Not everyone had the parents I had. Not everyone had the wonderful teachers I had.

[Atticus]

Not everyone, therefore, can feel the impulse for violent retribution against Trump and his fascist disciples that I feel and---let it go. I will not become that which I despise.

But, some may feel what I feel and nurse the feeling. After repeated outrages that seem to go totally unpunished, some may get to the point where that final cog clicks into place and they decide that retribution is right and moral and justified. They may feel that violence is justified because "this is war" and the other side has not been reluctant to incite and condone the assaults and killings by their "militias", ad hoc and official. They may conclude that violence is the only way to defeat the thugs now in power.

But, we will defeat the "forces of darkness" with hard work and ballots and we will get our retribution in the courts of law and the court of public opinion. And, we, the victors, will write the history books that will make names like Trump and Barr and McConnell the equivalent of Arnold and Cohn and McCarthy.

I do understand the desire to---in plain words---smack the livin' shit out of Donald and his entourage of smarmy ass-kissers. But, our country needs us to be better than that.

[Walleye]

1. Nixon, in his farewell speech to his staff said something profound.

He said. “Remember others may hate you, but they don’t win until you hate them. Because then you destroy yourself.” At least he gained some wisdom, but way too late.