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DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»For25years I have been best friends with a woman I'll call "Tracy." Tracy is 35 years old, and she has Down Syndrome. Tracy is high-functioning, as is her longtime boyfriend, "Tyler." Amy, they have been together for five years. They have lived together for the past three years, and recently announced their engage- ment. Everyone on both sides of their families is happy for them — at least we all thought so. Since Tracy made the announcement a few months ago, their families and I have been getting questions and comments about it that are so rude, stupid and downright ignorant, it's not even funny. A brief example: "It's nice you're letting them play pretend." "Is it going to be legal? I mean, since they're like, not right in the head?" "You had them fixed right? Otherwise you'll be stuck raising another one." "Why are you letting them get married? I mean, they'll just forget." There have been other comments, but those are the more polite ones. When referring to them, they use a slur for intel- lectually disabled people. Amy, both Tracy and Tyler have jobs, they can balance their checkbooks, and yes, they know what sex is. They live in a one- bedroom apartment. Basically the only thing they need help with is transportation, as neither of them drives. Between both fami- lies, kind co-workers and friends — it all works out. How do we respond to these idiots? I'm seriously about to slap some peop le and I ain't the only one! Help! —Tracy'sFriend DEAR FRIEND » In this day and age, if someone uses a slur for intellectually disabled people, then they deserve to be slapped. Of course, I don't advocate for violence, but what you can do is to say, "That's so offensive that I'm not even going to dig- nify it with a response." If you feel like educat- ing idiots on the capabili- ties of people with Down Syndrome, then by all means, go for it. Otherwise, you can say, "If you want to do some research into Down Syndrome, you'll learn that it is caused by a chro- mosome imbalance. It is a random occurrence and is not inherited or conta- gious. People born with Down Syndrome might have to work harder to grasp some concepts. Now, what's your excuse?" Please pass along my congratulations to the happy couple. DEAR AMY » I'm a man, and, like the "Crier," who wrote to you about crying at weddings, I get very misty and emotional. Before my own wed- ding, my physician gave me one anti-anxiety pill, and that did the trick. I was happy, but not blubbery, on my big day. — Happy Groom DEAR GROOM » Great solution. However, meds and alcohol do not mix. Anyone considering this should be aware. Engaged couple inspire some offensive ignoramuses online You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@tribpub.com and follow her on Twitter @askingamy. Amy Dickinson Ask Amy Sudoku Instructions:Theobjectistoplacethe numbers1to9intheemptysquaresso thateachrow,eachcolumnandeach 3x3boxcontainsthenumberonlyonce. AnswertoPreviousPuzzle CelebrityCipher ByLuisCampos Instructions:CelebrityCiphercryptogramsarecreatedfromquotationsbyfamouspeople, pastandpresent.Eachletterinthecipherstandsforanother. NEACrossword Cancer(June21-July22) — Personal improvements, romance and domestic changes will be satisfying. Set aside a space geared toward helping you reach your goal. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — If you get a chance to present what you have to offer, you will have an opportunity to change your position or add to your responsibilities. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Make the effort to talk to someone going through a tough time. Your input will make a difference. You will gain respect and perhaps an unusual reward. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Don't let someone's negativity stop you from following through. If you give in once, you will be expected to do so over and over. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — You can outmaneuver anyone you encounter. Do things differ- ently in order to draw attention, suggestions and a chance to use your skills in ways that are more satisfying and rewarding. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Stick to what you know you can achieve. If you set your goals too high, someone will criticize you for your lack of consistency. Keep your plans simple. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Investigate your options and check out all the angles before you make a decision that could affect your financial position. Romance is encouraged, and joint ventures look promising. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — You'll get the recognition you want if you put your skills and knowledge on the line and offer some unique ideas. A past experiment will come in handy now. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — A physical change will lead to compliments and plenty of attention from someone you fancy. Partnerships are highlighted, along with ro- mance and serious plans for the future. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Don't let anyone push you around or take advantage of your ability to get things done. Focus on what you can do for yourself. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Make plans to enjoy the company of friends, family or a loved one. If you open your doors and mix business with pleasure, an unexpected offer will come your way. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Protect what you've worked so hard to acquire. Don't let anyone take advantage of you or put pressure on you to do things that aren't in your best interest. Horoscope By Eugenia Last FRIDAY, JULY 8 FRIDAY, JULY 8, 2016 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B