26 Comments
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Joan Friedman (MA, from NY)'s avatar

Thank you for speaking up for kindness. This is no time for recriminations. As Heather Cox Richardson also pointed out, many of the people who voted for trvmp are going to suffer from the things his government (even after trmp himself gets pushed aside) will do. The energy should go into supporting each other and looking for more ways to counter disinformation.

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Walter Rhein's avatar

I would feel comforted if some politicians began to speak out on the issue of disinformation. It's like they're pretending it's not even there.

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HI2thDoc's avatar

Fox "News" has done incalculable damage to our nation. Their years of spin and outright lying has corrupted the minds of many. But the idea of "free speech" is wielded by the libertarian wannabes to bolster the lies. More parties who have been harmed by Fox and their ilk need to hold them accountable, like Dominion. Other nations have no problem discerning between so-called free speech and dangerous hate speech. Australia recently canceled conspiracy theorist/hatemonger Candace Owens's speaking engagement because of her troublemaking. Aussies are much smarter than we are.

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David Perlmutter's avatar

"It's frustrating that Biden never received credit for building the greatest economy the world has ever seen." His biographers of the future will no doubt see to that....

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Walter Rhein's avatar

Yeah... hindsight is 20/20

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Sophie S.'s avatar

In times like this kindness is the most important message, and also the most difficult message, thank you for reminding us all of that

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Norm's avatar

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this unsettled time. We each have to deal with the election results as best we can. Speaking only for myself, I’m looking forward to a break from writing about politics. Having said that, I have no intention of rolling over and letting the fascists take over our country without resistance. I need some time to let the dust settle for a bit, though.

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Walter Rhein's avatar

That's good, I'm glad you're ready to take the next step!

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HI2thDoc's avatar

Yes, we will not surrender to fascism. We will not allow the evil GQP, who I think we should call the American Taliban, to even further erode freedom and individual rights.

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Gene Wood's avatar

Well said ..

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Richard Glover's avatar

We are with you. Be the light, not the judge.

You have great value to provide. Remover your legacy and work everyday to enhance it.

I will too.

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Walter Rhein's avatar

Thank you!

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Becky's avatar

Thank you for this. I made a mean (out of character) comment that I deleted the next day. Emotions were high. I don't want that to be who I become. I appreciate that you reminded us to focus on who needs our help. I need someplace to positively refocus my energy.

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Walter Rhein's avatar

I’ve made my share of mean comments too, but I’m trying to do better. These hard lessons teach us a lot about ourselves. Thanks for your comment Becky!

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Michelle Spencer (she/her)'s avatar

Be gentle with yourself first. I’m sure your wife has some thoughts too. All the best for your Birkie training. I love the writing you do that looks to the good, not because its ‘soft’ or ‘nice’ but because it radical.

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Walter Rhein's avatar

Thank you Michelle! I hope I’ll have the strength to do the Birkie when it rolls around. It’s becoming more and more important to me. I appreciate you!

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Alexander Davidian's avatar

Far from weak and passive, kindness and compassion can be revolutionary. Sending solidarity and well wishes to you from Cyprus

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Walter Rhein's avatar

Thank you Alexander!

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Janice Airhart's avatar

I also feel somewhat better today. And I like that you mentioned "resolve." That's the mood I'm trying to cultivate so that I can say I've taken more aggressive action to combat the hatred that seems to have possessed our country.

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Walter Rhein's avatar

We just have to persist and be an example of kindness and compassion. Thanks Janice!

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Anna Wick's avatar

Thank you. My brain and soul needed to digest these words this morning.

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Walter Rhein's avatar

Thanks. We have a long path to healing first, and then that path transitions to the way of progress.

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Anna Wick's avatar

Your writing has and will continue to be a lifeline for many. Healing starting with those closest to me first!

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HI2thDoc's avatar

Congratulations, Walter, on being a great husband and father. After the difficult circumstances in your childhood, you are a kind and gentle person. I agree with you 100% that conservatives relentlessly gin up the anger and resentment using half-truths and outright lies, whereas the liberals do not message well on their accomplishments and the fact that nearly every societal and economic advancement of rights and prosperity are liberal ideas. This election has been a shocking example that hatred, fear, racism, xenophobia, and doomsaying are more effective with enough of the voters than positive vision, hope, joy, optimism, pragmatism, compassion. What a sad commentary on our national psyche and even more so, our national character.

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Walter Rhein's avatar

Thank you so much. I hope that we survive the challenges ahead. It's going to be tough for everyone.

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HI2thDoc's avatar

I think we will survive but we must reverse the recent tide of anger and racism

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