16 Comments
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Steve Duck's avatar

I find your writing to be authentic, empathetic, reliable and trustworthy. Thank you.

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Walter Rhein's avatar

Thank you so much Steve, I appreciate that kind comment.

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Greg Sanford's avatar

H. Hoover said " What a people want in their nation, they must first put in their schools"

Nixon gutted Federal Education standards

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David Perlmutter's avatar

The biggest difference between Biden and Trump is that one is a career politician who knows about how things are supposed to work and goes by them, and the other is just happy to have everyone want to bend the knee to him...

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Dan Beach's avatar

One of your best columns, Walter. But the sentence that sat me up straight is "the one thing that gives me a little bit of hope is the existence of greed." I think you're on to something here. In the rush for riches there may be a lot of trampling and self-destruction. Couldn't happen to a nicer bunch of folks and I'm happy to wish it in them.

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Walter Rhein's avatar

Thank you Dan. I also think they're going to start to sweat when the economy collapses and they see their fortunes evaporate.

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Suzanne Whitaker's avatar

“Talk about character.” You just provided an answer to how I can finish the last portion of the book I am putting together. The last grouping of essays in the memoir was politically/personally based. It was fairly optimistic and I felt Harris/Walz would win. I believed the polls were highly skewed when it showed a close race. Anyway, I’ve been mourning terribly (like so many of us) and at a standstill as to hiw to handle the last portion when I had nothing positive to say. But talking about “character” and empathy and the kindness of strangers is an everlasting theme. And it’s still a Truth. Thanks. I think I may know how to move forward and be a “mentor.” I so appreciate your writing, Walter!

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Walter Rhein's avatar

I'm so glad to hear that Suzanne!

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Sarah3000's avatar

Walter, The MAGA crowd cares nothing about character. Just last week I over heard a guy in my office speaking to someone on the phone justifying voting for Trump. The person on the other end must've been pointing out all of Trumps convictions and moral flaws because my coworker replied, "I don't care about the person's character, all I care about is if they can get the job done. Everyone has done bad things in their life," which is so much justification for electing a rapist, racist, felony con man. It's mind blowing to me that someone would speak those words and not see how demented he sounds. I would like to ask him he's committed any of those things in his life and see if he realizes the disconnect between lack of character and a danger to handing it to someone so corrupt to lead the country.

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Walter Rhein's avatar

Yup. That's the way they are. I think all we can do is say "well, character matters to me." I think we need to say it loudly and often until we drown them out. It's frustrating, but for now that's the best strategy I can think of. Thanks Sarah!

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Sarah3000's avatar

Walter, I'm out numbered 10 to 1 in Trump supports in my workplace. I think it would be unwise to interject my political opinions in that environment. I will have to choose my battles carefully. I am surrounded.

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Walter Rhein's avatar

Of course! I'm sorry, I didn't mean to presume to lecture. Everybody must absolutely be mindful of her/his personal safety first and foremost.

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The Whittakers's avatar

Yes humility but also empathy.

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Arthur's avatar

Thank you 🙏. Well said.

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Georgia Patrick's avatar

Most of the time I see your point of view in every post, every Medium article. I will push back on your belief in education. The people who voted for Trump and his enablers do not want education. They believe in one thing--all of their problems are caused by someone else or some external factor and the promise that "I alone will fix it" is the only belief for them. The people who voted for Harris and Walz believe their problems come from within--something they did wrong or something they need to be responsible for. Irresponsible minds do not want instruction, education, or truth. Instead, the right answer is to stand up to the bullies, collectively, in communities which speak with one voice, "No... not today... not because you say so."

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Walter Rhein's avatar

I agree with your comment. I'm fearful that this next administration will do everything it can to dismantle education. You're right, we have to stand up to bullies.

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