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Excited by the inaugural comment section. Cannot wait to see what happens over here. Off to bed now, but will check this out in the morning....

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Jun 9, 2020Liked by Heather Cox Richardson

I look forward to your words each evening and sometimes catch them the following morning, but you give me comfort by sharing your knowledge and experience. I've told several people about you and am so grateful for your commitment to share what you know. And you know plenty. Thank you thank you thank you.

Susie Heffelfinger

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Jun 9, 2020Liked by Heather Cox Richardson

Thank you for the opportunity to get an insight into the history and current affairs of the USA. Though not a citizen of this country I care, because I live here and my children will live with the consequences of the history in making. I make it my mission to be informed, thank you for helping us to make sense of it all.

I’m often amused about the emphasis on the history of USA and Texas taught to my girls. It’s such a short story in comparison to mine (Iceland), and my other adoptive countries England and Scotland. I wish there was more global history in schools and then maybe the younger generation would not feel so isolated Americans.

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Jun 9, 2020Liked by Heather Cox Richardson

I don’t know that I have the words to properly express my appreciation and gratitude. You’ve inspired in me the desire to learn about history by clearly showing how significant it is to better understanding today. Thank you for all of your work, I am truly grateful.

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Jun 9, 2020Liked by Heather Cox Richardson

I am watching the turmoil in the U.S. unfold from Mexico and am heart-sick and frustrated by what is happening. It's unbelievable how out of control the administration has become. Thank you for the time and energy you spend writing each letter. Thank you, too, for your inclusion of the sources you've used in the Notes section. Your clear analysis cuts through the noise.

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Jun 9, 2020Liked by Heather Cox Richardson

Saludos from Spain! Heather your words fill this expat's day with hope each morning between 7-9am. Thank you for your historical prespective on the madness in Washington. It is a relief to know that there are still sane voices observing these never-before-seen daily events with clarity.

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Jun 9, 2020Liked by Heather Cox Richardson

I agree with Professor Richardson re: the fallacy of reporting "both" sides of a story. I'm happy this is being recognized as a standard in journalism (with some exceptions, of course).

However, I'm having trouble in this particular instance.

1. An opposition opinion from a US Senator must be published -- we need to stay informed.

2. Since this piece does not meet the standards of "all the news that's fit to print," it should have stated that and the reasons it needed to go into print.

3. The skewed article should have been fact-checked, perhaps with handwritten annotations, and/or a linked piece from the Editor.

I'm not saying that Bennet shouldn't have resigned because he did fail to do his job, but IMHO, he didn't need to reject the piece.

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Jun 9, 2020Liked by Heather Cox Richardson

Thank you so much for all your hard work educating us with the true facts and through history. You are our light through this crazy administration helping us make sense of what is enfolding.

I have told many people about you. I listen to all your on line sessions as well as YouTube. I love learning all the history! Thank you So much Professor!

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Jun 9, 2020Liked by Heather Cox Richardson

Good morning, and joining the chorus of appreciation! With the spread of the concept Defund the Police, I am hoping people have in their wheelhouse the history of policing and why police reforms alone have not and will not work, as described by Alex Vitale in his book, The End of Policing (and in many interviews during the past week). But the phrase tells only half the story, and we have to keep explaining what it really means with a different system of public safety, first responders, and diverting funds to build communities to solve problems at the root. My friends and I have not yet come up with a better slogan that messages all this affirmatively. Ideas?https://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2020/06/03/457251670/how-much-do-we-need-the-police

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Jun 9, 2020Liked by Heather Cox Richardson

I apologize if this comment is not in the right spot. I'm still trying to learn Substack. Anyway, as a native Buffalonian, I am livid that Trump has tweeted about 75-year-old Martin Gugino. Even worse, I have at least one relative who is falling for the conspiracy!

How does a patriot selectively ignore -- or at least not amplify -- the ravings of an unhinged, wannabe autocrat? What does history teach us? Is there a comparable example from another place and time? I know that social media complicates things these days.

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Jun 9, 2020Liked by Heather Cox Richardson

I'm dismayed that the story about Trump and his team incorrectly reporting the job numbers for May hasn't had more traction with national media. I've been reposting and sharing the story on FB but that really isn't enough. I saw that WaPo did cover it but I haven't heard a word about it on PBS Newshour, my only regular televised news source which is usually quite thorough.

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Jun 9, 2020Liked by Heather Cox Richardson

Got it. Just so exciting to be involved in stimulating discussion! As an academic, you don’t know the desert 55+ communities can be😜. I’ll be quiet now and go to the gym.

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For a careful and helpful journey through issues of media objectivity, this book and podcast is a must: https://www.lewispants.com/the-view-from-somewhere

It’s “The View From Somewhere”. Especially read the chapter and listen to the episode about Black Lives Matter.

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Jun 9, 2020Liked by Heather Cox Richardson

I always read this letter before anything else in the morning. I am so grateful for it.

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Jun 9, 2020Liked by Heather Cox Richardson

Reading through the raw numbers on the CNN poll, the question/response that raises alarms for me (wrt the election):

Biden voters: 37% voting FOR Biden, 60% voting against Trump

Trump voters: 70% voting FOR Trump, 27% voting against Biden

That to me is not a very good sign for Biden, that is not solid ground.

They don't show us 2016 numbers, but I suspect they would be similar leaning. My concern being that voting FOR someone is much stronger sentiment, less easily swayed.

The 2004 Bush/Kerry and 1984 Reagan/Mondale numbers are similar.

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Jun 9, 2020Liked by Heather Cox Richardson

Thank you for your daily letters, Heather. I also just finished your book, How the South Won the Civil War. So much of what’s happening now makes sense because of the broader historical context.

I know you’re more of a reader, but have you watched the new docuseries on Phyllis Schlafly? It’s called “Mrs. America,” and features portrayals of second-wave feminists.

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