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Chuck Drayton's avatar

Wonderfully written and insightful as always. Loved the very brief explanation of interactionism. It continues to make me reflect Perhaps you can write a separate article solely on that topic? In the meantime, I will search for my old DSM II.

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Eli Merritt's avatar

My old buddy, Chuck Drayton, right?

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Chuck Drayton's avatar

There are only two Chuck D’s. One is the GOAT of rap/hip hop and the other is your less intelligent but vastly better looking old friends .

I am so proud of all your success. I always look forward to reading your latest essays in the American Commonwealth - you are such a great writer!!!

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Meredith's avatar

Turning around the ship of state at this point will be tough but better now than later

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Unknown Democracy Lover's avatar

I think we need some Athenian ostracism right now! Two weeks in and it's pretty clear that this President is going to drive America into a ditch.

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Eli Merritt's avatar

The only safeguard now to the Constitution is federal judges. What else is there?

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Unknown Democracy Lover's avatar

Federal judges aren’t supposed to manage the spending processes of the Administrative branch, and a large number of those appointed by Trump are unqualified partisan hacks that use the law as a fig leaf for their ridiculous rulings. Spending oversight is by the Congress which is captured by Trump. Unfortunately, I think we are witnessing the end of American democracy just two weeks in. No more Inspectors General. Mainstream press is muzzled by their billionaire owners. No independent FBI. Supine and demoralized Democrats. Who are the whistleblowers supposed to go to? It’s been a remarkably swift and easy process.

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Paula Lovell's avatar

I get more frightened every day. In just a few short days, we are no longer world leaders. We are selfish thugs. So sad. So shameful.

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Eli Merritt's avatar

I hear you, Paula. The problem is a hardened, narcissistic, authoritarian personality at the helm. At so many levels, democracy has failed in permitting him to rise to the presidency. In some ways, it's now up to federal judges, like my dad, to save us. Thanks for writing!

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Paula Lovell's avatar

Your dad was a brilliant, honest and inspired justice. I hope there are some impartial ones around.

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