You refer in today’s newsletter to the current federal case against the former president not as “the documents case” but as “the defense secrets case”. This goes to the heart of the matter and is how all of us should refer to this prosecution so that its point is clear. A subtle but powerful choice that captures the real risk the defendant created for this country. It’s not just about some papers in a box. It’s about the information they contain.
Thank you Robert for tonight’s heartening click references. Things are looking up a bit! And re: the grammar police - it bothers me that reader are criticizing and nitpicking. I hope answering them doesn’t take away from your time informing us so regularly, thoroughly and brilliantly.
Moreover, I was taught that it is rude to correct the grammar of another unless you are a teacher, or a close relative of a child. C’mon, people, keep your eye on the ball—this is not a grammar blog!
Robert (and Heather Cox Richardson) and other writers appreciate and welcome suggested grammatical corrections. It is not nitpicking and it is definitely not to criticize but politely to inform good writers of their very occasional lapses. In these days when proper grammar is sorely lacking from so many online venues, it is good to know that most good writers want to know when they make a rare mistake.
Robert and Heather spend a great deal of time on their newsletters. Robert appears to be getting many comments about this, doesn’t sound rare to me. Perhaps those who are criticizing should try writing their own daily blogs.
Yes, she does, and she welcomes them, as you do. Don't be worried! Both of your posts are usually free of grammatical mistakes, which makes them a joy to read.
I, too, am annoyed by the nitpicking. So many of the “corrections” are just preferences or even outdated usages. At the same time, I will say that I’ve learned from these discussions...mostly that my expertise as a writer and editor hasn’t kept up with the evolution of our language, as it appears to be the case with other commenters. I used to get my knickers in a twist over this stuff. Now I just try to remember: “Living language, people!”
I think Robert means he sometimes gets many comments on a single misuse, not that he gets many comments because he makes lots of grammatical mistakes. He does not.
We are proud of him! You are probably aware that Markey was almost "primaried" by a young Kennedy - who is a decent fellow. But Markey displayed his Climate friendly progressive stripes and easily knocked young Joe out of the game.
And now he beats the drum for a court that will reflect the vast majority of Americans and their values. The "Catholic Cabal" is like something out of a Dan Brown novel. Full disclosure: I have had a Catholic wife and many "Catholic" friends who plucked from the faith the best of it and eschewed the worst. This Cabal seems intent on establishing a real Gilead. Frightening.
That Kennedy kid is a leaf that would blow away in a little wind, who was running on his name. Markey, on the other hand, is a powerful presence in the Senate. It was a very easy choice for me to vote for Markey and urge others to do so (I even had a home-made Markey bumper sticker on my car). And it was so despite this exchange at a town hall meeting around '09, where I told him his environmental policy was in conflict with his immigration policy because of the environmental harm that would be caused by millions more people. Responding, Markey pulled himself up to his full height, and said, "That man's a pessimist! I'm an optimist!" to the cheers of my fellow constituents.
I love Mass! You guys come from a state that has incredible educational institutions all around you. I would move to Boston in a heartbeat if it weren't for your weird accent :D On second thought, your beaches, hikes and mountains (or lack of) don't compare to Oregon. Please don't take offense- I'm teasing. Our youngest got a GREAT education at UMASS. Our oldest got a great life education working with city year in Jamaica Plains.
Glad you like our accent (I was SOOOOO nostalgic whenever I heard a Boston accent during the two decades I lived in DC. (My own accent is actually Brooklyn, which is where my father grew up. I never lived there. And people still pick it out.) And, you're mostly right about the comparison with Oregon--it's more spectacular than Mass, although there's nothing in the world quite like the outer Cape. (I still remember back in 1957 the night we stayed in a cabin at Crater Lake, and how gorgeous it was in the morning.) Another thing I really like about Mass is I have zero fear of being shot. I don't think we've had a single school shooting. PS: Jamaica Plain is singular.
Once again Republicans are proving cruelly is their point. When I read their ridiculous, cruel remarks about the President's son I think of the little boy badly injured in a car accident that took the lives of his mother and sister.
Me too. I read Jill Biden’s autobiography where she gives a beautiful picture of Hunter as a child. Anyone who has a beloved child who has struggled with drug and alcohol problems knows the pain it causes to the whole family. It’s a universal problem and my heart goes out to the Biden family right now.
The cruelty and lack of empathy is so sad. Early trauma can cripple people for life. I think that the Hunter and the Biden’s handled this honestly and by the book. Rehab is the only way to try to heal.
The “what about Hunter Biden” sound bite is right out of our childhood play book when we were caught red handed. Tears and all we wailed “what about Joey? What about Jane.” We have, in Republicans playground nonsense rather than governance to help the citizens, the environment, or advance economic justice.”
Sad state of affairs. Vote in 2023 & 2024 - up and down the ballot.
MSNBC played the voice-mail left by President Biden to his son. You could hear the pain in his voice. I couldn't help crying, listening to him. Why are repugs not taking that voice-mail for what it is?
With the coming anniversary of the Dobbs decision, I'd like to invite everyone in joining me in my vow to not vote for any Republican in the coming elections - federal state or local level. It is time for accountability!
I haven't voted for a Republican for ANY office since the dirty tricks played by Nixon. Reagan was a corrupt and stupid man; George H.W. Bush was involved in Irangate up to his ears, (although he lied about it); George W. Bush was ignorant and proud of it. Trump? He is the absolute culmination of the last 45 years of the Repubbie penchant for celebrating stupidity, revenge, racism, false "Christianity", anger and grievance.
My take is that another Republican penchant is for easily-managed candidates and leaders who will cheerfully obey their funders. Even Trump has wealthy donors backing him.
Since I only voted for two Republicans in my entire life, and regretted both votes, I can happily take the pledge not to vote for a Republican ever again.
Mr. Hubbell, Good update to some positive news. Thanks. I’m sorry that you must wade through criticism from the grammatical contingent, but I suppose it is a part of having an informed readership. You always respond with much more grace than I feel is warranted. I would ignore the comments and move on to more important matters.
Oh, I don't know... although I slide right over any typos and mistakes myself, and wouldn't bother to send in any comment on those (don't we All make them despite best efforts to proof read?), I still enjoy his replies, where he so often tucks in a dollop of humor and sass.
My intent was not to criticize but to express a contrary opinion on an issue about which Mr. Hubbell told us there was choice. My "banter" with him was done in a spirit of collegiality. I trust Robert took it that way. Robert?
"...the inability of Jim Jordan and James Comer to produce the long-touted 'whistle-blower' who might know something about somebody who has disappeared but might have heard something about a rumor started by Rudy Giuliani during a trip to Ukraine designed to fabricate dirt on Joe Biden." MAGA-ites will fully understand this quote and double-down behind their leader. Just the other day, my sister sent me a 17-minute video by somebody who claimed to know somebody who knows somebody in the know who can state unequivocally that the military is "on it" on behalf of 45. They have started in New Mexico (with pictures of Humvees in a city somewhere and planes flying overhead, also somewhere) and plans are in the works to shut down blue states across the country. The timeline is sometime between now, June 21 and the middle of July. For the believers, the time is now to stockpile provisions for the months' long siege that will bring 45 back to the White House.
I've done my duty by forewarning y'all. I, for one, have ordered three cases of cat food. So, there!
Oh goodness, does your sister live in Fort Valley perhaps? While considering a trip out to look at some property my parents bought years ago, we "drove" down the length of the valley via google street view to be sure we'd recognize the turn off. Our conclusion after that perusal was that "there's banjos in them thar hills" and that maybe we'd postpone the trip awhile yet...
It is so easy to live in one part of some of these states and forget there are entirely different parts elsewhere. That's one reason there are so many nut cases in the House: Smaller districts allow isolated places with insulated school districts to persist in their bubbles of subculture, cherry picked "news" and what is basically gossip level sources of information. Then they vote accordingly.
My sister does not live in Fort Valley. She's in Fauquier County, deeper south than where I am which is actually a "bedroom community" to Washington, D.C. We are close to the Marc train line which allows you to live out in the "sticks" with an hour's ride by train to work in D.C. Thus, more liberals, I suspect, than where she lives.
There is a group,of armed militia who want to go to war and use their weapons and gear but after the J6th convictions I think they have second thoughts. Your reaction to the video from your sister was what was intended by the group.
I am well aware of the evil militias are capable of. Texas is rife with the evil in rural areas. I hope the FBI is aware as well. I do recall when Obama was president that the FBI no longer considered them a threat (can’t remember the source). But that was insanity. Hopefully, they have come to their senses, but maybe Wray needs to go.
Of course, their monitoring before J6th resulted in the information that plans to meet and maps of the basement of the Capitol building were being passed around on far right net groups being sent to Washington from Norfolk, but that information was marked as unimportant and not passed on or evaluated. It would be nice to feel that some Thorough rearrangement had taken place in some vital parts of the FBI so that such monitoring might function as more than just recruiting within the service.
I have been disappointed in the lack of evidence of house cleaning in the FBI, SS and even military, but recognize the reasons for Biden leaving Wray in place much as I doubt the usefulness of any attempts to make manifest his preservation of the independence of the FBI and of the three branches of government. At this point, most of the GOP could point at the sky and scream that it's yellow, falling, and all Biden's fault.
Perhaps there is a substitute approach such as assigning a person in an assistance position to Wray, regular meetings with Wray in the White House or having an advisory group assist Wray with updating operational guardrails. All very meager but perhaps enough to dampen any pro-autocracy tendencies.
You mean hollow in and of himself? Which in this case I would take to mean you feel he might be relatively harmless under circumstances where he's not being backed up or loaded with a plot to further. That might be true. Either way I'd have him "assisted" by someone I trusted if that were possible. He can probably be trusted as far as one can throw a Trojan pony!
Wray definitely needs to go! Especially after finding out that they and the DOJ sat on their hands for over a year before investigating Trump and ilk...they were embarrassed that the J6 committee had done their work for them.
Thanks for your through, thoughtful, and measured explanations of Judge Cannon's trial scheduling action and Hunter Biden's plea deal. Both matters are encouraging but still may lead to further speculation and angst as things progress.
Judge Cannon's meeting the speedy trial requirements is, as you say, one click in the right direction (thanks for the explanation of the "click" reference!). We can only hope that she is intent on salvaging her reputation, but there are still many opportunities ahead for her to change course. I continue to have faith that Jack Smith is capable of navigating the potentially 'gator-infested waters.
Hunter Biden's woes are indeed tragic for him and his family, and it's good to see them finding some closure. Your assessment of the appropriateness of the plea deal squares nicely with more detailed analyses that Heather Cox Richardson and Joyce Vance shared last night. I am convinced that if anything, Hunter faced greater scrutiny and is paying a higher price than others in the same situation.
However, nothing will stop the Republicans, the fastest dungslingers in the land, from continuing to cry foul or from further weaponizing investigations into the Biden family despite a lack of evidence, while ignoring highly suspicious (or dare I say, "obvious") Trump family corruption. Kevin McCarthy couldn't be more of a disappointment with his refrain of false equivalency. I wish the media wouldn't grant him the attention he craves.
We need to keep hammering away at the Republican's hypocrisy, while spreading the positive message of President Biden's hands off approach to DOJ. The Republican party is proving every day that it is irredeemable. Until its remaining members of good faith revolt and restore its luster and legitimacy, it will just continue to be revolting.
People are watching how Biden approached the case with his son and he handled it perfectly including having a Trump appointed judge handle the case. Think how Trump would have handled it.
As one who has had to counsel and even discipline subordinate employees, I have had to wade through some of their defensive postures and one was to tell me something like, “But Joe Blow did the same thing and you did nothing to him!” Etc, etc. Maybe so; maybe not. Such was meant to deflect me so that I would not to focus on THEIR bad behavior. And so it is with the Trumped-up issue (no pun) of Biden and his son and the “Biden crime family".
If Joe Biden, and all the rest of the Democrats in office are guilty of breaking the law, then arrest them all; try them all; and if they are found guilty, put them all in jail! Period. But we DO NOT GIVE DJT A PASS!
NO!
All prosecutors must learn from a basic supervisory rule: ignore the wiggles; hold on; stay focused; be impartial; finish the job. The case at hand is: DJT is accused of breaking the law. No diversion; no detours; no quarter. STOP.
Maybe its me but I would rather have Robert give us the factual and insightful insights he provides and get those right, which he does, rather than being perfect grammatically.
Leev grmer and sepling to da emeletry teechers! Seriously, this is very close to how I deciphered my 2nd grade munchkins' writing as they were navigating all the "rules" of
English for which there are more exceptions than rules.
I want to comment on the Hunter Biden situation. Nothing - and I do literally mean nothing - from the MAGA world is as humanely repulsive as the response of Trump, Haley, McCarthy and many others to the DOJ agreement with Mr Biden. My God - have they no sense of decency or humanity? This is a man trying to recover from addiction who makes a few mistakes and admits to them. And too many MAGA creatures are willing to turn him into a political plaything to serve their own mean-spirited interests. I wish I could find words to express my anger and frustration.
The lack of kindness and compassion from Republican party members is mind-boggling. Don't these people know anyone who has struggled with addiction? or illness? or poverty, which they seem to have attacked as a character flaw? or plain bad luck? I can't imagine what horrific early childhood experiences they must have suffered to turn them into such mean-spirited adults.
I am so grateful for this daily reminder that there are people in our country who still believe in, and fight for, "truth, justice, and the American way" (at least, as we thought it was when growing up in the 1950s, although that wasn't always true, either.) I am grateful for this literate, educated, thoughtful analysis of current events, for this on-line community.
My thanks always to the amazing Robert Hubbell, and to all of us.
James Comer and Gym Jordan continue in their efforts to become famous and future stars on FOX once their political careers implode. They're doing a good job of proving how unworthy they are to serve on once serious congressional committees and, at the same time, how worthy they are to be held in contempt by all Americans, of whatever political stripe. I hope there are people in Kentucky's 1st and Ohio's 4th who agree with me.
Thank you for that. I developed a particular dislike of “Gym” Jordan when he shouted over Mueller when Mueller was giving testimony. Actually, I detest him.
While I am sorry that some of your pedantic readers are so fixated on “proper English usage” that they take up a precious amount of your time to answer their criticisms, I do enjoy your humorous little postscript rebuttals. In a perfect world people wouldn’t feel the need to “correct” conflicting word usage, or they would look things up for themselves rather than trust their infallible fourth grade teachers and perfect memory. However, if we had a perfect world, we would not get the privilege of reading your thoughts and analysis because our world would not have MAGA Republicans making such trouble. Keep up the good works and thank you for both the truly important information you provide and for the occasional humorous English lesson.
It seems appropriate to have a tiny bit of entertainment... but if you start a grammar blog I am quite sure it will become very deep rabbit hole from which you may never emerge, so I'd advise against it. We need your encouragement more than we need an engagement of keyboard warriors over grammar. It's not worth your time! Or ours.
On another note, in my younger days I was more about "Veni. Vidi. VISA." But quickly there comes a point when one realizes that there is more to life than the acquisition of things, and joyful and meaningful experiences instead become what we pursue.
You refer in today’s newsletter to the current federal case against the former president not as “the documents case” but as “the defense secrets case”. This goes to the heart of the matter and is how all of us should refer to this prosecution so that its point is clear. A subtle but powerful choice that captures the real risk the defendant created for this country. It’s not just about some papers in a box. It’s about the information they contain.
Thanks, Moira, for highlighting this important point.
The defense secrets casus…….
Res ipsa loquitur. 😊
Ha! Touché!
You go girl!
😉
I also refer to it as the espionage case.
Thank you Robert for tonight’s heartening click references. Things are looking up a bit! And re: the grammar police - it bothers me that reader are criticizing and nitpicking. I hope answering them doesn’t take away from your time informing us so regularly, thoroughly and brilliantly.
No worries! I enjoy discussing language and I brought the most recent round on myself by including grammar postscripts!
Moreover, I was taught that it is rude to correct the grammar of another unless you are a teacher, or a close relative of a child. C’mon, people, keep your eye on the ball—this is not a grammar blog!
It’s so ridiculous that readers are wasting the precious time of our host with inane grammar disputes.
Some people have way too much time on their hands.
Privately suggested grammar corrections are not inane but are welcomed by good writers.
It is not rude to gently correct someone's grammar if it is done privately and not publicly. Yes, I know that's a split infinitive.
Ain't no thing to thoughtfully split an infinitive with a well-placed adverb (or to sometimes use colloquialisms). 😉
Thoughtfully expressed! 😉
Good luck with that one! At least Robert has a good sense of humor about it. I ended today's blog with a good laugh.
Right on Alice. 👏
Yes, enough already! We’re all doing the best we can. Seems like out energy would be better spent focusing on what’s really important Thanks Robert
Peace
Robert (and Heather Cox Richardson) and other writers appreciate and welcome suggested grammatical corrections. It is not nitpicking and it is definitely not to criticize but politely to inform good writers of their very occasional lapses. In these days when proper grammar is sorely lacking from so many online venues, it is good to know that most good writers want to know when they make a rare mistake.
Robert and Heather spend a great deal of time on their newsletters. Robert appears to be getting many comments about this, doesn’t sound rare to me. Perhaps those who are criticizing should try writing their own daily blogs.
Okay. Now I am worried! Does HCR not get comments on grammar?
Yes, she does, and she welcomes them, as you do. Don't be worried! Both of your posts are usually free of grammatical mistakes, which makes them a joy to read.
They are a joy and pleasure to read, whether or not any grammatical mistakes appear. The points are always well taken when Robert writes.
I, too, am annoyed by the nitpicking. So many of the “corrections” are just preferences or even outdated usages. At the same time, I will say that I’ve learned from these discussions...mostly that my expertise as a writer and editor hasn’t kept up with the evolution of our language, as it appears to be the case with other commenters. I used to get my knickers in a twist over this stuff. Now I just try to remember: “Living language, people!”
I think Robert means he sometimes gets many comments on a single misuse, not that he gets many comments because he makes lots of grammatical mistakes. He does not.
Many have replied this issue of grammar is getting tiresome and disrespectful. I see only one person who thinks this is welcomed.
Was happy to see Senator Markey of Massachusetts proposed a bill to expand the Supreme Court to 13.
We are proud of him! You are probably aware that Markey was almost "primaried" by a young Kennedy - who is a decent fellow. But Markey displayed his Climate friendly progressive stripes and easily knocked young Joe out of the game.
And now he beats the drum for a court that will reflect the vast majority of Americans and their values. The "Catholic Cabal" is like something out of a Dan Brown novel. Full disclosure: I have had a Catholic wife and many "Catholic" friends who plucked from the faith the best of it and eschewed the worst. This Cabal seems intent on establishing a real Gilead. Frightening.
That Kennedy kid is a leaf that would blow away in a little wind, who was running on his name. Markey, on the other hand, is a powerful presence in the Senate. It was a very easy choice for me to vote for Markey and urge others to do so (I even had a home-made Markey bumper sticker on my car). And it was so despite this exchange at a town hall meeting around '09, where I told him his environmental policy was in conflict with his immigration policy because of the environmental harm that would be caused by millions more people. Responding, Markey pulled himself up to his full height, and said, "That man's a pessimist! I'm an optimist!" to the cheers of my fellow constituents.
I love Mass! You guys come from a state that has incredible educational institutions all around you. I would move to Boston in a heartbeat if it weren't for your weird accent :D On second thought, your beaches, hikes and mountains (or lack of) don't compare to Oregon. Please don't take offense- I'm teasing. Our youngest got a GREAT education at UMASS. Our oldest got a great life education working with city year in Jamaica Plains.
Glad you like our accent (I was SOOOOO nostalgic whenever I heard a Boston accent during the two decades I lived in DC. (My own accent is actually Brooklyn, which is where my father grew up. I never lived there. And people still pick it out.) And, you're mostly right about the comparison with Oregon--it's more spectacular than Mass, although there's nothing in the world quite like the outer Cape. (I still remember back in 1957 the night we stayed in a cabin at Crater Lake, and how gorgeous it was in the morning.) Another thing I really like about Mass is I have zero fear of being shot. I don't think we've had a single school shooting. PS: Jamaica Plain is singular.
He was my rep when I lived in Boston. Also, Tip! (I moved around a lot)
Are you a Bay Stater, Bill? Great comment! Especially your second paragraph!
Once again Republicans are proving cruelly is their point. When I read their ridiculous, cruel remarks about the President's son I think of the little boy badly injured in a car accident that took the lives of his mother and sister.
Me too. I read Jill Biden’s autobiography where she gives a beautiful picture of Hunter as a child. Anyone who has a beloved child who has struggled with drug and alcohol problems knows the pain it causes to the whole family. It’s a universal problem and my heart goes out to the Biden family right now.
I am with you, Susan as I am with Cathy and Angela.
And of Robert’s reminder, “President Biden and Dr. Jill Biden issued a statement saying ‘we love our son.’”
Seems it all speaks of the depth of this sadness, and of this love.
The cruelty and lack of empathy is so sad. Early trauma can cripple people for life. I think that the Hunter and the Biden’s handled this honestly and by the book. Rehab is the only way to try to heal.
The Republicans act like spoiled children who are so mad they're not getting their way again!!
The “what about Hunter Biden” sound bite is right out of our childhood play book when we were caught red handed. Tears and all we wailed “what about Joey? What about Jane.” We have, in Republicans playground nonsense rather than governance to help the citizens, the environment, or advance economic justice.”
Sad state of affairs. Vote in 2023 & 2024 - up and down the ballot.
When Jeb Bush’s daughter was arrested on drug charges and went through addiction treatment the media and public were very respectful of the family’s need for privacy at the time. (https://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/stateroundup/a-normally-reserved-jeb-bush-shares-family-addiction-tale/2260136/?outputType=amp)
The cruelty of Republicans has no limits.
MSNBC played the voice-mail left by President Biden to his son. You could hear the pain in his voice. I couldn't help crying, listening to him. Why are repugs not taking that voice-mail for what it is?
With the coming anniversary of the Dobbs decision, I'd like to invite everyone in joining me in my vow to not vote for any Republican in the coming elections - federal state or local level. It is time for accountability!
I haven't voted for a Republican for ANY office since the dirty tricks played by Nixon. Reagan was a corrupt and stupid man; George H.W. Bush was involved in Irangate up to his ears, (although he lied about it); George W. Bush was ignorant and proud of it. Trump? He is the absolute culmination of the last 45 years of the Repubbie penchant for celebrating stupidity, revenge, racism, false "Christianity", anger and grievance.
My take is that another Republican penchant is for easily-managed candidates and leaders who will cheerfully obey their funders. Even Trump has wealthy donors backing him.
Since I only voted for two Republicans in my entire life, and regretted both votes, I can happily take the pledge not to vote for a Republican ever again.
Made that vow years ago.
Never ever have or will.
Agreed. It’s the least we can do. The Republican noise machine has lost all credibility.
No problem with that Cathy. The way things are today, I wouldn't vote for an R if a gun was being held to my head.
Me too !
No worries, Cathy. I have never voted for a Repub and I never will!
Absolutely!
There is a double standard in our Judicial system, but it isn't Rs versus Ds; it's rich versus poor!
Mr. Hubbell, Good update to some positive news. Thanks. I’m sorry that you must wade through criticism from the grammatical contingent, but I suppose it is a part of having an informed readership. You always respond with much more grace than I feel is warranted. I would ignore the comments and move on to more important matters.
Agreed 😊
Oh, I don't know... although I slide right over any typos and mistakes myself, and wouldn't bother to send in any comment on those (don't we All make them despite best efforts to proof read?), I still enjoy his replies, where he so often tucks in a dollop of humor and sass.
Yes. I love the pith and the humor. Just grateful to have thoughtful ( and funny) commentary.
My intent was not to criticize but to express a contrary opinion on an issue about which Mr. Hubbell told us there was choice. My "banter" with him was done in a spirit of collegiality. I trust Robert took it that way. Robert?
"...the inability of Jim Jordan and James Comer to produce the long-touted 'whistle-blower' who might know something about somebody who has disappeared but might have heard something about a rumor started by Rudy Giuliani during a trip to Ukraine designed to fabricate dirt on Joe Biden." MAGA-ites will fully understand this quote and double-down behind their leader. Just the other day, my sister sent me a 17-minute video by somebody who claimed to know somebody who knows somebody in the know who can state unequivocally that the military is "on it" on behalf of 45. They have started in New Mexico (with pictures of Humvees in a city somewhere and planes flying overhead, also somewhere) and plans are in the works to shut down blue states across the country. The timeline is sometime between now, June 21 and the middle of July. For the believers, the time is now to stockpile provisions for the months' long siege that will bring 45 back to the White House.
I've done my duty by forewarning y'all. I, for one, have ordered three cases of cat food. So, there!
I hope you have a cat.
Two!
Oh goodness, does your sister live in Fort Valley perhaps? While considering a trip out to look at some property my parents bought years ago, we "drove" down the length of the valley via google street view to be sure we'd recognize the turn off. Our conclusion after that perusal was that "there's banjos in them thar hills" and that maybe we'd postpone the trip awhile yet...
It is so easy to live in one part of some of these states and forget there are entirely different parts elsewhere. That's one reason there are so many nut cases in the House: Smaller districts allow isolated places with insulated school districts to persist in their bubbles of subculture, cherry picked "news" and what is basically gossip level sources of information. Then they vote accordingly.
My sister does not live in Fort Valley. She's in Fauquier County, deeper south than where I am which is actually a "bedroom community" to Washington, D.C. We are close to the Marc train line which allows you to live out in the "sticks" with an hour's ride by train to work in D.C. Thus, more liberals, I suspect, than where she lives.
Cat food always on order
There is a group,of armed militia who want to go to war and use their weapons and gear but after the J6th convictions I think they have second thoughts. Your reaction to the video from your sister was what was intended by the group.
I am well aware of the evil militias are capable of. Texas is rife with the evil in rural areas. I hope the FBI is aware as well. I do recall when Obama was president that the FBI no longer considered them a threat (can’t remember the source). But that was insanity. Hopefully, they have come to their senses, but maybe Wray needs to go.
My understanding is they are aware and monitoring these groups especially after J6th
Of course, their monitoring before J6th resulted in the information that plans to meet and maps of the basement of the Capitol building were being passed around on far right net groups being sent to Washington from Norfolk, but that information was marked as unimportant and not passed on or evaluated. It would be nice to feel that some Thorough rearrangement had taken place in some vital parts of the FBI so that such monitoring might function as more than just recruiting within the service.
Hopefully J6th was a wake up call to the real threats to our country.
I have been disappointed in the lack of evidence of house cleaning in the FBI, SS and even military, but recognize the reasons for Biden leaving Wray in place much as I doubt the usefulness of any attempts to make manifest his preservation of the independence of the FBI and of the three branches of government. At this point, most of the GOP could point at the sky and scream that it's yellow, falling, and all Biden's fault.
Perhaps there is a substitute approach such as assigning a person in an assistance position to Wray, regular meetings with Wray in the White House or having an advisory group assist Wray with updating operational guardrails. All very meager but perhaps enough to dampen any pro-autocracy tendencies.
He may be a Trojan horse, or Trojan pony
You mean hollow in and of himself? Which in this case I would take to mean you feel he might be relatively harmless under circumstances where he's not being backed up or loaded with a plot to further. That might be true. Either way I'd have him "assisted" by someone I trusted if that were possible. He can probably be trusted as far as one can throw a Trojan pony!
No such thing as a harmless MAGAt, even the idiots
Wray definitely needs to go! Especially after finding out that they and the DOJ sat on their hands for over a year before investigating Trump and ilk...they were embarrassed that the J6 committee had done their work for them.
Oh my. All this for a bobble-headed, no-nothing, faded reality tv star? Great balls of fire.
Thanks for your through, thoughtful, and measured explanations of Judge Cannon's trial scheduling action and Hunter Biden's plea deal. Both matters are encouraging but still may lead to further speculation and angst as things progress.
Judge Cannon's meeting the speedy trial requirements is, as you say, one click in the right direction (thanks for the explanation of the "click" reference!). We can only hope that she is intent on salvaging her reputation, but there are still many opportunities ahead for her to change course. I continue to have faith that Jack Smith is capable of navigating the potentially 'gator-infested waters.
Hunter Biden's woes are indeed tragic for him and his family, and it's good to see them finding some closure. Your assessment of the appropriateness of the plea deal squares nicely with more detailed analyses that Heather Cox Richardson and Joyce Vance shared last night. I am convinced that if anything, Hunter faced greater scrutiny and is paying a higher price than others in the same situation.
However, nothing will stop the Republicans, the fastest dungslingers in the land, from continuing to cry foul or from further weaponizing investigations into the Biden family despite a lack of evidence, while ignoring highly suspicious (or dare I say, "obvious") Trump family corruption. Kevin McCarthy couldn't be more of a disappointment with his refrain of false equivalency. I wish the media wouldn't grant him the attention he craves.
We need to keep hammering away at the Republican's hypocrisy, while spreading the positive message of President Biden's hands off approach to DOJ. The Republican party is proving every day that it is irredeemable. Until its remaining members of good faith revolt and restore its luster and legitimacy, it will just continue to be revolting.
People are watching how Biden approached the case with his son and he handled it perfectly including having a Trump appointed judge handle the case. Think how Trump would have handled it.
Brilliant word ‘dungslingers’! Hope the vocabulary police don’t take you to task!
Thank you for this. It sums things up so well!
Irredeemable
As one who has had to counsel and even discipline subordinate employees, I have had to wade through some of their defensive postures and one was to tell me something like, “But Joe Blow did the same thing and you did nothing to him!” Etc, etc. Maybe so; maybe not. Such was meant to deflect me so that I would not to focus on THEIR bad behavior. And so it is with the Trumped-up issue (no pun) of Biden and his son and the “Biden crime family".
If Joe Biden, and all the rest of the Democrats in office are guilty of breaking the law, then arrest them all; try them all; and if they are found guilty, put them all in jail! Period. But we DO NOT GIVE DJT A PASS!
NO!
All prosecutors must learn from a basic supervisory rule: ignore the wiggles; hold on; stay focused; be impartial; finish the job. The case at hand is: DJT is accused of breaking the law. No diversion; no detours; no quarter. STOP.
🙏😊❤️
Maybe its me but I would rather have Robert give us the factual and insightful insights he provides and get those right, which he does, rather than being perfect grammatically.
Yes. Grammatic corrrectness and sppelling cops could spent more time and enargy hepping us find justise in the would.
Thanks for the laugh Bill.
Leev grmer and sepling to da emeletry teechers! Seriously, this is very close to how I deciphered my 2nd grade munchkins' writing as they were navigating all the "rules" of
English for which there are more exceptions than rules.
🤭😉
You’re not alone.
Most good writers welcome privately suggested grammatical corrections. Robert is one of them.
True but I think are overly picky
I don't see those comments so can't say if they're overly picky or not.
I want to comment on the Hunter Biden situation. Nothing - and I do literally mean nothing - from the MAGA world is as humanely repulsive as the response of Trump, Haley, McCarthy and many others to the DOJ agreement with Mr Biden. My God - have they no sense of decency or humanity? This is a man trying to recover from addiction who makes a few mistakes and admits to them. And too many MAGA creatures are willing to turn him into a political plaything to serve their own mean-spirited interests. I wish I could find words to express my anger and frustration.
The lack of kindness and compassion from Republican party members is mind-boggling. Don't these people know anyone who has struggled with addiction? or illness? or poverty, which they seem to have attacked as a character flaw? or plain bad luck? I can't imagine what horrific early childhood experiences they must have suffered to turn them into such mean-spirited adults.
I am so grateful for this daily reminder that there are people in our country who still believe in, and fight for, "truth, justice, and the American way" (at least, as we thought it was when growing up in the 1950s, although that wasn't always true, either.) I am grateful for this literate, educated, thoughtful analysis of current events, for this on-line community.
My thanks always to the amazing Robert Hubbell, and to all of us.
They jump all over anyone who isn’t a democrat or independent - and they accept the worst criminal behavior in history.
James Comer and Gym Jordan continue in their efforts to become famous and future stars on FOX once their political careers implode. They're doing a good job of proving how unworthy they are to serve on once serious congressional committees and, at the same time, how worthy they are to be held in contempt by all Americans, of whatever political stripe. I hope there are people in Kentucky's 1st and Ohio's 4th who agree with me.
Thank you for that. I developed a particular dislike of “Gym” Jordan when he shouted over Mueller when Mueller was giving testimony. Actually, I detest him.
Dear Robert,
While I am sorry that some of your pedantic readers are so fixated on “proper English usage” that they take up a precious amount of your time to answer their criticisms, I do enjoy your humorous little postscript rebuttals. In a perfect world people wouldn’t feel the need to “correct” conflicting word usage, or they would look things up for themselves rather than trust their infallible fourth grade teachers and perfect memory. However, if we had a perfect world, we would not get the privilege of reading your thoughts and analysis because our world would not have MAGA Republicans making such trouble. Keep up the good works and thank you for both the truly important information you provide and for the occasional humorous English lesson.
Yes, I'm definitely switching to using "graduates!"
Hi Robert, thanks as always for your insights. Re grammar concerns, I say let them go! These should be our biggest worries, right? Peace!
It seems appropriate to have a tiny bit of entertainment... but if you start a grammar blog I am quite sure it will become very deep rabbit hole from which you may never emerge, so I'd advise against it. We need your encouragement more than we need an engagement of keyboard warriors over grammar. It's not worth your time! Or ours.
On another note, in my younger days I was more about "Veni. Vidi. VISA." But quickly there comes a point when one realizes that there is more to life than the acquisition of things, and joyful and meaningful experiences instead become what we pursue.