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Apr 25, 2022Liked by Alexander Verbeek 🌍

Thank you for this excellent article celebrating democracy and the elections in France and Slovenia. Excellent words that bring hope for the future but also worrying that those who choose to support the opposition are in uncomfortably higher numbers in France and also in US.

I was closely following the French elections and feel greatly relieved President Macron prevailed. Its hard to understand those who would vote for the opponent despite some dissatisfaction with Macron.

In US the evil specter of the past won’t go away and still holds too many in his thrall. It’s encouraging to see the new disclosures of the past week that make it evermore clear Donald Trump was heavily involved in the planning and execution of the January 6th insurrection. Even as he tries to convince everyone of his mental prowess, the evidence is very unconvincing.

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founding

While I'm relieved with the rest of the world, it's still more than 40% who voted for Le Pen - soooo much more work to do. That moment when the announced the results live on French TV at 8 pm. That was a pretty good moment. Also one of those moments I'm glad I understand French well enough to follow a political discussion.

I listened to a podcast where a Slovenian woman talked about what was going on in her country. I have to admit that I had not really followed Slovenian politics much before that. So, this is really good news as well.

And it's probably smartest for me to stay away from that IQ-Test topic. I might get angry, frustrated etc and want to hit my head on the wall. None of it is healthy. What a ... [fill in your best Dutch expletive].

Thank you for highlighting the importance of democracy. I'll keep that in mind the next time I complain about having to vote on the distribution of subsidies based on whether a farmer's cows have horns. Of course we do take democracy to the next level in Switzerland.

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Apr 25, 2022Liked by Alexander Verbeek 🌍

We in the U.S. are very glad for the people of France!

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Apr 25, 2022Liked by Alexander Verbeek 🌍

Thank you! Good news indeed, and a sigh of relief, even if momentarily, because there's work to be done. The 24th of April also marked the 107th commemoration of the Armenian Genocide, and Orthodox Easter :)

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Apr 25, 2022Liked by Alexander Verbeek 🌍

Excellent article, Alexander! Our news has focused on the election in France but not on the other 2 nations. Thanks for filling us in. I am so relieved and encouraged by the results!

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I am so happy (& relieved!) for friends, for France and for the world. I hope they soon elect a parliament (or whatever it’s called in France, it’s getting late here & I’m exhausted!) As Brigitte Macron was the first First Lady worldwide to reach out to Olena Zelenska, I am relieved that she can continue to help her good friend.

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