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If you haven't read "Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents" by Isabel Wilkerson, hurry over to your nearest library or bookstore and get a copy. She lays out the "long list" in superb fashion. It's a lengthy book but very readable.

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“Caste” is in my kindle; am now reading “White Rage” by Carol Anderson and I get rageful just seeing in print what the formerly GOP has done to our country…not sure we will recover and I am fearful as to the midterms…they have such control over so many states.

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Readable, informative and heart breaking. And it gives us a chance to do better, now that we know where we are.

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Ann, thanks for another book recommendation. Order sent together with study guide.

I do suspect this whole crowd of commenters on Substack's "Letters From an American" to be schilling for Amazon. My ever supportive wife is eyeing my Amazon account suspiciously since I became a subscriber here.

Oh well, I feel better abought making Bezos richer than I would making Zuckerberg wealthier. And I am not as exposed to the inanities of facebook.

I keep hoping that with just a bit more reading, a bit more knowledge, a bit more insight and with encouragement from Fern, I will learn to express myself more succinctly.

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Independent bookstores should be treated as institutions.

From On Tyranny:

2.

Defend an institution. Follow the courts or the media, or a court or a newspaper. Do not

speak of “our institutions” unless you are making them yours by acting on their behalf.

Institutions don't protect themselves. They go down like dominoes unless each is defended

from the beginning.

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Christian, I have found many of the books recommended here at my online library (Libby). And many can be downloaded to my kindle.

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I don’t think you would approve of Amazon’s labor practices. Hopefully, you and or your wife will find other book sellers. I will post a few along with articles about Amazon, if your interested. Cheers, Christian.

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I’d be interested in the articles Fern, not sure they would dissuade me of the convenience of Amazon though. Definitely concerned about their monopoly power but also concerned that all positive things have to be perfect before they are good.

Dorothy needs no convincing. She is a consumer Luddite.

We really enjoyed the Dionne Warwick Compilation Album. Thanks again for the link.

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Hi Christen, I posted links to articles about Amazon's Labor practices from your Yeats comment about 15 minutes ago. . Just post that you received it when you have a chance. Thanks. Salud!

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Did receive. Thanks Fern.

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Hi Christen, it is good to hear from you. I will reply tomorrow or Friday with several in-depth pieces, but haven't done any recent research about the Amazon. I'll look to see if anything worthwhile was recently published. '... concerned that all positive things have to be perfect before they are good.' I didn't understand that line of yours, Christian. Perfection isn't my goal in life, but occasional ecstasy, bountiful harvests, natural beauty and captivating art, top-notch journalism, a long swim in a clear lake, generosity, basketball, good humor, love... yes, there is much to appreciate. Cheers, Fern

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Raptors fan

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Thank you, Cristian. In case I miss you on the forum, have a good weekend.

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I love the game and a lot of players; the moves - the choreography and speed - absolutely exciting -- warm spot for the Bucks -- Durant gazelle, Luka Dončić, all around powerhouse of calm exactitude, Giannis Antetokounmpo, the nicest giant of immense talent

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I’ve often said…..run, don’t walk to get your hands on a copy of Caste.

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I loved her "The Warmth of Other Suns" so I will get this soon. Thanks for the pointer.

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