George Frost Kennan An American Life

The Mayor must read about political history to stay on top of the administration of our mountain hamlet. Although the career of George F. Kennan spanned the globe, his life focused on the Cold War, Russia, and the United States as it rose to the pinnacle of power in the aftermath of WWII.
His biographer had a significant challenge: how does one write the biography of a living person who wants to retain control over his life's work; how to respond to requests for access to this personal information husbanded by the individual; how does a biographer deal with an assignment that lasts beyond any reasonable time frame-when dealing with a subject on his way to becoming a centenarian.
John Lewis Gaddis, professor of history at Yale University, took up the task decades ago, with the agreement of Mr. Kennan. Little did they both know that Mr. Kennan would not only live beyond 100 years, but do so in good health, mentally and physically! So, it came down to wrestling with issues absent from most other biographical studies: as the political landscape changed world wide, new insights into the pertinent thoughts and actions of the subject required discussion, comment, revision, and interpretation of past actions.
Born in 1904, Mr. Kennan came of age when America was maturing, internationally. Participation in World War I placed America on the Continent for the first time(in significant numbers of armed troops). The Bolshevik Revolution in Russia marked the political transformation of a former kingdom to a new dictatorial regime. America now had to decide how to deal with the new political reality. Where would the expertise come from? Who would fill the the many roles required: ambassadors, attaches, ministers, messengers, interpreters, and analysts? Who could analyze information(intelligence) with thoughtful and meaningful acuity?
In the late 1890's, it was the grand uncle of George F. Kennan, George Kennan, who traveled far and wide across Russia, observing and studying the Russian peoples found across this broad, endless, forbidding landscape. His uncle wrote and spoke of what he had gathered, earning the respect not only of Americans, but of the Russians themselves.
Growing up in Wisconsin, George learned German, and at boarding school, learned Latin and an appreciation for Greek. This early facility in languages would be the springboard for his career in the Foreign Service. He applied to Princeton and was accepted in 1921, barely 17 years old. His 4 years at the Ivy League bastion were not the most precious of his life, despite the fact that he returned later and stayed for almost 50 years. The new Foreign Service, created in 1924, would be Kennan's employer in his early career. Postings in Europe introduced him to life abroad as a paid professional representing the United States. His ease of adjusting to cultural differences and his interest in the culture, history, and language of his hosts meshed with his growing estrangement with America:he felt more comfortable among "foreigners" than his own people.
Before long, he was sent to Russian as an assistant to the new ambassador. This was a great leap forward for a young professional. It would also begin his life's work as a student/historian/ interpreter of things Russian. He would become in about 12 years, the author of the historical analysis of post WWII Russia and its ruthless leader, Stalin, that would frame the Cold War for America for the next 40 years.
The biographer, John Gaddis, gained much insight to Kennan's thoughts by getting to know him over many years, and searching his personal life for clues into his thoughts, decisions, and all the factors included in a life worth living. Kennan was a complex individual, morally conflicted on a personal level; morally steadfast on a world scale; and changeable in philosophy and position as he matured, aged, and experienced the life of an international scholar. Kennan was also a gifted speaker, able to express ideas and opinions in a manor that held crowds spellbound for hours. Copies of his lectures and speeches achieved wide circulation, and some were bound together and sold in book form.
He raised a family and they often traveled with him to his many assignments. His wife, Annalise, was Norwegian, also a linguist, and she met George in Berlin, where she studied German. They married when she was but 21. They were married for over 70 years. Not bad for two dissimilar personalities.
Kennan advised presidents, was like by most, and respected by all he encountered. JFK thought much of him, and called on him often. Kennan and Johnson saw little of each other, and Kennan loathed the tall Texan with the Southerner's informal methods and roughshod political style. His biography is a study of a life that in its day, affected millions of Americans, and probably as many Germans, Russians, Norwegians, and satellite states in Eastern Europe.
It is a life worth reading about.
This book receives the mayor's FIVE STARS *****!

Going Cruisisng Coastal Coastwise Coastside

The Mayor hasn't been done the coast lately, meaning touching distance from the mighty blue Pacific Ocean(other than some runs to the City). So it was a pleasure to show up in Santa Cruz on an errand to p/u some family that had been hangin' out for a few days.
It has been years since we visited, before the Loma Prieta quake of '89 that ruined a section of old downtown S.C. and gave impetus to a rejuvenation of the whole town. We stopped for an espresso and strolled the shops, bought some cards, and the Mayor took time to look over the offerings at the famous O'Neill Surf Shop. Lots of great stuff, including boards!

We stopped at the Santa Cruz Zen Center, perched on the hill right next door to the old Spanish Mission Santa Cruz(restored version 2.0) The Z. Center is fixed in 3 building of residential origins, and does not stand out on the street. It's very subtle, as required. The guests and residents were in perfect harmony, as required and expected.

All in all, it was a great return to this coastal town/village, sitting on the threshold of the great blue Pacific Rim. One forgets how the young folks can focus on one site as they do. I felt like I was in a college town completely taken over by 20-somethings. Refreshing in an unexpected way. On the one hand, they looked carefree, light, and hopeful. On the other, hunched over their laptops, they seemed earnest, involved, questioning, even intense.
Ahhhhh, youth.

On the Russian

Weather fine, no fish. So, another day on the river w/o results. Blame it on the weather, or lACK THERE OF. IN THIS CASE: no rain/no winter. The mouth of the Russian River remains closed, so the fish have moved upstream to the hatchery and beyond. MY fishing partner and the mayor went to Warm Springs hatchery just to check and sure enough, all the big 'uns were hanging out on the fish ladders, waiting for the grad entrance. Some 25 pounders were resting at the chute in the cold, clear water. While a good number, the official count was unavailable.
We'll get that number soon. Some rain is expected today(Sun), but totals aren't expected to be great.
Note
Pleasanton Fly fishing Exposition in 2 weeks!

Snow forecast for Homewood this week. We'll take it.

Grammies

The Minister of Music and the Arts, Mr. C., advised the mayor to tune in tonight to the Grammy Music Award show. Worth every minute. Lots of great talent on display this year; and it included pop phenom ADELE. I believe she walked with 6 Grammies tonight including Album of the year- her"21". Nice work for the Brit. Great article in the Wall Street Journal that explains the musical formula that explains the success of her top hits.
Some of the tributes tonight went to singer Whitney Houston found dead in her hotel room late yesterday. Whatever the cause, this woman has suffered from substance abuse for years, and has not led the charmed life often associated with critical acclaim, wealth, and terrific talent.
Taylor Swift was another winner tonight. She sang a number of songs to the enjoyment of attendees.
The pace was 'swift' and the finale was performed by Sir Paul McCartney and the Foo Fighters.

Steelhead on the Russian R

The Mayor has been invited to explore the lower reaches of the Russian River tomorrow. The steelhead have been spotted moving up stream. The weather is supposed to be ideal: 65-70 degrees. hard to believe it's only February-mid-winter, at that.
With a new Sage rod in possession, some new waders and boots, it should be fun.
More tomorrow.

The Iron Lady

The Iron Lady has been in theaters for a few weeks and is definitely worth the money. Meryl Streep continues to add to her already impressive resume. Taking on this role as the first women to be a British Prime Minister was not to be taken lightly. She would have to assume the role at various time periods as her character aged. Given that the significant time period of her life was in late middle age, Ms. Streep could step into the period quite easily. The dotage period is another story. Adding another 20+ years is difficult no matter the starting point, and impossible for most.
As Prime Minister for over 12 years, she guided Great Britain through the turbulent '80's when the IRA was still a violent terrorist group, the economy was in shambles and people needed a fresh leader.
She provided all. When Argentina invaded the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic, she responded aggressively, and drove out the invaders. She was able to instill in the citizenry that it was time to throw over the socialism that had sapped the energy from business and industry. Unions vilified her, and the members of parliament questioned her moves at every step. She was able to prevail against all odds. Perhaps now, as the future of the Euro is in doubt, her lasting legacy may be forever attached to her refusal to give up the British pound Sterling. For this foresight, against the wishes of Britain's continental neighbors, she will have solidified her place in the long history of great Britain.
Her memoirs, published just a few years ago, will now enjoy renewed interest; and if Ms. Streep garners an oscar for her performance, all the more interest in Mrs. Thatcher's words and career.
A Four Star **** performance and a four star film****.

Fred Korematsu Happy Birthday

January 30 is the birthday of the late Fred Korematsu. It is also Fred Korematsu Day Of Civil Liberties and the Constitution.
Why do we remember Fred? He was a great American. He stood up as a singular voice against the might of the entire federal establishment. His case went all the way to the Supreme Court and those mighty brains failed. Yes, they failed our country and Fred Korematsu.. As a result, he was sent to a concentration camp in the State of Utah, at Topaz. He was interned as a prisoner for the remainder of World War II. His case was reopened in 1983 and the ruling was overturned.
He was presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom and his portrait will hang in the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery. He is the first Asian American to have a statewide day named after him. He thought it was wrong for the federal government to arrest Americans without due process, without a hearing, and without charges being filed. He stood alone.
What courage! The ACLU took up his case in 1944 and lost, 6-3.
Fred was a Bay Area product, born and raised in Oakland, Ca. Went ot Castlemont High, class of '37.
A quote from Fred: " if"you protest with violence, they won't listen to you.
FRED KOREMATSU-A REAL AMERICAN.