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Alice Olick's avatar

So well expressed, Joe, and thanks for ending on an optimistic note . We all need a dose of optimism these days.

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Joe Chuman's avatar

Thank you so much, Alice. We can all breathe a bit more freely for a while. I wish you a warm and pleasant holidy season.

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Abe Markman's avatar

Joe, I have marveled at your writing skills for the 20 years of our friendship, and you did it again. I am surprised we did not hear each other's sigh of relief. I was not sure that "losing democracy," was a strong enough motivational term, and was pleased when Biden described our situation as pre-fascist. There are signs that we are living in a pre-Hitlerian stage. The term, "The Jews will not replacce us," and Trump's envy of Hitler's power to order the military to support his regime are ominous signs.

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Joe Chuman's avatar

Many thanks, Abe. We are very much on the same page. I do not underestimate the dark times we are in. As noted, pre-fascist dynamics still abound. But we can breathe a little easier, at least for a little while. Wishing you good health and happiness in this holiday season.

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Jean Strickholm's avatar

Thanks for a fine analysis of the status of our current democracy. I share your hope that we can rescue it for the future.

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Joe Chuman's avatar

Many thanks, Jean. Let's hope that our guarded optimism is well-placed.

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