Robert, your last comments about what side Democrats take relative to all the key issues of the day can be followed by asking what path have Republicans taken in response? After they oppose ANYTHING or ANYBODY aligned with Democrats or our positions, what's left for them to say?
So they invent crap. CRT, open borders, we want to kill babies, we're soft on crime, climate change is either normal or a hoax, wearing masks is a threat to personal freedom. Hunter. All nonsense.
Why can't they engage on a realistic and practical level the issues that most of us agree are a problem? Supply chain issues that create inflation and threaten national security. Drinking water in short supply or polluted with lead and forever chemicals. An education system falling behind other countries. Income inequality. Child care. The cost of drugs. I could write all day about the everyday difficulties that ALL average Americans face that are being ignored or poo pooed by Republicans.
Claire, Indeed, as Robert’s listing clearly illustrates, the Biden social and climate agenda truly is transformative. Still, in part due to the filibuster and in part due to a 50-50 Senate, much of the legislation remains stuck in the Senate. Realistically, neither Biden nor the Dems can expect to be credited for legislation that remains stalled.
Your right Robert there is a lot going on on many fronts and I seriously believe many voters myself included are exhausted with the daily media bombardment of negative and misleading headlines and information that we see everyday. We have become numb to the attacks on our freedoms and democracy by Republican controlled state legislators and Republicans running for office nationally. We are also frustrated that there doesn’t seem to be accountability for the unlawful activities of the entire January 6th organizers and planners as well as the myriad of other crimes and violations of the law by Trump, his family and close associates. I sometimes get the feeling that the Democrats are undecided about how to message going forward towards the midterms. In reality it’s very simple. The message should be “ these are the accomplishments we created and this is how they impact and you and your family and health simply stated and most importantly this is what you will lose if you don’t vote and allow Republicans to control Congress. Frankly most Americans don’t understand what losing Democracy means to them and we need to educate them.
That makes a lot of sense. I cannot understand how Tucker Carlson and Co. are still touting "family values" and lending their support to Putin while trying to knock down every logical piece of pro-family policy the Democrats propose. It goes along with what Mitch McConnell said years ago: "We're going to block everything the Democrats propose, even if it's good for the country." And that comment was made when Obama was President. Americans need to wake up.
Americans are awake but frustrated and feel like a moving freight train in heading in their direction and they are caught on the tracks. Turnout will be the deciding factor in the midterms along with kitchen table issues.
Apr 11, 2022·edited Apr 11, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
Sharing my own thoughts...
If you are one of those, thankfully unlike Robert and many of his followers, who believe the sky is falling on the Biden administration, Democrats, and Progressives in 2022, my response is... So what are YOU doing to work for a different outcome?
Have we not learned that simply stressing over potential outcomes, consequences, and poor uncertain futures solves no problems, overcomes no challenges, reduces no anxiety, and brings no joy? If you desire or hope for a better future for yourself, your family, your neighbors, and our country, like Robert get off your a$$ and do something to help.
How? I’m sorry have you not been paying attention to Robert’s daily Newsletters and their advice and suggestions? Every day he provides very specific suggestions and actions to take. So, lets go! We have our marching orders; now, get to work!
Bruce, I write because I don’t know who in this community is your intended audience. Indeed, for those of us who have complaints (presumably legitimate), I don’t imagine we’d be subscribers were we not to recognize that simply watching and waiting, undoubtedly, would make us increasingly anxious. Hence, we are grateful for every opportunity to acquire a deeper understanding of the problems at-hand and to translate the knowledge and fortitude we derive from one another into constructive action. Because I (and I imagine many others) repeatedly have taken heart from your contributions to our thought processes, I remain baffled by what precipitated your comments today that seemed, at least to me, dare I say, preachy.
A fair criticism I accept if you are not hearing continued moaning from some who predict significant setbacks for Democrats in this fall’s elections. However, scanning today’s comments I find many expressing this sentiment. Robert returns regularly to refuting this view. I believe apathy and disengagement are serious threats to progress. If you feel otherwise I understand. It is simply my own read of our present situation and potential threats.
Bruce, I, too, would submit that “apathy and disengagement” are dangerously detrimental to civil society. Nonetheless, I don’t, by and large, view subscribers, to Hubbell’s Substack as either. Their mere participation indicates, at least to me, their commitment to a life of social involvement as opposed to others who choose to turn away. Hence, in my view, if we want our comments to be broadly heard and considered, I believe our remarks need to be premised on the idea that intelligent and sincere people can have fundamental disagreements, in this case, regarding growing concerns over how Democrats will perform in this fall’s midterms.
And why are Dems NOT communicating their sensible and humane positions to voters in a big, loud, effective way? Why can’t Biden get on tv/the airwaves/other assorted media and make his case on a frequent and regular basis , during prime time ? Am I missing something ? I don’t get it.
Your frustration is shared by many. part of the problem is that Biden is not a naturally dynamic speaker or magnetic personality. I say this as a huge Biden fan. He shines in "one-on-one"interviews where his humanity and decency are given the opportunity to break through the media's incessant demand for 15-second sound bites. His staff needs to provide him with opportunities that showcase his strengths--which do not include reading from teleprompters in the East Room of the White House.
Not just Biden, but even heavy hitter Dems. The silence is such a wasted opportunity. It’s like they think if we pretend this all is not happening, it will go away. Personally, I am waiting for a Dem someone with motivation, charisma, and common sense to start a more activism approach. Republicans have rallies, tea parties, and Fox. We have nothing comparable.
But we have lots of activism at the grassroots level, too. And we have MSNBC, which certainly leans our way. True, I don't watch tv/cable news for more than a half hour a day. But from what I can tell and from what I hear folks saying, we are simply not getting our good stuff across. Too much "gotcha" and personality-driven material, IMHO. I agree that any good party spokesperson ought to be out there making points, not just Biden. Again, WHY is this not happening???
Maybe I’m just not seeing any activism. Where are you seeing it? Not being a jerk, but truly interested in joining it. I currently give money. I comment, but I could do more. Agree a party spokesperson would be helpful.
Gosh. Indivisible groups. Act Blue. Common Cause. Lots of letter writing campaigns. sponsored by different orgs. Postcards to Voters. Orgs. that Robert has cited in the newsletter.
I think immigration and the border wall are the soft underbelly for the Dems. Every issue related to employment, education, vaccines, and international relations (ex the border), the Dems are on the right side of history.
It is true. Probably because we haven't been honest about it. First, there is a global immigration problem usually blamed on criminal/totalitarian abuse. But the underlying issue driving it is climate change. The ability to grow food and sustain life is diminishing in many countries. We all need to get ready for vast hoards at our borders. The "Christian" thing to do is to systematically allow them in. Statistically, immigrants create LESS crime than natives and have a tendency to work really hard - out of appreciation and a desire to be accepted. And hunger.
But the big obvious reason for allowing more people in that we should be talking about is that we NEED them. America's birthrate is falling. We are not replacing ourselves. Without new additions we won't have the working population to support our social safety nets. And, if Americans would stop staring at their phones and playing Wordle long enough, they would see why so many things can't get done. There is a labor crisis. The shortage of workers is holding back project after project. We need the help!
Democrats have once again let Republicans demonize us through an issue, taking an opportunity to help others and ourselves and turning it into a political bludgeon. We let them be louder than us. The nice guys are finishing last because we are too polite. They lie and we get worn down...
Yes, we need more immigrants, but a very big part of resistance to immigration is racism. Let’s be clear and honest about that. (No surprise that Biden’s pledge to take in 100,000 Ukrainians got very little criticism.). At the same time, we can’t take in everyone—and we should also recognize that every immigrant who comes here (well, most of them) impoverishes her or his home country, because immigrants tend to be the smartest, hardest-working and most dedicated. So we need to speak frankly about immigration, and to develop a balanced approach.
I’m not sure Democrats are too nice but are too principled to knowingly lie for political gain and as a party not unified around several key themes and messages. I think people are plain worn down with all the drama and rhetoric
When I say too nice, I certainly don't suggest we lie. The truth is our friend! But I agree that we are not getting our act together. The DNC needs to hire the best creative minds out there to produce TV and YouTube videos that speak about our goals. It's not hard. It just takes some unified effort. Speak about the kitchen table issues we wanted to fix in the BBB act. Who doesn't want help with child care? Who doesn't want the cost of prescription drugs to be like every other developed nation? Who doesn't want a simpler, more fair tax system? Who doesn't want all Americans to have safe water?
And...the report coming out of the House January 6th Committee just begs for a concise series of videos and podcasts that explain the conspiracy (a real one!).
I agree with your comments but time is running out. I think messages need to be local and kitchen table issues. Inflation and gas prices and healthcare and what are you doing about it some of the issues along with immigration. The potential loss of Roe and individual freedoms needs to be at the forefront of the discussions.
Robert, For some time I have noted that your Newsletter includes some version of the statement: “The best way to shape the future is to focus on the factors we can control and not waste unnecessary energy worrying about factors not under our control.” And each time I’ve contemplated the tens of thousands preparing themselves for person-powered democracy from the inside, bottom up, work as citizen/ activists convinced that “you can fight City Hall.” Though to some they might sound foolish, utopian, and silly, could they also be the ones without whom we might not be guaranteed that our civic work would continue to be carried forward as it always has been in the United States under the blessings of our Constitution?
As they get “pranked” with serious messages, the authorities in Florida are learning something that should have been obvious to them: heterosexuality is a sexual orientation, too. So, until 4th grade, let’s have no stories about mommy and daddy. And the kids will have to be they or them (or maybe “it?”). “Boy” and “girl” are strictly out. This is, of course making fun of things that are (in some cases literally) deadly serious. But it illustrates the absurdity of the reactionaries’ position on so many issues. So let’s use it for all it’s worth. If the voters laugh at them, they’ll be a lot less likely to vote for them.
As for Ukraine, more brutality is not likely to work. Ukrainians have tasted that and have not buckled. No reason to think they will be beaten down now, unless Russia can come up with better generals and better strategy, which seems unlikely. There are many reports that Putin is intent for victory before May 9, the anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany in WWII. Also not likely. Those people being pulled into Russia’s army off the streets now are not going to be competent soldiers in a month, if ever. And unlike their Ukrainian adversaries, they won’t be fighting for their homeland, with their backs against the wall. I don’t mean to suggest that Ukrainian victory is assured—far from it with such a huge adversary—but they have a real chance to prevail.
Finally, the French election. Macron has taken off the gloves at last. I thought his slogan before now should have been, “If you liked Petain, you’ll love LePen,” but there’s still time. Or a poster with three photos: Petain, Laval and LePen. No words needed.
I have not seen this mentioned along with the stalwart Ukrainians and their love for their country - why would they give an INCH now that so much destruction has occurred and so many of their friends and family members deliberately targeted and murdered? I'm thinking we could add to their resolve and courage the consideration that they would NEVER give up, for doing so would mean all those lost souls would have died in vain. It's a war not just of survival but no doubt of honor for those who were slain by a murderous thug.
Apr 11, 2022·edited Apr 11, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
Criminalizing abortion? It's one thing to not have an abortion because your religion doesn't allow it, but this attempt by Texas to go after a woman who is surely desperate and terrified is stunning. To all the young people who are unhappy right now, things could get much worse.
and (of course) Texas! Must say I had already inserted "of course" Texas in my mind at the start of that paragraph and had to laugh when you inserted it too although unfortunately it isn't funny. We need to follow what ALEC is doing with more transparency. https://alec.org/ ALEC stands for American Legislative Exchange Council. Their strategic plan is aimed at limited government, free markets, and federalism. Basically, they produce the policy and bill language and help states pass them. It has been quite effective for red states.
The Texas hospital and healthcare worker violated privacy rights. That should be investigated. I’m not familiar with whether the vigilante law includes wording on HIPAA, though.
A lot more is also going on- the groundwork for an expansion of the Ukraine conflict into the Balkans. Chinese missiles are now in Serbia, where Putin wannabe Aleksandar Vucic is making noises about avenging his hero, Slobodan Milosevic, and retaking the areas lost in the aftermath of the Bosnian war. There are other Putin wannabes, from the leaders of Uganda and South Africa, to Nicaragua's Ortega and Saudi Arabia's Mohammed bin Salman, who may have territorial ambitions of their own. Then, there is Victor Orban, and who knows what he has up his sleeves?
Thank you for your support of the LGBTQ community Robert. Some parents are now being arrested (or threatened with it) for finding medical care for their transgender children. https://youtu.be/xbad3efCic8
"All we have to do is communicate that (Democrats') message." Not really. We can communicate for all we are worth, but if voters aren't listening, or are listening to "alternative" news, we might as well save our breath. I don't know how to get people--young, rural, old, people of color, white, straight, LGBTQ--to listen if they aren't interesting in hearing what Democrats have to say. Many seem to have decided that Republicans have their best interest at heart simply because they are paying more at the gas pump under the Biden administration. No matter how perverse, as Bill Clinton once said, "It's the economy, stupid." And quite frankly I don't know why, but Democrats don't seen able to communicate clearly and with force, our message. Is it the DNC at fault? Is it the media for not picking up the message? Is it the ad writers? Are Democrats hiring the wrong publicists? We've got to better at crawling under the tent.
I always find it interesting that when people rant about others “not listening” they themselves spend more time in their rants with little attention themselves to active listening skills. My advice is always if you believe any audience you wish to communicate with is “not listening” start the conversation by asking them to tell you what is important to them? Ask them what causes them to feel they are not being well served or not being heard. Ask them what would help address their concerns. Then offer to work together with them to make a difference in some way on their concerns. Nothing so much wins over others to the efforts important to making a positive difference than working alongside them on something personally important to them. So stop trying to tell them what is important and what needs to be done and let them tell you what is important and then work together with them on that.
Very good advice. Unfortunately, I live in a bubble and don't have occasion to talk to people personally about their understanding of the issues. All I know is what I read in the media about people's comments, and about how they vote and where they get their information. I don't have a clue how to get up close and personal enough to address their issues, so I have to talk about reaching "them" some other way. I do have relatives who are on the other side, but I live far from them, and when I try to address them directly through social media, they are not interested in sharing information with me. If I'm deaf on my side, it's because I can't get anyone to talk. I was on a panel once with a right-wing man and we had a great conversation by email afterwards, but the very fact that he was willing to be on the panel spoke to his openness to ideas.
I offer this thought to help think about why, where, and how to get “out of the bubble.”
I have found for me it is not trying to change the minds and hearts of those firmly on the other side of our current political divide. They have already made firm decisions on issues they believe important. The relative effort required to shake the views they hold relative to the results you may achieve show this to be ineffective.
Rather I suggest you instead target apathy not passion. In even the highest turnout national elections we barely break above 65% of registered voters actually casting a ballot. That does not account for the unregistered. If even 1 in 5 (20%) of those apathetic voters can be persuaded to participate as Democrats, we would be assured of many more victories.
There are many reasons for their non-participation and apathy. Your local political party knows based on voter roles who is registered but did not vote in a given election. They also know where they live and how to potentially reach them. Focus the efforts of party supporters on those areas and those folks. Engage with them and ask them what is important to them. Don’t start by “delivering a better message.” Start by asking them what is important to them and find ways to work on those together.
Robert, your last comments about what side Democrats take relative to all the key issues of the day can be followed by asking what path have Republicans taken in response? After they oppose ANYTHING or ANYBODY aligned with Democrats or our positions, what's left for them to say?
So they invent crap. CRT, open borders, we want to kill babies, we're soft on crime, climate change is either normal or a hoax, wearing masks is a threat to personal freedom. Hunter. All nonsense.
Why can't they engage on a realistic and practical level the issues that most of us agree are a problem? Supply chain issues that create inflation and threaten national security. Drinking water in short supply or polluted with lead and forever chemicals. An education system falling behind other countries. Income inequality. Child care. The cost of drugs. I could write all day about the everyday difficulties that ALL average Americans face that are being ignored or poo pooed by Republicans.
Amazingly well crafted speaking points for Democrats! Let's use the script in every venue we can! And Robert - feel better soon!
Claire, Indeed, as Robert’s listing clearly illustrates, the Biden social and climate agenda truly is transformative. Still, in part due to the filibuster and in part due to a 50-50 Senate, much of the legislation remains stuck in the Senate. Realistically, neither Biden nor the Dems can expect to be credited for legislation that remains stalled.
Your right Robert there is a lot going on on many fronts and I seriously believe many voters myself included are exhausted with the daily media bombardment of negative and misleading headlines and information that we see everyday. We have become numb to the attacks on our freedoms and democracy by Republican controlled state legislators and Republicans running for office nationally. We are also frustrated that there doesn’t seem to be accountability for the unlawful activities of the entire January 6th organizers and planners as well as the myriad of other crimes and violations of the law by Trump, his family and close associates. I sometimes get the feeling that the Democrats are undecided about how to message going forward towards the midterms. In reality it’s very simple. The message should be “ these are the accomplishments we created and this is how they impact and you and your family and health simply stated and most importantly this is what you will lose if you don’t vote and allow Republicans to control Congress. Frankly most Americans don’t understand what losing Democracy means to them and we need to educate them.
That makes a lot of sense. I cannot understand how Tucker Carlson and Co. are still touting "family values" and lending their support to Putin while trying to knock down every logical piece of pro-family policy the Democrats propose. It goes along with what Mitch McConnell said years ago: "We're going to block everything the Democrats propose, even if it's good for the country." And that comment was made when Obama was President. Americans need to wake up.
Americans are awake but frustrated and feel like a moving freight train in heading in their direction and they are caught on the tracks. Turnout will be the deciding factor in the midterms along with kitchen table issues.
Sharing my own thoughts...
If you are one of those, thankfully unlike Robert and many of his followers, who believe the sky is falling on the Biden administration, Democrats, and Progressives in 2022, my response is... So what are YOU doing to work for a different outcome?
Have we not learned that simply stressing over potential outcomes, consequences, and poor uncertain futures solves no problems, overcomes no challenges, reduces no anxiety, and brings no joy? If you desire or hope for a better future for yourself, your family, your neighbors, and our country, like Robert get off your a$$ and do something to help.
How? I’m sorry have you not been paying attention to Robert’s daily Newsletters and their advice and suggestions? Every day he provides very specific suggestions and actions to take. So, lets go! We have our marching orders; now, get to work!
This is super important!!
So true.
Bruce, I write because I don’t know who in this community is your intended audience. Indeed, for those of us who have complaints (presumably legitimate), I don’t imagine we’d be subscribers were we not to recognize that simply watching and waiting, undoubtedly, would make us increasingly anxious. Hence, we are grateful for every opportunity to acquire a deeper understanding of the problems at-hand and to translate the knowledge and fortitude we derive from one another into constructive action. Because I (and I imagine many others) repeatedly have taken heart from your contributions to our thought processes, I remain baffled by what precipitated your comments today that seemed, at least to me, dare I say, preachy.
A fair criticism I accept if you are not hearing continued moaning from some who predict significant setbacks for Democrats in this fall’s elections. However, scanning today’s comments I find many expressing this sentiment. Robert returns regularly to refuting this view. I believe apathy and disengagement are serious threats to progress. If you feel otherwise I understand. It is simply my own read of our present situation and potential threats.
Bruce, I, too, would submit that “apathy and disengagement” are dangerously detrimental to civil society. Nonetheless, I don’t, by and large, view subscribers, to Hubbell’s Substack as either. Their mere participation indicates, at least to me, their commitment to a life of social involvement as opposed to others who choose to turn away. Hence, in my view, if we want our comments to be broadly heard and considered, I believe our remarks need to be premised on the idea that intelligent and sincere people can have fundamental disagreements, in this case, regarding growing concerns over how Democrats will perform in this fall’s midterms.
And why are Dems NOT communicating their sensible and humane positions to voters in a big, loud, effective way? Why can’t Biden get on tv/the airwaves/other assorted media and make his case on a frequent and regular basis , during prime time ? Am I missing something ? I don’t get it.
Your frustration is shared by many. part of the problem is that Biden is not a naturally dynamic speaker or magnetic personality. I say this as a huge Biden fan. He shines in "one-on-one"interviews where his humanity and decency are given the opportunity to break through the media's incessant demand for 15-second sound bites. His staff needs to provide him with opportunities that showcase his strengths--which do not include reading from teleprompters in the East Room of the White House.
Good point. Biden connects with actual human beings, not screens and podiums.
Not just Biden, but even heavy hitter Dems. The silence is such a wasted opportunity. It’s like they think if we pretend this all is not happening, it will go away. Personally, I am waiting for a Dem someone with motivation, charisma, and common sense to start a more activism approach. Republicans have rallies, tea parties, and Fox. We have nothing comparable.
But we have lots of activism at the grassroots level, too. And we have MSNBC, which certainly leans our way. True, I don't watch tv/cable news for more than a half hour a day. But from what I can tell and from what I hear folks saying, we are simply not getting our good stuff across. Too much "gotcha" and personality-driven material, IMHO. I agree that any good party spokesperson ought to be out there making points, not just Biden. Again, WHY is this not happening???
Maybe I’m just not seeing any activism. Where are you seeing it? Not being a jerk, but truly interested in joining it. I currently give money. I comment, but I could do more. Agree a party spokesperson would be helpful.
Gosh. Indivisible groups. Act Blue. Common Cause. Lots of letter writing campaigns. sponsored by different orgs. Postcards to Voters. Orgs. that Robert has cited in the newsletter.
I think immigration and the border wall are the soft underbelly for the Dems. Every issue related to employment, education, vaccines, and international relations (ex the border), the Dems are on the right side of history.
It is true. Probably because we haven't been honest about it. First, there is a global immigration problem usually blamed on criminal/totalitarian abuse. But the underlying issue driving it is climate change. The ability to grow food and sustain life is diminishing in many countries. We all need to get ready for vast hoards at our borders. The "Christian" thing to do is to systematically allow them in. Statistically, immigrants create LESS crime than natives and have a tendency to work really hard - out of appreciation and a desire to be accepted. And hunger.
But the big obvious reason for allowing more people in that we should be talking about is that we NEED them. America's birthrate is falling. We are not replacing ourselves. Without new additions we won't have the working population to support our social safety nets. And, if Americans would stop staring at their phones and playing Wordle long enough, they would see why so many things can't get done. There is a labor crisis. The shortage of workers is holding back project after project. We need the help!
Democrats have once again let Republicans demonize us through an issue, taking an opportunity to help others and ourselves and turning it into a political bludgeon. We let them be louder than us. The nice guys are finishing last because we are too polite. They lie and we get worn down...
Yes, we need more immigrants, but a very big part of resistance to immigration is racism. Let’s be clear and honest about that. (No surprise that Biden’s pledge to take in 100,000 Ukrainians got very little criticism.). At the same time, we can’t take in everyone—and we should also recognize that every immigrant who comes here (well, most of them) impoverishes her or his home country, because immigrants tend to be the smartest, hardest-working and most dedicated. So we need to speak frankly about immigration, and to develop a balanced approach.
Well said.
I’m not sure Democrats are too nice but are too principled to knowingly lie for political gain and as a party not unified around several key themes and messages. I think people are plain worn down with all the drama and rhetoric
When I say too nice, I certainly don't suggest we lie. The truth is our friend! But I agree that we are not getting our act together. The DNC needs to hire the best creative minds out there to produce TV and YouTube videos that speak about our goals. It's not hard. It just takes some unified effort. Speak about the kitchen table issues we wanted to fix in the BBB act. Who doesn't want help with child care? Who doesn't want the cost of prescription drugs to be like every other developed nation? Who doesn't want a simpler, more fair tax system? Who doesn't want all Americans to have safe water?
And...the report coming out of the House January 6th Committee just begs for a concise series of videos and podcasts that explain the conspiracy (a real one!).
We need more Politics Girls. She's great at messaging.
I agree with your comments but time is running out. I think messages need to be local and kitchen table issues. Inflation and gas prices and healthcare and what are you doing about it some of the issues along with immigration. The potential loss of Roe and individual freedoms needs to be at the forefront of the discussions.
good point. But the first refuge of people without any solutions is to blame immigration and immigrants for problems they did not create.
But still ….it’s a central issue
Solutions are difficult and require intelligence, compassion, and creativity. Blame is easy, but it gets us nowhere.
Robert, For some time I have noted that your Newsletter includes some version of the statement: “The best way to shape the future is to focus on the factors we can control and not waste unnecessary energy worrying about factors not under our control.” And each time I’ve contemplated the tens of thousands preparing themselves for person-powered democracy from the inside, bottom up, work as citizen/ activists convinced that “you can fight City Hall.” Though to some they might sound foolish, utopian, and silly, could they also be the ones without whom we might not be guaranteed that our civic work would continue to be carried forward as it always has been in the United States under the blessings of our Constitution?
As they get “pranked” with serious messages, the authorities in Florida are learning something that should have been obvious to them: heterosexuality is a sexual orientation, too. So, until 4th grade, let’s have no stories about mommy and daddy. And the kids will have to be they or them (or maybe “it?”). “Boy” and “girl” are strictly out. This is, of course making fun of things that are (in some cases literally) deadly serious. But it illustrates the absurdity of the reactionaries’ position on so many issues. So let’s use it for all it’s worth. If the voters laugh at them, they’ll be a lot less likely to vote for them.
As for Ukraine, more brutality is not likely to work. Ukrainians have tasted that and have not buckled. No reason to think they will be beaten down now, unless Russia can come up with better generals and better strategy, which seems unlikely. There are many reports that Putin is intent for victory before May 9, the anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany in WWII. Also not likely. Those people being pulled into Russia’s army off the streets now are not going to be competent soldiers in a month, if ever. And unlike their Ukrainian adversaries, they won’t be fighting for their homeland, with their backs against the wall. I don’t mean to suggest that Ukrainian victory is assured—far from it with such a huge adversary—but they have a real chance to prevail.
Finally, the French election. Macron has taken off the gloves at last. I thought his slogan before now should have been, “If you liked Petain, you’ll love LePen,” but there’s still time. Or a poster with three photos: Petain, Laval and LePen. No words needed.
I have not seen this mentioned along with the stalwart Ukrainians and their love for their country - why would they give an INCH now that so much destruction has occurred and so many of their friends and family members deliberately targeted and murdered? I'm thinking we could add to their resolve and courage the consideration that they would NEVER give up, for doing so would mean all those lost souls would have died in vain. It's a war not just of survival but no doubt of honor for those who were slain by a murderous thug.
Criminalizing abortion? It's one thing to not have an abortion because your religion doesn't allow it, but this attempt by Texas to go after a woman who is surely desperate and terrified is stunning. To all the young people who are unhappy right now, things could get much worse.
and (of course) Texas! Must say I had already inserted "of course" Texas in my mind at the start of that paragraph and had to laugh when you inserted it too although unfortunately it isn't funny. We need to follow what ALEC is doing with more transparency. https://alec.org/ ALEC stands for American Legislative Exchange Council. Their strategic plan is aimed at limited government, free markets, and federalism. Basically, they produce the policy and bill language and help states pass them. It has been quite effective for red states.
The Texas hospital and healthcare worker violated privacy rights. That should be investigated. I’m not familiar with whether the vigilante law includes wording on HIPAA, though.
A lot more is also going on- the groundwork for an expansion of the Ukraine conflict into the Balkans. Chinese missiles are now in Serbia, where Putin wannabe Aleksandar Vucic is making noises about avenging his hero, Slobodan Milosevic, and retaking the areas lost in the aftermath of the Bosnian war. There are other Putin wannabes, from the leaders of Uganda and South Africa, to Nicaragua's Ortega and Saudi Arabia's Mohammed bin Salman, who may have territorial ambitions of their own. Then, there is Victor Orban, and who knows what he has up his sleeves?
Another good link about the situation for families of transgender kids in red states - https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/texas-trans-affirming-medical-care-not-abuse-experts-165647433.html
Thank you for your support of the LGBTQ community Robert. Some parents are now being arrested (or threatened with it) for finding medical care for their transgender children. https://youtu.be/xbad3efCic8
Thanks. We need a keep a post attitude right now.
"All we have to do is communicate that (Democrats') message." Not really. We can communicate for all we are worth, but if voters aren't listening, or are listening to "alternative" news, we might as well save our breath. I don't know how to get people--young, rural, old, people of color, white, straight, LGBTQ--to listen if they aren't interesting in hearing what Democrats have to say. Many seem to have decided that Republicans have their best interest at heart simply because they are paying more at the gas pump under the Biden administration. No matter how perverse, as Bill Clinton once said, "It's the economy, stupid." And quite frankly I don't know why, but Democrats don't seen able to communicate clearly and with force, our message. Is it the DNC at fault? Is it the media for not picking up the message? Is it the ad writers? Are Democrats hiring the wrong publicists? We've got to better at crawling under the tent.
I always find it interesting that when people rant about others “not listening” they themselves spend more time in their rants with little attention themselves to active listening skills. My advice is always if you believe any audience you wish to communicate with is “not listening” start the conversation by asking them to tell you what is important to them? Ask them what causes them to feel they are not being well served or not being heard. Ask them what would help address their concerns. Then offer to work together with them to make a difference in some way on their concerns. Nothing so much wins over others to the efforts important to making a positive difference than working alongside them on something personally important to them. So stop trying to tell them what is important and what needs to be done and let them tell you what is important and then work together with them on that.
Very good advice. Unfortunately, I live in a bubble and don't have occasion to talk to people personally about their understanding of the issues. All I know is what I read in the media about people's comments, and about how they vote and where they get their information. I don't have a clue how to get up close and personal enough to address their issues, so I have to talk about reaching "them" some other way. I do have relatives who are on the other side, but I live far from them, and when I try to address them directly through social media, they are not interested in sharing information with me. If I'm deaf on my side, it's because I can't get anyone to talk. I was on a panel once with a right-wing man and we had a great conversation by email afterwards, but the very fact that he was willing to be on the panel spoke to his openness to ideas.
I offer this thought to help think about why, where, and how to get “out of the bubble.”
I have found for me it is not trying to change the minds and hearts of those firmly on the other side of our current political divide. They have already made firm decisions on issues they believe important. The relative effort required to shake the views they hold relative to the results you may achieve show this to be ineffective.
Rather I suggest you instead target apathy not passion. In even the highest turnout national elections we barely break above 65% of registered voters actually casting a ballot. That does not account for the unregistered. If even 1 in 5 (20%) of those apathetic voters can be persuaded to participate as Democrats, we would be assured of many more victories.
There are many reasons for their non-participation and apathy. Your local political party knows based on voter roles who is registered but did not vote in a given election. They also know where they live and how to potentially reach them. Focus the efforts of party supporters on those areas and those folks. Engage with them and ask them what is important to them. Don’t start by “delivering a better message.” Start by asking them what is important to them and find ways to work on those together.
Oh, excellent suggestion. I will be pro-active in simply asking people if they vote and doing as you suggest, asking what concerns they have!