As Americans celebrate Independence Day this weekend, we are reminded of our founding ideals, particularly the enduring promise of “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.” Although America’s birthday this year comes amid economic obstacles and
DEAR ABBY: My first wife died of colon cancer 25 years ago. She was extremely brave and fought hard for two years, but in the end, it was a blessing when her suffering ended. I remarried 20 years ago, and my second wife has now been diagnosed with the same cancer. When the diagnosis came back, I have to admit my first reaction was to want to run away because I didn’t want to go through that again.
The doorbell rang shortly after sunrise. Barely awake, I scurried to the door, but no one there . . . just a faint burning smell that I recognized a split second too late. Pop! Pop! Pop! And so it started, my annual fireworks battle with my lifelong friend and childhood hero, Toby Dawn McIntyre. He loves Independence Day, and each year, he starts his surprise attacks with a bang.
Now that the Supreme Court has overturned Roe v. Wade, abortion could soon become illegal in half of the country. Or so Democrats warn. But it’s impossible to know how the debate will play out in many states. And a study this month by the Guttmacher Institute, which supports abortion rights, suggests that the practical consequences for abortion could be far less severe.
DEAR ABBY: I am a 19-year-old trans man. I told my mother years ago, and while she hasn’t stopped me from transitioning, she’s wholly unsupportive. Despite telling her my new name and pronouns, she refuses to refer to me that way even when we are alone. (I can’t tell the rest of my family; they would disown me.)
Today is the 182nd day of 2022 and the 11th day of summer. TODAY’S HISTORY: In 1863, the Battle of Gettysburg began.
DEAR ABBY: I am the mother of two small children. I have separated from their verbally abusive, alcoholic father. I returned to my grandmother, who raised me, and tried to get a job. I couldn’t find one quickly because we went into quarantine and my uncles made me move out.
Today is the 181st day of 2022 and the 10th day of summer. TODAY’S HISTORY: In 1934, the “Night of the Long Knives,” a series of murders ordered by Adolf Hitler to eliminate his political rivals, began in Germany.
Last week marked the 50th anniversary of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. For the past five decades, Title IX has protected women in educational programs from discrimination on the basis of sex. The law applies to all educational programs that receive federal funding and covers admissions, financial aid, sexual harassment, athletic facilities, and much more. Since its implementation, the percentage of female high school graduates who enroll in college has gone from 43 percent to 71 percent today.
DEAR ABBY: Many years ago, I was the victim of a violent assault that my then-11-year-old daughter witnessed. It traumatized both of us, but me, the worst. I completely dove off the deep end. I started drinking and smoking pot, and quit going to church. My whole personality changed. I dumped every moment with my children I could onto my husband so I could go out with my “friends” to clubs, bars, concerts or parties. I then started having affairs with many different people, including women. My husband knew about all of it, and despite the torture and pain I put him through, he stayed with me.