Well my mid-to-pretty good opinion of CIA just went way up knowing they found you. TY for your service, your honesty and your humanity. It’s been such a pleasure getting to know you via Dog Shirt, your crazy funny Bulwark vids, and now via your Substack. You are my kind of American, Holly!
Wow! Glad that you have expressed a positive view of the CIA. I had two friends who worked there— and they were honest, decent people. So, I suspected it was not a den of iniquity. But I could not offer inside testimony as you can.
Ain’t that the truth. I’m still on Twitter, still get some good info and learn stuff daily. Bluesky is too nice and too peaceful for me, tho I do have an acct. and maybe one day it’ll blossom into something more assertive & influential.
I love this Holly. It was a beautiful reflection on the last almost 20 years of your life. The CIA thing didn't surprise me. Half my family are or were feds. I use that term loosely because they're scattered at different agencies. It is a family. But look on the cheery side - you have us, with all are own bits of crazy. Thank you for your service and I do mean that.
Holly! You are a one of a kind person and I love hearing your voice in your writing, videos and wherever!! You are the ONLY MK, raised in Africa, sent to boarding school who had a career at the CIA that I know!! I think of you and the biblical story of Esther. “For such a time as this . . .”
"always interesting, mostly fulfilling, sometimes surreal, sometimes frustrating and demoralizing." Yes. You put it perfectly. Thank you for representing so very well.
As someone who has very little concept of the CIA beyond spy flicks, I find this fascinating. Congrats on your 19 years, and on choosing to move on at a time that's right for you!
I am one of the ignorant westerners that knows little about Africa.... despite or because the fact that I studied African history during my sabbatical year in 2016. I realized that Africa is much more diverse than I ever imagined. My wife spent a high school year in Nairobi and it became a life changing experience. One day, you will meet her and exchange some stories. I only visited Morocco as a college student in the 1980s. My gigantic ignorance also extends to the CIA. Despite some books I read on American history involving the CIA, I knew little about the institution. That's why enjoyed your description of your work experience.
What a good, honest piece of writing. And what an interesting line of work for the past 20 years.
Do you think the institution is gonna survive Teump 2.0?
I hope so. I hope.
Well my mid-to-pretty good opinion of CIA just went way up knowing they found you. TY for your service, your honesty and your humanity. It’s been such a pleasure getting to know you via Dog Shirt, your crazy funny Bulwark vids, and now via your Substack. You are my kind of American, Holly!
Holly, thank you for your service and your fierce dedication to making our country and our world a better place.
Holly i was thrilled to read this. Please tell me you've read this!
https://www.amazon.com/Victor-Rubble-Alex-Finley/dp/099725100X
I haven't! I've heard of the author.
She’s got a Substack! https://substack.com/@alexzfinley?r=117b&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=profile
I think you will enjoy. I laughed out loud quite a bit! Very relatable!
Wow! Glad that you have expressed a positive view of the CIA. I had two friends who worked there— and they were honest, decent people. So, I suspected it was not a den of iniquity. But I could not offer inside testimony as you can.
It's like any human institution, imperfect, with plenty of failure. But full of people who try their best.
You. Are. So. Cool. On one hand I hate Twitter for what it has become, on the other I’ve gotten to meet the most FASCINATING people. Amazing.
Ain’t that the truth. I’m still on Twitter, still get some good info and learn stuff daily. Bluesky is too nice and too peaceful for me, tho I do have an acct. and maybe one day it’ll blossom into something more assertive & influential.
I love this Holly. It was a beautiful reflection on the last almost 20 years of your life. The CIA thing didn't surprise me. Half my family are or were feds. I use that term loosely because they're scattered at different agencies. It is a family. But look on the cheery side - you have us, with all are own bits of crazy. Thank you for your service and I do mean that.
I love the CIA. I love America. I love the fact that is is everyday, ordinary Americans trying their best to serve this country the best they can.
Thank you for devoting a good portion of your life and energy to helping America and the world be a better place.
Good luck in whatever you do next.
Excellent writing, as always.
It wasn't a secret identity to all of us. ;)
This is an intriguing piece. Clearly you had a rare adventure.
Holly! You are a one of a kind person and I love hearing your voice in your writing, videos and wherever!! You are the ONLY MK, raised in Africa, sent to boarding school who had a career at the CIA that I know!! I think of you and the biblical story of Esther. “For such a time as this . . .”
Best wishes on your new adventures! Glad to know you, my friend.
"always interesting, mostly fulfilling, sometimes surreal, sometimes frustrating and demoralizing." Yes. You put it perfectly. Thank you for representing so very well.
As someone who has very little concept of the CIA beyond spy flicks, I find this fascinating. Congrats on your 19 years, and on choosing to move on at a time that's right for you!
What a great new voice (for me). Love your writing. Thanks for your service to our country.
I am one of the ignorant westerners that knows little about Africa.... despite or because the fact that I studied African history during my sabbatical year in 2016. I realized that Africa is much more diverse than I ever imagined. My wife spent a high school year in Nairobi and it became a life changing experience. One day, you will meet her and exchange some stories. I only visited Morocco as a college student in the 1980s. My gigantic ignorance also extends to the CIA. Despite some books I read on American history involving the CIA, I knew little about the institution. That's why enjoyed your description of your work experience.