283 Comments

I always feel kind of motherly and approving when you declare yourself some time off, so nighty night, girl! And your photo is breathtaking. Thank you for that, and for explaining the world to me on a daily basis.

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I feel the same way, Leslie! (Only, in a fatherly way). Glad she turned in.

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Yes! All of this!

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Only a delicate line of separation between the heavens and the earth ... a glimpse of hope, perchance?

Thank you, dear Heather, for this singular insight tonight, and for all the wisdom and knowledge which you so liberally share on a daily basis.

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Thank you, as well, Rowshan, for your constant, soothing presence here!!

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In my mind "constant and soothing" certainly describes Rowshan!

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You are too kind, Lynell!

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My thanks to you, too, Ashley and Daria!

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Morning and blessings Rowshan.

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Blessings upon you, dear friend!

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Heaven is descending on the Earth. I know

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The clouds that cover the sunshine

They can not banish the sun;

And the earth shines out the brighter

When the weary rain is done.

We must stand in the deepest shadow

To see the clearest light;

And often through wrong’s own darkness

Comes the very strength of light.

~John Henry Newman

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These words are very true and strengthening to me. Thank you so much for sharing, Daniel.

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Thank you for the reminder!

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Realistically, the darkness of conflict and suffering cannot vanish with one flash of light – but the process itself begins all at once. No matter how long is the night, when the dawn breaks it is no longer dark.

Tony Nader

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Just as your writings elucidate complicated matters so do your photos illuminate clarity and calm. One is appreciated as much as the other. Thank you!

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I’m bemused by the comments that seem to decry your earnings from your work here. From my perspective, I’ve been happy to add some small token to it each month - your insights and your knowledge are far more valuable to me than what I contribute!! Thank you !

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I haven't seen any of those, David. I can't possibly read all of the comments and replies so mercifully I miss a lot of that stuff. Sorry that you and the others have to see it. Makes no sense why anyone would pay to join this group and then complain about it. Except a troll maybe?

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I saw a comment a few days ago citing a huge figure that HCR supposedly makes. I was surprised... probably was a troll. Whatever her income she deserves it. Her teachings and insights are so illuminating. I'm very happy to have found her and her followers on this cite... all have given me immense hope during these disturbing times.

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I’ve never seen anyone complain except Sandy Lewis. It’s an obsession of his.

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Christy, he is the only one I have ever heard of mentioning that, incorrectly, I may add. That is generally when he is trying desperately to build himself up by tearing her down. It doesn't work.

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More gossip.

It would appear that you and Christy are the Truth Police here, determining who's right and who's wrong. And even their motives. Wow!

And your response to any factual reply is to call that commenter a "troll".

Is this is the weakest reply you could muster?

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Daniel, how about you understand the concept of how to read comments. I never said anything about a troll. It's really not that difficult.

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Sandy Lewis hasn't been commenting here lately. If you need to discuss his comments, better you do it while he's around. Otherwise, more gossip.

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Got a bee in your bonnet Daniel? Suddenly it’s a problem to comment on someone else’s comment? And accusing folks of gossiping when they’re stating facts? What’s up with that? Not willing to spend my time on whatever issue you’re having other than reposting Sandy’s comment from a couple of days ago to prove you got your “gossip” wrong.

Sandy LewisSep 16

“Heather Cox Richardson, today’s thank you is self congratulatory and justified, but it is not enough, not close. ….Heather, your take exceeds a million a year… why not risk it all by holding up a mirror to your readership and see what happens when your letters spell out the nightmare.” If you had read the comments on LFAA for as long and thoroughly as I have you might not get your facts wrong but that still doesn’t explain your patriarchal attitude.

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As far as I’m concerned, the more she earns the better for our democracy! It’s telling how many of us crave the truth after the avalanche of lies and misinformation these last many years! Bravo Dr. Richardson! Methinks Sandy Lewis doth protest too much … and might be green with envy.

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SL commented several times yesterday too, but the official Sandy comment tracker must have missed them. Too bad because they were very much in support of yesterday's letter and he actually cheered her. Oops, is that gossiping ?

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Not "a bee in [my] bonnet".

Just good manners.

Like civilized folks.

P.S. I confess to not reading past your first sentence,

for good reason.

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Daniel, it's not gossip when it a fact.

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Another claimant to THE REAL FACTS. The Right has nothing on you there.

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I'm sure they're all Trump trolls

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Please find out who Sandy Lewis is , at least, before defaming him. It's ugly.

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Nope! There’s only one! And he’s not a TT.

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Christy, please name names and stop with your innuendo. It's very disrespectful to your colleagues.

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Yessir, Mr. Daniel. I’m on it Sir. Right away!

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Is this "patriarchal attitude" characterization something you have with all men.

And is there a "matriarchal attitude attitude you've simultaneously identified?

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I neither know nor care what HCR earns from writing her magnificent, almost daily essays that provide critical information and insight to the hundreds of thousands who rely on her truthful lighthouse amidst ‘false fact’ seas. Whatever HCR earns from her noble and self-less service is a pittance compared to the pay of braying wolves on Fox and elsewhere.

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As a teacher myself of small children, l can attest to the fact that teachers at any level are NOT making big money. They usually need a side job. A good salary in education is paltry compared to the corporate world.

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Finally, it's time for Joe Manchin to put up or join ranks with his fellow Democrats on the Freedom To Vote Act. He got the bill he wanted and now he needs to either round up 10 GOP votes, or if failing to do so, agree to carve out an exception to the filibuster to get his approved bill passed.

Bipartisanship is one possibility, it is not mandatory especially when the stakes are this high. It's time to stop the dance Joe and standup and fight.

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Yes, he must act or go down in history as the last nail in democracy’s coffin.

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He's just one of many, but I assure you when this reaches critical mass Joe Manchin will be running back to the hills of WV but they will be waiting for him.

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So well said!

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Heather, I can see how you manage to accomplish so much, when you take to your kayak to "relax." I hope tonight provides you time to catch up on your sleep and rest. Thank you for another gorgeous, peaceful picture. Your outlook helps us to adjust our own. Thank you.

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Sweet dreams to you Heather, and to all of you gathered here...❤️

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You, too, Cynthia!

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Beautiful and peaceful. Thank you for all you do for so many.

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Thank you so much!

(And Hallelujah the September 18 rally in DC continues to shrink these shenanigans, or as President Biden likes to say malarkey.)

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Yes, Beverly, shrunken shenanigans and minimized malarkey!!

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Bull hockey is another good term to use along with malarkey!

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I remember diving for abalone along the California Coast when for three consecutive weekends the sea grew calmer and calmer and calmer, until it lay there like someone had poured oil on the surface. This happened in November of the year. It had demonstrated why its called the Pacific. May your dreams be as peaceful.

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There's a face in the center of the clouds.

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TPJ! I am so happy to see you here. I've been concerned.

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Yes, Daria. I "saw" TPJ yesterday. Want to say hi but don't want to scare him away!

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I have been thinking of him every single day.

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The great pumpkin! Boo

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Ha! Fall is almost here, Lynn. Yay!

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I'm happy too TPJ. I was wondering wherew you had got to.

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It’s saying difficult things we need to pay attention to! Thanks for pointing it out.

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And we know exactly who that face is beaming at HCR!

Good day to you, TPC. Enjoy the gaze that watches over us!

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Smiling?

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Take more than a day off! You have taught us to dig, to read critically, and to share our opinions in a thoughtful and respectful way. Not necessary to "give us a fish" every day - you have "taught us to fish." We got this til you're ready to write again. ❤️

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Very wise and kind words. I agree.

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Travel apparently broadens the mind but my internet connection in Paris didn't appreciate being left behind. Got home to no connection and so only the mobile remains. So have a great day all.

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You too, Stuart!

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Right back to you, Stuart. So looking forward to you weighing in this week on our forum’s “French Connection”.

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Welcome home, Stuart!

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Well, Heather, if you ever got historian's burnout, you could just say "The hell with it" and become a photographer. Not yet, however. Please.

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Indeed, David. My first thought was she could give Buddy and Peter a run in the picture-taking department!

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Hahahahaha. Morning David. A plea we all hear!

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A little flat calm is a wonderful thing right now. Thanks.

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Truly a splendid photo. As kayakers ourselves, we know the peaceful power of paddling slowly though calm waters, and the magic of a clouded sky reflected in that water. It helps me understand how you can do the often no doubt painful research you do, the past being mirrored in the present, as was so evident in your last piece about lives lost in the Civil War for American liberty for ALL. Now we see that all in such jeopardy, the mirror’ing times of this present. Thank you for this work you do to present more clarity for your many readers. So glad you tend to your needs with times off.

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