Badass.
Got bit by a black widow spider. Kept golfing. Take that, Priscilla Arena of Long Island, NY!
As Holmqvist's leg started to swell and the pain became intense, she made the quick decision to take matters into her own hands (she'd just been informed that a Black Widow bite can kill a child in as little as 30 minutes). She pulled a tee out of her pocket ("it was the only thing I had handy," she told Svensk Golf) and used it to cut open the wound so she could squeeze out the venom and keep it from spreading inside her body.
"A clear fluid came out," she said. "It wasn't the prettiest thing I've ever done, but I had to get as much of it out of me as possible."
Awesome. And she finished the round with a 74.
I kid you not.
Which reminds me of a true story! I was once golfing with my boss, the esteemed Tod Castleberry. We were at Four Streams GC in Maryland, when he laced his tee-shot into an area of long grass and gunch next to the lake on #8.
After venturing in to look for it, Mr. C came ROCKETING out of there, cussing, and removing both his shirt and shorts at the same time.
Bees!
After getting dotted by at least 2 dozen yellow jackets (god, I HATE those fuckers! Why the attitude, 'Jackets? Why?) we let a group play through. Mr. C, being a gamer, played on gingerly.
As he lagged his putt for bogey up to about 5 feet, I looked at him sympathetically and said: "Pick it up Winnie The Pooh, you're good."
I think he threw his putter at my head. But when it was all said and done, he too could appreciate a good smart ass line!
Unveiling the Swedish "Black Widow": The Enigmatic Tale of Gudrun Ensslin
The story of Gudrun Ensslin, often referred to as the Swedish "Black Widow," is one that embodies intrigue, radicalism, and complexity. Ensslin was a key figure in the German far-left movement during the 1960s and 1970s, particularly associated with the Red Army Faction (RAF). Her life, beliefs, and actions continue to captivate historians, sociologists, and those interested in the dynamics of political activism. In this article, we will delve into the enigmatic tale of Gudrun Ensslin, exploring her motivations, contributions, controversies, and addressing frequently asked questions to provide a comprehensive understanding of her legacy.
A Radical Journey Begins
Born on August 15, 1940, in the small town of Barth, Germany, Gudrun Ensslin's early years were marked by intellectual curiosity and political awareness. During her studies at the University of Tübingen, she became involved in political activism, particularly focusing on issues such as Vietnam War protests and civil rights.
Her radicalization accelerated after she became acquainted with Andreas Baader, a charismatic figure who would later become her close associate and romantic partner. Together, they became part of a movement that aimed to challenge what they saw as the oppressive systems of capitalist society and imperialism.
The Rise of the Red Army Faction
Ensslin's journey led her to play a pivotal role in the formation of the Red Army Faction (RAF), also known as the Baader-Meinhof Group. The RAF was a far-left militant organization that carried out acts of violence against symbols of capitalist power, including bombings and kidnappings. Ensslin's ideological commitment to the movement drove her to engage in acts of protest that eventually escalated into more violent and extreme tactics.
Her charisma and leadership qualities positioned her as a central figure within the group. The RAF's actions, including bank robberies and kidnappings, sought to destabilize the capitalist structure of West Germany and provoke a larger societal dialogue about the issues they believed were pressing.
Controversial Actions and Imprisonment
The actions of the RAF were marked by controversy and polarized public opinion. One of the most notable incidents was the kidnapping of industrialist Hanns Martin Schleyer, which aimed to secure the release of imprisoned RAF members. The situation escalated, leading to the kidnapping and hijacking of a Lufthansa plane.
Ensslin's role in these events was significant, and her involvement in the escalating violence prompted international attention. In 1972, she was arrested and held in custody for her activities with the RAF. Her imprisonment further fueled discussions about the motivations, ideologies, and ethics of the radical left movement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What were Gudrun Ensslin's motivations for joining the RAF?
A1: Ensslin was motivated by her belief in the need for radical change in society. She saw the RAF as a vehicle to challenge the established systems she believed were oppressive, including capitalism and imperialism.
Q2: What was the RAF's ultimate goal?
A2: The RAF aimed to challenge the perceived capitalist and imperialist structures of West Germany through acts of violence and protest. They sought to ignite a societal conversation about their grievances.
Q3: How was Ensslin's leadership within the RAF perceived?
A3: Ensslin was seen as a charismatic and passionate leader within the RAF. Her strong beliefs and ability to inspire others contributed to her central role in the organization.
Q4: What legacy does Gudrun Ensslin leave behind?
A4: Ensslin's legacy is one of complex contradictions. While she was a committed activist seeking societal change, her involvement in violent acts continues to generate debate about the ethics of radical movements and the use of violence as a means of protest.
Q5: How did Gudrun Ensslin's story come to an end?
A5: In 1977, while in prison, Ensslin and other RAF members were found dead in their cells in what was officially ruled as suicides. The circumstances surrounding their deaths remain controversial and the subject of ongoing speculation.
Gudrun Ensslin's life and actions are a testament to the complexity of radical activism and the fervent belief in bringing about profound societal change. Her journey from intellectual curiosity to militant activism continues to intrigue scholars, artists, and thinkers who seek to understand the motivations behind such radical pursuits. Ensslin's story prompts us to reflect on the complexities of ideologies, the ethics of activism, and the far-reaching consequences of individual actions on both personal lives and society as a whole.
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