109 Comments

Thank you for this reminder of how hard any addiction is to overcome. We need to celebrate these victories when they occur and do our part to acknowledge their success. Hunter Biden is being forced to live all of his past shortcomings in the media. He is showing his character while the ignorant gqp raves on.

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Princess Diana was embraced by millions of people, one reason being her struggle with food addiction. I hope that Hunter Biden will become celebrated for his recovery and his humanity.

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Lisa prayerfully Grace will be shown to Hunter and your wisdom is beyond kind,marsha

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And I think it is a terrible shame that a Special Council was appointed by Merrick Garland to appease the monsters in the GOP. ( after a five year investigation)

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Barbara you honor with dignity

Your words are blessed,Marsha

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I’ve often wondered how Hawley could have defeated Sen Claire McCaskill. Her speaking's skills, thought processes and her integrity are far superior to what Hawley offered up. I hope the people of Missouri rectify their error and elect Lucas Kunce.

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I ❤ Claire McCaskill

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At the time, when I watched Matthew Perry’s interview w Diane Sawyer with my heart in my throat.

I just finished his brave memoir. He didn’t have to share his vulnerabilities and pain so transparently but , chose to do so. It was so painful to read.

What “they” are doing to Hunter Biden is unforgivable. They are trying to destroy a President and grieving father by destroying his son’s fragile recovery. It’s just wrong and evil.

I really hope Hunter can stay strong and on course.

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Julie, I agree, it is evil

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Nov 5, 2023·edited Nov 5, 2023

Julia cruelty is their intent..

Kindness and compassion are what you give and love

Your comments convey, Marsha

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Thanks for highlighting MO Senate race. I’m supporting Lucas now Wesley Bell has moved to CD-1 to primary Congresswoman Cori Bush. Lucas is our hope to send Hawley back to his real home state, VA!

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Would Virginia even want him?

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Well, he does reside there. Kick him to the curb!

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I did read that USA article when it came out the other day. I'm so glad to hear from Hunter because I've been worried about how he is taking all of this right-wing bullying. Thankfully, he has a very supportive family and wife who seems to be keeping him on track. These idiots keep beating up on him and don't lay a glove on any of the TFG spawn or Kushner and his ill-gotten billions. And shame on any of these "media" figures who feel the need to point out that Hunter went to Ireland with his dad, or on the Tahoe getaway, or to the state dinner. So the f'k what?

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Just thinking how all the drama about Hunter Biden will serve a good end, making his perspective on addiction, as expressed in that USA Today piece he wrote, well known. As we grieve for Matthew Perry, with that too helping us wake up, maybe it's time for everyone to get smarter.

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I'm glad you brought up Hunter Biden, Steve. I have been deeply offended by what the maggots have insisted on putting him through. Addiction has many forms and many reasons and probably the least of them has the addict chasing his or her addiction for fun, most of the time they are just trying to not feel sick. I have never met Hunter, so I don't have an iron in his particular fire, but as a fellow human being, who through his actions has harmed no one, I'm offended witnessing the spectacle of the sanctimonious assholes who continue to attack him. Their's is a kind of evil that enjoys the suffering of others, I'm no saint, but I find that, to be close to being beyond redemption, and most of us are going to need some redemption, I'm clear I will. It's beyond hypocrisy to have the source of attacks on Hunter come from the insipid clown whose family has had their hand in the till since long before his election, just witness the trial in NYC this last week. It's not just drugs, it's possible to be addicted to money and power, as we are witnessing on a daily basis. Thumping a bible isn't going to obliterate a lifetime of karma, no matter how tightly they cling to it. That's where cosmic balance comes in, there is no amount of money in the world that I would exchange for one minute of their karma. I know it's into the future but you can almost hear the wails from here.

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Exactly. Money, power, sex, TV, food, work, on and on. We all are - of know someone who is - addicted to something.

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Dick Montagne the respect I have for you is unmatched.. you deserve

A star in the heavens to be named for you.. your karma is blessed

My life has been enriched by your

Responses ..with love, Marsha

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That may be the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me Marsha, I am humbled by it. I guess my Herculean struggles with the Jesuits so many years ago are finally bearing fruit, I do credit them with teaching me how to think. Thank you and bless you 🙏

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From what I understand, Matthew Perry’s slide into addiction began like that of countless other Americans. He was being treated for back pain with prescription opioids, which often initiates a dependency that is extremely difficult and dangerous to be weaned from. I urge patients to seek other treatments of pain relief, including an openness to an Eastern approach or to tread very lightly with any of the “benzo” type of medications. We see the tragic impact of ill-managed medication protocols on a frequent basis.

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Agree 100%. I suffer from severe back pain, but I use meditation, Dr. Ho tens machine and acupuncture to help ease it. I use ice and heat daily, stretch on a ball, do Pilates to help me through the day. Do I like it? No, but I’m not addicted to meds. You have to pick your poison.

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It’s the smart way to deal with the problem, seeking solutions that don’t rewire your brain in a harmful manner. None of this is “fun” but clouding your precious brain, your mainframe of sorts, is probably the worst option.

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Having been a nurse, whenever a family member of mine has a surgery, I always tell them to stop taking the narcotics as soon as they can get out of bed and use the bathroom. The day after a surgery is a good time. Use the Tylenol Extra Strength one tab and one anti inflammatory. That is all you need the day after.

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Irma you gave wise advice….

As a modern dancer &

Gymnast and athelete

Needed four major tears in right

And left shoulders repaired

Got only One pain prescription

Tablet for day after out patient

Surgery and then told to take extra strength Tylenol and

Lived healthy healing life

You gave good advice ❤️

Bless you, Marsha

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Bayjh …l had shoulder arthroscopic separate surgery in both shoulders at hospital for special

Surgery in NYC they gave me ONE pain Pill …wise Dr. David Altchek ..

Tablet to take the following day and was told the pain would be cut in half and my body would heal and I’d be healthy … truth, Marsha

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❤️ Thank you, Dr. DAVID ALTCHEK ❤️!

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Bayjh the amazing thing he was wise enough the surgeries were in

1998 !!! Thank You for your wisdom

With love, Marsha❤️

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As many of you know, there are some excellent documentaries and fictional films about the subject, the pharmaceutical perpetrators and the victims who were/are unaware of the dangers of these substances. Caveat emptor.

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The path towards darkness and away from grace also occurs when individuals support a Biden primary opponent helping Trump get elected

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Nov 4, 2023Liked by Steve Schmidt

I watched the Lucas Kunce interview with Steve and I too teared up when Lucas mentioned the kind words of affirmation from Jennifer's dad. Kind gestures can have profound effects on one's spirit and esteem. Lucas is so genuine, a truly good soul and a terrific replacement for Josh Hawley. I'm sending in my donation tonight. Steve please find other new candidates like this to interview as I will send them donations, ,make calls, write postcards Thank you again Steve for this interview.

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Very often there is a correlation between trauma and addiction. For those who would appreciate more understanding about this, I'm linking an excellent documentary here called 'The Wisdom of Trauma' featuring the work of Dr. Gabor Mate, a leading expert in trauma and addiction.

https://www.documentaryarea.com/video/The+Wisdom+of+Trauma/

Trauma is an invisible force that shapes lives. Dr. Gabor Maté seeks to build a more understanding system that is less concerned on diagnosing and suppressing symptoms and more focused on individual healing.

Thank you, Steve, for this important topic today. May we we gain the support we need for ourselves and others to create a path away from darkness and towards grace.

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It's always sickened me how people demonize Hunter, who was once a little boy who saw his mother and baby sister killed in the same car accident that injured he and his brother. How many of the MAGAts would have emerged from that healthy and whole? It's not surprising he became an addict and even more amazing that he's been able to recover amidst the constant vile attacks from Fox and their pathetic ilk. American society is sick and I'm afraid it's just going to keep getting worse.

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Maté says trauma, from the Greek word for “wound”, “is not what happens to you; it is what happens inside you as a result of what happens to you.

It sickens me, too, how MAGA has exploited the extreme pain, trauma, and loss that Hunter has experienced.

I feel that one reason President Biden is such a compassionate and wise person is because he understands pain and loss due to what he himself has experienced.

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Lisa .. Biden has lived

Grief and is compassionate

And has 100% my VOTE

2024… Marsha

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Lorraine Bless you for being so kind to respond ✅BIDEN 2024 ❤️

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I tried to link the full "Wisdom of Trauma" documentary, above, but I see it is not free (it should be, given this important topic). Below is a youtube trailer that could be informative:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70HNmSsJvVU&t=8s

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It is an amazing documentary. Gabor Mate is ‘on to it’ for all of us.

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Yes, his knowledge, experience, and workshops have personally been invaluable to myself and many others. There is too much stigma around addiction and trauma. Dr. Gabor Mate's work can change a person's life and outlook. Thanks :-)

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Lisa, Dr. Mate is a ground breaker in addiction treatment and understanding, a truly magnificent man. His book "In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts" should be the companion piece to AA's "Big Book".

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Yes, Barbara, I agree! We are not a trauma-informed society. We need to be. Thanks.

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Lisa how you have bravely

Chosen to Share your own Trauma has undoubtedly

Saved lives and given hope

Love You❤️ Marsha

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Love Heals. You bring out the best in others, Marsha. Love you, too ❤️Lisa

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Lisa you’re kindness and compassion is amazing ..sharing

Guiding and giving extraordinary

Documentary ..blessings Marsha

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Supporting Lucas too, pittances but grass roots sustain.

We’re all hoping the trends continue Dems taking back the house, state positions continuing replacing the complicit with determined Dems.

I wonder how long before the balance happens? There’s many a voting cycle to right the ship , the Dems will require long term stamina yet.

We need to get the cult culture out and get on with American restoration- not just here- but specifically here. To set ,as it once did , an example of excellence and that needs trust put back into the equation.

AND...during this process I sincerely hope we’ve learned a lesson , one which obviously needs taught, to be fastidious in election selection ...which requires ...🗣️paying attention to who you’re voting for!

Will we see the signs next time?

💙💙VOTE OUT ALL THE COMPLICIT💙💙 ( there WILL be a next time)

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Patricia Davis Voting out all

Complicit with the J6 insurrection

Necessary!!! vote blue!! vote Biden

Thank you, Marsha 💜✅💜

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Nov 5, 2023Liked by Steve Schmidt

Steve, you asked Lucas what it means to be a man, and I think you might have gotten an answer you didn't quite expect. IMHO, having worked in a male dominated field for over 16 years, I think what it means to be a man is also to be able to be moved to tears, as you were. Thank you so much for your continued authenticity in these very strange and disorienting times.

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I agree Mary. My thanks also for the podcast. Steve’s tears

and mine were genuine appreciation of a man of good character. I am living on a pension but will donate what I can to Lucus Kunce. It was a truly inspirational interview. I am so grateful that I did not cancel my subscription.

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Nov 4, 2023Liked by Steve Schmidt

This is an outstanding essay. It should be read by all Americans, especially voters. Well done Steve.

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Nov 5, 2023Liked by Steve Schmidt

Steve, I LOVE it when you talk about grace. It is one of God's greatest gifts to us.

I know this because I am a person who needs a little extra grace all the time : )

--I read the Hunter Biden's article and put it on my Twitter feed yesterday. It is so important and needed to be said by HIM. What conservative Christians fail to understand is that Jesus would be spending time with humans like addicts and NOT THEM.

--Thank you for sharing Lucas Kunce with us. He is exactly what we need in the senate and his lived experience can only add value to his service. Hawley is practically a "real doll" compared to him : )

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Yes, we need a restoration of all that is noble within humanity, a rebalancing of our collective psyche, else we are doomed to wack-a-mole....

A course correction is blossoming...

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