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Re: the George Washington quote, I'm reminded of Sherlock Holmes in Sign of Four. Observing the workers from the shipyard across the river in the gaslight, he says, "Dirty-looking rascals, but I suppose everyone has some little immortal spark concealed about him."

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“Etiquette and politeness are essential for the well-being of communities and societies.” Hear, hear to that!

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Sir, while politeness is irreplaceable, I'd argue that we do not need much of etiquette.

At least as understood by the codes of conduct from the past. Etiquette is by definition a divisive tool. One we should think to put aside in a world where borders are crumbling and we cannot even answer politely to the question about hue of stranger.

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I'm sorry: George Washington?! The slaver?! Yes: America's Founding Father & First President. I don't divorce that truth from his others. Yet, I am always gobsmacked by those who can. https://apnews.com/general-news-b6a3c672b25352a306539828827b9bd9

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