So it's unseasonably warm here now. Hope you'll need those gloves after your visit, not sure they're going to get a flogging this weekend in the True North.

I realize that doesn't meet the moment for those with family members under Trump's sway. I don't face those personal challenges the way many of you do. It must be terribly painful. Buy perhaps divorcing online debates from family debates is a start. More love, more grace, more truth.

Who observed the ones who made it out of POW detention weren't the optimists but the ones who never lost hold of the rightness of their cause. Sounds trite but being on the right side of history, and reflecting the nature of God/Jesus the best we can is deeply comforting. /2

I don't tend to post much, and I assume any thoughtless posts I see online for other posts are mostly bots. Helps preserve a sense of balance. Block. Move on. My husband and I are volunteering more in the local community. And holding on to the Stockdale principle /1

I share your view - I urge myself not to wish harm on anyone. But we ordered a 2022 Bordeaux that is being cellared, marked so we don't mistake it, and there will come a day when it will be opened. And not going to lie it will be with a glad heart.

They are trying to divert, creating a strawman comparison no one is making. The law already penalizes more severely if the child is very young, but it's all illegal and immoral. And dehumanizing.

And aren't you amazed at how you've changed over these years? I think it's a good sign. I raise my eyebrows at folks who've never budged on their views. No capacity for reflection.

We don't have universal housing or basic income here in Canada but we're getting closer to the latter. Where it's been trialled the results have been very good. I agree, income inequality is a big red flag for societies and very anti-gospel.

I'm beginning to believe that the right wing's most singular failing is lack of self deprecation.

Sweet potato mash and a mix of carrots and leeks. My husband sent me a recipe from a two star Michelin place. I did my best 😀

I made red wine braised beef short rib. It was fabulous!

You could go with mixed member PR, like NZ, so you get a local representative plus a party list member.

Having said that it church has sponsored and supported refugees from Syria, Uganda and Nigeria these last few years. Lots of finding boots and winter coats for that first winter....

We have a few advantages here - I believe we've been more strategic in our immigration policies; we're not seen as economically attractive; and we're bloody cold! It does tend to mean we get motivated and qualified immigrants.

It's interesting - it's not in the criminal code here in Canada, but instead in an Immigration Act. I've often bristled at calling illegal aliens criminals but I guess you guys do it differently. Seems an odd criminal offence, and as you say a misdemeanour.