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David J. Sharp's avatar

And Sam Alito! Words fail. Lying to Congress about Roe, lying to the public about flags, smugly looking down upon us lesser mortals—not surprising he chats with Trump before sitting in review of his (endless) appeals.

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David J. Sharp's avatar

Sadly we live in “interesting times.” In less than a fortnight, a convicted felon and sexual predator will take office. A man proudly ignorant to whom everything contrary is a hoax. Russian intrusion into American politics, Covid 19, windmills … the list is endless. It is not only beyond belief, it’s beyond decency.

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Juli killgore's avatar

what struck me almost immediately was the photo in your post - note that Trump has his hand on his belly, not on his heart. That is a perfect symbol of hunger for power, rather than commitment and devotion to our nation, and to both liberty and JUSTICE.

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Steven Beschloss's avatar

Really interesting. I didn’t see it before.

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Susan B's avatar

He has no idea where his heart is

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Melanie G's avatar

He doesn't know what a heart is.

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Bob W's avatar

He should...he sits on it!

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Bonnie  Reeves's avatar

He does not have a heart. Only a bigggggggggRear.

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Paula B.'s avatar

He doesn't have one.

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Paula Dunn's avatar

It’s impossible to highlight any one part of ‘On Love, Loss and Failed Leadership’ by Steven Beschloss. Please take time to read as it is so well written❣️. Thank you Steven. We wish you a speedy recovery.

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Steven Beschloss's avatar

Thank you kindly, Paula.

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Carol Robinson's avatar

“We told the truth, we obeyed the law and we kept the peace,” from Vice President Mondale’s posthumous eulogy for Jimmy Carter. I think that is what we should expect and have in our president. Instead we will be getting someone who lies all the time, believes he is above the law, and creates nothing but chaos, confusion, and drama.

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Richard Brody's avatar

And consider the eulogy by Gerald Ford’s son. Ford and Carter were bitter enemies during their battle for the Presidency. Afterwards they became fast friends to the point where they agreed to write eulogies for each other. As I understand it Carter’s writing was read at Ford’s funeral and Ford’s writing was lovingly and emotionally delivered for Jimmy Carter. This kind of warmth and respect needs to be the norm.

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Judi Morgan-Fuller's avatar

The unconditional discharge that Judge Juan Merchan handed down slammed shut the door on the idea of equal justice in this country. The oligarchs now rule us. We are indeed, a ridiculous people.

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D. Charlene Magana's avatar

Once again Trump gets away without punishment for his many, many felonies.He has been able to get away with so many crimes against society for far too long.

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Anne Brennan's avatar

Look at the photo you posted with your piece. Hands on hearts! That's where our hands should be. Why is Trump's hand on his stomach? And where is Melania's hand at all? Revolting.

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Homi Hormasji's avatar

What kind of fools are we, with our heads buried in the sand, that we would allow a malignant, malevolent, criminal psychopath to flout any pretense of justice and assume the highest office in the land? What does this tell us about ourselves?

There is no question that he himself is just a sick little man. The problem, though, is that he is but the festering boil on the surface of a much deeper malaise. That malaise is the result of generations of wrongful thinking about the values that truly matter. That thinking has led us to venerate the goal of accumulating wealth, and by any means whatsoever, above all others, even if it means destroying the physical world in order to make an extra buck.

To provide a specific example of the change that is necessary, we must learn to treat education and healthcare as birthrights rather than as commodities for sale. They are vital building blocks that are needed to ensure freedom and happiness.

To my mind, these apocalyptic fires raging around us, here in Los Angeles, are a physical manifestation of the spiritual horror that will formally befall this nation and the world on January 20 when Trump assumes office. If any good is to come of this, may it serve as a wakeup call. We are doomed unless we undergo profound introspection in order to effect fundamental change.

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Phil Kuhn's avatar

Homi, your note reminded me once again that Carter was brought down patially by his own admission of a “malaise.” Somewhat ironic.

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Homi Hormasji's avatar

Ironic, indeed, Phil!

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Cynthia Turner's avatar

I am hoping your recovery is swift. At any rate, your writing is brilliant. I love reading about Jimmy Carter. One of my favorite things is how brilliant he was. He also was not embarrassed to publically admit how much he loved his wife or enjoyed music. He was truly comfortable in his skin and honest. I've had a few mentors like him in my life. The are like giants in my mind. I remember their quotes and still smile thinking of them.

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Steven Beschloss's avatar

Thx, Cynthia.

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flo chapgier's avatar

Oh Steven this is such a really profound article

We can just see how all kinds of people assume such roles . Such differences.

My family evacuated three days ago and the fire has got really close to us so we are waiting.

So many of my friends lots their homes in the Palisades and despite what the press says the majority of people living there were not billionaires but normal people who raised there their children for decades. Most of my friends lost nearly all they have.

The courage of our firemen and aviators is supreme.

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Steven Beschloss's avatar

Please you and your family stay safe.

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Sharon C Storm's avatar

I’m so sorry you’re suffering from the flu. The last time I had was 1999, and I was seriously ill. I hope you recover quickly.

When referring to the incoming inhabitant of the Oval Office, I call him simply ‘the felon’. It seems that it is enough to describe him, everyone knows of whom I write.

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Steven Beschloss's avatar

Thank you.

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Nancy's avatar

trump is actually aware of, and enjoying, what climate change will bring to the Arctic. That's why he wants Greenland.

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Leakie's avatar

I believe 47's team is just as ruthless as Reagan's. A few years ago, a former Texas lt. gov. revealed that he had gone with Texas Gov. John Connally to the Middle East in 1980 to tell regional leaders to urge Iran to hold the American captives until after the election. I believe the hostage debacle cost Jimmy Carter the election....and thus hangs a tale. I think Reagan was the face but others were pulling the strings.

Who knows what further horror 47's "team" will dream up? They know nothing about governing and don't want to know and they will do nothing to help the country move forward. The one goal is to enrich fat cats and punish 47's "enemies." I fear for our country and have been in a state of grief since the election.

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FVera's avatar

Get that flu shot next year. Great post despite your not feeling well.

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Steven Beschloss's avatar

I will! And thx.

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Pam K's avatar

Am I incorrect? It's looks as if neither d or m have their hands over their hearts?

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Leakie's avatar

Neither has a heart.

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D. Charlene Magana's avatar

That is a true statement. Both Trump & Musk are heartless souls.

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