EDITOR’S LETTER

Reuters reported on Nov. 18 that half of all Republicans believe that Trump rightfully won the election, but that it was stolen from him by widespread voter fraud. There is still a large swath of America that believes wearing a mask to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is a symbol of oppression and loss of liberty – even as 250,000 people have died. Hard-won human and civil rights are set to be relitigated before a newly realigned Supreme Court. And don’t forget the Jan. 5 runoff here in Georgia with an outcome that will decide which party controls the U.S. Senate. No pressure.

As for Christmas, I expect I’ll be at home for most of it –probably regretting that I binge-watched series four of “The Crown” before Thanksgiving instead of saving it. I’ve talked with my “pod squad” – a group of mindful, virus-free friends – about going to a restaurant, but that seems risky. We might just settle for takeout from Waffle House and getting back to that binge of “Cagney & Lacey” episodes from the ‘80s.

Collin Kelley

collin@atlantaintownpaper.com

Dolly Parton’s tune “Hard Candy Christmas” has been stuck in my head for a few weeks now as the holiday season rolled around. The lyrics remind us that we have to take the hard knocks life throws at us, but there is sweetness underneath, so don’t let sorrow get you down.

Remember those vaccine trials I mentioned at the top of this letter? Dolly Parton quietly funded one of them. Another glimmer of hope.