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Jan 8
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14, huh? Have you ever gone back to see what you've written and how it holds up? Should be interesting. And who were those 'elder professionals'? Publishing people? Newspaper people? What a great topic for an essay!

I'm a political junkie, especially during crucial election years, so I'm gearing up already. I hope I can hold steady and do as much personal writing as political, but in this parlous climate my already raw nerves tend to swing to DOING SOMETHING. Never mind that I don't know what that something is. I just have to work at it.

My cross to bear.

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I'm in for whatever you write, keep it coming. I keep my newsletter strictly about books and books adjacent topics for many reasons, but I do read a lot of newsletters that are political in nature so I can stay informed. I'm not knowledgable enough to write about politics, there are others that do it very well, so I'll keep to my little corner of the internet. Happy New Year!

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Thank you, Gayla. Our newsletters are US. They have to be, or what would be the reason to subscribe? Every writer develops a niche over time, and isn't it great? So much to read, so many experiences, so many viewpoints.

Because my own viewpoints can be a bit volatile, I thought it best to lay it out there. No surprises! I love your Novelicious site and lurk there often. I'm not writing fiction at the moment but I thoroughly enjoy it!

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Yesss! Ramona is back. You invited honesty so here it is. I read everything you write. You and Anne Lamott are two of the very few I don’t miss reading. But I have read your latest writings here with a mixed mind. I love passionate writing. The words, the evocative skills are invaluable but I search for something that makes me think and shout Amen. The heart and soul, the feeling you have something you HAVE to say. Love this piece!

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Your support is invaluable to me, Edy. I aim to please! (Sometimes) I want every writer to write from the heart--from a place that isn't always comfortable--and how hypocritical would I be if I didn't do the same?

This isn't necessarily about politics now; we've gone far beyond that. But politics is the instrument for radical change. We've seen the radicalization of the Right and it's not pretty. The leaders who see it happening and want to bring us back to sanity can't do it alone, as much as we insist they should. Only the citizens can do that, with their vote, with their actions (peaceable, of course), and with their voices.

I'm free to use my voice here and I will. That's a promise.

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Always do you! Your passion comes through here - I think you've found your focus. I'm subscribing!

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Yay! Thank you! And welcome! I've just read your 'About Me' page and...wow! That's a bucket list to end all bucket lists! Can't wait to read more, and of course I've subscribed.

Come back any time and join in on our conversations. You could add much to them!

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Thanks! I will! I'm still finding solid footing with my substack but I feel like I'm getting there. I think your last post was you finding you!

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Ramona, I’m your soul sister with too much anger and angst to share on line. My feminism started back in the ‘60’s, and I’ve “walked the talk” trying to forge easier paths for others and trying to provide a positive role model. Yes, I’m one of those girls who gave speeches about the U.S. Constitution while in high school, and Yes, I did the “Women in male dominated professions” seminars and motivational talks when asked. Unfortunately, my efforts seem to bring “3 steps forward and 2 back”. When I moved from Birmingham to the FL panhandle, I was moving from a red state to a blue state that promptly became red. After I relocated, 2 abortion providers were slaughtered in separate attacks amid “demonstrations” by white men carrying bottled dead fetuses. Clinics providing care for women were bombed repeatedly and closed. I have watched in horror as women and girls “choose” the familiar pathways of finding a male who wants to f*** them over finding their own voices and identities. I know changing behaviors is uncomfortable and hard work, but it’s so worth the effort!. Thanks for sharing your thoughts so eloquently !

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Nan, thanks so much for your thoughts here. Yes, I certainly see the parallels! I was a charter subscriber to Ms Magazine, signing up even before the first issue was published in 1972, but my feminism (didn't even know the name yet) started long before that. I wonder how I knew about Ms? I really can't remember, but it was long before the internet. of course.

The 60s and 70s were a revelation--scary and exciting at the same time. When Roe v Wade became law we knew there was no going back. Nothing about that has changed.

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.. 🏴‍☠️🦎 ..

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