This edition is eloquent in it's explanations of how the Supreme Court has gone off the rails. And as always, despite the defeats, Robert shows us the way forward. Here's the core takeaway for me. Republicans know they are ultimately going to fade from power because they are on the short stick of demographics. As Robert points out, each year 4 million high school seniors become eligible to vote. Think about who they are and how they skew politically.
The great tragedy is that the GOP is no longer "grand". There is literally no written platform for Republicans - they just preach "own the libs". Their platform is to hate Democrats and everything we try to accomplish is opposed - regardless of whether it would be of help to their constituents. Why vote for something that would help parents with child care when you can fight a "culture war"? GOP now could stand for "Grumpy Old Panderers".
Republicans could embrace true conservative principles of smaller government, a strong national defense, tough diplomatic positions in support of our allies, protecting our environment (Nixon signed the law that established the EPA) and a focus on strong support for small business and breaking up monopolistic monoliths that fix the prices of everything we consume including internet and meat. (Teddy Roosevelt was a Republican who treasured the environment and "busted trusts"). Those positions would be traditionally conservative and be legitimate, attractive ways to build a political party. Instead Republicans simply lie and preach bigotry. They are GASLIGHTERS!
Guess what? High school kids are mostly not bigots. They are diverse and they don't buy bullcrap. Democrats will prevail in the end. Let's not beat ourselves up because two of our senators are fakes. And let's stop blaming a President who has valiantly led the charge are almost every issue. Biden didn't fail to deliver on voting rights legislation. We did. Because, as a nation too many Republican haters are in Congress. The answer is to get to work and elect a strong majority of true Democrats who believe in the right to vote and understand the perils of the Climate Crisis. How to do that from a blue state? Send a few bucks to the campaigns of viable candidates in purple states. Val Demmings has a real shot at ousting Marco Rubio. To one of Robert's spot on points: we need a Senate that can afford to lose the votes of a couple of fake Democrats.
And join with Jessica Craven for action! Each morning I send an email to our two Senators and my House Rep using Resistbot. Jessica sends us a text about an issue and a letter to be sent. Today it was about expanding the Supreme Court. It takes 10 seconds. I receive acknowledgements from the Senators - so I know it works! Think about it. 10 seconds to help flood their inboxes with your feelings about key issues. Just do it! Find Jessica on substack "Chop Wood, Carry Water".
Hello, Robert. Yesterday was 'hard' for some, but there were reasons to think that Sinema, Manchin and, perhaps, a few other Democrats were not going to support anything having to do with changing the filibuster. Sinema deserves payback for delivering her coup de grace right before Biden was to speak. The 'hard' truth is the Biden and the Democratic party do not know how to deal with the 'enemy' and haven't been good at it for a long time. The Party is not scot free for its part in why we are where we are, Taking up national voting rights legislation NOW! Who got the jump on this crucial aspect of democracy - free and fair elections?
Perhaps, you were a tad light on the 'Very Good' news of yesterday. Most importantly, the Department of Justice indicted 11 Oath Keepers for seditious conspiracy and other charges. It is a paramilitary organization, which recruits people who have served in the military, law enforcement and as first responders. The Department of Justice is at the wheel and its foot on the gas pedal. Going up the ladder or a few more tiers and the charge will be one of treason. DOJ is GOING TO THE HEART OF THE COUP D'ETAT. The U.S. House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the Capitol is doing a sensational job, and the wheels of justice are moving. 'It's been a hard day's night', for many, Robert, but there is reason to feel alright!
Dems don’t even recognize who the enemy is. A Derek DelGaudio wrote “i used to rig card games for a living. I’d watch people sit down and lose everything, again and again. But they didn’t lose because they played by the rules and we didn’t. They lost because it wasn’t a game. It just looked like one. Democrats think it’s a game.” The Dems we are depending on to save our world, still play footsie with the devils. Not all but way too many.
I looks like your comment was directed at me, Jeri. I don't know if you were pointing your finger at me or the Democratic Party. If it was intended for me, you pointed in the wrong direction.
Please note, despite Sinema and Manchin announcing their opposition to eliminating the 60-vote threshold to pass legislation, no commentator I’m aware of has portrayed their remarks as “ending efforts to pass voting rights legislation in 2022.” Instead, policy experts are looking to the procedural maneuver that, on Tuesday January 18th, will preclude a Republican filibuster on the motion to proceed and will allow Senator Schumer to bring the newly combined voter protection bills to the floor for debate.
Additionally, scholars specifically are calling for a discussion of the substance of the Freedom to Vote Act, whose provisions would ensure 1) that all eligible voters easily could register to vote and stay enrolled and 2) that eligible votes would be cast, counted correctly, and certified without interference and without their being diluted through partisan gerrymandering. Subsequently, the plan would be methodically to show how said provisions would protect both the vote and elections from the onslaught of bills continuing to pass aimed at restricting voting and nullifying votes.
The expectation is that what would follow the anticipated filibustered vote on the combined bills is a second vote using “the procedure called, not quite accurately, the ‘nuclear option’ in an attempt to provide a modest change in the rules so that ultimately you could get to a place where a majority could vote, even if it took a long time to get there” (Congressional Historian Norm Ornstein).
Ornstein further presses for getting Manchin and Sinema on the record, not just letting them support voting rights, which he views as “hollow support…performance.” Instead, Ornstein insists upon pressing them, “so that it’s clear on the record who is making this happen.” Ornstein concludes by urging Senators unequivocally to rebuke the 50 Republicans, not one of whom would support fundamental voting rights and election reform.
Borrowing from yesterday’s newsletter, I would suggest that this is not the time to relent.
Hi, Barbara. I dearly hope your are right. You are obviously more in touch with the filibuster rules and efforts to modify than I am. As I understand your optimistic scenario above, what policy experts are still calling for is a debate on voting rights, not passage of the bills--which Sinema's comments from the floor yesterday made clear. I agree that holding a vote on whether to proceed with debate is important because it will show us where our Democratic Senators stand--yes or no, up or down, for or against. No more dodging and weaving.
Dear Robert (if I may), I write largely to clarify a few points wherein I might have fallen short in my initial posting. In light of the procedural maneuver, previously noted, wherein the debate over the newly combined bill, the “Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act, cannot be filibustered, Senator Schumer, next Tuesday, will bring the bill to the floor for debate (that experts say specifically should focus on the substance of the “Freedom to Vote” piece) and a vote. As I understand, when the vote fails to reach the 60-vote threshold, Schumer will call for a second vote for filibuster reform. Setting aside rebuking Republicans, Dems have been advised, for the record, to call out Manchin’s and Sinema’s mere support for voting rights as hollow and performative, absent their resolve to do their part to figure out how the filibuster could be modified to pass the combined bill under regular order, even if it meant taking a long time to get an up or down majority vote.
Kate, Congressional historian Norm Ornstein was a clearly outspoken expert counseling Democrats. As for your other question, every Senate member will be held accountable for his or her votes.
Thank you for this reply, Barbara. I'm impressed with much that Norm Ornstein has to say, but he is a part of the American Enterprise Institute and I wonder if he's the best person to advise the Dems on this matter. Guess we'll find out. I'm glad to learn that every Senate member will have to vote up or down on Freedom to Vote.
Kate, I should clarify that Ornstein was “advising” from a distance as a guest Congressional Historian, appearing on various news shows, with a clear message for Senate Democrats related to the one strategy, after all the back-and-forth, that possibly could enlist a modest modification of the 60-vote threshold.
Before the Christmas break, Former Secretary for the Majority of the U.S. Senate Martin Paone had met at least once with the caucus to review a handful of proposals that I believe each represented some version of the talking filibuster, including Ornstein’s call, several months ago, to replace the 60–vote threshold to end debate with a 41-vote threshold to continue debate, thus shifting the burden from the majority to the minority.
I imagine with Schumer’s self-imposed deadline rapidly approaching and no agreement in hand, Ornstein decided he would pitch a final Hail Mary that apparently others also are promoting.
That’s right—this is not the time to relent. Robert links to Jessica Craven’s “Chop Wood Carry Water,” and she is advocating, “keep taking action…even when you don’t believe it’ll work. THAT is when it matters the most.” Call the Senators.
Yes, there were disappointments in the news yesterday but the news of inditement of 11 individuals on changes of sedicious conspiracy is very encouraging. Many of us saw it and named it back on Jan 6th. The wheels of justice take time and the case against these individuals needed to be carefully investigated and confirmed before the inditements were handed down. My hope is that the DOJ will not be timid in following the trail as far and as high as it may go.
Urging all to continue to advocate and be passionate activists for what is right is absolutely the right course of action. Providing good advice to us all constantly on how to actually do that is so important and deeply appreciated.
Here is a way for all to add your name to a petition advocating passage of the Freedom to Vote John Lewis Voting Rights Act using Resistbot. Simply text SIGN PARCPZ to 50409. If you have previously used Resistbot it already will recognize you, add your name to the petition and send it to your own Senators. If this is your first time using Resistbot it will step you through adding a few personal details including your address to determine who your Senators are. If you text SAMPLE PARCPZ to 50409 it will present you with the text of the petition before adding your name to it. Already almost 7000 signatures have been added nationwide. Resistbot will provide a current count of signatures nationwide and in your state after adding your signature.
Resistbot is such a great tool for direct action communication campaigns to legislators. If you are not familiar with Resistbot here is a link to a Wikipedia article that will provide more information about it - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Resistbot
As we all know, the only way to influence Senators is for there to be a major outcry by their constituents …letter writing, calling, emailing … does anyone know if the Democrats in Arizona and West Virginia have launched such an movement? It is incredible that two people from fairly small states could hold up our democracy. I think a major outcry is needed in the states they represent. Perhaps it’s happening…I hope. Thanks
I have phone banked with Common Cause calling into both WV and AZ asking for them to call their senators. The Wrst Virginians seem to love Manchin. The Arizonians seem to hate Sinema. https://www.commoncause.org/
Leila, Interestingly, my experiences with Manchin’s West Virginian constituents have differed from yours. I hear that people mainly are concerned about jobs, healthcare, childcare, housing, and taxes, the human infrastructure piece of Biden’s BBB that Manchin is blocking. I also understand from the United Coal Miners Union that, while employers support Manchin, the workers want to receive training to participate in the transition from the fossil fuel industry to clean energy jobs. As a final point, though I hear that Manchin likely is the only Democrat who could win a statewide election in West Virginia, because the State has been turning increasingly red, he is unlikely to win re-election. If this is the case, it might provide partial insight into Manchin’s apparent refusal, without support from Republicans, to set aside the 60-vote threshold to pass voter protection legislation, while GOP controlled State Legislatures unilaterally pass bill after bill that restricts voting and nullifies votes.
Thank you, Robert, for reminding us of John Lewis's fortitude and unyielding fierce commitment. How can we not at least try to follow in his footsteps?! you are a beacon, a fierce coach to us, your readers!
I have several reactions. First, many of the phenomena are global in nature, not specific to the U.S. That doesn't mean they are not real or worrisome, but they are not unique American sicknesses. Second, the crime statistics are explained, in art, as regression to the mean, and could easily reverse again. (We are on the tail end of a historic decline in crime; the fact that it is returning to former levels should not be viewed as apocalyptic.) Whether the accident statistics are meaningful or stochastic will be clear in about 20 years, and it is always dangerous to point to volatility in a statistic based, in part, on random events to find deeper meaning. Finally, of course a global pandemic has affected our behavior. Will that be permanent? I don't know. Brooks doesn't know. But Brooks seems to believe that sharing his angst and pessimism is helpful. I suggest that he go for a walk and interact with people. He is making the classic mistake of believing that the news he focuses on from his journalists perch has more reality than the hundreds of millions of daily reactions that are peaceful, civil, and kind that do not get reported in his column or the NYTimes.
I suspect that one response to David Brooks column is that Americans and others around the world have been deprived of normal social contract over the course of the pandemic. Humans require interaction to deal with many of the emotions and challenges that we have experienced. People learn from interacting. No doubt that there is and will be for some time, significant social/human cost.
Thank you for this. Over the break, I decided to do a little inspirational reading to build up my reserves. I'd like to recommend two books for those of you who could use a little lift just now: Earth Pilgrim, by Satish Kumar, founder of Resurgence and the Ecologist, a British publication which I find truly inspirational; and The Book of Hope, by Jane Goodall. If you are looking for other people who have dedicated not just a couple of years, but the the whole of their lives towards making the world a better place, these are for you. Happy New Year.
Probably a waste of time, but I sent this email to Sen Sinema today (using link in Civics Center newsletter):
I am not an Arizona vote, but ignore me at your peril.
Manchin can get away with being an obstacle to enacting voting rights legislation because no other Democrat is going to win in his state. You, on the other hand, are vulnerable to being primaried, and millions of Americans like me stand ready to support your challenger generously if you don't come around on voting rights.
It is telling that the list of issues in your email template includes Second Amendment rights but not voting rights.
I urge you to embrace the strategy of making an exception to the filibuster to enact voting legislation. This is critical to the future of our democracy, and it is ridiculous to prioritize a non-Constitutional and anti-democratic custom over the right of Americans to vote and select their leaders.
The comments below show how frustrated and angry we all are. Yet Robert's words of wisdom and encouragement keep us all going. Last night I listened to his first podcast with Jessica Craven of "Chop Wood, Carry Water". It was informing and inspirational and if you have not yet listened to it, please do. It is just the tonic we need this morning. https://www.callin.com/episode/interview-with-jessica-craven-VbBZYQGZeL
My Congressional reps in Vermont are all on the left (or at least left of center, in Senator Leahy's case) but I wrote to them anyway about this; EVERY rep needs to hear how upset we are. Would that people in red states would overwhelm their reps with emails and calls. We really need to fight back!
Bronwyn, try signing up w/an organization like Commit to Democracy (https://www.committoflipblue.com/). This particular organization writes, texts, calls voters in Red and Blue states. By joining their effort, you can communicate with voters in Red states - asking them directly to "overwhelm their reps with emails and calls."
I like most of you am disappointed and frustrated about the voting rights bill's probable defeat. Sure getting Republicans on the record is a good thing as long as the D’s do something demonstrative with it and hammer it home with those Republicans running for the Senate. Personally I think the D’s spent too much time and energy trying to convince Manchin and Sinema and maybe should have focused more time on trying to convince some Republicans. We as a country cannot function and continue to operate with this everyday polarization and it has become very exhausting for those of us who care.
oh Robert, you seem to always regulate those of us who go off the rails against what's happening with our government and the courts. It was a hard day in deed and the days previous and those now following give little breathing room with such a conservative/textulist Supreme Court and a horrific majority in the Senate adding another layer of conservatives together with those democrats that have pulled away from what it looks like to have a more "just" worldview. I want to lean into more activism while it's most frustrating and does anger me what is happening with the filibuster and right to vote actions blocking our civil and human rights. You do remind us to not give up, keep the faith, and move forward with HOPE. I continue to look for tomorrow!
We have survived worse before???? I’m really old, but not since America became America, and I include McCarthy. Just my 2 cents because the orange clown has nuclear flame throwers…
Thank you for your thoughtful article. It's a hard time with the "Republican plants" of Manchin and Sinema. Why don't we Dems vow to replace them? Anyway, time to recharge and get back to work on Monday. Thanks again -and your readers comments are so thoughtful and on point.
This edition is eloquent in it's explanations of how the Supreme Court has gone off the rails. And as always, despite the defeats, Robert shows us the way forward. Here's the core takeaway for me. Republicans know they are ultimately going to fade from power because they are on the short stick of demographics. As Robert points out, each year 4 million high school seniors become eligible to vote. Think about who they are and how they skew politically.
The great tragedy is that the GOP is no longer "grand". There is literally no written platform for Republicans - they just preach "own the libs". Their platform is to hate Democrats and everything we try to accomplish is opposed - regardless of whether it would be of help to their constituents. Why vote for something that would help parents with child care when you can fight a "culture war"? GOP now could stand for "Grumpy Old Panderers".
Republicans could embrace true conservative principles of smaller government, a strong national defense, tough diplomatic positions in support of our allies, protecting our environment (Nixon signed the law that established the EPA) and a focus on strong support for small business and breaking up monopolistic monoliths that fix the prices of everything we consume including internet and meat. (Teddy Roosevelt was a Republican who treasured the environment and "busted trusts"). Those positions would be traditionally conservative and be legitimate, attractive ways to build a political party. Instead Republicans simply lie and preach bigotry. They are GASLIGHTERS!
Guess what? High school kids are mostly not bigots. They are diverse and they don't buy bullcrap. Democrats will prevail in the end. Let's not beat ourselves up because two of our senators are fakes. And let's stop blaming a President who has valiantly led the charge are almost every issue. Biden didn't fail to deliver on voting rights legislation. We did. Because, as a nation too many Republican haters are in Congress. The answer is to get to work and elect a strong majority of true Democrats who believe in the right to vote and understand the perils of the Climate Crisis. How to do that from a blue state? Send a few bucks to the campaigns of viable candidates in purple states. Val Demmings has a real shot at ousting Marco Rubio. To one of Robert's spot on points: we need a Senate that can afford to lose the votes of a couple of fake Democrats.
And join with Jessica Craven for action! Each morning I send an email to our two Senators and my House Rep using Resistbot. Jessica sends us a text about an issue and a letter to be sent. Today it was about expanding the Supreme Court. It takes 10 seconds. I receive acknowledgements from the Senators - so I know it works! Think about it. 10 seconds to help flood their inboxes with your feelings about key issues. Just do it! Find Jessica on substack "Chop Wood, Carry Water".
March on.
I agree with all you say, Bill. Thanks for your fighting spirit!
League of Women Voters conducts civic education of high school seniors. Then they become Voters of Tomorrow:
https://votersoftomorrow.org/
I just joined my local chapter and will support voter registration for high school students. And civics courses!
Hello, Robert. Yesterday was 'hard' for some, but there were reasons to think that Sinema, Manchin and, perhaps, a few other Democrats were not going to support anything having to do with changing the filibuster. Sinema deserves payback for delivering her coup de grace right before Biden was to speak. The 'hard' truth is the Biden and the Democratic party do not know how to deal with the 'enemy' and haven't been good at it for a long time. The Party is not scot free for its part in why we are where we are, Taking up national voting rights legislation NOW! Who got the jump on this crucial aspect of democracy - free and fair elections?
Perhaps, you were a tad light on the 'Very Good' news of yesterday. Most importantly, the Department of Justice indicted 11 Oath Keepers for seditious conspiracy and other charges. It is a paramilitary organization, which recruits people who have served in the military, law enforcement and as first responders. The Department of Justice is at the wheel and its foot on the gas pedal. Going up the ladder or a few more tiers and the charge will be one of treason. DOJ is GOING TO THE HEART OF THE COUP D'ETAT. The U.S. House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the Capitol is doing a sensational job, and the wheels of justice are moving. 'It's been a hard day's night', for many, Robert, but there is reason to feel alright!
Our house is very encouraged by the indictments for seditious conspiracy yesterday. Thank you, Fern, for mentioning them here.
Dems don’t even recognize who the enemy is. A Derek DelGaudio wrote “i used to rig card games for a living. I’d watch people sit down and lose everything, again and again. But they didn’t lose because they played by the rules and we didn’t. They lost because it wasn’t a game. It just looked like one. Democrats think it’s a game.” The Dems we are depending on to save our world, still play footsie with the devils. Not all but way too many.
I looks like your comment was directed at me, Jeri. I don't know if you were pointing your finger at me or the Democratic Party. If it was intended for me, you pointed in the wrong direction.
No direction, just my left over fury from 2000
Please note, despite Sinema and Manchin announcing their opposition to eliminating the 60-vote threshold to pass legislation, no commentator I’m aware of has portrayed their remarks as “ending efforts to pass voting rights legislation in 2022.” Instead, policy experts are looking to the procedural maneuver that, on Tuesday January 18th, will preclude a Republican filibuster on the motion to proceed and will allow Senator Schumer to bring the newly combined voter protection bills to the floor for debate.
Additionally, scholars specifically are calling for a discussion of the substance of the Freedom to Vote Act, whose provisions would ensure 1) that all eligible voters easily could register to vote and stay enrolled and 2) that eligible votes would be cast, counted correctly, and certified without interference and without their being diluted through partisan gerrymandering. Subsequently, the plan would be methodically to show how said provisions would protect both the vote and elections from the onslaught of bills continuing to pass aimed at restricting voting and nullifying votes.
The expectation is that what would follow the anticipated filibustered vote on the combined bills is a second vote using “the procedure called, not quite accurately, the ‘nuclear option’ in an attempt to provide a modest change in the rules so that ultimately you could get to a place where a majority could vote, even if it took a long time to get there” (Congressional Historian Norm Ornstein).
Ornstein further presses for getting Manchin and Sinema on the record, not just letting them support voting rights, which he views as “hollow support…performance.” Instead, Ornstein insists upon pressing them, “so that it’s clear on the record who is making this happen.” Ornstein concludes by urging Senators unequivocally to rebuke the 50 Republicans, not one of whom would support fundamental voting rights and election reform.
Borrowing from yesterday’s newsletter, I would suggest that this is not the time to relent.
Hi, Barbara. I dearly hope your are right. You are obviously more in touch with the filibuster rules and efforts to modify than I am. As I understand your optimistic scenario above, what policy experts are still calling for is a debate on voting rights, not passage of the bills--which Sinema's comments from the floor yesterday made clear. I agree that holding a vote on whether to proceed with debate is important because it will show us where our Democratic Senators stand--yes or no, up or down, for or against. No more dodging and weaving.
Dear Robert (if I may), I write largely to clarify a few points wherein I might have fallen short in my initial posting. In light of the procedural maneuver, previously noted, wherein the debate over the newly combined bill, the “Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act, cannot be filibustered, Senator Schumer, next Tuesday, will bring the bill to the floor for debate (that experts say specifically should focus on the substance of the “Freedom to Vote” piece) and a vote. As I understand, when the vote fails to reach the 60-vote threshold, Schumer will call for a second vote for filibuster reform. Setting aside rebuking Republicans, Dems have been advised, for the record, to call out Manchin’s and Sinema’s mere support for voting rights as hollow and performative, absent their resolve to do their part to figure out how the filibuster could be modified to pass the combined bill under regular order, even if it meant taking a long time to get an up or down majority vote.
Thanks, very helpful.
Barbara, do you know who advised Dems to call out Manchin and Sinema? And will there be a roll-call vote at some point, do you know?
Kate, Congressional historian Norm Ornstein was a clearly outspoken expert counseling Democrats. As for your other question, every Senate member will be held accountable for his or her votes.
Thank you for this reply, Barbara. I'm impressed with much that Norm Ornstein has to say, but he is a part of the American Enterprise Institute and I wonder if he's the best person to advise the Dems on this matter. Guess we'll find out. I'm glad to learn that every Senate member will have to vote up or down on Freedom to Vote.
Kate, I should clarify that Ornstein was “advising” from a distance as a guest Congressional Historian, appearing on various news shows, with a clear message for Senate Democrats related to the one strategy, after all the back-and-forth, that possibly could enlist a modest modification of the 60-vote threshold.
Before the Christmas break, Former Secretary for the Majority of the U.S. Senate Martin Paone had met at least once with the caucus to review a handful of proposals that I believe each represented some version of the talking filibuster, including Ornstein’s call, several months ago, to replace the 60–vote threshold to end debate with a 41-vote threshold to continue debate, thus shifting the burden from the majority to the minority.
I imagine with Schumer’s self-imposed deadline rapidly approaching and no agreement in hand, Ornstein decided he would pitch a final Hail Mary that apparently others also are promoting.
Exactly!
That’s right—this is not the time to relent. Robert links to Jessica Craven’s “Chop Wood Carry Water,” and she is advocating, “keep taking action…even when you don’t believe it’ll work. THAT is when it matters the most.” Call the Senators.
https://chopwoodcarrywaterdailyactions.substack.com/p/chop-wood-carry-water-113-e4b
Or blast the so-called moderate or retiring Republican Senators on Twitter (thanks to Annette D for this list):
Krysten Sinema: @SenatorSinema
Richard Burr @SenatorBurr
Pat Toomey @SenToomey
Rob Portman @senrobportman
Richard Shelby @SenShelby
Roy Blunt @RoyBlunt
Mitt Romney @SenatorRomney
Mitch McConnell @LeaderMcConnell
Chuck Grassley @ChuckGrassley
adding:
Lisa Murkowski @lisamurkowski
Thank you for this. Some reason for hope!
As Elizabeth Warren did-"She persisted"!
Not relenting but, jumping through a mountain trail of hoops is not my forte.
Yes, there were disappointments in the news yesterday but the news of inditement of 11 individuals on changes of sedicious conspiracy is very encouraging. Many of us saw it and named it back on Jan 6th. The wheels of justice take time and the case against these individuals needed to be carefully investigated and confirmed before the inditements were handed down. My hope is that the DOJ will not be timid in following the trail as far and as high as it may go.
Hi, Marcia. I think the indictments yesterday were the first major deterrent to a repeat in 2024. It was good to see the DOJ act.
Urging all to continue to advocate and be passionate activists for what is right is absolutely the right course of action. Providing good advice to us all constantly on how to actually do that is so important and deeply appreciated.
Here is a way for all to add your name to a petition advocating passage of the Freedom to Vote John Lewis Voting Rights Act using Resistbot. Simply text SIGN PARCPZ to 50409. If you have previously used Resistbot it already will recognize you, add your name to the petition and send it to your own Senators. If this is your first time using Resistbot it will step you through adding a few personal details including your address to determine who your Senators are. If you text SAMPLE PARCPZ to 50409 it will present you with the text of the petition before adding your name to it. Already almost 7000 signatures have been added nationwide. Resistbot will provide a current count of signatures nationwide and in your state after adding your signature.
Resistbot is such a great tool for direct action communication campaigns to legislators. If you are not familiar with Resistbot here is a link to a Wikipedia article that will provide more information about it - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Resistbot
Thanks, Bruce. I used the above ResistBot campaign to write to Senators Feinstein and Padilla. I have already heard back from both! It works!
It is awesome, monthly donor
As we all know, the only way to influence Senators is for there to be a major outcry by their constituents …letter writing, calling, emailing … does anyone know if the Democrats in Arizona and West Virginia have launched such an movement? It is incredible that two people from fairly small states could hold up our democracy. I think a major outcry is needed in the states they represent. Perhaps it’s happening…I hope. Thanks
I have phone banked with Common Cause calling into both WV and AZ asking for them to call their senators. The Wrst Virginians seem to love Manchin. The Arizonians seem to hate Sinema. https://www.commoncause.org/
good to know! And thanks for doing your part!
Thanks…will go there.
excellent - thanks
Leila, Interestingly, my experiences with Manchin’s West Virginian constituents have differed from yours. I hear that people mainly are concerned about jobs, healthcare, childcare, housing, and taxes, the human infrastructure piece of Biden’s BBB that Manchin is blocking. I also understand from the United Coal Miners Union that, while employers support Manchin, the workers want to receive training to participate in the transition from the fossil fuel industry to clean energy jobs. As a final point, though I hear that Manchin likely is the only Democrat who could win a statewide election in West Virginia, because the State has been turning increasingly red, he is unlikely to win re-election. If this is the case, it might provide partial insight into Manchin’s apparent refusal, without support from Republicans, to set aside the 60-vote threshold to pass voter protection legislation, while GOP controlled State Legislatures unilaterally pass bill after bill that restricts voting and nullifies votes.
The cognitive dissonance is astounding and more proof that Manchin is only interested in himself.
Amen on this!
Primary Sinema is one group making money count:
https://www.primarysinema.com/
As soon as I heard about them I gave! thanks for putting this up here.
Primary Sinema is one group making money count:
https://www.primarysinema.com/
Primary Sinema is one group making money count:
https://www.primarysinema.com/
Thank you, Robert, for reminding us of John Lewis's fortitude and unyielding fierce commitment. How can we not at least try to follow in his footsteps?! you are a beacon, a fierce coach to us, your readers!
Appreciate your relentless positive focus, even or even especially on the bad days.
Thank you. A graduate course for you would be your reaction to today's David Brooks column,
posing difficult but unfortunately important questions. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/13/opinion/america-falling-apart.html
I have several reactions. First, many of the phenomena are global in nature, not specific to the U.S. That doesn't mean they are not real or worrisome, but they are not unique American sicknesses. Second, the crime statistics are explained, in art, as regression to the mean, and could easily reverse again. (We are on the tail end of a historic decline in crime; the fact that it is returning to former levels should not be viewed as apocalyptic.) Whether the accident statistics are meaningful or stochastic will be clear in about 20 years, and it is always dangerous to point to volatility in a statistic based, in part, on random events to find deeper meaning. Finally, of course a global pandemic has affected our behavior. Will that be permanent? I don't know. Brooks doesn't know. But Brooks seems to believe that sharing his angst and pessimism is helpful. I suggest that he go for a walk and interact with people. He is making the classic mistake of believing that the news he focuses on from his journalists perch has more reality than the hundreds of millions of daily reactions that are peaceful, civil, and kind that do not get reported in his column or the NYTimes.
As always, you bring deeper perspective combined with fresh optimistic
positive advice. Yay team.
I suspect that one response to David Brooks column is that Americans and others around the world have been deprived of normal social contract over the course of the pandemic. Humans require interaction to deal with many of the emotions and challenges that we have experienced. People learn from interacting. No doubt that there is and will be for some time, significant social/human cost.
Thank you for this. Over the break, I decided to do a little inspirational reading to build up my reserves. I'd like to recommend two books for those of you who could use a little lift just now: Earth Pilgrim, by Satish Kumar, founder of Resurgence and the Ecologist, a British publication which I find truly inspirational; and The Book of Hope, by Jane Goodall. If you are looking for other people who have dedicated not just a couple of years, but the the whole of their lives towards making the world a better place, these are for you. Happy New Year.
Thanks for the recommendations! I appreciate it, Susan. Take a break, and come back stronger!
Love Jane
Probably a waste of time, but I sent this email to Sen Sinema today (using link in Civics Center newsletter):
I am not an Arizona vote, but ignore me at your peril.
Manchin can get away with being an obstacle to enacting voting rights legislation because no other Democrat is going to win in his state. You, on the other hand, are vulnerable to being primaried, and millions of Americans like me stand ready to support your challenger generously if you don't come around on voting rights.
It is telling that the list of issues in your email template includes Second Amendment rights but not voting rights.
I urge you to embrace the strategy of making an exception to the filibuster to enact voting legislation. This is critical to the future of our democracy, and it is ridiculous to prioritize a non-Constitutional and anti-democratic custom over the right of Americans to vote and select their leaders.
Jordan, thanks for persisting. No effort is wasted. If it does not change our representatives, it will help us to maintain our resolve.
The comments below show how frustrated and angry we all are. Yet Robert's words of wisdom and encouragement keep us all going. Last night I listened to his first podcast with Jessica Craven of "Chop Wood, Carry Water". It was informing and inspirational and if you have not yet listened to it, please do. It is just the tonic we need this morning. https://www.callin.com/episode/interview-with-jessica-craven-VbBZYQGZeL
My Congressional reps in Vermont are all on the left (or at least left of center, in Senator Leahy's case) but I wrote to them anyway about this; EVERY rep needs to hear how upset we are. Would that people in red states would overwhelm their reps with emails and calls. We really need to fight back!
Bronwyn, try signing up w/an organization like Commit to Democracy (https://www.committoflipblue.com/). This particular organization writes, texts, calls voters in Red and Blue states. By joining their effort, you can communicate with voters in Red states - asking them directly to "overwhelm their reps with emails and calls."
I like most of you am disappointed and frustrated about the voting rights bill's probable defeat. Sure getting Republicans on the record is a good thing as long as the D’s do something demonstrative with it and hammer it home with those Republicans running for the Senate. Personally I think the D’s spent too much time and energy trying to convince Manchin and Sinema and maybe should have focused more time on trying to convince some Republicans. We as a country cannot function and continue to operate with this everyday polarization and it has become very exhausting for those of us who care.
oh Robert, you seem to always regulate those of us who go off the rails against what's happening with our government and the courts. It was a hard day in deed and the days previous and those now following give little breathing room with such a conservative/textulist Supreme Court and a horrific majority in the Senate adding another layer of conservatives together with those democrats that have pulled away from what it looks like to have a more "just" worldview. I want to lean into more activism while it's most frustrating and does anger me what is happening with the filibuster and right to vote actions blocking our civil and human rights. You do remind us to not give up, keep the faith, and move forward with HOPE. I continue to look for tomorrow!
We are living through challenging times, but we have survived worse before. We will make it through this period as well. Stay strong!
We have survived worse before???? I’m really old, but not since America became America, and I include McCarthy. Just my 2 cents because the orange clown has nuclear flame throwers…
Thank you for your thoughtful article. It's a hard time with the "Republican plants" of Manchin and Sinema. Why don't we Dems vow to replace them? Anyway, time to recharge and get back to work on Monday. Thanks again -and your readers comments are so thoughtful and on point.
Self-pity is a terrible luxury. Rest in peace.