Aw thanks, Neil. I don’t really keep track, but sometimes it feels like I find one gem for every ton I dig lol. But, man, when I do find one, it sure is fun!
It shows how easily misinformation can spread and how hard it is to shift once it has become entrenched amongst people who want to believe it no matter what the truth is trying to tell them. It's at the root of all conspiracy theories. This has been a fabulous series. Thank you.
Kudos to Judge Hobbs and Solicitor James for trying to uphold the truth. Even in the face of such first-hand knowledge of the man, the scoundrel fooled enough people to get his way.
I thought the same thing - especially the solicitor who stated upfront that he had never gone public in this way. It had to be so frustrating for law enforcement but also just the general public that John was able to live the criminal life with impunity. Not unlike what we see today, of course, but somehow looking back at it, it seems just awful.
One of the reasons I chose this story actually was because of all the ways it relates to America today - the jump to judgement, the politicization of events with little regard to facts, the unwillingness to let go of a false narrative in the face of unrelenting truth. And then, of course, the whole criminal justice issues which continue to plague us.
What is it they say about knowing history or repeating it? 😉
I felt more than a touch of sadness to recognize, as you say, the lack of regard for facts. It's a stark and terrifying illustration that history does repeat itself.
Fascinating history. My dad was born in 1904 and shared with me that as a boy he was able to talk with several old men who fought in the Civil War. That still blows my mind.
That does seem incredible, doesn’t it! But then, the Civil War was closer to his birth than WWI was to my birth, or — and this really blows my mind - my HS graduation was from today 🤯
This deep dive into his story unearths a lot of forgotten history. The writing is compelling.
Thanks, Jill. There was a lot to unpack and then try to fit into the story I wanted to tell. I'm glad you're enjoying it!
I like the way you also work in the “mines,” digging up these fascinating stories.
Aw thanks, Neil. I don’t really keep track, but sometimes it feels like I find one gem for every ton I dig lol. But, man, when I do find one, it sure is fun!
It shows how easily misinformation can spread and how hard it is to shift once it has become entrenched amongst people who want to believe it no matter what the truth is trying to tell them. It's at the root of all conspiracy theories. This has been a fabulous series. Thank you.
Kudos to Judge Hobbs and Solicitor James for trying to uphold the truth. Even in the face of such first-hand knowledge of the man, the scoundrel fooled enough people to get his way.
I thought the same thing - especially the solicitor who stated upfront that he had never gone public in this way. It had to be so frustrating for law enforcement but also just the general public that John was able to live the criminal life with impunity. Not unlike what we see today, of course, but somehow looking back at it, it seems just awful.
One of the reasons I chose this story actually was because of all the ways it relates to America today - the jump to judgement, the politicization of events with little regard to facts, the unwillingness to let go of a false narrative in the face of unrelenting truth. And then, of course, the whole criminal justice issues which continue to plague us.
What is it they say about knowing history or repeating it? 😉
I was a bit surprised that he stated that John George had sought a pension as a Union soldier. He was nervy.
True- I’ll share some more on that in the final episode, but he really was incorrigible lol.
I felt more than a touch of sadness to recognize, as you say, the lack of regard for facts. It's a stark and terrifying illustration that history does repeat itself.
Fascinating history. My dad was born in 1904 and shared with me that as a boy he was able to talk with several old men who fought in the Civil War. That still blows my mind.
That does seem incredible, doesn’t it! But then, the Civil War was closer to his birth than WWI was to my birth, or — and this really blows my mind - my HS graduation was from today 🤯
What a rascal! And how frustrating it must have been for the members of his community that no one would believe them.
For sure, right? He definitely had some skills in manipulating public opinion and gaming the system!