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founding

I had a recent experience of someone talking about Trump as if this person was himself Trump. There was a surrender of his own personal identity and a substitution of the identity of his idol.

I felt the sane way when I was fourteen about my favorite hockey player. When my hockey player idol succeeded, It felt like my own success. It comforted me in a time I had low self-esteem.

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That's a very apt analogy, David. Childhood idol worship, adult leaders who become cultish heroes and gurus of whatever kind -- the idolator subsumes his identity in the idol as substitute. It's about as dangerous a phenomenon as there is.

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A much needed essay, Jay. I must admit that I am in despair that Trump may win the presidency again and a democracy lost is not easily regained.

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Jay, I know I need not say this, but this is such a brilliant, beautifully written, persuasively argued essay. And yes, as your friend Mary writes, "much needed."

I feel dread at this moment. It is horrible enough that "45" (I refuse to write his name) reigns supreme over the GOP, our courts, our press; we also now have his vp selection - a man whose only conviction is his rightfully awarded ambition. Truth, facts, experience, leadership, history, example, on and on we could go: they seem to mean nothing anymore to the very people who in exercising their privilege to vote will vote for these two.

Back in 2014 Time magazine published a piece about a Union of Concerned Scientists report warning that rising sea levels, wildfires, and other climate-related events could threaten the existence of landmarks such as Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, Jamestown - the places that contain aspects of America's history. If 45 is reelected, then perhaps it is fitting that those landmarks go down with us.

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Maureen, thank you as always for your supportive words. They aren’t received as simply a compliment. They encourage me. You, Mary, and I are very much alike in our feelings — and I know millions of others, too. But millions of others not. That’s the sad story. Mary shared her comment on Notes also, where I responded at a little length if you have time to read.

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Jay, it is just as you say, that feeling expressed in your reply to Mary. And well-taken is your point about experiencing vs understanding. The red flags could not be more obvious and yet it is as if they are invisible. I hope against

hope.

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