Opinion

Dear Annie: I am a 36-yearold man living with my father. I also have autism, and because of this, I have had difficulty in dating women.

Washington -- Regarding the current riotous behavior here in Washington, I have given it what I would call bold thought. That often happens with me. For instance, many years ago, I received a lewd proposal in the mail from Madonna. She obviously was a woman with rampant literary ambitions. Well, I entertained her proposal for about a split second before demurring. I explained that I was a hypochondriac.

The past few weeks have been challenging for our country and for our citizens. Last week’s protest in Washington began as peaceful but devolved into violence within the walls of our nation’s Capitol. This occurred while the legislatures were meeting to accept the Electoral College results from the states. This was frightening and unacceptable.

Last week, the Capitol was breached by a group of fringe Trump supporters who had bought into a series of lies: the lie that President Donald Trump lost the election due to proven voter fraud and irregularity; the lie that the Electoral College results, legally certified state by state, could be overturned by Congress or the vice president; the lie that Trump would remain in office if only some sort of armed rebellion were to prevent the election certification by Congress. Those were lies. And those lies had deadly consequences.

There seems to be only one area of common ground in our country today: agreement that something is wrong. But regarding what that “something” is, and what we need to do, there is profound disagreement throughout the nation.

Dear Annie: There are three sisters in my family. Two of us are childless. Our other sister now has seven grandchildren. Every Christmas and birthday, my other childless sister and I send a check to each grandniece and grandnephew. We never expect any gifts in return, but it would be nice to receive a text message or an email acknowledging our gifts. My other childless sister and I also receive regular solicitations to contribute to special funds -- for example, one to pay for band uniforms.

Dear Annie: I am an attractive and well-educated divorced woman. Recently, a man whom I dated several years ago contacted me. We are both 70. Our reunion was great. We have been getting along very well and communicating daily ever since. We live across the country from each other. He invited me to his home, where I was his guest for three weeks. When we were alone, we had a wonderful time. We have great chemistry and enjoy each other’s company, sense of humor and personality. He tells me that he loves me. I love him, too.

I’m sick and tired of the hate. President Trump is partially responsible, but not completely.

Donald Trump has stumbled and fallen, and the establishment is not going to let slip this last opportunity to stomp him and his movement to death. On Sunday, Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued a startling ultimatum: Either Vice President Mike Pence and the Trump Cabinet invoke the 25th Amendment, declare the president “unfit” for office, and remove him within 24 hours, or House Democrats will vote to impeach him again.

Dear Annie: My youngest daughter, “Marta,” is beautiful and caring but intellectually challenged. I have always encouraged all my kids to do what makes them happy, and she is no different. A couple of years ago, she met a wonderful man through mutual friends, “Brian.” After dating for almost a year, they married last fall. We could not ask for anyone more caring and giving. Brian makes Marta his first priority as a spouse, partner and friend in his life.