especially around Gaza.
And I also don’t think they realize that the American people are in a populist, eat the rich mood due to the extreme wealth inequalities and cost of living crisis in the United States right now.
Amazingly enough, some Republicans and former Republicans like 2012 presidential nominee Mitt Romney, former Illinois Congressman Adam Kinzinger, and the writers at The Bulwark do realize this.
If Democrats think they can win the 2026 midterm elections without having moral clarity, a bold vision, and a sound policy agenda “(They may have) another thing coming.”
Finally, thank you for taking the time to respond to my comments when I post them. Very few of the writers whose Substacks I post comments on do. And I subscribe to a ton of them.
Auld Lang Syne,
David Hurwitz
Chicago, IL
Thank you David. I appreciate your thoughtful words and condolences.
My standard is ultimately justice. I agree labels don't really mean as much anymore. But if our north star can remain justice, we can make progress.
I haven’t commented for a long time, as this has been a really tough year for me, in many ways. I am inspired by your courage, resilience the spiritual depth which informs your life and work, Qasim. Thank you 🙏🏽
Sending you love, Fran. Thank you for yours.
What stands out isn’t just which posts landed, but why they did. Facts paired with moral clarity, grief carried without losing principle, and action offered instead of despair. That’s not virality. That’s trust being built in real time.
They’re all good. United we stand!