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As I read HCR's column today, I concluded the Republican Party has set out upon a scorched earth agenda. It may be a challenge to call an entire group of people "consummate evil", but Republicans in my eyes fit that depiction perfectly. The dark soul of Republican hubris is killing our Republic with intention.

After learning of the sudden, unexpected death of my sister this last Sunday, I am forced to contemplate how much longer I want to keep aware. She was a centerpiece of my now 77 years, with me from the beginning of my entry into this world. Nine years my senior, she never stopped seeing me as her "little brother", no matter my age. We shared so much in common politically, along with a lifelong love of Charles Schultz' "Snoopy". She, Bobbie, married her high school sweetheart in 1954. Her sweetheart is heartbroken; devastated.

So, I must ask myself: Is my civic interest worth it? I have followed politics since my days as a young Airman with the U.S. Air Force. This country has not, like a fine wine, improved over time. It has soured into a toxic vinegar, despite the technological advances and all the protests to the contrary. "Keep up the good fight", they say. To what end, I ask? I am simply one small grain of sand in a sea of humans. All my protests, my boasts of dismay, my hundreds if not thousands of letters written have been to no avail. I love our Republic. Yet, she too, is facing certain death.

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Vince, Your comment is full of feeling for Bobbie, even 'Snoopy' took a bow as did your civic attention and days as an Airman. With disappointments about America and evil acts, am I right that you won't give up on us, your fellowmen and women? Perhaps, withal, you cannot give up. With deepest condolences for Bobbie death. Please stay among us and find peace.

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Fern, thank and Bless you! I will not give up. My mantra through the years has been, "Never give up, never give in." My anger and frustration is how those who SHOULD be listening to us are listening only to themselves. Yes, there is peace that surrounds me. Yet, I also am gripped by the reality of our current moment. Now is NOT the time to sit back and relax.

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Vince, Please accept this virtual embrace. Your heart and spirit beat strong. Thank you for coming to us.

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Ah, Kinsman, I am so sorry to hear of your sister’s unexpected passing. I am that sister to my sister; we were together last weekend for the first time in many months; we talked about death (as you must in these times) and she expressed a similar view as to what you shared.

I hope you find solace and comfort somewhere, and keep on with your warrior traditions.

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Ah, yes, Celtic Woman! Thank you. As a neighbor said to me the other day, "Reflect on the good times." I responded, "There are so many, that will command lots of reflecting!"

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Vince, I am so sorry for the loss of your sister. You have my deepest condolences.

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🤗💕 Thank you Karen, and God Bless!

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Vince, I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved sister...words from strangers provide little comfort. Take time to mourn and remember your sister...she will continue to provide light in your life

As for the rest of your comment, I ask many of the same questions daily. I have no answers.

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Daria, from my heart: Thank you so much! Bobbie was my Guardian Angel. I no longer can simply dial the phone and know that her chirpy Spirit will answer. That will take considerable getting used to. We went through so much together, including our dad's divorce and remarriage when I was 4 (to an absolutely WONDERFUL woman!) and our moving five times in as many years.

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Solace in your time of grief. When ready please join the rest of us grains of sand as we may feel like giving up but realize we're all a part of our nation and the world.

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Pat, thank you from my heart. I will not depart this beach so untranquil, lest the seas of treachery and derivison sweep me away.

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Vince, my heart goes out to you. Such profound losses wound us deeply. You need time and small joys to heal. Step away if you need to-come back when you’re ready. We will hold a place for you in our hearts.

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So now I know who you secured that last name, "Love". Thank you! ❤

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Oops. I meant to write "how"; not "who". Sorry.

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Hillary was pilloried for calling them ‘deplorables.’ Does despicables sound more politically correct?

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