I understand your angst. I passionately loved teaching for twenty five years. The last five years, before retirement, became quite personally demoralizing. The increasing number of blank stares and responses had me working harder to continually shift the curriculum. Now, they are in College.

Right on Uncle Lonny! I see I am not alone! This season has always made me feel uncomfortable, even today when asked 'what are you doing for the holidays?' I still mostly mumble and walk away rather than deal with the frozen air of people feeling awkward with my non-conformity.

Wow JoJo, I feel your depth of feeling. Thank you, you articulated my anguish and brought me to tears

Yes, double please!

Hi, as a retired teach who decorated with very colorful rugs, consider indoor/outdoor rugs and certainly more color. Creates a cozy vibe. Have a great year!

I was a first year teacher in a rural environment! Optimistic, enthusiastic, and definitely progressively well read! I taught every subject including the newspaper. Dobson and his followers invaded! It was a nightmare! I quit. After four years, I returned to teaching but to the inner city!

Why is wacko Majorie's boyfriend always standing right next to him during these "press" events?

You are an incredible man! Beautiful, strong, grounded, working class old school. I am proud you are my Senator! As a third generation California, I say I am proud that you are my civic official.

Not cowards! Terrible, moronic, unintelligent, uneducated, hypocritical, non-jesus like human beings.

That is why I donate every month to your work! You are invaluable and I value you!

Ordered, can't wait to read!

No! I value you and your insights!

Who is the man behind him on the left?

I can't wait to read it Molly. You are an incredible soul, person and woman!

I have been searching for your insights. Some how you were no where on my feed. Let me know how to help in this OUTRAGEOUS situation. Specifically, an organization to support with recurring donations.

I actually thought he and his family and their home and their "presence" and their politics were going to be change making. I was 100% impressed and even inspired! I don't know what happened. He is not the same.

This article so captures the spirit of what it means to be an American-to me. Thank you for your beautiful insight and articulation of my own American soul. It was rolling around fun, living in the presence and full of love from family, community, and friends. All beautiful emotions embraced.

I am so glad to see and hear your AT40 is such positive spot again.

As a committed public school teacher, what this plan tells me is I will be spending more money from my own limited budget to feed all of my students -- every day -- every week. Just because, I want them to become strong healthy productive happy members of our American society.