- LWVWV members - lists.bikelover.org

Please open envelope from LWVWV!!!
by Lyn Widmyer 15 Jan '26

15 Jan '26

We have sent you an envelope containing a stamped postcard urging our state legislators to oppose voter suppression. It's only the second day of the 2026 legislative session and bills suppressing the vote are being introduced. We will keep you informed. PLEASE send a postcard to your legislator of choice! -- Lyn Widmyer, Co-President LWVWV 1434 Cattail Run Road Charles Town, WV 25414 304 279 3201 web page: lynwidmyer.net

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MAKE SOME NOISE -- SUPPORT Childhood Vaccinations in WV
by League of Women Voters of West Virginia 11 Jan '26

11 Jan '26

[image: lwv msn logo.png] Forwarding the following message from Stand for Kids. The League of Women Voters of WV supports vaccinations for WV children. *FOLKS,* It's "VACCINE WEEK"! The 2026 session of the WV Legislature starts Wed., Jan. 14. PLEASE CALL OR E-MAIL YOUR LEGISLATORS (2 senators, 1 delegate)...and also the following: Senate President Randy Smith 304-357-7995 randy.smith(a)wvsenate.gov Speaker Roger Hanshaw 304-340-3210 roger.hanshaw(a)wvhouse.gov Chair of their respective Health & Human Resources Committee: Sen. Laura Wakim Chapman 304-357-7918 laura.chapman(a)wvsenate.gov Del. Evan Worrell 304-340-3269 evan.worrell(a)wvhouse.gov 1. thank them for their service, and if they voted to preserve our school vaccine law (see attached vote record), for protecting our kids from dangerous and preventable diseases & deaths; 2. ask them to please KEEP OUR LAW---NO EXEMPTIONS/NO EXCEPTIONS except medical; 3. thank them for their “Jobs First” focus this session. Other talking points (you can include some, all, or none): 1. WV is #1 in the country in school vaccine rates 2. 43 states reported measles last year, including all 5 states that border WV—but not in WV, BECAUSE we have a strong vaccine law! 3. Recent polls show West Virginians overwhelmingly support our school vaccine law 4. Vaccines completely eliminated smallpox & greatly reduced other diseases 5. When kids are in close contact for hours each day, high vaccine rates stop the spread of disease. This keeps schools & childcare centers safe 6. Last year in Kentucky, 3 infants died of whooping cough (pertussis). Our state epidemiologist issued a health alert Nov 6: WV now has an increase in whooping cough cases not seen in 15 years! 7. When states have religious or philosophical exemptions, 2 things happen: - vaccine rates go down; - diseases go up--AND the costs to the community go UP! Not sure who your delegate or senator is? Use a) WV Voter Map, or b) ballotpedia.org/who_represents_me Thanks, all! Robin Robin L. Godfrey Chair, Stand for Kids 304-552-2567 [image: image.png] "Stand for Kids is a nonpartisan grassroots organization working to preserve West Virginia's medical-exemptions-only school immunization law, protecting our children and families from dangerous and preventable diseases and deaths."

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Webinar -- Jan. 7, 2026, 7 pm
by League of Women Voters of West Virginia 28 Dec '25

28 Dec '25

Details attached. Registration for the webinar is required but there is no charge to sign up or attend. Use this link to register prior to the January 7 event: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/CoQqvwY7RpOJevc66DgKVw

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New LWV-MM Substack -- Read & Subscribe
by League of Women Voters of West Virginia 28 Dec '25

28 Dec '25

Check out our new post! As 2025 checks out & 2026 checks in, it's a good time to be reminded that ALL of us has a role in making our government work. Be aware, prepare now for 2026 elections, West Virginia. We the People have the power, but only if we choose to exercise it. https://lwvmorgantown.substack.com/p/we-must-not-minimize-the-role-of [image: image.png]

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Board Meeting REMINDER -- DEC 13, 2025, 10:00 a.m.
by League of Women Voters of West Virginia 13 Dec '25

13 Dec '25

*Updated* Agenda, Dec 13, 2025 Agenda (Google drive) <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CoUqwGXWQNjRraOQOsv5k817F09n6X4TQlmd-JC…> LWVWV BOARD AGENDA - DEC 13, 2025 REVISED – 12/6/2025, 12/7/2025, 12/8/2025 ZOOM Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81479925997?pwd=daonMB9dEtNeYHK7BMXZ4saxJsljHo.1 Meeting ID: 814 7992 5997 Passcode: 951848 --- One tap mobile +16469313860,,81479925997#,,,,*951848# US +13017158592,,81479925997#,,,,*951848# US (Washington DC) 10:00 AM Welcome & Call to Order, Changes/Additions to Agenda Lyn Widmyer Approval of minutes - Minutes Oct 18 2025 BOD <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1g492Y2XwsIEBRTWuE5o9yOPEnQP2qrDb/edit?u…> Co-Presidents’ Reports - Signed on to LWVUS statement regarding DHS plan to consolidate sensitive personal data across federal agencies - Death of Nancy Novak, former president of LWVWV, longtime member of the Board, & lifetime member of the League Lyn Widmyer Judy Ball Treasurer’s Report - Treasurer’s Report <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mCZpiM8GfMZ-h9GiO0ol5IRPIfllx3ny/view?usp=…> - Current Year 2026 expenses.pdf <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LUpFGIw582oo-VoJUsxZ62k_MBdskNWL/view?usp=…> - Current Year 2026 income.pdf <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JQQ6XhLsjElN34tQdeAdSLr_dVfnqSBx/view?usp=…> - Ron Widmyer volunteered to serve on audit committee for LWVWV. - Still need League members to serve on the board of LWV Trust. - LWVWV rejected offer for Lobby Corps Grant from LWVUS. - Approval needed to transfer up to $4000 from CD that is maturing soon to cover budget items. - VOTE411 invoice <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TVZWOk2wojgMdPj_GiQfjBGfSTaw_vQD/view?usp=…> - Payment decision <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Bu2JdDSo97nt3r1YeOrJjP_iz_33w322/view?usp=…> Teresa Lyn/Judy Julie/Autumn 10:20 a.m. New Business Preparing for 2026 election season - VOTE411 - Voter education on new photo ID law - Any local Leagues planning candidate forums? - Approval needed for funds to support outreach to voters & legislators (partnership with Delta Sigma Theta) - Suggestions for contributions <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MGnVn6cTsgxFu9TC7qSO51e8WjgYMdDD/view?usp=…> (from Julie) Autumn Lyn Judy Other Board members Legislative Day - Approval needed for contribution to Delta Sigma Theta toward their cost of Black Policy Day at Legislature in February. - We will join them & have a table with LWV info. Lyn LLAW — Preparing for Jan 2026 Legislature - Activated FastDemocracy Pro subscription (with Teresa’s help). Training just for LLAW scheduled for Dec 19. - Adopt suggested changes to 2024 Legislative Priorities <https://lwvwv.org/2024/01/04/lwvwv-2024-program-policy-priorities/>: - LWV-WV Legislative Priorities 2026 proposed.docx <https://docs.google.com/document/d/18EnGKMy9CTffiOxa2PHzMBKpZnvkxVBW/edit?u…> - 2025-12-07 email Leg Priorities.pdf <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zEDOKjzdSZVG2qFBD7QMfZRON50R-J_H/view?usp=…> - Did not accept change to remove the detailed C&F bullets. These are necessary to keep the priority within LWV position boundaries. - Completed testing Claude AI platform for help with the heavy lifting in manual bill review. Full test across 2460 bills from 2025. - Claude is excellent at translating bills into LWVWV positions. - Claude improved immensely in filtering bills based on keywords into 4 priority buckets. - Claude resource constraints issue will be addressed by using a portion of LLAW budget to fund Claude Pro subscription only for duration of Legislature’s term. - Request to brief Morgantown NOW on LLAW, Jan 13. - Del. Evan Hansen will introduce nonpartisan bills supported by LLAW. We set the following priorities: - Current WV law permits voters who request assistance due a disability to have that disability challenged. These provisions should be repealed. (Talking points <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1E4iOf3d7VxBHMu_2svMiOQluAbIp78Tw/view?usp=…> on this policy issue.) - Bill to codify procedures for redistricting in WV, HB 2415 <https://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/bills_history.cfm?INPUT=2415&year…> in 2025, will be re-introduced. - Our bill to modernize election procedures, HB 2447 <https://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/bills_history.cfm?INPUT=2447&year…> in 2025, will not be re-introduced this session. It may come back in a future session. - Comments submitted Dec 8 — 2025 - Data center rules <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BDgY9X07-YrPTsYFaDks_4V3WcdrNEBFQ3EUcuH…> Judy Establish meeting schedule for CY 2026 - Move that the Board meet the third Saturday, every other month - Jan 22 - Mar 15 - May 17 - Jul 19 - Sep 20 - Nov 15 Lyn Judy Highlights of LWVUS Leader meetings - LWVUS has a new regional organizing model. https://www.lwv.org/league-management/advocacy-litigation/lwvs-organizing-m… - Each state assigned to a region with a coordinator. - Region 2: West Virginia & District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia. - Still early days, but notable frustration at LWVUS lack of support for fostering communication between & among state leaders. - 2025-12-10 - LWVUS State Leaders Call.pdf <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ARCr7T395QMAu8XCvCbLxMrdzphNlyIy/view?usp=…> Lyn Judy 11:20 a.m. Unfinished Business - Amicus brief filed with WV Supreme Court of Appeals to support WV Board of Education challenge to WV state legislature having final authority over rules & regulations. - Judy interviewed on MetroNews TV — ScreenRecording_11-03-2025 10-46-23_1.mp4 <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PDj26vuhvImCYnkmWaI6tB3jprXwehSA/view?usp=…> - Brief was topic of LWVMM Substack — The will of the people must be respected — Nov 30, 2025 Lyn Judy - Continuing partnership with Delta Sigma Theta (EPAC) to promote importance of voting. - Priority: voter turnout - Postcards to be mailed - LWVWV will co-sponsor webinar Lyn Judy - Vacancies on state Board still unfilled; Huntington not represented Lyn Local League Reports ✦ Huntington Area ✦ Jefferson County - Annual membership meeting, Dec 9 - Death of Alice Barkus, longtime LWV member Lyn ✦ Morgantown-Monongalia County - Substack update. 119 subscribers as of Dec 6. LWVMorgantown.substack.com <http://lwvmorgantown.substack.com> - Updated flyers for voter events — for any local League to use: - Voter Registration Event <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OwTjMSwqMzfpCjrfd6QDMtJVaDYBubT3/view?usp=…> - Student Voters <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YNm5AIb7YO0v6j2UFVgYoCw79BBvv1el/view?usp=…> - Photo ID <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cKmq_9tlPiKhXZzbY8925AHHcnJIu1Ge/view?usp=…> - Absentee Ballots <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WufQuWrOveVSKQt_YvO5fr2Oi-uBlZ1G/view?usp=…> - T-shirts! Ordering deadline is Dec 31. - Instructions → 2025-12-05 email T-shirt order.pdf <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wHuMoNJjYDfDY3MzU68Q_FEFZbbZjexl/view?usp=…> - Order form with images → voters shirts.docx <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OSikYPj2-1ATsWTMQCVbOLEotMgDG3Mc/edit?u…> Judy For the good of the order Noon ADJOURN Next Meetings/Events:

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Make Some Noise: Demand Transparency and Accountability for Data Centers
by League of Women Voters of West Virginia 08 Dec '25

08 Dec '25

[image: lwv msn logo.png] The West Virginia Department of Commerce has released its proposed rules <https://apps.sos.wv.gov/adlaw/csr/readfile.aspx?DocId=58708&Format=PDF> for implementing HB 2014 <https://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Text_HTML/2025_SESSIONS/RS/bills/hb2014%…>, which established the Certified Microgrid Development Program. HB 2014 encourages data centers to locate in WV and allows them to generate their own power through the creation of microgrids. HB 2014 allows microgrids to utilize fossil fuels rather than renewable sources, overrides local control, and prevents counties and municipalities from enforcing or enacting restrictive measures related to siting or operation, giving most review powers to the Secretary of Commerce. The West Virginia Highlands Conservancy <https://secure.everyaction.com/7z2qteyDC0Cx3o6W3LtgCA2> described the proposed rule like this: As written, these rules give the public almost no notice, no real way to weigh in, and very little information about what these companies are proposing. For projects that could change local air and water quality, drive up energy demand, and reshape rural communities, that's simply not good enough. This is your opportunity to tell the Secretary of Commerce they must amend the rules to require more transparency from big data centers and create opportunities for public input on applications. Hurry! The comment deadline is Wednesday, December 10th. Use the template and talking points below (adapted from WV Highlands Conservancy suggestions) to prepare your comments. Comments should be submitted to Garner Marks, General Counsel for the WV Department of Commerce at garner.marks(a)wv.gov. ------------------------------ Letter Template and Talking Points To: garner.marks(a)wv.gov Subject: Public Comment on Proposed Rule 145CSR20 (Certified Microgrid Development Program) Body: Dear Mr. Marks, I am a West Virginia resident concerned about how HB 2014 hands over almost all decision-making about data centers and microgrids to the state, taking away authority from communities that will have to live with the consequences. As written, these rules will remove the public from the process, deny them access to what is being proposed, their ability to make their voices heard, or protect their communities from negative consequences. - The rules need transparency with a structured, open, public process. Before final approval, residents deserve notice, and the ability to appeal decisions that affect their communities. - Applications should be made public so residents can see the basic facts about what’s being proposed. - These processes need clear standards and independent evaluations, so decisions are made based on transparent and consistent criteria. - Before approval of any application, the rules should require an independent review for environmental impact by specialists, including qualified engineers and economists. - Applicants should be required to disclose all basic environmental and community impacts. The state is the only reviewer, as local governments are blocked from regulating these facilities. That makes it even more important for full disclosure about essential features — expected air emissions, water use, sources of water, and discharges, noise levels, traffic impacts, the operating schedule and workforce, emergency-service needs, safety policies and records, land-use conflicts. - Applicants should be required to assess and disclose whether renewables and battery storage are feasible for some or all anticipated power needs. - Companies seeking waivers from local rules should be required to offer binding community benefit agreements negotiated directly with the community. - To protect everyday West Virginians from higher electric bills, data centers should cover the full cost of their electricity use and any grid updates they require. HB 2014 already limits local authority. The least the state can do is ensure that residents have transparency, a voice in the process, and real protections. I strongly urge you to revise the rules to reflect these needs. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your County/City]

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Board Meeting REMINDER -- DEC 13, 2025, 10:00 a.m.
by League of Women Voters of West Virginia 07 Dec '25

07 Dec '25

DRAFT Agenda, Dec 13, 2025 Agenda (Google drive) <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XMkRvuwmrHz2HilUuAVmzOxHyLeb3-aGbnvGPfp…> LWVWV BOARD AGENDA - DEC 13, 2025 REVISED – 12/6/2025 ZOOM Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81479925997?pwd=daonMB9dEtNeYHK7BMXZ4saxJsljHo.1 Meeting ID: 814 7992 5997 Passcode: 951848 --- One tap mobile +16469313860,,81479925997#,,,,*951848# US +13017158592,,81479925997#,,,,*951848# US (Washington DC) 10:00 AM Welcome & Call to Order, Changes/Additions to Agenda Lyn Widmyer Approval of minutes - <-- INSERT LINK Co-Presidents’ Reports - Signed on to LWVUS statement regarding DHS plan to consolidate sensitive personal data across federal agencies - Death of Nancy Novak, former president of LWVWV, longtime member of the Board, & lifetime member of the League Lyn Widmyer Judy Ball Treasurer’s Report - Treasurer’s Report <-- INSERT LINK - Ron Widmyer volunteered to serve on audit committee for LWVWV. - Still need League members to serve on the board of LWV Trust. - LWVWV rejected offer for Lobby Corps Grant from LWVUS. - Approval needed to transfer up to $4000 from CD that is maturing soon to cover budget items. Teresa Lyn/Judy 10:20 a.m. New Business Preparing for 2026 election season - VOTE411 - Voter education on new photo ID law - Any local Leagues planning candidate forums? - Approval needed for funds to support outreach to voters & legislators (partnership with Delta Sigma Theta) Autumn Lyn Judy Other Board members Legislative Day - Approval needed for contribution to Delta Sigma Theta toward their cost of Black Policy Day at Legislature in February. - We will join them & have a table with LWV info. Lyn LLAW — Preparing for Jan 2026 Legislature - Activated FastDemocracy Pro subscription (with Teresa’s help). Training just for LLAW scheduled for Dec 19. - No suggested changes to 2024 Legislative Priorities <https://lwvwv.org/2024/01/04/lwvwv-2024-program-policy-priorities/> were received, so priorities will remain the same. - Completed testing Claude AI platform for help with the heavy lifting in manual bill review. Full test across 2460 bills from 2025. - Claude is excellent at translating bills into LWVWV positions. - Claude improved immensely in filtering bills based on keywords into 4 priority buckets. - Claude resource constraints issue will be addressed by using a portion of LLAW budget to fund Claude Pro subscription only for duration of Legislature’s term. - Request to brief Morgantown NOW on LLAW, Jan 13. - Del. Evan Hansen will introduce nonpartisan bills supported by LLAW. We set the following priorities: - Current WV law permits voters who request assistance due a disability to have that disability challenged. These provisions should be repealed. (Talking points <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1E4iOf3d7VxBHMu_2svMiOQluAbIp78Tw/view?usp=…> on this policy issue.) - Bill to codify procedures for redistricting in WV, HB 2415 <https://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/bills_history.cfm?INPUT=2415&year…> in 2025, will be re-introduced. - Our bill to modernize election procedures, HB 2447 <https://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/bills_history.cfm?INPUT=2447&year…> in 2025, will not be re-introduced this session. We may come back in a future session. Judy Establish meeting schedule for CY 2026 - Move that the Board meet the third Saturday, every other month - Jan 22 - Mar 15 - May 17 - Jul 19 - Sep 20 - Nov 15 Lyn Judy Highlights of LWVUS Leader meetings - LWVUS has a new regional organizing model. https://www.lwv.org/league-management/advocacy-litigation/lwvs-organizing-m… - Each state assigned to a region with a coordinator. - Region 2: West Virginia & District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia. - Still early days, but notable frustration at LWVUS lack of support for fostering communication between & among state leaders. Lyn Judy 11:20 a.m. Unfinished Business - Amicus brief filed with WV Supreme Court of Appeals to support WV Board of Education challenge to WV state legislature having final authority over rules & regulations. - Judy interviewed on MetroNews TV — ScreenRecording_11-03-2025 10-46-23_1.mp4 <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PDj26vuhvImCYnkmWaI6tB3jprXwehSA/view?usp=…> - Brief was topic of LWVMM Substack — The will of the people must be respected — Nov 30, 2025 Lyn Judy - Continuing partnership with Delta Sigma Theta (EPAC) to promote importance of voting. - Priority: voter turnout - Postcards to be mailed - LWVWV will co-sponsor webinar Lyn Judy - Vacancies on state Board still unfilled; Huntington not represented Lyn Local League Reports ✦ Huntington Area ✦ Jefferson County - Annual membership meeting, Dec 9 - Death of Alice Barkus, longtime LWV member Lyn ✦ Morgantown-Monongalia County - Substack update. 119 subscribers as of Dec 6. LWVMorgantown.substack.com <http://lwvmorgantown.substack.com> - Updated flyers for voter events — for any local League to use: - Voter Registration Event <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OwTjMSwqMzfpCjrfd6QDMtJVaDYBubT3/view?usp=…> - Student Voters <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YNm5AIb7YO0v6j2UFVgYoCw79BBvv1el/view?usp=…> - Photo ID <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cKmq_9tlPiKhXZzbY8925AHHcnJIu1Ge/view?usp=…> - Absentee Ballots <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WufQuWrOveVSKQt_YvO5fr2Oi-uBlZ1G/view?usp=…> - T-shirts! Ordering deadline is Dec 31. - Instructions → 2025-12-05 email T-shirt order.pdf <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wHuMoNJjYDfDY3MzU68Q_FEFZbbZjexl/view?usp=…> - Order form with images → voters shirts.docx <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OSikYPj2-1ATsWTMQCVbOLEotMgDG3Mc/edit?u…> Judy For the good of the order Noon ADJOURN Next Meetings/Events:

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New LWV-MM Substack -- Read & Subscribe
by League of Women Voters of West Virginia 30 Nov '25

30 Nov '25

Check out our new monthly post! No means no. In this case, it is our Legislature that is failing to understand that. https://lwvmorgantown.substack.com/p/the-will-of-wva-voters-must-be-respect… [image: DP 2025-11-30.jpg]

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Participate in Voting PSA Video Campaign - Nov 17 deadline
by League of Women Voters of West Virginia 13 Nov '25

13 Nov '25

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Eastern Panhandle Alumnae Chapter and the League of Women Voters of West Virginia are working together to bring the "Voting is Personal" PSA Video Campaign to life. We need your help to make it happen. When finished, the PSA will be a 1 to 1.5 minute video made from recordings captured around our state that feature individuals or groups expressing what makes their vote personal. We will share the final video on social media platforms, with non-partisan groups, and our lawmakers. The final video will require statewide participation from Deltas and League members, our friends and family. We will be recording *SHORT* statements about what "issues" make your vote personal. Examples include: - I/We vote to protect reproductive rights. - I/We vote to keep medication costs low. - I/We vote to eliminate food deserts. - I/We vote to protect SNAP benefits. - I/We vote to protect Social Security. - I/We vote because climate change is real. For participants, think about your community and who should be represented. Please, include all ages, all demographics, and do not concern yourself with party affiliation - *This Is a Non-Partisan Campaign*. We want this video to be representative of all people living in the Mountain State. *Instructions for Recordings.* *Poorly recorded videos cannot be used*. 1. If using your cell phone, *Clean* the camera and the screen before recording. 2. Record in *Landscape* mode, NOT portrait mode. 3. Ensure plenty of *Light* and no shadows on faces. 4. If possible, record *Outside* during the day, but make sure the sun is not behind the subject. 5. Remember *Presentation* - Smile, Be upbeat, Be engaging. 6. *Hit RECORD, Pause Pause, MAKE SHORT STATEMENT, Pause Pause, Hit END*. The pauses give us the ability to edit the recordings together. Your recording must be submitted via email to Blushred91(a)gmail.com or by text to *304-886-4900* by *November 17, 2025, no later than by 5pm.*

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New LWV-MM Substack -- Read & Subscribe
by League of Women Voters of West Virginia 13 Nov '25

13 Nov '25

Check out our new submitted post! https://lwvmorgantown.substack.com/p/time-to-end-governing-by-scapegoat [image: image.png]

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