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Dear readers, I have removed several comments from readers arguing over a post about the female judge in Colorado and Fani Willis. The participants in the argument began directing comments AT one another rather than ABOUT the arguments. Please don't do that. Let's discuss ideas, not comment on one another.

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Thanks, Robert. I was tempted to weigh in when I saw that yesterday, but didn't want to fan the flames. Not only is ad hominem-ism dangerous, but so too is speculation masquerading as fact.

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On the way back from an overseas trip aboard Air Force One, she vacated her chair and sat at the feet of President Carter so that I would have a chair to sit on in order to stenotype the President's remarks at a briefing to the press pool of reporters. I wanted to object to her gesture, but realized there was no other option that the small room we were in afforded. People Magazine published a photo on their cover page of First Lady Rosalynn Carter on the floor between her husband and me. I do not know what I would have done had she not humbled herself on my behalf. Rest In Peace, Mrs. Carter.

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Nov 20, 2023·edited Nov 20, 2023Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

Lynell, Thank you for sharing this beautiful memory! How very special. Here is a link to the photo, I believe: https://i.insider.com/6128ed1a80be940019b9f563?width=1200&format=jpeg&auto=webp

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Thanks, Jennifer! What a great picture of Lynell and the Carters!

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OMG, Jennifer, that's it! I hunted for it several months ago without any luck. Thank you so much!

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Nov 20, 2023·edited Nov 20, 2023Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

What a wonderful photo! And so that's you Lynell! I'm thrilled!

Robert, Thank you for urging us to read President Biden's op-ed. It's everything you said it would be. I keep saying he's the best president of my lifetime, which began the first summer of Ike, and Biden keeps demonstrating that I'm right!

And, regarding Biden's age, on Boston Public Radio, a show on WGBH more commonly known as Jim & Margery, after the two hosts, a commenter made a wise comment about Biden's age. He comes from a close family, she said, and if they had any doubts that he could handle another term, they would have told him, and he would have listened, and decided not to run.

People age biologically at different rates, and Biden is aging very well indeed, accumulating the wisdom, while maintaining the ability to remain lucid while traveling around the world to meet multiple leaders in different time zones.

Contrast Biden with the former guy who now thinks he beat Obama, and who gives new meaning to the phrase, "word salad".

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Oh, David. I just found your comment in my SP*M folder, again. Wish I knew why it ends up there as I constantly tell it you're NOT SP*M.

As for Biden, I guess there's nothing left for us to do but to keep pushing back until election day when he wins!

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Isn’t it astonishing – well, unfortunately, it isn’t – that media who incessantly prate about Biden’s age ignore the age of the man (who must be nameless) who’s only three years younger!

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It is astonishing. These people don't think.

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…or do they?

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So glad Jennifer found & shared the photo!! It's really nice to put a face to your posts Lynell!!

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Thank you!!

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Nov 20, 2023Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

You have encapsulated a wonderful person in a few short sentences. Thank you.

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Thank you, Jon. I meant my memory to be about her. Your reply seems to indicate that I succeeded!

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Wow, thanks so much for sharing Lynell…

💙🪽

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My goodness, Lynell. And yes, Rest In Peace, Mrs. Carter.

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Lynell, I remember when we had a “conversation“ in another comments section about us both being editors and proofreaders, but I never knew that you were a stenographer for President Carter. Jimmy Carter was the first president I had the pleasure of voting for after I reached voting age. My Republican family did not like it, but I completely ignored their pleas to vote for Ronald Reagan. Unfortunately, Reagan won anyway. I have the deepest respect for the Carters. They are the quintessential definition of humanitarians. This photo is priceless.

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Hey, Janet. I agree, they truly were servants of the people.

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Wonderful memory Lynell!! Please share the picture if you have it.

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At the time, Traci, I had a few copies of the magazine that published the photo. Friends and family "borrowed" those copies, promising to return them but they never did. I am in hopes that I managed to save one copy. I need to hunt for it somewhere in my house!

I do, however, have a certificate from Air Force One certifying the date I was onboard the aircraft.

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Oh Lynell, if not, with the correct date this might help!

https://time.com/vault/

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Checck out Jennifer Hubbell's link above. She found the photo I was talking about.

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Thank you for sharing that memory of graciousness.

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Lynell, thank you for sharing this and being a part of Today Edition among other substack communities that I read and support.

I wish you would find the time to tell us more about this experience and more. Thank you again.

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I am glad you found my story interesting, Arthur! It is interesting that some remark or event I read about ends up sparking a memory of my own. If my memory gets sparked again, I will surely share it with this community.

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Not only is DeSantis a coward but the whole of the GOP with an exceptional few. The Carters have shown what service to the country can be and Biden is continuing to show that leadership as President is not about control but rather service to the common good for America and the world. Thanks Robert!

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Nov 20, 2023Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

I always thought it ironic that the "moral" majority supported Ronald Reagan, who did not attend church and whose wife helped construct his presidential schedule with the help of an astrologer. Astrology is supposedly anathema to Christian principles. Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter lived out the faith they professed.

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Oh yes; Astrology is a ‘no no’ to many Christians. Ya; Nancy Reagan was something else while Rosalynn was quite an amazing woman

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I think it is worse than DeSantis being a coward. The GOP is now a fascist party that is betting there are enough of them to win. The Replacement Theory, the dehumanizing language (vermin), the campaign and Presidency that models itself on rallies and violence and military parade as the dictators of the world do, the call for violence, the book banning and demonizing of teachers, anti lbgtq, anti choice, making us a Christian nation.....they know what they’re doing, it is frightening because as in Germany, the country of Beethoven, there are people ready to rally and carry torches and do evil now that they are given the legitimacy.

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Similar thoughts occurred to me ... cf. my comment with link to “social gospel” CNN news item ...

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Robert, this was an excellent newsletter tonight. Thank you! I saw that interview Ali Velshi had with Luttig and Tribe. So informative and I loved Tribe’s description of the Judge’s conclusion as “bizarro”. I chuckled at that. She did lay the groundwork but she didn’t finish the job and that was disappointing. I don’t know the layout of the Colorado Supreme Court but like you and the scholars noted, the judge left Trump with a thin thread. He shouldn’t be given even that! I want him gagged and stuffed where he can’t hurt anybody anymore. Then we can go after our own Adolf Eichmann, the deplorable Stephen Miller.

Rosalynn Carter holds a very special place in my heart, as does Jimmy. She quietly tackled many women’s issues as well as mental help for those who had disabilities. That was always her priority. Jimmy, after his presidency, helped fund Habit for Humanity which exceeded every goal. People all over world now have housing that they themselves helped build. Not enough can be said about this loving couple. Grateful they have lived well into their 90’s together.

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Nov 20, 2023Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

Robert:

Thanks for your steady insights and advocacy.

The current New Yorker quotes Tom Rothman, the Chairman of Sony Motion Pictures Group, commenting on English filmmaker Ridley Scott, who at 86 is completing "Napoleon," and has directed more than 30 prior movies: "Ridley Scott is the single best argument for a second term for Joe Biden," a perfect riposte to what you refer to with excessive courtesy as 'the journalists who focus only on Biden’s age but ignore his accomplishments."

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Yes! Great example. How about Martin Scorsese who, at 81 just made another fabulous movie, “Killers of the Flower Moon”? We need to highlight all of there “old” folks who are doing incredible things.

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Don't forget Clint Eastwood.

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I'd like to forget him - his pathetic attempt to mock Obama with the empty chair charade revealed what a thoughtless, cynical bully he aspires to be. He conflates his make-believe world as an actor with real, hard accomplishments based on integrity and vision that Biden has shown. He's a poster boy for image over substance.

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The first (and last) time I appreciated Clint Eastwood was in his role as Rowdy in "Rawhide".

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Some of his films were entertaining, and his dual offering on Iwo Jima based on Ron Powers' superb book "Flags of Our Fathers" was brilliant. Success developing or acting in mainstream movies affords a major platform; I wish more people who have that megaphone — sports figures, pop stars, public figures — would use it to amplify the message we struggle to publicize. Instead Eastwood revealed a sour surliness that is marginally amusing in Dirty Harry, but thoughtless and stupid, and possibly racist when he mocked a man who put principles ahead of ego in working hard on behalf of all Americans. Like the villain in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, he chose unwisely.

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Nov 20, 2023Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

Robert, As always, thank you for highlighting important events and people. I'm intrigued by the people who go along with Trump, antisemitism, extremism, etc. So many people - including judges, attorneys, business leaders, others in government, etc. - are hedging their bets or, as Timothy Snyder says, obeying in advance. Regardless of their reasons why, the problem is that they make it easier for fascists and other totalitarians to rise to power and stay there.

Thank you for keeping us informed and energized. Each of us must speak out and take action to safeguard our democracy.

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Anti-Semitism has been on the rise for the last 20 years. In some ways subtle, in some ways obvious. It has now burst on the scene like microwave popcorn...

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Nov 20, 2023·edited Nov 20, 2023

Your reference to microwave popcorn is apt: it captures the fact that antisemitism has been present even when it hasn’t been expressed publicly (popcorn waiting to be heated).

Antisemitism hasn’t so much “increased” recently: it’s been increasingly been *expressed publicly*, recently.

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Thanks Michael. I try with words to express in a way that almost anyone can understand.

Be well.

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Nov 20, 2023·edited Nov 20, 2023Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

With Biden and all of his accomplishments being talked about ( or not) must come discussions about rampant ageism in this country. As someone who is fast approaching a milestone decade marker coming quickly, I know the feeling.My own daughter does this schtick on me ,playing the old lady card to make me feel"old". She thinks it is funny. I can't blame her though. My own Boomer generation started the agage"Never trust anyone over 30" saying these words when we were 24 years old. I have said this before but it is worth repeating, I would rather have an accomplished, experienced, stable, energetic older statesman as my POTUS than a lying,misogyntistic, traitorous, fascist, 3 year younger man any day of the week. Bravo, Dark Brandon!

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Nov 20, 2023·edited Nov 20, 2023Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

I'm only 65 and I find it extremely irritating that younger people treat me as if I'm a doddering old fool. NOT!! I painted the entire exterior of my house last year, trim trees (from the ground, bc not dumb, either) ride my horse, travel, hike, do numerous home projects on my own, am adept with computers and technology. If you put Biden's presidential resume/accomplishments in front of an interviewer without revealing his age, the interviewer would be "wowza, we've got our new hire!!" And if age is revealed and the interviewer backs off, Biden would have every right/reason to say "gee, what more does a guy have to do to get hired around here??!!!"

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I love this take!

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Why aren't we celebrating EXPERIENCE and ACCOMPLISHMENTS instead of bemoaning "presidenting at 80"!!!

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Because western society is age obsessed.

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Yes, and in the wrong way!!

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Because right-wing agitators and right-wing media will use whatever angle they can find or make up to criticize Biden so they can make way for Trump or a GOP substitute.

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Yup!

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Thanks for that perspective, MJ. I just hit 70, and last year almost single-handedly completely renovated a second floor bathroom, negotiating a spiral staircase with all of the materials.

Despite a few creaky joints, clothes that don't quite fit like they used to, and needing to take a break every now and then, 70 isn't much different from 60.

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Me too, Victoria - 80 coming up in jJanuary - and daughter telling me I'm too old to do things like travel on my own. So let's keep going with energy, strength and wisdom - like Joe! Happy birthday Joe!!!

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Yup! I'll be 80 next June. Right now I'm at my cousin's in Tucson for Thanksgiving week, having driven myself from my home in San Diego. I was told that younger cousins here expressed amazement...

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I remember that adage and remember thinking 'fast forward on that thought!'.

Also believe Biden was born for this moment in time - do I wish he were 10 yrs younger?

Sure, but nonetheless, VERY grateful he's at the helm and hope he has another chance at it.

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Nov 20, 2023Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

The Carters set the high standard for goodness in the White House. President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden stand on their shoulders.

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Nov 20, 2023Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

As a symbolic birthday gift I am sending $81.00 to the Biden campaign. His age does not worry me. He has plenty of energy and we need his wisdom and experience!

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Love this idea! I will do the same. Thank you for sharing!

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Nice to see Laurence Tribe agrees with my theory of what the judge in Colorado did, and likely would agree with the "why she did it" analysis.

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Nov 20, 2023·edited Nov 20, 2023

I think she did it so she could paaa the buck to the higher courts. That's called cowardice. Not cowardice out of fear for her safety, but cowardice of conviction.

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Yes, it likely is that she is scared to put her family in the gunsight of MAGA. Rather than denounce that it might be worthwhile to target MAGA for what they are doing to create this.

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I’m sorry but I am completely unable to follow this logic. Fani Willis, E Jean Carrol, Leticia James, and Cassidy Hutchinson are far braver and tougher than the sycophants and cowards like Mark Meadows, Kenneth chesebro, and the “too many attorneys to count” that once worked for and then abandoned Trump.

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And Fani Willis, on Fri. filed a motion to begin the trial Aug 5, '24

https://apnews.com/article/trump-georgia-election-trial-willis-b818ebae3ad912b918bc0f7cacdc1900

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Hmmm-I’m out of the country at the moment so has not heard about Willis delaying the trial. I don’t know what to make of it yet. I hope there’s a better explanation for it. Thanks for the update, although it’s depressing.

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I suspect it's in light of additional witnesses info. However on the heels of saying it would be delayed she filed this motion,

giving me hope that evidence will be brought to light in a timely fashion.

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That may be so. But I can’t get out of my head that “Justice delayed is justice denied”.

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Interesting. All women.

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of course, i agree with you until Fani Willis inexplicably delayed the start of trial so that it won't complete before the election and won't be enforceable if he is somehow elected. After being a hero, being smeared and threatened, in my read she folded and few are willing to admit it.

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She’s been amazing so far, so I’m hoping she has a plan… i haven’t read much on it so far…

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rephrasing my last sentence for those who've misunderstood me: "Sometimes men are not as intimidated by threats of violence as are some women;" for example, Jack Smith vs. the Colorado judge or Fani Willis, who is now comparing Trump's trial to a shoplifting offense.

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Nov 20, 2023·edited Nov 20, 2023

In my books you have genderized something that shouldn't have been genderized. You have no way of knowing whether there was a fear-based motivation. You are of course entitled to state your opinion. Others are entitled to push back. Please note that in relation to Trump's impeachment and trial in the Senate it was reported that quite a few congressmen and senators revealed that they were afraid of retribution for their votes, if they voted for impeachment or conviction. And just to clarify, most of them were male. It does not track for me that this judge ruled that it was an insurrection, a huge finding, but was too afraid to rule that Trump can't be on the ballot.

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I'll second that!

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Nov 20, 2023Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

Saw a great meme: "Vote for a president in 2024 who will end his term at age 86, and then vote for a new president in 2028 -- or vote for a president who will be 83 at the end of his term, and never vote for another president again!

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Perfect Betsy! Thank you!

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I'll be here tomorrow too Robert. Thank you for putting everything in it's propper light and perpective.

I subscribe to the WAPO, but missed the Biden editorial. Thank you for the link. It's bedtime for this old fart. I'll read it with my coffee in the morning.

I'm so sorry to here about Rosalyn Carter. She was an amazing human being and Jimmy said it best. He really never would have made it without her. We can only hope to remain as productive and active as the two of them, if we even live that long.

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I want to mention two very special people today who represent the goodness in the world and in life. Today is President Biden’s birthday and he has done a wonderful unappreciated job as president and I want to mention Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter who passed away this weekend. She was our American First Lady, a role she filled with grace, love and compassion. She lived a life of service and dignity. Two generations before Americans started talking about the mental health crisis, she was helping ease suffering from it. These two individuals should be the standards we hold our elected officials to and are a complete opposite of the chaos and corruption of theie Republicans rivals . Let’s today celebrate the goodness rather than the darkness.

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Yes, many times over, to your last sentence here.

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...and not just today, but every day!

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Nov 20, 2023Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

Happy 81st birthday Joe. Join the elite group ....Warren Buffet 93, Bob Dylan, Mick Jagger, Ridley Scott, Barbara Streisand, Robert Redford, ......

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Good list!

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DK Brooklyn,

Of Robert Redford’s art, only last week did I see ‘A River Runs Through It.’ The 1992 film directed by Redford, and as I understand it, based on a story by author Norman Maclean.

Since early Covid, a group of our friends gather monthly (or so) on zoom to talk about a film we agree upon. 'A River Runs Through It' was our topic for this month’s gathering that took place last Thursday night. Our conversation and email exchanges continue.

There are lines I want to remember. Sharing some here, not researched; simply gathered by listening.

Scene – Norman and Paul are brothers, and they are with their minister father fly fishing, a family ritual of sorts. Norman and his father are in awe watching Paul’s art by way of his catch.

(Norman is the narrator throughout much of the film.)

“My brother stood before us not on the bank of the Big Black River but suspended. Free from all its laws like a work of art. And I knew just as surely and just as clearly that life is not a work of art, and that the moment could not last.”

Later, as the film nears its end, the voiceover continues:

“And so it is with those we live with, and those who elude us, but we can still love them. We can love completely without complete understanding.”

Then the closing profound soliloquy, while Norman’s at / in the river fishing:

“And now nearly all those that I loved and did not understand in my youth are dead, even Jesse [his wife]. But I still reach out to them. Of course, now I'm too old to be much of a fisherman. And now I usually fish the big waters alone, although some friends think I shouldn't.

“But when I'm alone in the half light of the canyon, all existence seems to fade to a being with my soul and memories, and the sounds of the big Blackfoot River and a four-count rhythm, and the hope that a fish will rise. Eventually, all things merge into one, and the river runs through it.

"The river was cut by the world's great flood and runs over rocks from the basement of time, and some of the rocks are timeless raindrops. Under the rocks are the words and some of the words are theirs. I am haunted by waters.”

Heartbreakingly beautiful, I thought. I’m still awed by it.

And then there’s this ...

A River Runs Through It / Wordsworth Scene on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/197650950

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Thanks for such a thoughtful message. I enjoy zoom communities and if your film group is open for me, I would join.

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Hi, DK Brooklyn. Thanks for your comment. I'm out and about so will respond more fully tonight.

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Nov 20, 2023Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

Thank you for your usual insightful comments about so many important current matters. Can you comment upon Trump’s Judge Cannon, who once again has delayed the Florida documents trial until post election? How can she be permitted to continuously rule with such obvious incompetence and bias? And get away with it? Can Smith file motions to get her recused?

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Her bias is so palpable it borders on corruption. Sadly, she is not alone in the federal judiciary in being a judge who believes their appointment makes them quasi-dictators rather than servants of justice and the people. Can she get away with it? She is trying very hard to do so.

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Nov 20, 2023Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

Doesn't Trump seem the shallowest of creatures when compared with Jimmy Carter? With his life force focused on self aggrandizement, there's been little time for reflection. Another 4 years with Trump in the White House (and Ken Paxton as AG?), we'll be lucky to come out the other end.

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Amazing that both were one-term presidents, but for one, the presidency elevated him and, at least in my opinion, enabled him to do good and the best work of his long life. And the other, well, not much good to say about him. Thank you, Jimmy Carter.

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