America

Ditto.

Class will out.

The scene at the reflecting-poolside in Washington DC tonight was simple, dignified, tasteful and poignant.  It was also desperately needed.

I do not know how much comfort it will offer the bereaved, but at least it showed them someone cared.  To lose those you love is a very personal, unique pain, you suffer it alone.  But, although they cannot share your grief, having someone echo it and say they care, does help a little.  Like the way being alone can be very dark, but a phone call brings a little light - however briefly.  Flowers survive short periods without light, but not long ones.  

Personally  (and I am embarrased at how shallow this is on my part)  I just feel relieved there was no neon, gilt, expansive gestures, insults or boasting.

I can't see that happening under American law, KiwiMum, but you are morally right.  BANG ON THE NAIL in fact!

Even more than the need for some accountability for Trump himself, I wish the Republican party would wake up to how toxic he is.  There might be some advantages to backing the Trump camp in the short term.  But the legacy of his divisions, racism, and countless other deviations from morality, law and even societal norms, will do untold damage to them over time and, whereas I would (given the opportunity) have voted Democrat both this and last time, I see the value of the Republican party.  America actually needs them.  

Conservative values put the brakes on the advancement of society.  This might sound terrible, but it is not.  Reform and development is needed and good for a country, but if it goes too fast, it can bring disaster in its wake.   Conservative policies also help genarate finances for a country.  They are admittedly very selfish in sharing that wealth, but without them it is not generated at all.  Finally, an opposition to any sitting government keeps said government on its toes, makes it accountable to the people and prevents 'loony fringe' deviations from sanity.

Left wing policies become opressive, intrusive and lead to Dictatorship or Oligarchy.

Right wing policies become repressive, callous and lead to Dictatorship or Oligarchy.

Muddled middles do less damage and although they progress slowly, they do progress.

So Republican politicians are necessary,  just not Trumpian ones.

ABSOLUTELY, Carbon!!

And that's how America should be!

Mine too!

To friends around the world....thank you for your lovely sentiments and best wishes!!  

America has long come to the aid of our friends and allies....after a bit of a hiatus, I am hoping for great things. 

Now, we have a bit of a virus problem we have to deal with!  Good news is that RNA based vaccines open a whole new chapter in the war against microbes.  

Be safe, God Bless and thanks for your wishes!!  Cheers, Chuck in AZ 

Technophobe wrote: It is simply lovely to see "The protector of the free world" back out of the hands of a lunatic.

It's an amazing relief to be out of the hands of a lunatic! First thing I did this morning was ask Alexa "who is the president of the United States?" Such a relief to hear Joe Biden and confirm yesterday was not a dream!

Lots of hard times still ahead, but at least competent people are in charge now.