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Maggie recalls as a young child back in November 1960 when the presidential race was won by John F. Kennedy, the first Catholic President. She clearly remembers that her father and grandfather were glued to the TV set that evening following dinner during which would have normally been dessert time. And that night, a birthday cake! Being a child, Maggie, understandably was more concerned about the timing of her birthday cake than about politics. That kind of focus on self is a childhood characteristic that most grow out of in time, thank goodness.

There is something about birthdays in general that sets a mark in time, your own time. For a moment you may realize that you have survived on this earth for many years. You appreciate and may feel lucky that you have made it. You once again realize that you have seen and experienced a lot, both personally and politically. You have made it – to yet another year, another day.

If your birthday is in November, you can celebrate this month when Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio, and Rhode Island took a stand on far-reaching issues, including those for women and Democracy across the board. Mississippi, which tops the States with the worst healthcare outcomes, not surprisingly held on to their Republican roots.

This year, we have seen the hauntings of Trump, DeSantis, and Haley as they creep closer to the edge of the Presidential nomination. If you happened to watch, the Republican debates are a joke because all candidates basically are interviewing for the Vice President position. A futile race…

As November 5, 2024 grows closer, we see increased chatter about the great Presidential race. Is he too old, is she, you know – doing nothing? Clearly, the question of Biden’s age is out there but, seriously, Trump is only three years younger than Biden and, by his actions, looks to be suffering from some sort of mental illness! The question about the competency of VP Kamala Harris is an interesting and disturbing one. During her role as VP, Harris has been charged with addressing the border crisis and gun control yet we have heard nothing of her influence in these areas. Some say that this Administration has stripped her of any power while others say she has not stepped up. Whichever it is, this projects a VP weak of power and influence. Some say that Biden should cut her loose.

Others question whether Liz Cheney should step up and run a strong campaign against Trump. Trump who openly has stated that he, “killed Roe v. Wade,” and tried to kill Democracy as we know it, is still the candidate for the naïve and desperate.

We have a year to go and much to do. Next November may those of us celebrating birthdays enjoy a big cake of big wins for Democracy. Let’s all of us plan on having our cake and eating it too!