"America cannot be 'first,' as Trump insists. It can be a thug and a bully only in the betrayal of itself. It must be itself, a certain idea of liberty and democracy and openness, or it is nothing, just a squalid, oversized, greedy place past the zenith of its greatness...

As a new year approaches, stoicism will prevail, decency will prevail, contestation will prevail, over the Great Leader's plundering of truth and thought. This is not America. It must be fought for and won back." -Roger Cohen, NY Times, 12/22/2017

I wish I were more certain, more faithful in Cohen's belief that decency will prevail. But I'm not. Because a whole lot of people still love Trump, and the Evil Yam is discrediting our media and democracy more and more each day.

But, the Resistance is mighty and determined, and I do think many people know now or anew that democracy cannot be taken for granted. That it is an institution worthy of absolute support but that it requires fighting for. Daily.

For those who celebrated Hanukkah, I hope it was wonderful and full of light. For those celebrating Christmas, merry, merry! We are feeling festive over here. Carols are being crooned in the background, a fire has been laid for tomorrow morning, the gifts are wrapped, our red, white and green jammies are on, and we've seen The Last Jedi twice.

As this year turns into next, I beg you to think. And to act (and vote) accordingly. Send love and light into the world. Think with openness and compassion. Be decent and kind.

Gosh I have a lot of cooking to do tomorrow. See y'all later!