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Today I received a Christmas letter from my cousins in Iowa. I thought this forum would appreciate the first paragraph: “We hope for, we long for, peace and understanding among all people. We hope and pray for a time when truth, compassion, honesty and character are the benchmarks by which we measure worth. We look to a time when the least among us, the marginalized, the powerless, the “other” are treated with respect and compassion. With that thought, may our hearts open to the spirit of the season.” I share this with the acknowledgment that adoption of this perspective requires acceptance of the understanding that IT STARTS WITH ME.

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In a Facebook entry addressed to Nancy Pelosi, Joan Baez addresses the need for action re: the 126 Republicans who joined the Texas AG’s lawsuit, a topic that has come up on this site. Baez asks about establishing “something like a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, where these Representatives, in order to be seated, would have to testify publicly to what they were doing and why. . .” She also proposes, “Another interesting approach would be to not allow these Representatives to be seated until they attend a class on Constitutional Law (yes, like driving school), taught by an independent and respected professor who would explain to them the meaning of what they did in detail, and make sure they were able to retake their oath of office with full understanding.” I would add to that a class in historical context, taught by Heather Cox Richardson! Here’s a link to the complete FB entry, reprinted by RSN: https://readersupportednews.org/opinion2/277-75/66840-joan-baez-to-nancy-pelosi

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Heather, thanks for all you do. You've educated us tremendously and saved most of us from mental distress, and Buddy's gorgeous photos, along with those of others that you share, always bring a smile and peace. You're both gifts, and we're thankful.

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Beautiful. Now get outside To see the ‘great conjunction’ of Saturnian Jupiter after 800+ years!! Check the weather. Cl

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Became a member today. What a refreshing intelligent look at the world we live in good or bad. Thank You

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The rising sun fulfills its promise of renewal after the darkness. With the winter solstice come longer days and more light. Buddy’s lovely photo epitomizes that rebirth. Thanks for sharing it, Heather.

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A photo of a sunrise as maybe a metaphor for us being at the dawn of a new day? We can only hope and pray it can be so. "Slaap lekker" as the Dutch say..."sleep well"...

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HCR, this exquisite photograph reminds me of an unbelievably beautiful quote from Arundhati Roy:" Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing.”

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Rest easy dear friend. Thank you for the stunningly beautiful photo and your steadfast guide through these times. Peace 💖

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I am so grateful for the work you do. I truly enjoy reading the posts. You are a phenomenal writer, and a true voice for clarity in these very worrying times.

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It's the light, Heather, the beautiful Maine light. As Peter Ralston says, "It's always about the light."

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As well it might...tomorrow's Solstice represents a very big shift...even though it may take time to manifest.

Happy Solstice, Merry Christmas...we have much to hope for in 2021. ✨

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It looks like hope 🕊

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Happy Solstice, Heather.

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Thanks to Buddy. He sees the beauty of the world as he heads off to work - or heads home after.... then he captures it for you and you share it with us. That’s a really good thing.

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Man, Buddy hit that one out of the park!!!! SUNsational photo!

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