Thanks, Robert for motivating and educating. Below is the email I sent to Governor Sununu last night:
Dear Governor Sununu –
I was shocked and appalled to read the transcript of your interview with George Stephanopolous. You are a disgrace and embarrassment to The Greatest Generation, many members of which lied about their age, so they could enlist to fight in the war. They voluntarily put their lives at risk.
In contrast, despite knowing better, you, one of only fifty governors in the United States, willingly aid, abet and enable a threat to democracy. That is not leadership. That is cowardice. For what??
I urge you to follow the example of some of your fellow Republicans, and do the right thing! Do not make it easier for Donald Trump to get elected by rolling over.
As a fellow New Hampshire person, I too, am appalled at Sununu. He fooled me years ago as someone “not that bad”. He is that bad! Says one thing and then goes whichever way the wind is blowing. You have inspired me to send him a note about my disgust with his actions
On Sunday, the Washington Post reported that "a contingency of House Republicans privately have been saying that there is no way Johnson can strike an agreement that appeases a fractious GOP conference. . . let alone in one week."
That being the case, it's a pointless waste of time for Speaker Johnson to do anything other than bring the Senate-passed aid bill (HR 815) to the floor of the House. President Biden, Minority Leader Jeffries, and even Senator Mitch McConnell agree.
If Mr. Johnson won't do it himself, then that "contingency of House Republicans" needs to sign the Discharge Petition now. Only 218 signatures are needed, and the 195 currently on it includes only one Republican.
Everyone reading this can help by calling Republican Representatives and urging them to sign the discharge petition for HR 815, to expedite delivery of military assistance for Ukraine before it's too late.
Two influential pro-Ukraine Republicans named in the WaPo article are Michael Turner (R-OH) 202-225-6465, and Michael McCaul (R-TX) 202-225-2401.
You can call the U S Capitol switchboard (202) 224-3121 to connect with any Representative. Speaker Johnson's office number is (202) 225-4000. Call him to insist that he encourage Republicans to sign the petition.
For phone numbers of about about two dozen other Republicans known to support Ukraine aid, please click on recent Ukraine-related posts at:
Johnson Says House Will Vote on Stalled Aid to Israel and Ukraine
The speaker, who has delayed for months amid G.O.P. opposition to funding for Kyiv, said he would bring up foreign aid legislation along with a bill aimed at appeasing Republican skeptics.
The only way ahead is to sway some of those Republicans who are not (yet) firmly in the Russian camp to sign the discharge petition to get around Quisling Johnson's refusal to allow a vote on the Ukraine aid.
Calling Johnson's office is useless. His marching orders were just renewed last Friday in Mar-a-Lago.
Once again, a disgusting, shameful, cruel and breathtaking ignorance attack on LGBTQ youth. We know that republicans would not know empathy if it hit them with a 10 ton Mack truck!
I and any of my colleagues in the mental health profession have been counseling LGBTQ kids and their parents where there are issues around gender. For the kids struggling through this time, it is an incredible challenge where, without the republicans' lockstep attack on this group --- for the kids AND their families it is hard enough. And, oh the awful irony --- protecting 'personhood' of a fertilized ovum (which is such unadulterated drivel) while offering no support to deal with childhood poverty and now a very vulnerable population of kids. The republicans' total lack of curiosity of our increasing understanding of gender is a disgrace. The know-nothing, do-nothing, corrupt politicians . Many religions encompass the idea of several genders. The conflicts of gender for most kids are not matters of 'choice' - but deeply felt knowledge that they are in the wrong gendered bodies. Facing that and coming out to parents is a frightening challenge that no republicans (that's you Marjorie Taylor Greene who probably has never had to face - and while I'm on it, has trolled David Hogg accusing him of making up the Parkland massacre.) Here is what we know: Around 2 - 4% of kids struggle with gender. While some parents are supportive and accepting, many are not, resulting in awful consequences. There is a theory of RAPID ONSET GENDER DYSPHORIA (that is a copycat type scenario) but studies have disproved this. There has also been press about increasing 'detransitioning' of people in their mid 20s. Also exaggerated. Hormone treatment has to be undertaken very carefully, managed by physicians who are experience in how to do it. The relief for many trans kids is incredible as is the suffering of those who have no support. Now, being characterized as a group to be punished and ostracized is disgusting. Issues of self esteem are huge for this group without the needles negative descriptions from the republicans. As a psychiatrist it took a number of years before I learned the science and became more understanding of the issues, so I do understand adults' confusion. I was helped by my many colleagues who have seen trans youth for many years. There is no shortage of professionals who could educate republicans --- but, once again, their mantra is 'my mind is made up, don't confuse me with fact! Absolutely abhorrent. (My daughter at this point would say, "tell me how you really feel!"
While I'd say there are definitely some kids who need a sex change, I think we in the US are far too quick to do this. Experts in Europe have begun taking a more cautious approach.
Dave, you miss the point. Gender dysphoria and gender affirming care medical and mental health issues. Whatever they are doing in Europe does not involve 10 year prison terms for doctors or parents trying to work their way through those issues. It is perfectly legitimate to have a medical debate, but don't criminalize actions of people struggling to make the best choices for children and patients. Criminalizing gender affirming care is an extremist, religious fundamentalist sanction.
You link to a story about one physician's concerns in Finland--which is contrary to the position of major American medical and psychological organizations. Even so, she describes in detail the extensive evaluations undertaken before providing gender affirming care.
When you say that we are "too quick to do this" in the US, on what evidence do you base your comment? Are you familiar with the medical and psychological evaluations that precede gender affirming care? Are you claiming that those evaluations are deficient or inadequate or motivated by a political or cultural agenda? I don't know your background, so without more, it appears that your judgment about the US being "too quick" is a lay personal opinion not based in medical or psychological expertise.
If I am wrong and you have relevant experience to support your opinion, it would be helpful to share it. This is difficult issue, so more information is better. Still, jail terms for doctors are the stuff of the worst authoritarian regimes in history. We don't imprison doctors who use experimental drugs to treat childhood cancer, even when there is contested scientific evidence for the effectiveness of such drugs.
I agree completely that jail terms for docs should be anathema. I don't have personal experience on this, I don't work in the field, but I read about it. My reading suggests that in many cases in the US, evaluations are inadequate. I think potential recipients should receive a lot of psychological evaluation over a significant amount of time before anything permanent is done.
Robert, when you write: "Given the high-profile stakes and intense scrutiny involved in this case, I think the odds that a “stealth bad faith juror” will lie their way onto the jury are low." I hope you're right. But I think nothing is beneath Trump and his facilitators. I will be not at all surprised if Paul Manafort (or equiv) goes after a juror's family to encourage a change of mind. Nothing is beneath Trump. That's what people still don't get.
Some time ago, Robert directed us (well me) to Focus for Democracy, a grassroots team of highly experienced voter-development strategists who identify the most impactful political donation opportunities for people like you and me. In recent years, they have raised tens of millions of dollars to promote and protect democracy.
Now I'm a "co host" for their programs, and you're invited too.
Yes, agree Focus for Democracy is so valuable with strongly vetted, effective nonprofits that they highlight. Like Daniel and Robert, I encourage all to participate. Sign on, get others to do so also.
Yesterday, many tuned into the Media and Democracy Project, an important effort that addresses misinformation. Check them out: https://www.mediaanddemocracyproject.org/
We have work to do to gain back our democracy and root out challenges like disinformation. Let’s continue to encourage others to get involved. Apathy and disengagement are real problems as we know. Let’s find positive engagement opportunities for ourselves and others.
The average voter can’t remember all of the ways the William Barr DOJ covered up and threatened people and attorneys to cover up for the misbehavior of Trump. Rachel Maddow’s introduction last night reminded all of us how corrupted the DOJ was under Trump and provided a reminder that if Trump were reelected it would be far worse than before. A picture of Trump dozing off in the courtroom should be blasted everywhere to demonstrate who the sleepy one really is. That image defines Trump more than any ad could possibly do.
Struggling to keep track of all the payments, indictmentd and people involved in Trump's criminal election interference trial? Here are two interactive charts to help you:
Thanks, again, Robert! Just focusing on the supplemental bill for aid to Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan, I am re-posting the below so that people can call for their representatives to sign the Discharge Petition. Though we could see a breakthrough with Speaker Johnson soon bringing something to the floor to get aid passed, I believe we should keep pushing for the Discharge Petition as a backup.
The following are Repub mega donors as reported this morning in the NYT newsletter DealBook (an extract below).
There has to be a way to put pressure on these individuals. Nearly all of these donations are explicitly to anti democratic politicians and causes. We need to look for all possible ways to bring sanity and realty to these individuals, including social pressure. It’s worth brainstorming.
* Ken Griffin, $32 million. He spread $11.5 million between Senate and House Republicans, and $10 million to Maryland’s Future, a fund expected to back the Senate bid of former Gov. Larry Hogan Maryland, a Republican. He also gave $5 million to a fund that backs conservative veterans and $2.5 million to a Midwest Republican group.
* Timothy Mellon, $19 milion. has given $5 million to a fund for Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is running as an independent, and $5 million to a Trump fund this quarter, as well as gave $5 million to House Republicans and $4 million to a Heritage Foundation fund.
* Jeff Yass, $17.9 million: This past quarter, he shelled out $8 million to a fund tied to Senator Rand Paul a Republican of Kentucky, $6.9 million to school choice funds and $3 million to a Pennsylvania-focused fund. Speculation is high that Yass could also emerge as a big Trump backer.
* Isaac and Laura Perlmutter, $10 million: and his wife, each gave $5 million last month to a new fund supporting Trump.
* Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, $4.9 million: have spent money against candidates seen as unfriendly to the sector (crypto), like Representative Katie Porter, Democrat of California, whose Senate bid failed last month, and Senators Elizabeth Warren and Sharron Brown.
Thank you for this list. It enrages and depresses me. As a retired academic, I -- and everyone I know -- can hardly match anyone on this list in raw dollars. Of course it is frustrating that a Ken Griffin can give $32 million and still be preposterously rich, but I know that collectively we can make a difference and my wife and I pledge to dig deep this year. It matters. And I encourage and console myself that all the money in the world, will not turn Donald Trump into a great president, J. D. Vance into a John McCain, Ted Cruz into LBJ, or Mike Johnson into Sam Rayburn or Nancy Pelosi. In this horse race these billionaires are backing nags, and our dollars are backing thoroughbreds, Biden and Harris and excellence up and down the ballot.
Patrick, each of us can play a role in electing Democrats - by spreading truthful information to our circle of influence (e.g., friends, family, co-workers, etc) to counteract the mis- and dis-information spread by the GOP. If everyone reading Robert's newletter (and others like it) did this, the reach would be massive!
Spread the word about the good things the Biden administration is doing (https://www.whitehouse.gov/therecord/, https://demcastusa.com/) and also the authoritarian plans that would be implemented IF trump wins another term (Project 2025, Agenda 47). For info on the latter, I suggest watching and sharing these episodes of Politics Girl:
Thank you, as always, Robert. Thank you for the MCNBC/Maddow link. I missed most of her because the Dodger game took precidence in my dinning room tonight, Rachel is the best. I have to stop putting off getting Ultra.
Good comment, Ransom. While many rage against the Mainstream Media (MSM), I share your admiration for Rachel Maddow (and Lawrence O'Donnell and Joy Reid) on MSNBC. Rachel in her 20 minute essays that begin her program (now only on Monday evenings), treat the audience with great respect as thinking people who can follow more than a soundbite, at the same time she makes it easy to do so with clarity and careful rhetoric spinning her tale like a great teacher. Few of us have the time to wade through the forest of good alternative sites -- though my list keeps growing thanks to suggestions from readers of Today's Edition -- to glean information and inspiration. MSNBC and books like Maddow's Prequel can have an effect and deserve some support.
I'm sure you understand, Patrick, that there are so many great and important books and so little time. With my bookshelves full, the piles of my unreads are almost embarassing, and not a testament to my intellect. At least I recycle the LA Times, so I don't qualify a a hoarder. (yet). Every few years, I take a big box of books to the library for the book sale. The piles pop up like mushrooms, again. I haven't finished Democracy Awakening yet, let alone How the South Won the Civil War. Prequel is a must and if nothing else, I have to support my favorite local independent, Vromans, and at least add it to the pile with Bernard Regan's The Balfour Declaration (now quite timely), Robert Reich's The System and too many other must reads.
As much as I miss Rachel daily, I know she is way too busy with her research and other projects to keep it up. She can only be in three places at once, and four is pushing it. I don't otherwise watch TV, so I have to keep my mental calender ticking to get in for her hour. Speaking of hour, Heather is on today at 4:00 Eastern, 1:00 out here.
Reader's suggestions are on the mark too. I subscribe to so many Substacks now, I may have get a part time job that will just bring in under the SS maximum.
Enjoy the show in Manhatten. If the distance wasn't so great, we could probably catch up at a coffee joint and yack for hours. Take care.
I hope the Dodgers made a meaningful commemoration of Jackie Robinson on the 77th anniversary of his courageous and remarkable first appearance in Major League Baseball. (I don’t in anyway dismiss or make less of the Negro League.) 💙4️⃣2️⃣⚾️
They did, as well as making sure his civil rights activism was recognised as equally important, and the Negro Leagues are getting the recognition they deserve these days too. The leagues were segregated so the white guys could play on a team, if you know what I mean.
Yep, I know what you mean. I wanted to be careful with my words and not give the impression that MLB was better than the Negro League. Quite the contrary. One of my favorite organizations to support is The Jackie Robinson Foundation. Their mission statement: “Established in 1973 by Rachel Robinson to perpetuate the memory of her husband, the Jackie Robinson Foundation is a public, nonprofit organization that administers one of the nation’s premier scholarship and leadership development programs for talented college students. With the opening in 2022 of the Jackie Robinson Museum in New York City, JRF will educate and inspire the general public around the ideals embodied in the life of its namesake.”
“The character of the president matters. That is why Biden’s willingness to promptly release his 2023 tax returns is important. And that is why Monday’s events in a Manhattan courtroom matter, as well.”
I found myself "hope scrolling" yesterday, kind of the opposite of "doom scrolling" but coming from the same burning need to think that Trump may finally be held accountable for his crimes. I followed every minute of the first day of the trial but decided this morning that I need to back off a bit.
So much is at stake as a conviction would be great, but an acquittal could be a nightmare.
Meanwhile, it was fun to hear the reporting of Trump falling asleep in his own trial, the fool. After his nonsense talk at his last rally, his ongoing childish behavior, etc.... I hope the undecideds wakeup, and soon. David Sedaris nailed it:
"To put them in perspective, I think of being on an airplane. The flight attendant comes down the aisle with her food cart and, eventually, parks it beside my seat. "Can I interest you in the chicken?" she asks. "Or would you prefer the platter of shit with bits of broken glass in it?"
To be undecided in this election is to pause for a moment and then ask how the chicken is cooked."
I am still puzzled why the media keeps equating the two candidates and why they don’t publish the facts about what has been accomplished by the Biden Administration.
The Manhattan trial is about election interference and the crime committed, but it all began with covering up sleazy sexual behavior and that is what will be most interesting for the public to have exposed. Election manipulation is baked into all elections from voter suppression to Citizens United, though sometimes laws might be broken. However, no one needs Rachel Maddow or any legal experts to explain what is so disqualifying about the sexual creepiness of multiple women being paid off after having sex with a “religious” guy and that is what Trump is still trying to deny and keep from the public. So while the legal system debates the crime, I say “It’s the sex, stupid.” Keep that front and center in the story. It is what people will sit up and watch and discuss.
You maybe right, but that was “locker room talk” by a braggart. It will be very different when we hear from the women he paid all that money to keep us from hearing from. I have no illusion that we will change MAGA people, but there will be plenty of others (women, fathers of daughters, decent people) who will find it hard to vote for a sexual creep. If they stay home it is a victory.
All, the link to the Rachel Maddow segment changed after I posted it last night. The new link is here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2S3QHUZHBLA&list=PLDIVi-vBsOEyETRGoRP9y8zhyu6bHl6iK
For those interested, Thom Hartmann's post yesterday re: Barr is excellent too
https://open.substack.com/pub/thomhartmann/p/bill-barr-the-gops-master-fixer-for?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=3lzb6
Thanks, Robert for motivating and educating. Below is the email I sent to Governor Sununu last night:
Dear Governor Sununu –
I was shocked and appalled to read the transcript of your interview with George Stephanopolous. You are a disgrace and embarrassment to The Greatest Generation, many members of which lied about their age, so they could enlist to fight in the war. They voluntarily put their lives at risk.
In contrast, despite knowing better, you, one of only fifty governors in the United States, willingly aid, abet and enable a threat to democracy. That is not leadership. That is cowardice. For what??
I urge you to follow the example of some of your fellow Republicans, and do the right thing! Do not make it easier for Donald Trump to get elected by rolling over.
As a fellow New Hampshire person, I too, am appalled at Sununu. He fooled me years ago as someone “not that bad”. He is that bad! Says one thing and then goes whichever way the wind is blowing. You have inspired me to send him a note about my disgust with his actions
Here is a great article in The Atlantic which should be shared widely – especially with people still sitting on the fence.
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2024/04/trump-willing-accomplice-chris-sununu/678076/?gift=P9ulqZ04xJecZJgphJ2BfHkJruydXefr-JPNIlAsnGM&utm_source=copy-link&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=share
Thanks - I just forwarded the link to a friend who lives in NH.
On Sunday, the Washington Post reported that "a contingency of House Republicans privately have been saying that there is no way Johnson can strike an agreement that appeases a fractious GOP conference. . . let alone in one week."
That being the case, it's a pointless waste of time for Speaker Johnson to do anything other than bring the Senate-passed aid bill (HR 815) to the floor of the House. President Biden, Minority Leader Jeffries, and even Senator Mitch McConnell agree.
If Mr. Johnson won't do it himself, then that "contingency of House Republicans" needs to sign the Discharge Petition now. Only 218 signatures are needed, and the 195 currently on it includes only one Republican.
Everyone reading this can help by calling Republican Representatives and urging them to sign the discharge petition for HR 815, to expedite delivery of military assistance for Ukraine before it's too late.
Two influential pro-Ukraine Republicans named in the WaPo article are Michael Turner (R-OH) 202-225-6465, and Michael McCaul (R-TX) 202-225-2401.
You can call the U S Capitol switchboard (202) 224-3121 to connect with any Representative. Speaker Johnson's office number is (202) 225-4000. Call him to insist that he encourage Republicans to sign the petition.
For phone numbers of about about two dozen other Republicans known to support Ukraine aid, please click on recent Ukraine-related posts at:
https://www.FeathersOfHope.net
.
Great minds think alike, Jerry...I just posted the same!
NYT.
Johnson Says House Will Vote on Stalled Aid to Israel and Ukraine
The speaker, who has delayed for months amid G.O.P. opposition to funding for Kyiv, said he would bring up foreign aid legislation along with a bill aimed at appeasing Republican skeptics.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/15/us/politics/johnson-israel-ukraine-aid-house-vote.html
The only way ahead is to sway some of those Republicans who are not (yet) firmly in the Russian camp to sign the discharge petition to get around Quisling Johnson's refusal to allow a vote on the Ukraine aid.
Calling Johnson's office is useless. His marching orders were just renewed last Friday in Mar-a-Lago.
Once again, a disgusting, shameful, cruel and breathtaking ignorance attack on LGBTQ youth. We know that republicans would not know empathy if it hit them with a 10 ton Mack truck!
I and any of my colleagues in the mental health profession have been counseling LGBTQ kids and their parents where there are issues around gender. For the kids struggling through this time, it is an incredible challenge where, without the republicans' lockstep attack on this group --- for the kids AND their families it is hard enough. And, oh the awful irony --- protecting 'personhood' of a fertilized ovum (which is such unadulterated drivel) while offering no support to deal with childhood poverty and now a very vulnerable population of kids. The republicans' total lack of curiosity of our increasing understanding of gender is a disgrace. The know-nothing, do-nothing, corrupt politicians . Many religions encompass the idea of several genders. The conflicts of gender for most kids are not matters of 'choice' - but deeply felt knowledge that they are in the wrong gendered bodies. Facing that and coming out to parents is a frightening challenge that no republicans (that's you Marjorie Taylor Greene who probably has never had to face - and while I'm on it, has trolled David Hogg accusing him of making up the Parkland massacre.) Here is what we know: Around 2 - 4% of kids struggle with gender. While some parents are supportive and accepting, many are not, resulting in awful consequences. There is a theory of RAPID ONSET GENDER DYSPHORIA (that is a copycat type scenario) but studies have disproved this. There has also been press about increasing 'detransitioning' of people in their mid 20s. Also exaggerated. Hormone treatment has to be undertaken very carefully, managed by physicians who are experience in how to do it. The relief for many trans kids is incredible as is the suffering of those who have no support. Now, being characterized as a group to be punished and ostracized is disgusting. Issues of self esteem are huge for this group without the needles negative descriptions from the republicans. As a psychiatrist it took a number of years before I learned the science and became more understanding of the issues, so I do understand adults' confusion. I was helped by my many colleagues who have seen trans youth for many years. There is no shortage of professionals who could educate republicans --- but, once again, their mantra is 'my mind is made up, don't confuse me with fact! Absolutely abhorrent. (My daughter at this point would say, "tell me how you really feel!"
Derek, thanks for your service to youth in need of mental health services and for the information you share above.
Derek, thank you for your informative post and for providing care and compassion to LGBTQ kids and their parents.
Perhaps you’re familiar ? I’ve been following/sharing Erin Reed, an excellent investigative journalist who often debunks the “alternative” facts.
https://www.erininthemorning.com/p/fact-check-no-a-new-study-does-not?r=fqsxl&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
I also follow Erin in the Morning, a recommendation from Jessica Craven of Chop Wood, Carry Water.
I am absolutely disgusted by sanctimonious Christians-in-name-only who use these vulnerable youth and their families to score political "points"
I think the slogan on a tee-shirt I bought on Etsy says it best:
IF YOUR HEART IS FULL OF HATE YOU ARE DOING LIFE WRONG!
While I'd say there are definitely some kids who need a sex change, I think we in the US are far too quick to do this. Experts in Europe have begun taking a more cautious approach.
https://www.thefp.com/p/gender-affirming-care-dangerous-finland-doctor?r=1exgz
Dave, you miss the point. Gender dysphoria and gender affirming care medical and mental health issues. Whatever they are doing in Europe does not involve 10 year prison terms for doctors or parents trying to work their way through those issues. It is perfectly legitimate to have a medical debate, but don't criminalize actions of people struggling to make the best choices for children and patients. Criminalizing gender affirming care is an extremist, religious fundamentalist sanction.
You link to a story about one physician's concerns in Finland--which is contrary to the position of major American medical and psychological organizations. Even so, she describes in detail the extensive evaluations undertaken before providing gender affirming care.
When you say that we are "too quick to do this" in the US, on what evidence do you base your comment? Are you familiar with the medical and psychological evaluations that precede gender affirming care? Are you claiming that those evaluations are deficient or inadequate or motivated by a political or cultural agenda? I don't know your background, so without more, it appears that your judgment about the US being "too quick" is a lay personal opinion not based in medical or psychological expertise.
If I am wrong and you have relevant experience to support your opinion, it would be helpful to share it. This is difficult issue, so more information is better. Still, jail terms for doctors are the stuff of the worst authoritarian regimes in history. We don't imprison doctors who use experimental drugs to treat childhood cancer, even when there is contested scientific evidence for the effectiveness of such drugs.
I agree completely that jail terms for docs should be anathema. I don't have personal experience on this, I don't work in the field, but I read about it. My reading suggests that in many cases in the US, evaluations are inadequate. I think potential recipients should receive a lot of psychological evaluation over a significant amount of time before anything permanent is done.
Thank you for this eloquent post, Derek.
Robert, when you write: "Given the high-profile stakes and intense scrutiny involved in this case, I think the odds that a “stealth bad faith juror” will lie their way onto the jury are low." I hope you're right. But I think nothing is beneath Trump and his facilitators. I will be not at all surprised if Paul Manafort (or equiv) goes after a juror's family to encourage a change of mind. Nothing is beneath Trump. That's what people still don't get.
Re Opportunities for reader engagement
Some time ago, Robert directed us (well me) to Focus for Democracy, a grassroots team of highly experienced voter-development strategists who identify the most impactful political donation opportunities for people like you and me. In recent years, they have raised tens of millions of dollars to promote and protect democracy.
Now I'm a "co host" for their programs, and you're invited too.
https://danielsolomon.substack.com/p/youre-invited?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=742145&post_id=143616766&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=false&r=zc69i&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=email
Yes, agree Focus for Democracy is so valuable with strongly vetted, effective nonprofits that they highlight. Like Daniel and Robert, I encourage all to participate. Sign on, get others to do so also.
Yesterday, many tuned into the Media and Democracy Project, an important effort that addresses misinformation. Check them out: https://www.mediaanddemocracyproject.org/
We have work to do to gain back our democracy and root out challenges like disinformation. Let’s continue to encourage others to get involved. Apathy and disengagement are real problems as we know. Let’s find positive engagement opportunities for ourselves and others.
Thanks.
The average voter can’t remember all of the ways the William Barr DOJ covered up and threatened people and attorneys to cover up for the misbehavior of Trump. Rachel Maddow’s introduction last night reminded all of us how corrupted the DOJ was under Trump and provided a reminder that if Trump were reelected it would be far worse than before. A picture of Trump dozing off in the courtroom should be blasted everywhere to demonstrate who the sleepy one really is. That image defines Trump more than any ad could possibly do.
Barr corruption is unbelievably big and goes back 30 years, as detailed by Thom Hartmann:
https://open.substack.com/pub/thomhartmann/p/bill-barr-the-gops-master-fixer-for?r=6pp8t&utm_medium=ios
Oh - and Barr - a real 'profile in courage' ---- mendacious weasel probably better describes him --- or hypocritical toady.
Thom Hartmann had an excellent article regarding this too.
https://open.substack.com/pub/thomhartmann/p/bill-barr-the-gops-master-fixer-for?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=3lzb6
An important aspect of aspect of freedom is keeping politicians out of the doctor’s exam room.
Struggling to keep track of all the payments, indictmentd and people involved in Trump's criminal election interference trial? Here are two interactive charts to help you:
Follow the hush money payments in Trump's Election Interference scheme with this interactive map https://thedemlabs.org/2024/04/13/election-interference-101-how-to-bury-a-scandal/
Election Interference 101: How To Bury A Scandal
https://thedemlabs.org/2024/04/13/election-interference-101-how-to-bury-a-scandal/
Thanks, again, Robert! Just focusing on the supplemental bill for aid to Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan, I am re-posting the below so that people can call for their representatives to sign the Discharge Petition. Though we could see a breakthrough with Speaker Johnson soon bringing something to the floor to get aid passed, I believe we should keep pushing for the Discharge Petition as a backup.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vTaMB3k5Z37OAM8HEMhDtwbLGzwn1wDXSNcoTmXEJbpfbacfp-m0fJGyb36lcNOhgqGO5-bArbibS5a/pubhtml?gid=614612044&single=true
P.S. Like I did, you can still write or call the other members who are not your representative.
The following are Repub mega donors as reported this morning in the NYT newsletter DealBook (an extract below).
There has to be a way to put pressure on these individuals. Nearly all of these donations are explicitly to anti democratic politicians and causes. We need to look for all possible ways to bring sanity and realty to these individuals, including social pressure. It’s worth brainstorming.
* Ken Griffin, $32 million. He spread $11.5 million between Senate and House Republicans, and $10 million to Maryland’s Future, a fund expected to back the Senate bid of former Gov. Larry Hogan Maryland, a Republican. He also gave $5 million to a fund that backs conservative veterans and $2.5 million to a Midwest Republican group.
* Timothy Mellon, $19 milion. has given $5 million to a fund for Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is running as an independent, and $5 million to a Trump fund this quarter, as well as gave $5 million to House Republicans and $4 million to a Heritage Foundation fund.
* Jeff Yass, $17.9 million: This past quarter, he shelled out $8 million to a fund tied to Senator Rand Paul a Republican of Kentucky, $6.9 million to school choice funds and $3 million to a Pennsylvania-focused fund. Speculation is high that Yass could also emerge as a big Trump backer.
* Isaac and Laura Perlmutter, $10 million: and his wife, each gave $5 million last month to a new fund supporting Trump.
* Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, $4.9 million: have spent money against candidates seen as unfriendly to the sector (crypto), like Representative Katie Porter, Democrat of California, whose Senate bid failed last month, and Senators Elizabeth Warren and Sharron Brown.
Thank you for this list. It enrages and depresses me. As a retired academic, I -- and everyone I know -- can hardly match anyone on this list in raw dollars. Of course it is frustrating that a Ken Griffin can give $32 million and still be preposterously rich, but I know that collectively we can make a difference and my wife and I pledge to dig deep this year. It matters. And I encourage and console myself that all the money in the world, will not turn Donald Trump into a great president, J. D. Vance into a John McCain, Ted Cruz into LBJ, or Mike Johnson into Sam Rayburn or Nancy Pelosi. In this horse race these billionaires are backing nags, and our dollars are backing thoroughbreds, Biden and Harris and excellence up and down the ballot.
I love your imagery at the end, Patrick! Thoroughbreds versus nags! Well said.
Thanks.
Patrick, each of us can play a role in electing Democrats - by spreading truthful information to our circle of influence (e.g., friends, family, co-workers, etc) to counteract the mis- and dis-information spread by the GOP. If everyone reading Robert's newletter (and others like it) did this, the reach would be massive!
Spread the word about the good things the Biden administration is doing (https://www.whitehouse.gov/therecord/, https://demcastusa.com/) and also the authoritarian plans that would be implemented IF trump wins another term (Project 2025, Agenda 47). For info on the latter, I suggest watching and sharing these episodes of Politics Girl:
Project 2025 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPgeg_Jij8c&t=12s
Agenda 47 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bW-NjxL5oUw&t=1s
Thank you, as always, Robert. Thank you for the MCNBC/Maddow link. I missed most of her because the Dodger game took precidence in my dinning room tonight, Rachel is the best. I have to stop putting off getting Ultra.
Good comment, Ransom. While many rage against the Mainstream Media (MSM), I share your admiration for Rachel Maddow (and Lawrence O'Donnell and Joy Reid) on MSNBC. Rachel in her 20 minute essays that begin her program (now only on Monday evenings), treat the audience with great respect as thinking people who can follow more than a soundbite, at the same time she makes it easy to do so with clarity and careful rhetoric spinning her tale like a great teacher. Few of us have the time to wade through the forest of good alternative sites -- though my list keeps growing thanks to suggestions from readers of Today's Edition -- to glean information and inspiration. MSNBC and books like Maddow's Prequel can have an effect and deserve some support.
I'm sure you understand, Patrick, that there are so many great and important books and so little time. With my bookshelves full, the piles of my unreads are almost embarassing, and not a testament to my intellect. At least I recycle the LA Times, so I don't qualify a a hoarder. (yet). Every few years, I take a big box of books to the library for the book sale. The piles pop up like mushrooms, again. I haven't finished Democracy Awakening yet, let alone How the South Won the Civil War. Prequel is a must and if nothing else, I have to support my favorite local independent, Vromans, and at least add it to the pile with Bernard Regan's The Balfour Declaration (now quite timely), Robert Reich's The System and too many other must reads.
As much as I miss Rachel daily, I know she is way too busy with her research and other projects to keep it up. She can only be in three places at once, and four is pushing it. I don't otherwise watch TV, so I have to keep my mental calender ticking to get in for her hour. Speaking of hour, Heather is on today at 4:00 Eastern, 1:00 out here.
Reader's suggestions are on the mark too. I subscribe to so many Substacks now, I may have get a part time job that will just bring in under the SS maximum.
Enjoy the show in Manhatten. If the distance wasn't so great, we could probably catch up at a coffee joint and yack for hours. Take care.
Thanks, Ransom. Would love to have that chat one day.
Have you listened to the Ultra podcast? It is excellent. https://www.rachelmaddow.com/rachel-maddow-presents-ultra/
Yes, for sure, and I reference it often in discussions. I started the night she first told us about it.
I messed up and meant to say Prequel.
OOPS, I meant Prequell. Sorry folks.
I hope the Dodgers made a meaningful commemoration of Jackie Robinson on the 77th anniversary of his courageous and remarkable first appearance in Major League Baseball. (I don’t in anyway dismiss or make less of the Negro League.) 💙4️⃣2️⃣⚾️
They did, as well as making sure his civil rights activism was recognised as equally important, and the Negro Leagues are getting the recognition they deserve these days too. The leagues were segregated so the white guys could play on a team, if you know what I mean.
Yep, I know what you mean. I wanted to be careful with my words and not give the impression that MLB was better than the Negro League. Quite the contrary. One of my favorite organizations to support is The Jackie Robinson Foundation. Their mission statement: “Established in 1973 by Rachel Robinson to perpetuate the memory of her husband, the Jackie Robinson Foundation is a public, nonprofit organization that administers one of the nation’s premier scholarship and leadership development programs for talented college students. With the opening in 2022 of the Jackie Robinson Museum in New York City, JRF will educate and inspire the general public around the ideals embodied in the life of its namesake.”
https://jackierobinson.org/
You did not give that impression at all. Rachel Robinson has been at the event forever, as well as the kids. Great folks all around.
“The character of the president matters. That is why Biden’s willingness to promptly release his 2023 tax returns is important. And that is why Monday’s events in a Manhattan courtroom matter, as well.”
Amen. Let true justice prevail!
I found myself "hope scrolling" yesterday, kind of the opposite of "doom scrolling" but coming from the same burning need to think that Trump may finally be held accountable for his crimes. I followed every minute of the first day of the trial but decided this morning that I need to back off a bit.
So much is at stake as a conviction would be great, but an acquittal could be a nightmare.
Meanwhile, it was fun to hear the reporting of Trump falling asleep in his own trial, the fool. After his nonsense talk at his last rally, his ongoing childish behavior, etc.... I hope the undecideds wakeup, and soon. David Sedaris nailed it:
"To put them in perspective, I think of being on an airplane. The flight attendant comes down the aisle with her food cart and, eventually, parks it beside my seat. "Can I interest you in the chicken?" she asks. "Or would you prefer the platter of shit with bits of broken glass in it?"
To be undecided in this election is to pause for a moment and then ask how the chicken is cooked."
Love this!
I am still puzzled why the media keeps equating the two candidates and why they don’t publish the facts about what has been accomplished by the Biden Administration.
I have given up on expecting the MSM to do their job. We must do it for them! See my above response to Patrick.
Not a specific answer but an invitation to explore/examine the question with informed, passionate fellow travelers. https://www.mediaanddemocracyproject.org/
The Manhattan trial is about election interference and the crime committed, but it all began with covering up sleazy sexual behavior and that is what will be most interesting for the public to have exposed. Election manipulation is baked into all elections from voter suppression to Citizens United, though sometimes laws might be broken. However, no one needs Rachel Maddow or any legal experts to explain what is so disqualifying about the sexual creepiness of multiple women being paid off after having sex with a “religious” guy and that is what Trump is still trying to deny and keep from the public. So while the legal system debates the crime, I say “It’s the sex, stupid.” Keep that front and center in the story. It is what people will sit up and watch and discuss.
Sorry, DK Brooklyn, but if that were the case, the release of teh Access Hollywood tape would have moved the needle. It did not.
You maybe right, but that was “locker room talk” by a braggart. It will be very different when we hear from the women he paid all that money to keep us from hearing from. I have no illusion that we will change MAGA people, but there will be plenty of others (women, fathers of daughters, decent people) who will find it hard to vote for a sexual creep. If they stay home it is a victory.