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Sep 27, 2023Liked by Alexander Verbeek ๐ŸŒ

๐Ÿ’ฏ๐ŸŒป๐Ÿšถ๐Ÿ™

Thank you!

Be gentle with yourself . . . (-:

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Sep 27, 2023Liked by Alexander Verbeek ๐ŸŒ

I hope we never become immune to people like Donald Trump and his moral emptiness or to the increasing threats to democracy.

The rise we see in so many countries of authoritarianism is chilling to say the least.

Perhaps itโ€™s naive but I must believe truth and righteousness will prevail and remembering the sacrifices of our ancestors who fought so valiantly to preserve that cherished form of government will be the catalyst to inspire todayโ€™s defenders to rise to the challenge.

Remembering brave leaders like Winston Churchill gives hope that will there are new leaders who will draw on his resolve.

These harrowing times are grist for the pen of a writer whose deep sense of justice and democracy is second nature. Thanks for this one.

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Sep 27, 2023Liked by Alexander Verbeek ๐ŸŒ

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on democracy. Being Swiss this is a subject I think about often. We vote on things at least four times a year. Iโ€™m going to use the upcoming election/vote (October 22) to write more about it in my own newsletter. Thanks for the inspiration and that picture is stunning.

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Sep 27, 2023Liked by Alexander Verbeek ๐ŸŒ

100% accurate on all accounts. May we never become complacent about democracy and the protection it demands.

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Sep 27, 2023Liked by Alexander Verbeek ๐ŸŒ

And this:

- never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy. 29.Oct.41

He will not win. Your stride will return.

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Sep 27, 2023Liked by Alexander Verbeek ๐ŸŒ

Perfect ๐Ÿ’ฏ %

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founding

Impressive this Parliament

which stands out so strongly against this superb sky!

Thank you for sharing this so beautiful capture, Alex !

as well as for your reflexions which lead to meditateโ€ฆ

Yes, democracy is important, and precious! And also fragile.

Very exposed to contrary political movements which can quickly lead to its erosion,

Or the development of corruption at the highest level which can put democracy under too much pressure.

The disengagement of populations tired of certain current policies,

the lack of interest among young people to get involved politically

also pose a great danger in the medium term.

And the climate crisis is also one of the dangers that can threaten democracies.

The increase in poverty and precariousness in certain countries leads to more immigration towards welcoming democracies, which must also financially cover this additional cost.

We see in the news that the impact is becoming, in certain regions, increasingly difficult for the populations of these countries who are seeing their living conditions change as a result.

This should also, among other reasons, convince governments to fight the climate crisis in order to actively contribute to economic balance at the global level.

Thus allowing countries highly exposed to climate change to be able to โ€œbecome resilientโ€ to continue their economic growth for the benefit of their population.

Running or walking also often has this effect: โ€œtalking to yourselfโ€, meditating, calming your body and mind for more serenity, putting all your thoughts in order, at your own pace.

For my part, it was my (short) walk on this cool fall morning that finally woke me up and led me to share your thoughts!

๐Ÿ™‹โ€โ™€๏ธ๐Ÿ‚๐Ÿ™

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