Flashbulb Memories

Quote of the day, courtesy of Oscar Wilde: “"Memory is the diary we all carry about with us."

Flashbulb memories are vivid snapshots of moments etched in time. We all have a few — personal, familial, communal, national. We recall these experiences in detail — where we were, how the day unfolded, our emotional state, those we hugged.

On this historic day, I encourage you to reflect on your list of national flashbulb memories.  Maybe have this conversation with loved ones over dinner tonight. What are your national flashbulb memories? 

My list is short – just seven.  November 22, 1963.  July 20, 1969. August 8, 1974.  January 28, 1986.  September 11, 2001.  November 4, 2008.  January 6, 2021.

What’s striking is the contrast between what seemed clear on each date, and what ultimately unfolded. LBJ’s landmark legislation emerged from the tragedy of JFK’s assassination. Nixon’s resignation now stands as a triumph for democracy.  The tragedy of 9/11 was made so much worse by our disastrous invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan.

Which brings us to January 6, 2021. Like many, I remember the day so vividly. A news alert on Twitter around 1:30 p.m. Hours glued to the television in shock and horror.  A mob attacking and taking over the U.S. Capitol. In my lifetime, the single worst day in America’s history. For all of America to see.

That night, I was certain Trump had sealed his fate. Surely, America – a nation of decent people – was done with him. Yet, in two weeks, he returns to the White House. Not just returning, but returning with a surge of support.  My hands shake as I type this. The man who incited the horrors of January 6th was supported by 77 million voters in 2024, surpassing his 63 million votes in 2016 and 74 million votes in 2020.  Most Republicans now believe January 6 was a day of “peace and love” and eagerly anticipate pardons for its “patriots.”

On this somber day, the best I can offer is this.  Past flashbulb moments have led to unanticipated outcomes. We’ll know more in a month, in a year, in four years.  Let’s hope that historians one day write that America had to hit rock bottom to set the stage for real progress.

Nervously,

Ted