“What are you looking for, Little One?”
“I thought I saw Friday run through here.”
“It is Friday, so you may be right.”
It is Friday Twiggy, and I think we are all glad. Seems like this was a longer week than usual.
Thoughts on the week.
I am part of the 1B group (Over sixty-five with an underlying medical problem) eligible for the Covid vaccine. That would be good news, with the exception that there is no vaccine available. It looks like the rollout follows the usual 2020 practice, which is a manifestation of the murphy law that says what can go wrong will. I met with my doctor, and we both agreed to stay in quarantine. Besides, The Producer is not in an eligible age group, so it makes no sense for me to be protected and then go out and drag that evil back to the house.
As we all know, the house of representatives voted to impeach Trump. Most everyone is happy about this circumstance. I, ,wish they would have spent some time on necessary legislation for the country but do understand congressional leadership needing to carry out the purpose that they stated several years ago. Saving face is a big thing these days. This impeachment should be labeled for what it is – revenge. It does nothing to unite the country. As I read other blogs, it doesn’t look like anyone is in the mood to unite. It is going to be an interesting year. I, for one, hope the new president will be able to work on bringing us back together again. A tall order, but pray he can help get it done.
The inauguration is next week. I’ve stated before that I hope there is enough force in DC so that the punk element will think twice before starting another insurrection.
Today’s JohnKu talks about unity. I hope you all have a super weekend.
Unity by John W Howell © 2021
Unity starts where?
With the government only . . .
No. It starts with us.
Fiction Favorites 
Good thoughts, John. I’m in group 4 for the COVID vaccine (over 70) and hope to be called in before too long. The forecast is mid-February at the latest.
Not that it affects me, and perhaps I should say nothing about it, but I think the incoming president will stand a better chance of uniting the country if the outgoing one (and his family, acolytes, sycophants, enablers and hangers-on) keep their collective lips firmly sealed. Or better still, offer the new guy some support.
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I would like to think that the outgoing would lend support to the incoming. Not going to happen especially in light of the impeachment. (Which I believe was a mistake when considering unity)
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‘Saw Friday running through’!!! Tee he hee. Erm, can Friday–please–slow down to a slow walk … a dawdle, really … from this evening all the way through Sunday? That would be awesome sauce. 😂
Love your thoughts on all current events, John, and agree wholeheartedly. I’m praying the inauguration goes through without mishap. Even though I’m in the UK, I would rest easier knowing that Trump can’t sit in office ever again.
Thanks for sharing, John. Wonderful Haiku. Have a lovely weekend 🙂
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Thank you, Harmony. I agree on the slow walk. I have always fantasized about having a dial that you can use to slow or speed up time. Might be a good story sometime. Thanks for your comments on my current events. We do need an inauguration to get past the 15 minutes of fame given to the Proud Boys. I think we all need to see the transition complete. I hope people recognize the importance of the fact that the Congress kept on working after the insurrection to radify the election. It would have been easy to postpone that historic event but didn’t happen. Have a great slow weekend, Harmony. 🥃
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A dial … I love it, John! A fab storyline for sure 😁🥃💤
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Personally, I don’t think unity will happen for awhile. Multiple reasons including the vengeful history of certain public individuals and the idea that you can’t easily put this big a genie back in the bottle without a fight. As far as the covid vaccine goes, I’m still not sure how the groups go. It looks like educators are in the current group here, but not in other states. So, it feels like this isn’t an across the board rollout.
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I’m afraid you are right on the prospects of unity. Too much hatred on both sides and no one willing to put down an olive branch. The distribution of vaccine is a state run deal. Here teaches are not in the first waves.
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I am hoping that the inauguration goes through peacefully… great Haiku, John. ❤
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Hi John,
In order for unity to begin, each person must be willing to forgive, and I don’t see that happening. I’ve never seen as much hatred in a long time like what I saw on the impeachment hearing that was televised on CNN.
I hope unity will come but right now the leaders regardless of party are divided and a divided house cannot stand. Sadly, this divisiveness filters down to the people.
Shalom aleichem
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I totally agree. Biden has a rough road ahead and I personally don’t think he will be successful without a lot of help. Thanks, Pat. Shalom.
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We’re in the same situation in this household, John. My hubby is eligible for the vaccine now (though who knows when he will be chosen in the lottery to receive it) and I am younger and thus likely not eligible until sometime early summer. So not a panacea for us either…. As for unity, I fear it will be a long time coming. The wounds are deep and the desire (it seems to me) is lacking. Sigh…
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Good luck on the vaccine. I agree on the unity. People have to be able to forgive before anything happens. Thank you, Lori
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Very apt JohnKu!
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Thank you, Liz.
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I never felt the vaccine would be a way out of this pandemic, but it is a good step in getting it over with. I agree with your thinking, but being high-risk, you should get it when it’s available.
I condemn riots for any cause. A riot uses fear and intimidation to get what it wants. I hope the people who rioted and looted and burned cities down in the past years now look at D.C. and see how it looks and how dangerous it is.
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I agree, GP. Nothing great is accomplished with a riot.
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It does begin with us, John. Let’s act like adults.
I am optimistic about the chances to get some necessary work done in Washington. I’m not sure I’m understand when the vaccine will be available for my age group, but it’s January in New England, I’m not missing much.
Take care. Stay safe. Tell Twiggy there are 50 more Fridays coming this year.
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Thank you, Dan. I hope you are right about being optimistic. Twiggy loved the idea of 50 more Fridays. 😁
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If we rely on our government for unity, we are all doomed. I agree with you about the remarks on blogs…it’s sad. Great JohnKu today. As for the vaccine…my 82 year-old parents, who live in a continuing care community are still waiting. Of course yesterday, our governor opened the vaccine up to 65 and older. What? But then went on to say that even though 65 and older are eligible, it doesn’t mean they have enough vaccine.
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P.S. I could live on your patio…it’s gorgeous! I love the color scheme.
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Thank you, Jill. I’ll pass your comment to The Producer who is chief interior and exterior designer for our home. 😁
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That’s what I figured. 🙂
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The vaccine situation is a mess for sure. Unity is going to be up to each of us. My problem with the naysaying bloggers is a lot of them are 1. overseas. 2. Not negatively impacted by Trump administration. Yet they go on and on as if they are in the thick of things and usually with second hand information. I hope they all calm down after Trump leaves. Thanks, Jill.
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Exactly! Of course, even after Trump is gone, there’s still plenty of morons left in DC who seem intent on destroying our Constitution.
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I agree with you, Jill. Morons galore.
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I don’t look to the government to build bridges (literal or otherwise), and I rarely listen to any elected official. I’m hoping for a miracle that will help all of us realize that unity is dependent upon each of us. Your haiku is right-on. 🙂
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Thank you, Gwen 😊
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Wise words!
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Thank you, Pamela. A nice compliment since you know your way around wise words for sure. 😊
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Well said, John. Have a great weekend!
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You as well, Teri.
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Well said, John. It is far from over but the people definitely have to do their part. Once that dark cloud leaves the building, it will help some and we can hope that he does the unexpected and does not keep trying to cause insurrections.
Hope your Friday is fabulous. I, for one, am looking forward to cocktail hour…
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Thank you, Dale. I hope he does the unexpected as well. Come on cocktail hour!!!!🍸
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Woot!! I reheated – oh so gently – the carbonara I made for an army the other night. I got an “it’s okay, considering”… thank goodness I bought myself a little half-bottle of red wine!
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There you go. I never had much luck with reheating carbonara myself. I also don’t reheat Alfredo. It always breaks. I make enough for one meal and that’s it. Glad it worked for you. 😊
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I managed to do it without breaking it but yanno…
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You are the master.😁
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I have my lucky moments!
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Well done, John. I have no hope for unity in government. After all, the people are the ones who put them there. After all, the people give low approval ratings to Congress – well, to all except their own. Meanwhile, I have some bubbly in the frig ready for Wednesday.
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Unity begins with sharing your bubbly. I’mafraid Biden is not going to be the whole answer.
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I’m not convinced anyone can unify Washington … because only national events like Pearl Harbor and 9-11 can do that.
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You know how I feel about those Blackhearts.
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Well said, John. And your haiku is right on. I’m not going to comment on specifics, because no matter what any of us say on any issue or candidate, a huge chunk of the country will get even angrier. *sigh*
I remember a time when we were allowed to have differing opinions without things turning ugly or violent. I’d like to think that time isn’t gone forever. I’m with Gwen. The answers lie within us.
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It really is too bad that civil discorse has gone the way of the dinosaur. Thanks, Marcia.
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Exactly. To my mind, it’s a pretty sad state of affairs.
Trying to find (and stay focused on) the positive. I’m convinced negativity rots the brain.
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It does.
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The insurrection was shocking and I watched it unfold, live. BUT the fallout has been shocking too. Representatives harassed and threatened to the point of buying body armor? The insanity continues. I am hopeful that things will settle down but there’s been such a cost.
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People need to open their heart and embrace our democracy.
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Unity would be very nice. Continuing to live in a democratic republic would also be very nice. The orange aberration came close to ending that last Wednesday. He set the mob on both the executive branch and on Congress then sat back and watched. And ignored calls for the national guard watching the riot like you and I might watch a football game. Until the inauguration takes place I will wonder about the republic. I don’t think the ones in Congress that think they are on the orange aberration’s side realize how close they came to becoming optional. Pence went under the bus last Wednesday. And if they say the wrong word they could join him under the bus. Like Sauron the orange one does not share power. And I am sure neither you or I would like that form of unity. For now lets enjoy Friday. The political lock down next Wednesday will come when the states try to ward off the next round of ‘protests’ or attacks.
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As I have stated I hope there is enough armed protection of the capitols to act as a deterrent. The police chief of DC refused all help even when asked by the FBI, Homeland and the pentagon. All he had to do was say yes.
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Fair enough.
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😊
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A great post, John. I am sorry to see the new House starting their session with revenge and hate. I blame the leaders of both houses for this – they preach peace and unity out of one side of their mouths and then speak hate out of the other. This makes me think we will never be able to work together again.
Be proactive with regard to getting the vaccine. Here the teaching hospitals are distributing it, along with the country health departments. Start searching around – we did that and got our first shots last Tuesday.
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I’m not going to search. I’ll wait until there is plenty. I agree on both sides of the mouth and both sides of the aisle. Very disturbing.
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What a week, huh? I hate to see so much dissension. When did we lose the ability to disagree without being disagreeable? Raging mobs, fear, panic, weapons — all should be unnecessary in a democratic society. Even animals don’t act that badly! Whichever side of the political spectrum a person falls on, it’s incumbent on each of us to do our part to promote civility, discourse, and respect.
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I agree, but I’m afraid it has gone too far. We now need to use force to quell these insurrectionists. Thanks Debbie.
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You nailed it, John. Unity starts with us. Our government cannot unite us. It only seems to be able to divide. It all started with red and blue, many years ago. That was the beginning of the chasm that continues to widen. I pray for peace.
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I pray for peace too, Jan. Thanks.
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Impeachment was always a half step measure with little thrust behind it. You’re right, revenge is what it really was. I don’t happen to care whether it inflames the other side, since the other side is inflamed no matter what. I just don’t think it matters in the least and for that reason alone, the message might have been better served by doing the people’s business in this instance.
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I so agree with you. It’s like watching children argue at recess and one says,”I’m going to tell.” I would love to coal shute the lot.
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Me too Boss.
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😁
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Happy Friday, John! I’m just happy I got to your post on a Friday instead of a Saturday or a Sunday 😉
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Hahaha. I’m happy too.
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I hope you get a vaccination soon, John. It is a good insurance policy even if you don’t go rushing out. It is going to be an interesting year. I think Biden is a place holder personally, but time will tell.
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I agree on the placeholder. I son’t think he has the strength to do the job.
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Me either, but there didn’t seem to be anyone else.
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We’ll see what Harris does. A true socialist to the core.
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Your Johnku is on point, John. Unity must begin with each individual. I’m still on the fence about whether or not the president should have been impeached in the matter that it was done, but I don’t think it affected the unity of the people one way or the other. Had the house not impeached president Trump because they feared more uprising from the angry mob that stormed the Capitol building, the mob wins. The rioters are going to go on with their plans no matter what. But . . . impeaching the president in such a hasty manner seemed wrong somehow, and he’s still in the white house calling the shots anyway. So, what was the point of all this? Don’t get me wrong, he needs to go, but I don’t know if the house did the right thing––not yet. Let’s see what happens once the investigation into the insurrection is over. Have a great weekend! 😀 xo
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Thank you, Vashti. I’m only thinking that when you do something in haste or when the blood is boiling mistakes are made. Have a great weekend.
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Definitely stay safe. This whole vaccine thing is annoying, but what can you expect when the government is in charge of it? If I lived in California or Michigan I would be 1b and able to get a vaccine right now (one that I would have to be on a waitlist for or else call and call and get nowhere). Living in Arizona, I am in group 1C. So if my in-laws (nearly though the kids aren’t married yet bc of covid) get their first shot in New Jersey before they come here they will get their 2nd dose in Arizona before I can get mine just because they got their first. But I am an Arizona resident and pay taxes here. Thanks for getting me started. Oh, not your fault? Where is margarita?
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We both need one, Luanne. It is okay to rant here. it’s good for you. 😁
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Thank you!
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😁
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Here’s to peace and unity in 2021 . . . Happy New Year, John!
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Thank you , Christine. The same to you.
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May all the Friday of 2021 be discovering for the Twiggy Resort. (Keep silence about the vaccine🤐😊😊)…so I wish you the best medical solution in your case, dear John whatever it is. 🎀
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Yes all will be well, Maria. Do you have the Vaccine in Russia?
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Of course, dear John. Sputkin V is ours. It has been the fist one made. 😁
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Have you had it yet?
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Nay! No way! 😉It is too dangerous & I’m in the risk group due to a high level of allergy to chemical remedies. For years I have been visiting a phytotherapist, so I don’t play in these games with not natural medicines any more. Besides, I have had a light form of the virus in January, so here is no need. I prefer to take my herbs to support the immuno system as well as my family (some members are doctors) does. Good luck with the vaccine if you have decided to have it. 😊
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I will be waiting until it is available in more quantities. I don’t feel comfortable standing in lines or in rooms filled with people. My immune system is medically suppressed so I will need the vaccine sometime in the future if I intend to live in the world again. I will wait until everything calms down. 😁
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🥂 Cin-cin, my dear friend! You are wise. Some champagne & caviar are the best supporters of the immune system! 😋😎
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Oh I love both so I will support my immune system in style. 😁🥂 Cin-cin my Dear, Maria.
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💗 And no side effects ever! 😁🥂
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Wonderful. 😁🥂
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Very good thoughts, today. I like the sentiment of the poem, too.
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Thank you, Craig,
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I’m waiting very patiently for our turn at 1C and hope we don’t run out here either. I love your last line, yes, it does start with each of us! Fingers crossed it gets better and the sides blend into the same purpose.
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Thank you, Denise
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I see blogging as a simple step toward respectful interaction between people from across the country and world. As someone with moderate views, I can usually see both sides of most issues. It is this constant good vs. evil viewpoint encouraged by both sides of the media that is tiresome. Not every issue in the world needs to become political. There are certain things all people want: safety, good things for your kids, someone to love, good education, etc. There has to be common ground.
I’m hoping the rollout for the virus gets better. If trying to end a global pandemic can’t unite people, what will?
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I so agree with your position. The media has a vested interest to give legs to a story no matter how biased. More viewers (readers) more revenue. Social outrage is an easy lead-in for any story. Hit and runs, child abuse, Trump, boarders, gender, color, and national origin all can have “investigative” potential which continue the cycle of telling the “what” and avoiding the “why.” The big problem with all media including social is the “why” is hardly ever explored. Why did the Capitol Police Chief decline help from the FBI, Homeland, and the Pentagon? That story has not been told. I think the common ground is in folks understanding the “why” of things. The media has failed the who , what , when, and why tenents of good journalism. It has been especially tiresome for the last four years given the childish behavior all around. Thanks for your thoughts, Pete. Sorry for going on and on. 😁
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Agreed. It starts with us. Unfortunately, US-population is divided in 2 … and (as you said) it doesn’t look like anyone is in the mood to unite. Also, the net is full of bullshit from both sides, not sure it does any good…
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All that net-talk is very destructive. I wish both sides would take a time out and concentrate on not spreading the virus. Stay well, Ray. 😊
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Agreed 👍💜💜
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😁
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and love that haiku 💙☕️📚
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Aw, Thank you. 🍰🍩🍪🥐☕️
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It was an interesting week. The COVID vaccine is being distributed here in Florida. Every county has their own method, but it’s specifically going to the 65+ crowd and healthcare workers. I signed a petition this week from the American Diabetes Association. Diabetics were especially prone to dying from COVID yet we are not among the high risk groups targeted for the vaccine in the later phases. I hope this changes.
I also hope we make it through this next week without more idiotic violence. The last time this country had a conflict between people loyal to the country and those loyal to a single individual was the war of 1812. We truly don’t learn from history.
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1812 is long forgotten as is the civil war. I hate to say this, but there is stupidity on both sides and I don’t believe it will be over for a while.
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Thoughts and prayers for a better year ahead. Hopefully the wounds will eventually heal.
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I’m afraid there are going to be more wounds before it is over. Thanks for your prayers, Mark.
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Unity starts with us, and I hope that ‘hope’ becomes the word of the year and replaces revenge.
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We are entering an age of socialism where revenge is a key motivation.
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It is very sad.
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Praying for a peaceful transition, and for unity for all, John. I’m late in commenting but hope you had a good weekend.
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I did. Hope you did too.
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