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Sep 9, 2022Liked by Steven Beschloss

Colonization of the less advantaged of the world was practiced by most all of the European countries at one time with England perhaps leading the crowd. Although derogatory, there were also advantages, especially with the Charter of Liberties or Magna Carta passed in 1215 which established the rule of law, trial by jury and other freedoms. If American colonies were to be dominated by any country, it was better that it was England, now our closest ally. England's fate and the world's might have been different had Edward not abdicated to marry Wallis Simpson, for he sided with Germany and the Nazis. There would have been no Elizabeth II, a symbol of love and unity for the peoples of The United Kingdom. Americans have surely been taken with her. She was not the most maternal of women, leaving her small children in the care of others while she and Phillip spent six months making a trip around the world. She also received much criticism for her hesitancy to show compassion for Dianna's death. I mostly think of her in uniform driving a jeep during WW II. With little power but much influence, she will be dearly missed by all. Not everyone is enthused with Charles and Camilla.

Eisenhower is ranked 6th as best US presidents. I have the button that states his popularity-I LIKE IKE. When his brother Milton was president of Penn State, Ike went there and spoke. I was close to the road as his car went by with him waving out of the window. I made eye contact with him. My life's experience of being close to greatness. : ) He did enjoy golfing with his rich friends in Palm Springs. I read a book about him and Nixon, and by the end, I was feeling sorry for Dick. His choice of Sect'y of State, John Foster Dulles, was not a wise one. Dulles so hated the Soviet Union and communism that he supported S. American dictators over elected heads of gov't. He denied needed support of Diem in Viet Nam probably leading eventually to that war and the death of American soldiers. Ike went along. But he will be long remembered for his military, industrial complex statement and Mamie for her bangs.

Bannon probably going to jail, as he should, for his fraudulent acts of milking money from people to build an unwanted by majority, wall. Why only he? What about, among all the other crooked things, trump's fraudulent university? Hopefully, he, too, will one day sleep on a cot and use a porcelain toilet.

Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future. John F. Kennedy.

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Your writing today makes me hunger for the good old days. When America could have 2 political parties and when through their different policy ideas, they both held fast to the promise that was America. That experiment of Democracy. There was civility. There was adherence to law. Qualities I so wish we had in our society today. Qualities I so worry about our society losing because of the cult that has taken over the GOP. I also noted that although the British monarchy isn't a ruling political entity, it exhibited such a smooth transition, enveloped by such respect for individuals and process. I really long for that respect, that smooth transition and that sense of adherence to process and law in our country.

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