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Rick George's avatar

I love the quality of your writing and the affirmation for our own emotions through your sharing of your own reactions. Thank you for the many resources. I, too, recommend Anne Applebaum, particularly Twilight of Democracy: The Seductive Lure of Authoritarianism.

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Sue Kusch's avatar

Thank you, Rick!

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Susan J Tweit's avatar

Thank you for this list of wise and thoughtful suggestions, Sue. And special thanks for the Joy Harjo poem, a particular favorite of mine. It is good to be reminded that the humblest parts of our lives, like that well-worn kitchen table, are the grounding for all we do. May the Klickitat, the earth herself, and your community of friends be sustaining and nourishing. Always. Blessings to you.

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April George's avatar

Fire and Ice

Some say the world will end in fire,

Some say in ice.

From what I've tasted of desire

I hold with those who favor fire.

But if I had to perish twice,

I think I know enough of hate

To say that for destruction ice

Is also great

And would suffice.

**Robert Frost**

I just wrote an LTE about the planned mass deportations in the coming administration. Trying do do more than stew and fret. Thanks, Sue

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Maryam's avatar

Thank you, Sue! I intend to forward this article to others feeling intense disappointment and apprehension. ( I especially like the call to artists!)

One suggestion to add to the list, although perhaps inferred: Pause to love and nurture yourself.

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Sue Kusch's avatar

Hi Maryam! Thanks for your comment and sharing. A point about self-care - exercise and making art were attempts but I agree 100%. Hope you are doing well.

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Sandy S's avatar

Never underestimate the power of joy and beauty for lifting your spirits. Nothing ethereal here. I'm talking plain old happiness or an evening sunset that stops you in your tracks. A cat unexpectantly jumping in your lap and giving you a look while purring loudly that says. 'You are my people!' can feed your spirit nicely.

I say our best plan of action is to ignore the old orange fart. He craves attention. I am seriously thinking of cutting the cable. He looses all momentum without an opponent or audience. His track record of accomplishment is dismal. We will endure the damage he will do in his ignorant ways but I see his cohorts soon to be full of infighting in their attempts to replace him. He will drop each as he gets wind of such activity, or should he just imagine it. It won't be pretty. That is why we need to feed our spirits and bone-up on our civics and be ready to strengthen our democracy when opportunity presents itself.

I do disagree when you say neither side provided plans for improving our lives. Kamala had plans with ways to pay for them to provide in-home care for seniors thru their Medicare, the building of 300,000 new affordable places to live and to challenge price gouging by food producers among her other proposals.

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Sue Kusch's avatar

Yes, Kamala, did offer more positive ideas and the Dems tried to pass legislation around eldercare issues but were defeated by the GOP. Elders definitely need to get louder and we deserve more attention than we are getting.

Joy and beauty are so important when such negative energy and rhetoric is found just about everywhere. It's going to be a long four years.

As always, thank you for commenting, Sandy.

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Sandy S's avatar

I guess we will just have to agree to disagree. For now we can still do that.

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Sue Kusch's avatar

I do agree! Kamala did a commitment to nclude in-home health care, had a housing plan, and was ready to tackle price gouging. I want the aging of America as important as the economy and healthcare.

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Sandy S's avatar

Good to know Sue.

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Nancy Stordahl's avatar

Hi Sue,

This is a helpful, uplifting read and to-do list. Thank you.

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Sue Kusch's avatar

Thank you commenting and I am happy to hear that you found it useful.

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Meredith's avatar

Thank you for these thoughts that are so positive. My intention is getting to know more people

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Sue Kusch's avatar

You are welcome! I agree about meeting and listening to more people. It's hard for me as an introvert...

Thanks for commenting, Meredith.

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Reginawalks's avatar

Sue, thanks for your list of things to do! You've added several attractive suggestions to my growing list. Your suggestions for reading are great, too! I am attracted to your suggestion of using libraries for informational programs about the Constitution and to read Project 2025.

This is a good time for my life purpose of enticing people to come outside to strengthen and expand! Thanks for voicing this important message!

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Sue Kusch's avatar

I truly believe we need to counter the political media and rhetoric with our own knowledge of our Constitution and Project 2025.

Thanks for commenting, Regina.

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Cherie Lee's avatar

I'm with you, Sue. Great suggestions!

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Sue Kusch's avatar

Thank you, Cherie.

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