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John Chandley’s son Christopher just called to say that John passed away last night.
As many in the community know, Scarecrow had been battling lung cancer for several months.
His children were with him when he passed. Christopher said “he loved you and he loved his work at Firedoglake.”
He was a brilliant writer and editor, a loyal friend and a deeply moral and committed soul. He will be terribly, terribly missed.
Update: Perris had a great suggestion. Please feel free to leave a commemorative link to your favorite posts from Scarecrow in the comments.
Here’s mine — when Scarecrow figured out what caused the Deep Horizon oil rig to blow a week before BP did.
174 Comments
I am sorry to read this. I had some dealings with him and he was invariably both courteous and helpful. I would be most grateful if you would send both my condolences and those of the “guides” to his family.
Mohammed Ibn Laith
tears
one of my very favorite authors/personalities
tears
Crappola. I thought he had dodged that bullet. Going to miss him as much as I miss Richard. :(
Thank you, Mohammed. I will pass them on. They are much appreciated.
I am so sorry, and I have really missed him. Thank you for letting us know…
RIP, he fought the good fight.
New here, but wish to express my sorrow at the loss of a good man. He will no doubt live on in the hearts and minds of those who share his values and dreams.
Jane, I am thinking a commemorative link to your favorite posts from scare crow would be a wonderful tribute and intelectual resource
I like that a lot, perris. I’ll put the suggestion in the post.
I’m so sorry to hear of his passing. Scarecrow’s posts were must-read items, and I deeply admired his passion and tenacity. He will be greatly missed. To Jane and the FDL community that knew him personally, I consider you among the lucky and my heart goes out to you. To his family, who hopefully will stop by to read these tributes, please know that Scarecrow was greatly loved by so many of never even met him. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Second that, very good writer and worth reading again. RIP
I only had the pleasure of knowing the gentleman as a smart and intelligent voice here who taught me a lot. And that was a lot. I wish I had the pleasure of knowing him better. And for much longer.
Please include my condolences to his family. I am so sorry for their loss.
A tragedy. We only got to work together for far too short a time here at Firedoglake, and I will miss him. I can only grasp at the grief those who knew him far longer must be feeling. My condolences to all his family, friends, loved ones, and allies.
That’s very sad. At least he got to see Romney get trounced. I enjoyed his posts very much. I echo Apache Trout’s sentiments above.
John was always the voice of reason. Rest in peace.
I will miss the old man
Oh! Damn! RIP. Damn!
i was so hoping he would win this fight. rest in peace, crow, rest in peace. you were a good man and your insightful voice is missed.
here is a link to scarecrow’s activity
http://my.firedoglake.com/members/scarecrow/activity/
x2
(((((Jane)))))
Virtual wake.
“Scarecrow” going to knock on doors in Connecticut for Ned Lamont, leading, as always. One of the earliest of many FDL “actions.”
Educating us about the complexity of electricity generation and distribution.
Unbelieveable quality and care in comments and posts.
I am saddened beyond words. Godspeed, John, and may your family find peace in how very much you were beloved by all who knew you.
My words fail; I can only offer my sincere condolences. Nonetheless, I would ask whether John had a favorite song that could be posted here at FDL, and if anyone cares to join me, I will personally observe a moment of reflection for John tonight, probably at midnight central time.
ugg, that’s a link to his comments, I am hoping someone can provide the links to his blog entries for us to go back and find those that were most thought provoking
RIP,SCARECROW…. Your heartfelt words have been an inspiration to me. The fight WILL go on. PEACE
Damnit damnit damnit
Huge loss to the planet, his family and us here at FDL. RIP Scarecrow, and thanks for all you did to make us better humans.
Damn.
(((((watertiger)))))
I loved him – what a wonderful person, I am so glad I got to know him.
As for picking a favorite – I’m not sure I could pick just one. He wrote so clearly with such knowledge and understanding. Truly an extraordinary man. My condolences to his family – and to you, Jane -and to all his many friends.
Scarecrow got me passionate about the Tar Sands and put his own ass on the line. Here’s one of his posts mid-protest at the White House.
http://my.firedoglake.com/scarecrow/2011/08/28/dan-mckibben-the-tarsands-action-continues-in-front-of-white-house/
Damnit.
And condolences to you too, Ellie. He thought the world of you.
I had called him on Sunday night and was concerned because he didn’t call back. He almost always picked up and if not, always called back promptly.
When I saw Chris’s number on the caller ID I knew.
Indeed.
He spoke with the authority of his years of experience in a variety of fields, and anyone who would listen would come away better for having done so.
I like the post Jane highlighted in her update, and here’s another that I like from 2010: Enron’s Ghosts Capture Health Insurance Reform.
A taste: “. . . the sad and astonishing part is that as the health care debate has evolved, the Enron free market view from 15 years ago has triumphed in the proposed health insurance reforms.”
Rest in peace, John, and thanks for sharing your wisdom with us.
That was an excellent one, Peterr. Thanks for posting it.
Very sad news, Jane, I thank you for passing it along.
John was absolutely one of the very finest human beings it has ever been my privilege to have known, even if only slightly, here at FDL, or in the larger world, for that matter.
Like Southern Dragon, Scarecrow will be very greatly missed, and none will ever fill the void which they leave … even as both shall always reside in my hearts and my thoughts.
My very most sincere condolences to John Chandley’s family, at home, and here, at Firedoglake.
DW
Oh no. Knowing it was coming doesn’t make it any easier. He had a brilliant mind with amazingly deep knowledge, a clear and razor-sharp writing style, and was above all a kind and wonderful human being. I will miss him very very much.
Farewell, Scare, I hope you are in a better and saner place.
scarecrow will be a much missed voice of FDL.
One of his classics:
How Do You Know When You’ve Become a Terrorist State
Ah, Scarecrow. We’d so hoped those experimental drugs you finally obtained would get you healthy again.
I didn’t know you very well, so this song seems very appropriate.
Never got to know you
Suddenly you’re out of here
Gone from mystery into mystery
Gone from daylight into night
Another step deeper into darkness
Closer to the light…
You were a Bearer of Light, John Chandley; thank you.
Oh no … such sad sad news
John’s voice was always so sane – even when he was outraged and upset about something, he stayed centered in a very special way. I will so miss his voice – and knowing that he was somehow one of those magic hands that keeps the universe a bit more balanced than it so often seems.
Sitting here, I have such a clear memory of sitting across from him in a restaurant in Hamden, CT the evening he arrived to help on the Lamont campaign and talking of all our hopes for that campaign … I wish we’d all had more time with him.
So glad his children were there when he stepped off the wheel …
Sad news, my thoughts go out to his family.
Oh, no, no, no!
What terrible, sad news. Like everyone else, I was so glad to see him post when he got the new meds, and hoped he woild be back soon.
Damn.
Hi wendy: thanks, and I can’t help but wonder if John had any “last” or “final” comments that he would have liked for us to read or receive from him. Perhaps his most recent comment or blog post was what he wanted, but I wouldn’t know of this. Anyone?
I was so hoping the experimental drug would help, but was worried when I hadn’t seen him.
I am so sorry to hear this! My condolences to his family and to his FDL family.
A progressive voice of reason is still tonight. RIP John
Scarecrow enhanced the FDL experience. His words will be sorely missed. Condolences to his family and friends.
A great voice. I am very sad. Thanks for letting us know Jane. He will be missed.
RIP
So, so, so very sorry to see this. Scarecrow was one of a kind in the very best definition of that phrase. I trusted him to be tough, fair and kind. He never let me down. A heartfelt loss.
I’ve been a member of Firedoglake for a really long time — mostly just reading the blogs and the comments — one of the few blogs where the comments are often as interesting and informative as the blogs. So, although I don’t really “know” anybody here, I still feel real sadness and a real sense of loss at reading that one of the regulars — Scarecrow — has died. My condolences to his family and to his Firedoglake family.
Indeed, it’s sad to hear the news of John’s passing.
My condolences to his family and to you Jane. I know you two were good friends.
I really liked that photo of John and your sister when you were all out to lunch. That was nice, and he had such a very pleasant look on his face. Must have been enjoying a relaxed good time.
Thanks for sharing this news, Jane.
(The hardest part of loving someone, huh?)
John wrote so many good diaries it is difficult to pick any one but i like this one:
Politico Tries for “Most Inane GOP Political Analysis” Award
Here’s his diaries page for MyFDL
too many good men gone…raise a little hell in heaven, Scarecrow…
Dearest Jane and Firedogs
I am thinking of the numerous times oldnslow and I would hear someone on the teevee saying something our Scarecrow had said – usually a good 3 to 24 months after Scarecrow wrote it
the BP post was one of many standouts – I also recall Scarecrow characterizing the President as one to the right of “moderate Republicans” in early 2010 – typical Scarecrow clarification for those of us then scratching our heads
dear gaia, what a loss
my condolences to all who knew the pleasure and honor of his company.
One of the best. A great loss for his family, friends, the FDL community, and the larger community he graced with his presence.
The unique combination of solid intellect, steadfast moral concern for all of humanity and indefatigable effort that was John Chandley was a true inspiration to me, and, I suspect, to nearly everyone with whom he came into contact. He will be sorely missed, but we are so enriched by having known him.
Caw!
Caw!
I am sick about this. I met John in person at Netroots Nation last year, after years of reading his posts, and he was great company. His posts were always sharp and closely observed. I loved the angry and snarky John, but what made him so important to this site was his detailed understanding of markets and of the world in general. This post is a perfect example of the depth of his knowledge.
I will remember him as a man of heart and courage, and as a brainy scarecrow.
Another fine Scarecrow post from back in 2010: Economics Is Hard . . . Especially For Those Who Got Everything Wrong. His closing:
I went and stayed with him in Boston to cover Occupy Boston when they had an encampment. He was a gracious host and made sure I had food the whole time I was there.
I saw him again when I went to cover the Occupy National Gathering in Philadelphia. Terribly sad to hear. He was such a warm person to be with and we shared some great laughs.
This link will carry you to a list of John’s posts. I’ll be using it a lot.
Only the good die young.
That was a great time.
That was a good one, and now that the Fed has released transcripts of the 2007 meetings, we see that John was exactly right.
RIP Scarecrow. I always trusted his posts and insights.
Jane, thank you for letting us know. He was a good man, gone too soon.
Thanks for reminding me of that, demi. My sister ADORED John. Totally smitten. She said “If I wasn’t married…”
That was the last time I got to see John in person. We had a really nice time.
No one could have anticipated . . .
*raising a glass*
To Scarecrow!
*ding*
Very sad news and a great loss. Peace to his family and friends.
Remarkable man. Excellent analyst and writer. Understood camaraderie, how essential it is to human progress. Always offering encouragement, coaxing out the best in us with his humor. Touched us all with his deep sense of compassion.
My favorite article of his, where he righteously laid it out for the world to see:
http://news.firedoglake.com/2012/04/27/mediocre-gdp-numbers-a-predictable-result-of-us-austerity-policies/
He was one of the few who kept me coming back to FDL. I will miss him.
LOL, we had a great time getting arrested together. We’ll always be part of the Tarsands 65.
Sad news. I loved his posts.
Off topic, Scarecrow — but somehow I think you’ll be OK with this:
House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH), I beg your pardon, but personally, I had my first job when I was oh, thirteen or so, I believe (I’m 53 now). Thus, I’ve already paid that which you conservatives and those who stand with and behind you have squandered through failed policies and bankrupt ideology. And now, IMO, it’s time for you conservative *(&^%*^S to pay up or shut up. And it’s time for us progressives to “drive” this bus, already. So either take it out of the defense budget appropriation or pay up like you know you should. And kindly leave my grandchildren out of this — they didn’t (mis)appropriate and spend money, you conservatives did. Any questions?
For those who missed it, here’s John’s account of getting arrested and held over the weekend.
I’d like to post a link to the video of Scarecrow getting arrested at the White House in protest of KXL.
Wonderful writer. Thank you Scarecrow for sharing your insights here for us to read. Deepest sympathy to his family friends.
Caw.
This is starting off as one helluva weeK. First my brother died on this pass Sunday, then I come to this site form some comfort only to find one of my favorite blogger is gone. May he return peaceful to the God of the universe.
Scarecrow is already greatly missed.
Thank you for sharing this difficult news Jane. Condolances to his family, the Firedoglake staff, all who knew and cherished him and all of those, like me, that truly enjoyed his writing.
Goodbye Scarecrow. Rest In Peace. Your insight, sense of right and wrong, extraordinary wit and passion for our community will be missed more than words can express.
Rest in peace, Scarecrow.
I loved reading each and every scarecrow post, even his comments sometimes carried more content then the author he was commenting for
this thread he authored was pretty amusing;
romney solution=borrow from your rich parents
My condolences, Miles.
((((milesscott)))
Condolences on the loss of your brother.
Such sad news. I met John’s sister and father here in Sacramento. They are great folks. He is missed.
All good wishes to John’s survivors, of course. He will certainly be missed around here.
fyi – comment #75 above is from oldnslow
and while I am here again, I expected oldnslow to share his experience of speaking with an acquaintance who had worked/supervised off shore rigs for over 30 years – and he confirmed everything Scarecrow had written about BP
oh, and what about the Scarecrow and Lobster Show on Fukushima
again, truly bereft
So sorry to hear John has moved on in his journey of life. He will sorely missed for all he contributed to the Lake. His wit was amazing to see.. RIP Scarecrow!!! All the Pups will miss you!
Great catch.
From the old days when Scarecrow would post and the first reply would be — Caw, caw!” The old-timers, the new timers — we’ll all miss him. Condolences to his family.
I like this, perris — and what’s even better to me is that it was written on my deceased father’s birthday (April 27), and my dad used to play piano and sing for the legislators and such in D.C., and he helped to support a family on musician’s union wages, a tip jar and then Social Security when he became old enough to apply for it (I don’t believe he could’ve done that today). And my mother worked, also — as a banquet waitress.
The thing I miss most about Scarecrow was talking to him in the comments he had a quick wit as smart as his mind.
I am so saddened. He was the finest of the fine. Holding close in my heart all who admired and loved him.
Condolences to you too on your loss.
I am envious of everyone who got to meet him in person and even share real in the field activism. He left an impression on me with just the words we shared.
I am glad he accomplished so much in his life, it’s wonderful to read here.
Scarecrow’s passing is a huge loss to all who knew of him and his writings. A person like scarecrow has shoes no one can ever fill again.
RIP John. You are loved and will be missed, but never forgotten. Your words will stay with us forever. It was an honor to work with you. (((John’s family)))
Rest well, Scarecrow, and thank you for such a great body of work here at FDL – and of course in the real world with the Lamont campaign, Fukushima, Tar Sands, etc…and for just being a hell of a great guy. I never met you in person, but I just know you were.
Caw!
I miss him. RIP Scarecrow.
Scarecrow will be missed at FDL. I always thought of him as the voice of reason, especially when things got contentious. He was very special.
Here’s mine.
Thank you for all your contributions, Scarecrow. Your tasks are done, and it’s up to us to continue.
-stewartm
I’m very, very sad about this. My best to his family.
Rest In Peace John Chandley
My condolences to his family, and to his friends.
I too wish his family and all his friends, virtual and otherwise, sincere condolences. This is a big loss for everyone who knew him for his convictions, intelligence and good spirit.
Fare thee well, John Chandley, caw caw, and RIP.
I’m so sorry to hear this.
Rest in Peace, Scarecrow.
Oh, Jane. My heart is broken. I had so hoped that a miracle would occur and a reprieve would somehow stave this day off for a while longer. John was such a wonderful, wonderful soul, and a dear friend to all who knew him.
My favorite is an oldie but a good one:
http://firedoglake.com/2007/02/21/wilsons-wife-wasnt-a-person-but-an-argument/
My favorite quote:
“Over and over again, Cheney and Libby treated classified information like the NIE not as something to be protected and shielded from exposure but rather as a weapon in a propaganda war. It was information to be selectively withheld or disclosed, misrepresented and misused to buttress arguments, confuse the public and punish political enemies. And when it came to the potential classified status of a covert CIA agent, there wasn’t the slightest concern shown by Cheney or Libby for Valerie Plame’s protection during that critical period of 2003. The astonishing thing after three weeks of trial, including over 8 hours of Libby’s Grand Jury testimony, is that not once did these men ask whether disclosing Valerie Plame’s job and status would cause harm to her, to her operation in the CIA or to the efforts and people in the broader intelligence community. Instead, as Fitzgerald noted in his closing argument today, “Wilson’s wife wasn’t a person but an argument.” ”
Brilliant, succinct and right to the heart of the entire mess in a few, short sentences. Great stuff. As usual.
In losing John, we all lose a vital and vibrant light, and my heart is the lesser for it as are we all. He was a lovely, lovely man, with a wonderfully wry laugh and a dry wit that could knock you right on your ass when you weren’t expecting it to come out of nowhere on a tough day when you needed a good belly laugh the most. We are all the better for having known him.
(((((Christy))))
What a blessing to see your comment. Hope you, Peanut, and Mr. Reddhead are all well.
somehow I knew you would be here to commemorate christy, I kept comming back to see if you were here, and here you are
my minds eye see’s that john’s giving you a thumbs up
My heart goes to John’s family on losing this wise, funny, decent, clever, and articulate man. My heart also goes out to John for the suffering he has endured over his illness.
His writing and observations enlightened me, and his basic decency encouraged me to be kinder and more patient. I am so grateful for getting to know him through the screens, and so grateful for what he has shared with the entire Firdoglake community. I am also grateful for the time he shared his wisdom, kindness, and (invariably) good advice. What a wonderful person, and what a sad loss for his family and the FDL family.
Godspeed, Scarecrow. And thank you for all your work and heart and caring. I will so miss your bright light and keen mind – and gentle heart.
I’m sorry I took down my blog. If it was still up I’d search it to see how many times I linked to a Scarecrow post. I’m guessing the difference between how many he wrote and how many I linked to would be the number of his posts that I tragically missed. He was a must read poster and there are always far too few of those.
My condolences to his immediate family and to his enormous extended family online.
Go in peace John. You left the world a better place, and the community here is better for having known you. You contributed to the Zeitgeist, which is more than many can say.
To Jane and the other firedogs who were close to John, sending you all the good feelings I can through the cosmos.
He’ll be sorely missed.
I hope he and Richard are talking shop somewhere.
RIP John…! *g*
My sincere condolences to the Chandley Family and friends…!
Scarecrow was a true beacon of light that shone brightly here at the Lake…! Caw…!
The world will miss his kind and brilliant mind.
Such a special time and John was so devoted to the campaign …
So sad to hear of the loss of such a kind and wise man.
I am grateful to have read his work and talked to him here at the lake.
It’s good to hear his family was with him at the end.
May the light he shone continue brightly to shine.
I feel like a part of me is missing
The sanity, the rationalism, the intellect, the warmth, the empathy and the patience of this great man will be missed by me. I met Christopher and Christopher’s wife about 5 or 6 years ago, and I was very impressed with them, and have to think that John had a lot to do with that. I also met his sister Martha, last year, who inspires me with her devotion to her faith and compassion for others
Even though I never met him I think I knew him a little bit because of his reflection and influence on the family members I have met
Someday, I’d hope to be lucky enough to be thought of as a fraction of what I think of the man that Scarecrow is and was now
Always enjoyed his posts. My thoughts go out to his family I am sure they are very proud of him…
Knowing John has made me a better man. Goddess only knows how many times he talked me off a ledge, or got me to re-write an email, or temper my outrage at our allies and my co-bloggers, right here. I have already missed, and will always miss, his calm and gently demeanor, and his firm clarity.
Never have I better understood the expression, “Iron fist in velvet glove” that by knowing, listening to, understanding, and (finally) obeying John Chandley.
RIP, Scarecrow. We already miss you…
RIP Scarecrow. Such a kind and gentle soul. My condolences to the FDL community. I was fortunate to meet him, and share some laughs, and good conversation.
beautiful, teddy. a huge hole left in the fdl family.
(and christy, condolences on the loss of your grandmother)
I was so saddened to read the news of Scarecrow’s passing. His family and friends will be in my thoughts. My heart is heavier tonight.
Om
RIP Scarecrow. How lucky we were to have you.
Well, it’s a prper wake we are having here. A huge scarecrow-shaped hole, but its good to see so many others that I have been missing — Christy, millineryman — I have been thinking about you. My mother always said she hated funerals, except for the company.
Jane, you must be missing him so much. Looks like we are on our own wrt digging into energy issues that Scarecrow understood and explained so well, but he’s set us a fine example to follow. Hugs and tears.
We are better for having known him. Thanks for that recollection, Christy.
Very poignant and true, Teddy.
I met John in the Spring of 2006 when Christy called on us all to go visit our senators when they were home on break. John, Selise, Andy Foland and I met for the first time in the lobby of Ted Kennedy’s office. We went up and had an impromptu conversation with an intern. We then went to Kerry’s office and they wouldn’t let us past the lobby. When we got back and wrote about it in the comments on the FDL blogspot, we were invited back to Kerry’s office. We then connected with Kerry’s Boston chief of staff with whom we had many conversations. From then to going door to door for Ned Lamont.
I’ll never forget a conversation we had with one man, I think in Waterbury. He was a Vietnam vet. John was a Vietnam vet. Lots of back and forth and I think we one one for Ned that day.
The first Yearly Kos brought John to Los Vegas to meet up with his son, Christopher who discovered that this writer he loved on FDL was his dad. Great story there.
Mr. Rev. and I did lots of things with John. We spent all but one New Year’s Eve together since 2006. When we lived in MA he came over. When we moved to PA he came down. We had lots of fun, old movies, trips around the area. Probably the best of those was to the Railroad Museum in Strassburg, PA. John loved trains and had quite a collection of model trains he didn’t know what to do with.
I was quite discouraged after the election in 2008 when our new dem. president was always “looking forward” and doing nothing about torture, the banksters, etc. John believed in the 11 dimensional chess for a year or two and I looked to him to try to give me hope. When he finally gave up I knew it was all lost. But he kept fighting.
I loved cooking for him because he loved having home cooked food. We watched lots of old movies, Cary Grant, Katherine Hepburn and Spence Tracy, the kinds of classics that not everyone can watch repeatedly but he could and did. He was part of our family.
Last time I saw him was in July when he came down as we hoped that the July 4 Occupy National Gathering would actually be something to be at and write about. Occupy gave us hope.
I loved his hope, his wry sense of humor, his generosity, his intelligence, his energy. He was a very private man.
As for his posts, the ones he signed with his name—those were the ones that embodied his passion. Not that he didn’t mean all of the others he wrote. But when his name showed up at the end, it was important both to him and to us all.
I so miss him already. Peace be with him and his family—and the entire FDL family, for we were a family to him too.
Scarecrow, you were a wonderful writer, poster, and discussion and driver.
You are missed, but also always remembered.
Nameste.
Perris and Jane, thanks for the excellent suggestion to link to a favorite post of Scarecrow’s. I got home late and have spent my evening perusing John’s collection of posts. I could go on for hours longer as he wrote so much here for so long, there is a wealth of material to review.
In fact, in looking over his work I realize how much I enjoyed his voice, his perspective, and his knowledge. It wasn’t just picking out the odd jewel of a post here or there, but all of them. I loved them all. Scarecrow has long been one of my favorite writers here. I looked forward to reading everything he wrote.
Among his many talents was his gift for describing the mind-boggling idiocy so often on display all around us, that while it might make one tear their hair out, still left one with a sense of hope. John was not one to give up in the face of overwhelming odds, and he could eloquently tell us all about it.
So here is one that caught my eye this evening because it captures so well what is so wrong in our federal government, as well as capturing John’s humor, twinkling spirit, and hope.
God bless you John. I will dearly miss you.
I met Scarecrow/John during Occupy Boston as part of the FDL-Boston Occupy Supply team. He even treated Kevin Gosztola and me to a free dinner in a pub.
And on a different day John, Brian, DLP67 and myself had a drink in a bar nearby the Occupy Boston site after dropping off supplies to the protesters.
John was a great conversationalist and I remember the smile he had recalling the time he told Jane Hamsher at the Libby trial to look around and realize that she had made this (the FDL coverage) possible.
John’s heartfelt post on December 10, 2011 the day after Occupy Boston camp at Dewey Square Park was raided (the second & final time) and razed was a glowing tribute to the hard volunteer work that the Occupy Boston group had committed to:
Great insights and a great heart. Rest in peace, John.
Am a little late to the wake. I saw Jane’s tweet early on, and searched for a way to relate my sadness and sorrow. Searched.
I still know not how to appropriately express it. I gave the best I could come up with, without other recourse, here at Emptywheel.
There are so many more, and other, words that could be spoken about a man that gave the last bit of his years and ethos to a cause, a blog, the thoughts behind it, the people, and the cause……..as Mr. John Chandley did here.
A guy who literally stood with Mario Savio while I was in grade school. That was John Chandley. Let him stand as a monument to the twenty and thirty somethings that act like now is the only era of righteousness.
Men like Chandley marked the trails with tears where you seek to boldly go with electrons on the internet. Pay a little due to a great man. There are few that follow.
My condolences to John’s family and friends. Thank you John for sharing yourself and leaving behind influences that will echo forever.
“we are not bound for ever to the circles of the world, and beyond them is more than memory.”
― J.R.R. Tolkien
I remember that post, it was brilliant, as everything he wrote was, in the most economical use of words.
I’m on my way over there next, bmaz.
Sad news of our dear Scarecrow.
Such fine work, quoted in the New York Times, read by so many across the nation. Scarecrow could explain something that I thought I already understood, and leave me shaking my head with wonder. He was an original.
He said that writing his columns was difficult for him, and considered abandoning ship more than once, only to keep going because the need for good analysis was so great. He displayed great courage under fire. The editors could always count on him.
Condolences to the family and to all who had the luck to know this extraordinary man.
Rest in peace.
—egr
I agree. I left off the title which if you see below was perfect summation as well:
“Rescued from Real People, Boston’s De-Occupied Dewey Park Now Re-Landscaped for Passing Motorists”
The term “park” really is a misnomer, because as John noted, only motorists can see it –and just from two sides.
Sad News. I thought the drugs were working.
It’s a great idea to post one of Scarecrow’s dairies, but the man was politically astute and he could write a lot!
He could look at things from more than one angle to see through the machinations and games.
“The disconnect, however, springs from the fact the Administration misled everyone”
http://my.firedoglake.com/scarecrow/2012/02/18/bank-settlement-was-a-bait-and-switch-all-along/
He helped keep commenters from falling into purity traps like he did here:
http://news.firedoglake.com/2012/04/29/abcs-this-week-continues-the-dumbing-of-america/
His intelligence raised the aggregate FDL boat and we’ll be the dumber for his loss.
Scarecrow….so long, hop along. My condolences to his family for this terrible loss.
I believe this “big dig” was also a project that was awarded, overbid and overpaid to Bechtel, a fact that someone pointed out in a post of mine recently. The wheel inside a wheel and all that. Revisiting the crimes again and again.
A terrible loss; condolences to our entire community.
What a loss for all humans. So sorry for John Chandley’s family, and for the FDL leadership. I had the pleasure of meeting Scarecrow in Chicago at Netroots along with katymine and egregious. A great memory. A huge loss.
John could cut through the BS like none other and simplify what is happening to this country so succinctly. I will truly miss his writings.
My most heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and all of us at FDL who have lost a great voice.
Aach. I’m late with this, but I still want to add my condolences to everyone else’s.
I only really knew Scarecrow through his writings, but that was enough, more than enough.
We are all diminished when we lose a great and kind soul like this. My sympathies to his family and to the people here at FDL who knew him more directly than I did.
I so respected his writing,and care. Rest in peace John Chandley.
I had not much opportunity to know John. We mainly exchanged views on macroeconomics and HCR posts. But I could always sense his great honesty, openness, sensitivity, reasonableness, commitment to human value, and the rigor of his mind. I always watched for his posts, read them, and often commented on them, feeling a distant affection and respect for this fine, fair man. I’m glad to have known him, even superficially, and I feel a bit lonely now that he’s gone.
My sincerest and heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all his many FDL friends, including Jane who knew him so well. I know that many of you feel a very heavy loss today. May the celebration of his life relieve the pain and loss everyone is feeling! And may we never forget his work at FDL and the model he gave us all for how to contribute here!
I am so very sorry.
I don’t know what else to say.
Sad to lose Scarecrow, so many good thoughts will always be remembered and appreciated.
I was deeply touched by Scarecrow’s posts. Zed.(I remember the early morning posts from the old days.)
My sincere sympathy to his family and friends.
Wow, I go AFK for a night and this happens.
I am glad at least that his suffering is at an end. His insight and clarity of thought cannot be replaced. My condolences to his family and other survivors. You had a good man in your midst.
“If he wrote it, I read it.” Somehow his writing always conveyed who he was. What kind of person he was, his passion, what he cared about. Authentic.
Ugh. I didn’t want to know this…and yet, so to see all these folks, it really is like attending a virtual funeral. To see so many of the folks here on one stream, together, as we were in the beginning. I am glad I didn’t miss it.
I joined FDL after reading one of Scarecrow’s posts. He was a great writer and many of his values overlapped my own. I shall miss him.
I came to FDL out of curiosity, and stayed for the education and insight provided by a host of gifted contributors. Scarecrow was a must-read and an inspiration. He will be sorely missed. Condolences to his family.
“If I only had a brain….”
Whatever shall we do without him?
RIP Scarecrow. My condolences to his family and friends.
It was John, back in the early days, who challenged Jane to be more than just a ‘foul-mouthed fem blogger,’ (tho we were in awe of Jane’s wicked take-down,) and be a real political force.
The last post of John’s that I emailed to someone was his appalled realization that The Hunger Games reflected our current society. http://news.firedoglake.com/2012/07/12/hunger-games-are-we-watching-america-in-the-21st-century/
To John
*ding*
I hope this post will stay at the top of the My FDL for a couple of days so we can all have time to re-read the highlighted posts FDLers are sharing.
Teddy,
I know how you feel; I’m still numb from the news. John had such a generous spirit that permeated even his emails. I was never so tickled as when I could make him laugh. I couldn’t single out a favorite post, because every one of his posts was so incisive and true.
I miss you, Scarecrow. And thank you, Jane, for introducing us.
I’m keeping it open in a separate tab and revisiting when I have a few minutes to read.
Very sorry to learn this news. My condolences to John’s family and friends. I always found his posts interesting, informative and important. A good person who will be sorely missed here. RIP.
I was, and will forever be, a quiet fan of John’s writing and work. He was ever so gracious in receiving my questions or comments on his posts.
His insight and depth of research was remarkable and thoughtful.
He gave our community a wealth of care, information and leadership by example.
His family is in my thoughts and prayers.
And here is one of my favorite posts:
http://my.firedoglake.com/scarecrow/2011/07/24/white-house-cos-bill-daley-has-no-clue-whats-keeping-us-out-of-a-depression/
You see, SC offered me his autograph (must read the comments to find his offer!)
RIP Scarecrow. I remember his morning posts. I always used to read those in the morning, a great way to start the day. He was always poignant, clear, honest and most importantly, correct. He will be missed by many people that he never knew.
I’ve been in touch with John’s “landlady” the friend and, really, family he had in Boston. She is planning to plant a rosebush at the house in his memory and gather his local friends. This is a heads up to the FDL family that we will get the word out when we have a date so that we can come together and celebrate his life. It won’t be until the end of April or May but when there is a date set we will let you know so you can be there if you can.
This place just won’t be the same without him.
Thanks.
Jane, not a stretch to say that none of us would have ever known “Crow,” or each other (via handles), had it not been for you.
((((Jane))))
Thanks for writing that BooRadley. Thanks for the update RevDeb.
I’m late here, too, but want to add my name to the long list of those who recall John’s spirit, his utter moral clarity, and his intelligence. People like John and SD, whom I miss dearly are what preserve what’s left of the integrity of our nation. They are the voices that give us the courage to go on. Thanks, John. It wasn’t in vain.
Great idea, Barbara. I think that the posts normally just scroll down in order, but I wonder if it would be possible to list special posts that we’d like to go back to in the BlogRoll, such as this and SD’s ‘wake’. Maybe like an FDL Rainbow Bridge wall. There are getting to be a few names, now. katymine, persiflage, SD. Knowing they can’t speak anymore makes me resolve to think harder, feel deeper and speak up more, to carry on. Never. Give. Up.
Very, very sad. A wonderful man. A penetrating mind.
No one favorite, but he put very well something I’ve felt and written about at times, but not as succinctly or as well as John:
http://my.firedoglake.com/scarecrow/2012/02/09/obamas-guiding-principle-leave-no-one-accountable/
Such sad news. Thank you, Scarecrow, for all you’ve taught me.
My sincere condolences to John Chandley’s family. What a wonderful story RevBev tells @123….about Christopher discovering at a Netroots Nation that his favorite writer was his father.
RevDeb’s story is amazing. I was at that Yearly Kos (called then) and had not, until now, heard that story, though I shared at least one breakfast table with ‘Crow and his fine son, Christopher. We were so lucky to have John; just imagine being raised by him!
I’m going to post two of John’s great articles:
Japan’s Flawed Nuclear Power Regulation: It’s Our Story Too
Japan Nuclear Watch Thurs: Don’t Drink the Water and the Man on the Ladder (re the Fukushima Fifty)
I saw this in that last few days:
Rest in peace, Scarecrow, we will miss you but we will #IdleNoMore !
I am very sad to hear this. I would like to just say that it will be Scarecrow’s careful and conscientious moderation that I will most remember and thank him for. Thank you, Scarecrow. You always seemed to face each emotional call for justice in the threads compassionately and with a real concern for fairness, having on your shoulders the responsibilities the task imposed. In this, I always felt, you suffered with us, and I shall miss your presence, your very good, good heart.
Thank you for this, Mohammed. I’m sure that Jane has already honored your wishes by the time that I write this.
Beloved FDL family; Thanks so much for honoring Scarecrow by remembering his very extraordinary qualities. Yes, condolences to John’s family, to be sure. We’re a scattered bunch but those of us who especially loved the “FDL John” we will cherish all your salutes to John. It was very comforting for me ( Martha, the older/big sister who stayed in Sacramento) to see comments from several of my favorite writers who praised John, not only for his great intellect, research and writing skills, but for the man of integrity and morality and persistent call for justice. Blessings to all for your words of blessings. I hope to do a post to give tribute to John’s family .
Grace and peace.
Farewell, scarecrow; your insightful words remain our treasure.
Jane,
I have written an article about Scarecrow on our web site at the Chicano Veternas Organization, and in particular The Cactus Juice Commentaries, and what he meant to us, as well.
Please feel free to pass it on to his family.
To wit, his stellar impact was indeed significant and well beyond the Lake.
My Thanks and a Slow Salute!
Jaango
One more interesting thing about our Scarecrow, he was a consummate Jane Austin fan, a romantic at heart. Don’t know how many people knew that.
When I first started reading FDL regularly, some five or six years ago, Scarecrow’s posts were a big reason I kept coming back for more.I am forever grateful for what I have learned from reading his articles and I share my sorrow with others here, that his voice will no longer be amongst ours.RIP, Scarecrow.