Great writing, Robert. This is the most compelling version of Shaye and Ruby’s story that I’ve encountered, celebrating these two women who had the moral courage to “stand their ground”.
Your message tonight, Rob, is infused with a palpable passion ignited by hope, the cause célèbre that has undergirded the entire premise of your newsletter from the very start. I’ll admit I’ve become a fan of listening to you read your newsletter, even though I’m perfectly capable of reading the text with my eyes, in silence. Your delivery is a valuable ingredient in the recipe of what you say to us each night.
Tonight‘s essay is a series of one exhortation after another, and yet another and another, inviting our close attention to every point you make, racking up a composite of so many substantial points that it feels as if, as you speak, a flag is being hoisted to the top of the staff, pull by pull, Old Glory indeed, flying high to declare that our democracy holds strong when we persevere, when we hold fast to faith and proper ethics, collectively doing what we do for the good of all the people of this nation, with strong ripple effect beyond our borders. It’s as if you were moved by the spirit and had no choice but to deliver this significant message to our ears, our minds, our hearts, and our very souls. There’s a cadence of both urgency and uplifting encouragement as you review the saga that unfolded for these two women, choices they made that brought them to today. Certainly it’s a prime example of this timeless wisdom:
It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.
Epictetus
Thank you, Rob Hubbell and Jill Bickett, for tonight‘s message.
Dec 16, 2023·edited Dec 16, 2023Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
Robert wrote, "The point of the lies is not (only) to injure Trump's enemies, it is to erode trust in the system until there are no guardrails left—hoping to create chaos in which the most depraved believe they have an advantage over those still ruled by conscience, decency, and fealty to the rule of law."
Here we have Putin's long term program of active measures against democracies, particularly with Russian election interference and the psychological warfare of fostering the proliferation of the Big Lie and election denialism. In the face of this, it's easy to feel helpless.
But as Robert frames how Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss heroically stood their ground and the guardrails of democracy held, it brings us to Robert's frequent conclusion--that we have every reason to be hopeful, but not complacent.
This is just so moving, Robert. I would like to see this as a guest opinion in every US newspaper!
Contrast courage of these two, relatively low paid black women to elite US Congressmen and Senators who were too scared to confront the leader of their party trying to overturn an election and remain too scared today. It’s really quite something.
Let me add one more thing. Giuliani's claim that one of the women passed cocaine to the other played on American racism. The item being passed turned out to be a "ginger mint." It is terrible when the innocuous moments of our lives are turned into something nefarious.
Many clear and straightforward statements in this letter, but the most important to my mind is: -"they know that media outlets will dutifully repeat the lies in headlines and news alerts, reserving tepid skepticism for paragraphs buried deep in their coverage." - There are threats and intimidations to journalists too, but that much we must all know as readers.
Have you all seen the Instagram clip of Mitt Romney saying 70 percent of the Republicans still say Trump won the 2020 election and the absurdity of abandoning truth to that degree? Giuliani’s ability to stand in front of a crowd and say he doesn’t regret anything because what he said was true, that what he said Ruby and Shay did was the truth, reflects that capacity for abandoning the truth and persuading others to do the same.
Love this: "Every letter, text, door knock, or donation contributes to the tipping point." The perfect lead up to an ask, the perfect way to galvanize volunteers. Elections are binary, progress is cumulative. Running as a Democrat in a red district might mean certain loss but if we think long-term - building the moment of the tipping point - that campaign and the work done in it, is getting us closer to that tipping point.
Speaking of lies and enabling – as you so eloquently have, Rob – and the importance of each action standing up to those lies . . .
I am outraged and disgusted by the Washington Post for one of their top stories (see link below – “biggest Pinocchios 2023). Biden's photo is the largest, front and center, in this story about politicians lying. Its horrendous. They are no different than Republicans impeaching Biden with no evidence. To put forward these unsubstantiated claims of lies in the same universe as what the Republicans are doing is unconscionable. They have passed a line I keep drawing in the shifting sands of irresponsible journalism and I'm cancelling my subscription today. Democracy is definitely dying in the darkness they are creating.
Most of their claims about Biden are not substantiated and so trivial in comparison to trying to end our Democracy, election denying, demolishing our institutions etc etc etc -- all things Republican that we know and endure daily .
For example: And several times when discussing gay issues, he (Biden) offered another implausible tale about words his father supposedly spoke after a teenage Biden saw two well-dressed men in suits kiss each other in downtown Wilmington in the early 1960s. A conversation they — and probably no one else — was privy to, decades ago? Another has to do with denying his son got payments in China. Does it occur to them that Biden might not have known? His adult son has led his own — difficult and substance abuse filled — life, and possibly hasn’t shared everything with his father.
The only substantive issue is his taking credit for reducing the deficit. When we awarded Biden a Bottomless Pinocchio for this statement back in April, we noted that at least 30 times he had falsely taken credit for reducing the budget deficit by $1.7 trillion. Well, that didn’t seem to bother him. . . . The deficit was always expected to fall with the end of the pandemic. But Biden’s policies increased the national debt about $850 billion more than originally projected. So the deficit picture has worsened under Biden, and he’s seizing on a technicality to claim otherwise.
They accuse him of taking credit for the deficit falling at the end of the Pandemic (The deficit was always expected to fall with the end of the pandemic.) Whether or not everyone always expected that (really??), the press is quick to blame Biden for everything that happens during his presidency, no matter the antecedents and/or whether it’s in his control. This is yet another example of how they almost never give him credit, but are eager to blame him and find fault.
While I’m outraged, I won’t give up. I will continue to work as hard as possible for victory in 2024I and as part of what I do, redouble my letter writing to mainstream media. Our “free” press is a huge and debilitating part of the problem we face. Along with the “justice delayed is justice denied” issue, it’s more vexing and likely more costly than returning Dems to the trifecta — House, Senate and Presidency -- through the ballot box. Please all – consider writing -- or increasing your writing -- letters to the editor, to the authors of outrageous articles like this and bring these betrayals to the attention of others.
I'm in tears. Indeed. I hope that Ruby Freeman and Shay Moss see what you've written. While I'm sure winning the suit is its own celebration (how much money will they actually see?) your written homage to them is beautiful.
We must hope that the psychic compensation afforded to Freeman and Moss by your comments, the jury's verdict and the support of Americans who understand and appreciate what they did will sustain them through the aftermath of the decision and allow them some semblance of a peaceful life. They are owed much more than that and whatever pittance they end up with from the bankrupt former "America's Mayor" won't begin to repay the debt.
On a separate note, virtually every jurisdiction in the country needs election workers at every election. The pay isn't much, the hours are long and often boring, but the experience of working with other people of both parties to a common end of preserving our democratic system at the most basic level is well worth it. It also makes it very clear just how ridiculous the notion of stealing an election is.
Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss are very strong. We have to remember the context of women's lives now, because they have so much to do and yet have this strength. They stopped it from being put on young people's lives too.
Great writing, Robert. This is the most compelling version of Shaye and Ruby’s story that I’ve encountered, celebrating these two women who had the moral courage to “stand their ground”.
Your message tonight, Rob, is infused with a palpable passion ignited by hope, the cause célèbre that has undergirded the entire premise of your newsletter from the very start. I’ll admit I’ve become a fan of listening to you read your newsletter, even though I’m perfectly capable of reading the text with my eyes, in silence. Your delivery is a valuable ingredient in the recipe of what you say to us each night.
Tonight‘s essay is a series of one exhortation after another, and yet another and another, inviting our close attention to every point you make, racking up a composite of so many substantial points that it feels as if, as you speak, a flag is being hoisted to the top of the staff, pull by pull, Old Glory indeed, flying high to declare that our democracy holds strong when we persevere, when we hold fast to faith and proper ethics, collectively doing what we do for the good of all the people of this nation, with strong ripple effect beyond our borders. It’s as if you were moved by the spirit and had no choice but to deliver this significant message to our ears, our minds, our hearts, and our very souls. There’s a cadence of both urgency and uplifting encouragement as you review the saga that unfolded for these two women, choices they made that brought them to today. Certainly it’s a prime example of this timeless wisdom:
It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.
Epictetus
Thank you, Rob Hubbell and Jill Bickett, for tonight‘s message.
Robert wrote, "The point of the lies is not (only) to injure Trump's enemies, it is to erode trust in the system until there are no guardrails left—hoping to create chaos in which the most depraved believe they have an advantage over those still ruled by conscience, decency, and fealty to the rule of law."
Here we have Putin's long term program of active measures against democracies, particularly with Russian election interference and the psychological warfare of fostering the proliferation of the Big Lie and election denialism. In the face of this, it's easy to feel helpless.
But as Robert frames how Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss heroically stood their ground and the guardrails of democracy held, it brings us to Robert's frequent conclusion--that we have every reason to be hopeful, but not complacent.
This is just so moving, Robert. I would like to see this as a guest opinion in every US newspaper!
Contrast courage of these two, relatively low paid black women to elite US Congressmen and Senators who were too scared to confront the leader of their party trying to overturn an election and remain too scared today. It’s really quite something.
Great note. Passionate and correct.
Let me add one more thing. Giuliani's claim that one of the women passed cocaine to the other played on American racism. The item being passed turned out to be a "ginger mint." It is terrible when the innocuous moments of our lives are turned into something nefarious.
Many clear and straightforward statements in this letter, but the most important to my mind is: -"they know that media outlets will dutifully repeat the lies in headlines and news alerts, reserving tepid skepticism for paragraphs buried deep in their coverage." - There are threats and intimidations to journalists too, but that much we must all know as readers.
With all due respect, Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss are not heroes. They are sheroes...now and forevermore!
Have you all seen the Instagram clip of Mitt Romney saying 70 percent of the Republicans still say Trump won the 2020 election and the absurdity of abandoning truth to that degree? Giuliani’s ability to stand in front of a crowd and say he doesn’t regret anything because what he said was true, that what he said Ruby and Shay did was the truth, reflects that capacity for abandoning the truth and persuading others to do the same.
Love this: "Every letter, text, door knock, or donation contributes to the tipping point." The perfect lead up to an ask, the perfect way to galvanize volunteers. Elections are binary, progress is cumulative. Running as a Democrat in a red district might mean certain loss but if we think long-term - building the moment of the tipping point - that campaign and the work done in it, is getting us closer to that tipping point.
Speaking of lies and enabling – as you so eloquently have, Rob – and the importance of each action standing up to those lies . . .
I am outraged and disgusted by the Washington Post for one of their top stories (see link below – “biggest Pinocchios 2023). Biden's photo is the largest, front and center, in this story about politicians lying. Its horrendous. They are no different than Republicans impeaching Biden with no evidence. To put forward these unsubstantiated claims of lies in the same universe as what the Republicans are doing is unconscionable. They have passed a line I keep drawing in the shifting sands of irresponsible journalism and I'm cancelling my subscription today. Democracy is definitely dying in the darkness they are creating.
Most of their claims about Biden are not substantiated and so trivial in comparison to trying to end our Democracy, election denying, demolishing our institutions etc etc etc -- all things Republican that we know and endure daily .
For example: And several times when discussing gay issues, he (Biden) offered another implausible tale about words his father supposedly spoke after a teenage Biden saw two well-dressed men in suits kiss each other in downtown Wilmington in the early 1960s. A conversation they — and probably no one else — was privy to, decades ago? Another has to do with denying his son got payments in China. Does it occur to them that Biden might not have known? His adult son has led his own — difficult and substance abuse filled — life, and possibly hasn’t shared everything with his father.
The only substantive issue is his taking credit for reducing the deficit. When we awarded Biden a Bottomless Pinocchio for this statement back in April, we noted that at least 30 times he had falsely taken credit for reducing the budget deficit by $1.7 trillion. Well, that didn’t seem to bother him. . . . The deficit was always expected to fall with the end of the pandemic. But Biden’s policies increased the national debt about $850 billion more than originally projected. So the deficit picture has worsened under Biden, and he’s seizing on a technicality to claim otherwise.
They accuse him of taking credit for the deficit falling at the end of the Pandemic (The deficit was always expected to fall with the end of the pandemic.) Whether or not everyone always expected that (really??), the press is quick to blame Biden for everything that happens during his presidency, no matter the antecedents and/or whether it’s in his control. This is yet another example of how they almost never give him credit, but are eager to blame him and find fault.
While I’m outraged, I won’t give up. I will continue to work as hard as possible for victory in 2024I and as part of what I do, redouble my letter writing to mainstream media. Our “free” press is a huge and debilitating part of the problem we face. Along with the “justice delayed is justice denied” issue, it’s more vexing and likely more costly than returning Dems to the trifecta — House, Senate and Presidency -- through the ballot box. Please all – consider writing -- or increasing your writing -- letters to the editor, to the authors of outrageous articles like this and bring these betrayals to the attention of others.
.https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/12/15/biggest-pinocchios-2023/
I'm in tears. Indeed. I hope that Ruby Freeman and Shay Moss see what you've written. While I'm sure winning the suit is its own celebration (how much money will they actually see?) your written homage to them is beautiful.
Thanks for this beautiful, powerful tribute to those two women. Two black women carrying on the tradition of “ain’t gonna let nobody turn me round.”
We must hope that the psychic compensation afforded to Freeman and Moss by your comments, the jury's verdict and the support of Americans who understand and appreciate what they did will sustain them through the aftermath of the decision and allow them some semblance of a peaceful life. They are owed much more than that and whatever pittance they end up with from the bankrupt former "America's Mayor" won't begin to repay the debt.
On a separate note, virtually every jurisdiction in the country needs election workers at every election. The pay isn't much, the hours are long and often boring, but the experience of working with other people of both parties to a common end of preserving our democratic system at the most basic level is well worth it. It also makes it very clear just how ridiculous the notion of stealing an election is.
Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss are very strong. We have to remember the context of women's lives now, because they have so much to do and yet have this strength. They stopped it from being put on young people's lives too.
Short, sweet, and to the point, Robert! Have a good weekend.
Thank you for sharing your perspectives with such eloquence.