Mr Hubbell. As a kiwi from the islands of New Zealand, I want to extend my gratitude to you for caring so much for your country and offering intelligent information about the currently terrifying political climate that your fellow Americans are living with. I wish you all the very best in generating a movement which will help bring people back to the pathway of sanity which is about all people, not just the mega millionaires, billionaires and money focussed fools who have lost sight of their membership of the human race and the fragile planet we live on. I so totally wish you all the very best.
Thank you for this beautiful and heartfelt comment. With this lunatic about to take office, it helps that “neighbors“ around the world understand our fears and concerns.
Karen, thank you so much! It's always great to hear from a non-US citizen that you know we're not all like that guy who is going back to the White House, heaven help us. And BTW, I loved NZ when I got to visit, many years ago! I tried to get my then-partner to move there with me, but he wouldn't do it.
Thanks for reporting on the craziness that surrounds the Trump take over.
The horrible fires in the LA area have me and so many others in an unbelievable state of shock. I’m writing from a motel 6. Grateful to have escaped the Altadena fire leaving our house as the winds blew flames closer and filled the night air with thick smoke.
This fire is another example of global warming and how fast it is approaching.
Trump will accelerate the growing catastrophe of global warming. We must fight the fires in front of our with all our strength.
Your leadership in fighting the horrible wildfire know as MAGA is immensely valuable.
My home has or likely going to burn tonight. But I will still stand and fight with you and the many others who value democracy and freedom more than anything.
Thinking of you....and all the others who had to evacuate. We had to do that in parts of Oregon over Labor Day in 2022 and the air quality....well, you know too well. So just want to send you some love and hope...if you have made it to a motel, you will survive.
And yes, we will all fight all the kinds of fire in front of us, for we are stronger than we know. Hugs to you, because losing a home is no small thing.
best wishes to you and those affected by the fires
in nature and in society
may you rebuild with resilience.
Yes, the North Star sounds like an appropriate objective. Harriet Tubman looked for it in seeking freedom. A lodestar. We need both celestial and societal navigation in these fraught times.
So sorry to learn of the possible loss of your home and hoping that all in your family and neighborhood are safe. Your courage in this moment is remarkable. As your note demonstrates, so much is at stake across our country and the world.
My thoughts are with you . . .and glad you are safe. Lost our home in the 2008 SB Tea Fire and eventually rebuilt. Lesson: the Phoenix can rise from the ashes. Hang in there 🙏
Returned tonight to see if there was an update from you. You've been much on my mind since this morning. Grateful to learn your house was spared, and to see the immense outpouring of care and concern expressed here for you. No wonder. A community formed around Robert and Jill, and we have come to care for one another, many of us strangers which seems to matter little. How lovely.
And naturally, as Jocelyn suggests, how sad for your neighbors. May they be given strength to endure during this unimaginable time.
You are a brave, amazing person, to face the loss and ruin of things precious to you while still keeping your focus on the important fight that faces us all. I salute you. The best of good luck with coming out of this awful fire in good order.
My heart goes out to you from the relative safety of sub-zero wind chilled NH. Common enough this time of year, but there have been few storms and my yard and driveway are snow free near the White Mtns. Ski areas are hurting. Global warming for a state like NH that depends on its tourism is a catastrophe in the making. In my 55 years of adult life in NH as an avocational environmentalist, I have lost count of the effects of global warming that I have seen. Keep your spirit and I will, too.
Glad to hear that you and Jill have avoided the fires so far. As for the rest, I can't imagine what it would be like to have to abandon your home in order to stay safe.
My contribution to democracy involves the results of Virginia's special election this past Tuesday. We won! The candidates I postcarded for who kept Virginia blue are Senator-elect Kannan Srinivasan and Delegate-Elect JJ Singh.
This, from the Loudoun Democrats:
"Loudoun Democrats are thrilled to announce a resounding victory in today’s Special Elections. With control of both the Virginia Senate and House of Delegates on the line, Loudoun voters have once again chosen leaders who champion reproductive freedom, marriage equality, and the strengthening of public education.
“Democratic voters have been deeply engaged and active in both of these elections since November,” said Liz Carter, Chair of the Loudoun County Democratic Committee. “From participating in two firehouse primaries to showing up again in today’s Special Elections, they’ve proven their dedication to the issues that matter most to Virginia families. Senator-elect Kannan Srinivasan and Delegate-elect JJ Singh will deliver on these priorities.
"The Loudoun County Democratic Committee remains steadfast in its commitment to defending Democratic values in Virginia. This victory has secured our Democratic majorities in the State Senate and House and sets the stage to deliver a Democratic trifecta this November."
As a democrat in Maryland I salute you for your efforts and the wins. We must prevail against this outright insanity from Trump in any ways we can. So grateful for the courage of those facing fires. Here we're just cold.
I was so thrilled to hear about their election results! Happy to have written postcards via Postcards4VA and to feel that it made a difference, unlike the letters and postcards I did on behalf of Harris/Walz.
Dear JustRaven, please do not feel discouraged about the postcards you wrote for the Harris/Walz campaign. These efforts are important no matter the outcome. Who knows how many folks got to the polls because of them? We came so close! And they may appreciate the need to vote next time even more. I joined up with Postcards to Swing States. Some 265,000 of us sent postcards to some 40 million voters in swing states. We must keep at it. We're making progress! As the Obama campaign used to say: Si se puede!
JustRave, I think that your postcard-writing for Harris did make a difference. First of all, we came within a hair of winning. Don't forget that. Secondly, that hair was probably due to an intense year of Russian-influenced social media twitting. Third, most Americans--2/3 of American--voted against Trump either actively or passively. Fourth, many people were inspired to become and stay active on the progressive landscape nation-wide. Celebrate your Harris postcard-writing.
Bravo Lynell! This is great news indeed. You are always out there finding actions to make, and making a difference from the ground up. You inspire us all to pick an action.
I just listened to a video from Marc Elias who applauded those who take even the smallest of actions toward advocating for democracy. He assured us that no action is too small.
Yes, He’s inspiring. I’ve been working on getting the city of Grand Rapids, MI to pursue the $49,000 that trump is stiffing the city for . He had two rallies in GR and refuses to pay for the police and public works employees that provided the successful and safe experience for him. It’s a small fight, but worthy in my opinion. These small fights are everywhere.
MLRGRMI, his low-down nastiness is just disgusting. (One of the things I keep wondering about is, just how rich is he, actually. Maybe he can't actually afford to pay his massive bills?)
Lynell, I have thought so often of you in these last two months. Thank you for your service in so many ways. This morning I listened to Politics Girl because of your posting on HCR’s Substack. Thank you. (PS I wrote some postcards for VA, too. A win is a win!)
I haven't lived in LA as long as you have Robert, but I haven't seen winds like these in the 45 years I have been here. Nice to hear the reassurance about "the flatlands."
Good news: the Getty Villa only had some trees catch fire. they have an excellent fire suppression system in the museum.
Every time you say "He can't get crazier than that!" He says "Hold my diet Coke."
You got it right for sure, TC. He's ramping up "the crazy" because he wants to keep everyone buzzing about his latest insanity so we won't pay attention to what he's really trying to get away with on any given day.
I keep wondering what could top annexing Canada, stealing Greenland or reclaiming the Panama Canal...
...maybe claiming President Biden forced him to sexually assault a space alien in a department store on Mars?
No one is going to believe any of this in 50 years. I can barely believe it now.
But no matter what insanity he concocts, I'm not going to look away from the parade of dangerous incompetents he's trying to install in our federal government. Time to start calling my Congressional representatives again to insist we absolutely cannot have a Hegseth, Gabbard, RFK, Jr. or Ramaswamy in charge of anything more important than running a hot dog cart on Coney Island.
Thanks to Robert, everyone "here" and all the truly decent and caring people supporting our democracy. Wish you peace, strength and hope in this new year.
I read that Thune told Felon 34 that he had the votes for Hegseth. My Senators are Warren and Markey and I have contacted them and they have assured me they will oppose these unqualified, dangerous nominees. But of course I am singing to the choir. I beg everyone to contact their senators to urge them to oppose these nominees.
Stay safe Robert and Jill. Even breathing that smoke and soot is dangerous. And thank you Robert for talking me off the ledge each and every day.
I sent an email to Warren (the phones seem to have been overloaded) telling her that Hegseth cannot survive a good cross-examination from a trial lawyer—someone who goes into courtrooms to examine witnesses, not just a lawyer who says s/he is a “litigator.” If anyone wants to second that view to her, all to the good. (I even offered to help out, but I hope the Democrats aren’t that desperate.)
Add Gabbard for Dir of National Intelligence and McMahon who will destroy the Dept of Education. All money to support EdTechs and the teaching of learning disabled kids comes from there.
YES! We all need to learn to give little or no attention to the crazy pronouncements from Trump. I agree these “News conferences” are nothing more than a distraction from the real damage he intends. Specifically, as you mentioned, the upcoming hearing on his nominees beginning next week with Hegseth, who is demonstrably unqualified. He did this throughout his first term and we fell for it. We have to be smarter this time. Rather than focusing on what he said, which was petty grievance and inane nonsense, we should focus on what he is not saying. Nothing on inflation. Still no health care plan. How will he lower food prices. What is his plan for addressing immigration? Why did he demand Republicans drop the bipartisan immigration plan?
As you continue to fight, CC, I want to call our attention to the silence of the Democrats in Congress. Or worse, to their Fetterman-like softenings that look like yieldings to Trump. "Maybe RFK isn't so bad..." I can barely stand to read the "news" reports of their yieldings and cavings. Let's keep calling them and trying to hold their feet to the fire. If this cowardly behavior is all the result of Trump death threats, is there anything we can do about it? Jay Kuo recently had a good essay about the unspoken reality of this Mafia-like factor in the Trump regime. It's another thing that's so outrageous no one wants to talk about it, if it's indeed true (what else could explain all the summer GOP retirements from Congress, the marching in lockstep of the leftover non-MAGA GOP members, and the spineless current behavior of the Democrats?).
Meanwhile in a small corner of the same universe, in Loudon Co VA, some of us went to an afternoon call party. As with all special elections some voters didn't know there was an election. A few needed rides to the polls. Many were more than were simply happy to be reminded to embrace (or confirm they already had) their right and privilege.
And it is good. Also a big safe heart to Jill and you in LA.
Thanks for your work on this. Contributions from around the country helped in this effort I assume. Amidst the deluge of "give us more so we can fight" requests for dough from Democrats, we need to be strategic and careful. But we do need to continue. Advice from the Hubbell Community is always welcome as to where we might help in the less covered races and actions. In that light, what is to be done to help North Carolina Dems fight the State Supreme Court Coup and what if anything is to be done to thwart Cannon's ruling? As you say, Robert, we must fight. What are our marching orders?
These 2 campaigns never asked me for money. They seemed pretty set with staff. And also they have had a bunch of local groups door knocking. Rides to the polls for voters was efficient and effective too. Good operation Ayat and their team.
Joe, let me be clear. I was happy to receive appeals to support the targeted campaign for Srinivasan and JJ Singh and happy for their victories. My chagrin, voiced by others in the Hubbell Community, was with the frequent appeals after the November election from successful candidates who now want more money. I get that campaigns need money and certainly in the House races the next election seems just around the corner. But the disaster language, not to mention that some of the appeals are scams, is tiresome and patronizing. I congratulate all who help us focus on the crucial lesser known state races. The folks in VA did a great job in educating. So many of us are crying out, "What can we do?" And "How can we help?" No one person can respond to every appeal, but I know many of us stand read to do what we can, if the communication is clear and focused.
trump’s proposed secretary of defense, Hegseth, needs to be immediately and very specifically asked what he would do if directly ordered by trump to make plans to insert American personnel into Greenland or Panama.
He will lie without even blinking. They know that to get approved, they cannot say what they intend to do. We have let the maniacs run the house. I weep for America!
That which you say immediately brings to mind confirmation hearings of Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett, under oath to Congress. And as if only they have lied to Congress and to the American people. We are bound to weep even more in the coming days, and weeks, and years.
If Trump/Hegseth try to take over the Panama Canal, they will expose American troops to guerrilla warfare. The US didn‘t exit the Canal Zone simply because it was „the right thing to do“ or because „international opinion“ turned against the US. Guerrilla actions began to break out, and they were going to get more powerful. If Trump tries to take the Canal Zone by force, we could get a kind of Vietnam in the Western hemisphere.
Robert- glad you and Jill are safe. It’s extremely windy here in Simi but fortunately we too are currently safe. My heart aches for our friends and neighbors who lost their homes during the evening.
President Biden should order the DOJ to release Jack Smith’s report. Presidential immunity cuts both ways
I have a question: Why does Merrick Garland need permission from anyone, as Attorney General, to release a report for an investigation that he ordered? News outlets are not explaining this.
Exactly, especially given that she lacks jurisdiction. Why doesn't Biden, whom the Supreme Court has said cannot be held responsible for any "official act," just order it released?
Exactly! The White House should be flooded with emails and call asking Biden to do this as a last and necessary service to the nation. Not doing so would actually be a dereliction of duty. It would mean complicity in sweeping the truth under the rug.
Bezos owns Amazon. Shut down Prime everyone. I cancelled Prime a year ago- don’t miss it at all. Any purchased video content is still accessible- you don’t need Prime for accessing previously purchased content. Stop posting on Facebook which is owned by Zuckerberg. (I’m going to struggle with that because I’ve been sharing my favorite Substack authors on FB to get the word out, but I need to be completely off Facebook at this point.)
And stop shopping at Whole Foods (also owned by Bezos). And stop using PayPal (owned by Thiel, another billionaire Trump-worshiper). Stop using Instagram (also owned by Zuckerberg). Stop buying Teslas (owned by Musk). Sell yours or burn it (safely). Stop subscribing to StarLink (owned by Musk).
Robert, my sincerest hope that you, Jill, your family and friends (and all others there) will stay safe from the horrendous fires in your area.
On another subject, if Jack Smith and/or Merrick Garland are true patriots, they will see to the release of Smith’s report, even at the risk of prosecution for contempt of court.
If they do release the report, they should accompany it with a public statement arguing concisely that Judge Cannon‘s order is illegal and that they are not bound by an illegal order.
I tried posting this earlier but something must have gone wrong. I am deeply saddened by the Facebook/Meta news today, and I posted the following on my facebook page. For anyone similarly outraged, do make a public post and remember to # and @ facebook and meta
The following is my personal opinion. I do not expect every one who sees this will agree but if you don't, please comment repectfully
I am horrified at #Facebook and #meta decision to get rid of fact checkers.
This is not allowing free speech. This is creating a monster.
Was the fact checking too politically biased or is the dropping of fact checking actually the main political interference?
Were some unfair decisions in a wealth of correct decisions too high a price to pay if no guard rails are considered the better option?
Lies are not valid free speech no matter how many times they are repeated or amplified. They are still lies.
Unfounded conspiracy theories are not valid free speech.
Posts that promote hate, violence, racism, sexual abuse, religious intolerance are not valid free speech.
Posts that aim to attack, demean or groom the young, impressionable or vulnerable and the minorities are not valid free speech.
Freedom of speech is about many things but it is meant to be a positive force. It should not be that one person`s right to free expression is at the cost of another person's actual freedom to be safe and sane. It is not a selfish right. It should be a selfless right.
The post does the damage.
The POST does the damage.
The community comments are too little too late.
Social media was created by people who are now billionaires. They should have a responsibility to use their success wisely and not wash their hands of the repercussions of their inventions. That is cowardice and greed.
"At root, however, we must acknowledge that what we are experiencing is not normal. Indeed, it is unprecedented in the history of our nation. Feeling overwhelmed, confused, anxious, or angry is a normal human reaction. Indeed, not experiencing those feelings (to some degree) is not a normal human reaction."
Thank you for this! I literally feel like vomiting if I look at any news about trump in the past few days (since Jan 5th).
But "this too shall pass" and I/we will gird our loins and stand up for democracy. Thank you for this post and for the work you do. And I am also grateful for how the views of our incredible Universe put it all into perspective.
Every day will be a maddening day going forward, chaos is trump’s brand. Wishing for a military coup would have been unthinkable before last November, but here I am. The peaceful transfer of power to a fascist is nonsensical. I wish it wasn’t so, but we should not give trump control of our country and the world. We will deeply regret this in short order.
Robert, you are keeping me on an even keel. I was beginning to spiral from the onslaught, but your words help. I sat last early evening to watch the ceremony for President Carter and sobbed as the military choir sang “America the Beautiful.” Praying for God’s grace for this country, and that we have the strength to make it so.
Our son lives in LA and Will Rogers State Park is one of his favorite places. We’ve hiked there and are heartbroken at the loss. Praying that no lives are lost.
May you and your family stay safe as well as my myriad friends in the LA area! I watch this and all the other news emanating from the US with horror. And of course we in Italy now have our own conspiracy with Musk and Meloni. The world has indeed gone mad. I suspect it will take more time than I have on this earth to right itself again. The spiral turns. Sometimes way too slowly.
Mr Hubbell. As a kiwi from the islands of New Zealand, I want to extend my gratitude to you for caring so much for your country and offering intelligent information about the currently terrifying political climate that your fellow Americans are living with. I wish you all the very best in generating a movement which will help bring people back to the pathway of sanity which is about all people, not just the mega millionaires, billionaires and money focussed fools who have lost sight of their membership of the human race and the fragile planet we live on. I so totally wish you all the very best.
The real Americans are here and working. It’s hard for sure but we’re not leaving. Donald is.
Thank you for this beautiful and heartfelt comment. With this lunatic about to take office, it helps that “neighbors“ around the world understand our fears and concerns.
Karen, thank you so much! It's always great to hear from a non-US citizen that you know we're not all like that guy who is going back to the White House, heaven help us. And BTW, I loved NZ when I got to visit, many years ago! I tried to get my then-partner to move there with me, but he wouldn't do it.
Thanks for reporting on the craziness that surrounds the Trump take over.
The horrible fires in the LA area have me and so many others in an unbelievable state of shock. I’m writing from a motel 6. Grateful to have escaped the Altadena fire leaving our house as the winds blew flames closer and filled the night air with thick smoke.
This fire is another example of global warming and how fast it is approaching.
Trump will accelerate the growing catastrophe of global warming. We must fight the fires in front of our with all our strength.
Your leadership in fighting the horrible wildfire know as MAGA is immensely valuable.
My home has or likely going to burn tonight. But I will still stand and fight with you and the many others who value democracy and freedom more than anything.
How about a photo of the North Star.
Thinking of you....and all the others who had to evacuate. We had to do that in parts of Oregon over Labor Day in 2022 and the air quality....well, you know too well. So just want to send you some love and hope...if you have made it to a motel, you will survive.
And yes, we will all fight all the kinds of fire in front of us, for we are stronger than we know. Hugs to you, because losing a home is no small thing.
I’m glad you are safe, brave, and determined.
I hope you have a home to go back to. I cannot imagine the stress you must feel.
best wishes to you and those affected by the fires
in nature and in society
may you rebuild with resilience.
Yes, the North Star sounds like an appropriate objective. Harriet Tubman looked for it in seeking freedom. A lodestar. We need both celestial and societal navigation in these fraught times.
Polaris, please, Robert.
Please as you can get involved with 350.org, among other amazing teams, to help embrace the climate catastrophe healing movement.
Bill McKibben, is the 350.org fearless leader and founder, Methodist minister, and author of his seminal The End of Nature...
The hopes of all of us are with you.
Well said, among others‘ wishes.
Best of luck.
Bless you and prayers for all of you suffering through this climate “emergency.”
Thinking of you, please be safe.
So sorry to learn of the possible loss of your home and hoping that all in your family and neighborhood are safe. Your courage in this moment is remarkable. As your note demonstrates, so much is at stake across our country and the world.
My thoughts are with you . . .and glad you are safe. Lost our home in the 2008 SB Tea Fire and eventually rebuilt. Lesson: the Phoenix can rise from the ashes. Hang in there 🙏
Many thanks for all your kind words. Thankfully our house was spared but close neighbors were not so lucky.
Oh, YAY! I'm so glad your house was spared, but sad for your neighbors.
Returned tonight to see if there was an update from you. You've been much on my mind since this morning. Grateful to learn your house was spared, and to see the immense outpouring of care and concern expressed here for you. No wonder. A community formed around Robert and Jill, and we have come to care for one another, many of us strangers which seems to matter little. How lovely.
And naturally, as Jocelyn suggests, how sad for your neighbors. May they be given strength to endure during this unimaginable time.
💫
I cannot imagine how you must be feeling. 😔 Will keep you in my thoughts.
You are a brave, amazing person, to face the loss and ruin of things precious to you while still keeping your focus on the important fight that faces us all. I salute you. The best of good luck with coming out of this awful fire in good order.
My heart goes out to you from the relative safety of sub-zero wind chilled NH. Common enough this time of year, but there have been few storms and my yard and driveway are snow free near the White Mtns. Ski areas are hurting. Global warming for a state like NH that depends on its tourism is a catastrophe in the making. In my 55 years of adult life in NH as an avocational environmentalist, I have lost count of the effects of global warming that I have seen. Keep your spirit and I will, too.
I'm so sorry to hear that you had to evacuate! Your strength & courage are inspiring!
Sending you prayers and hopes for your home, and for your continued strength.
Glad to hear that you and Jill have avoided the fires so far. As for the rest, I can't imagine what it would be like to have to abandon your home in order to stay safe.
My contribution to democracy involves the results of Virginia's special election this past Tuesday. We won! The candidates I postcarded for who kept Virginia blue are Senator-elect Kannan Srinivasan and Delegate-Elect JJ Singh.
This, from the Loudoun Democrats:
"Loudoun Democrats are thrilled to announce a resounding victory in today’s Special Elections. With control of both the Virginia Senate and House of Delegates on the line, Loudoun voters have once again chosen leaders who champion reproductive freedom, marriage equality, and the strengthening of public education.
“Democratic voters have been deeply engaged and active in both of these elections since November,” said Liz Carter, Chair of the Loudoun County Democratic Committee. “From participating in two firehouse primaries to showing up again in today’s Special Elections, they’ve proven their dedication to the issues that matter most to Virginia families. Senator-elect Kannan Srinivasan and Delegate-elect JJ Singh will deliver on these priorities.
"The Loudoun County Democratic Committee remains steadfast in its commitment to defending Democratic values in Virginia. This victory has secured our Democratic majorities in the State Senate and House and sets the stage to deliver a Democratic trifecta this November."
Great work! Your success is encouraging!!
LOL, Emily. To be sure, it was a team effort!
As a democrat in Maryland I salute you for your efforts and the wins. We must prevail against this outright insanity from Trump in any ways we can. So grateful for the courage of those facing fires. Here we're just cold.
Agree, Carol. Those fires are horrific for all of those families. I, too, only have to contend with the cold.
I was so thrilled to hear about their election results! Happy to have written postcards via Postcards4VA and to feel that it made a difference, unlike the letters and postcards I did on behalf of Harris/Walz.
Dear JustRaven, please do not feel discouraged about the postcards you wrote for the Harris/Walz campaign. These efforts are important no matter the outcome. Who knows how many folks got to the polls because of them? We came so close! And they may appreciate the need to vote next time even more. I joined up with Postcards to Swing States. Some 265,000 of us sent postcards to some 40 million voters in swing states. We must keep at it. We're making progress! As the Obama campaign used to say: Si se puede!
JustRave, I think that your postcard-writing for Harris did make a difference. First of all, we came within a hair of winning. Don't forget that. Secondly, that hair was probably due to an intense year of Russian-influenced social media twitting. Third, most Americans--2/3 of American--voted against Trump either actively or passively. Fourth, many people were inspired to become and stay active on the progressive landscape nation-wide. Celebrate your Harris postcard-writing.
Christina, thanks for reminding people of the Russian interference! People keep forgetting about that, in their "need" to blame us for losing!
Me, too, JR; me, too.
Bravo Lynell! This is great news indeed. You are always out there finding actions to make, and making a difference from the ground up. You inspire us all to pick an action.
I just listened to a video from Marc Elias who applauded those who take even the smallest of actions toward advocating for democracy. He assured us that no action is too small.
Yes, He’s inspiring. I’ve been working on getting the city of Grand Rapids, MI to pursue the $49,000 that trump is stiffing the city for . He had two rallies in GR and refuses to pay for the police and public works employees that provided the successful and safe experience for him. It’s a small fight, but worthy in my opinion. These small fights are everywhere.
That's a worthy pursuit, ML, IMO. I hope you/Grand Rapids prevails.
MLRGRMI. – It is *not* a small fight. You’re upholding an important principle. And $49,000 is not petty cash.
MLRGRMI, his low-down nastiness is just disgusting. (One of the things I keep wondering about is, just how rich is he, actually. Maybe he can't actually afford to pay his massive bills?)
Lynell, I have thought so often of you in these last two months. Thank you for your service in so many ways. This morning I listened to Politics Girl because of your posting on HCR’s Substack. Thank you. (PS I wrote some postcards for VA, too. A win is a win!)
Congratulations!! What a fantastic accomplishment—thank you for your hard work.
Thank you, Laurie. It feels great when we get a win every now and then!
My heart did a little drum roll when I learned that my postcards worked for Loudoun
So good to hear the results of the special election yesterday!! To you, Lynell, and all here who worked on it, congratulations and thank you!
THANK YOU so much for posting about this! I had not heard the results! This is encouraging 💪🏾
Great work! Congratulations!
Congratulations, Lynell! A bit of good news in a landscape of despair. It encourages me to keep working locally.
I haven't lived in LA as long as you have Robert, but I haven't seen winds like these in the 45 years I have been here. Nice to hear the reassurance about "the flatlands."
Good news: the Getty Villa only had some trees catch fire. they have an excellent fire suppression system in the museum.
Every time you say "He can't get crazier than that!" He says "Hold my diet Coke."
You got it right for sure, TC. He's ramping up "the crazy" because he wants to keep everyone buzzing about his latest insanity so we won't pay attention to what he's really trying to get away with on any given day.
I keep wondering what could top annexing Canada, stealing Greenland or reclaiming the Panama Canal...
...maybe claiming President Biden forced him to sexually assault a space alien in a department store on Mars?
No one is going to believe any of this in 50 years. I can barely believe it now.
But no matter what insanity he concocts, I'm not going to look away from the parade of dangerous incompetents he's trying to install in our federal government. Time to start calling my Congressional representatives again to insist we absolutely cannot have a Hegseth, Gabbard, RFK, Jr. or Ramaswamy in charge of anything more important than running a hot dog cart on Coney Island.
Thanks to Robert, everyone "here" and all the truly decent and caring people supporting our democracy. Wish you peace, strength and hope in this new year.
I read that Thune told Felon 34 that he had the votes for Hegseth. My Senators are Warren and Markey and I have contacted them and they have assured me they will oppose these unqualified, dangerous nominees. But of course I am singing to the choir. I beg everyone to contact their senators to urge them to oppose these nominees.
Stay safe Robert and Jill. Even breathing that smoke and soot is dangerous. And thank you Robert for talking me off the ledge each and every day.
I sent an email to Warren (the phones seem to have been overloaded) telling her that Hegseth cannot survive a good cross-examination from a trial lawyer—someone who goes into courtrooms to examine witnesses, not just a lawyer who says s/he is a “litigator.” If anyone wants to second that view to her, all to the good. (I even offered to help out, but I hope the Democrats aren’t that desperate.)
Warren, my senator as well, has come out strongly against Hegseth with 70 questions she wants to ask him.
https://bsky.app/profile/washingtonpost.com/post/3lf5ntonpkc2u
I hope Senator Warren will prune that list of questions, lest she bore the media with „too much of a good thing“.
"talking me off the ledge"
I know, right?!
Add Gabbard for Dir of National Intelligence and McMahon who will destroy the Dept of Education. All money to support EdTechs and the teaching of learning disabled kids comes from there.
YES! We all need to learn to give little or no attention to the crazy pronouncements from Trump. I agree these “News conferences” are nothing more than a distraction from the real damage he intends. Specifically, as you mentioned, the upcoming hearing on his nominees beginning next week with Hegseth, who is demonstrably unqualified. He did this throughout his first term and we fell for it. We have to be smarter this time. Rather than focusing on what he said, which was petty grievance and inane nonsense, we should focus on what he is not saying. Nothing on inflation. Still no health care plan. How will he lower food prices. What is his plan for addressing immigration? Why did he demand Republicans drop the bipartisan immigration plan?
As you continue to fight, CC, I want to call our attention to the silence of the Democrats in Congress. Or worse, to their Fetterman-like softenings that look like yieldings to Trump. "Maybe RFK isn't so bad..." I can barely stand to read the "news" reports of their yieldings and cavings. Let's keep calling them and trying to hold their feet to the fire. If this cowardly behavior is all the result of Trump death threats, is there anything we can do about it? Jay Kuo recently had a good essay about the unspoken reality of this Mafia-like factor in the Trump regime. It's another thing that's so outrageous no one wants to talk about it, if it's indeed true (what else could explain all the summer GOP retirements from Congress, the marching in lockstep of the leftover non-MAGA GOP members, and the spineless current behavior of the Democrats?).
„ his latest insanity“ –
There are methods to his madness. Don‘t underestimate Trump and his minions.
Exactly my point. Follow the money. Follow the power grab.
We have to be the fire-suppression system for democracy. Thanks for the update about the Getty. That’s a relief!
So glad you’re safe and sound, TC!
Good to know about the Getty Villa.
Meanwhile in a small corner of the same universe, in Loudon Co VA, some of us went to an afternoon call party. As with all special elections some voters didn't know there was an election. A few needed rides to the polls. Many were more than were simply happy to be reminded to embrace (or confirm they already had) their right and privilege.
And it is good. Also a big safe heart to Jill and you in LA.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/politics/elections/virginia-democrats-maintain-narrow-legislative-majorities-after-special-election-wins/ar-AA1x8Dtk
Thanks for your work on this. Contributions from around the country helped in this effort I assume. Amidst the deluge of "give us more so we can fight" requests for dough from Democrats, we need to be strategic and careful. But we do need to continue. Advice from the Hubbell Community is always welcome as to where we might help in the less covered races and actions. In that light, what is to be done to help North Carolina Dems fight the State Supreme Court Coup and what if anything is to be done to thwart Cannon's ruling? As you say, Robert, we must fight. What are our marching orders?
These 2 campaigns never asked me for money. They seemed pretty set with staff. And also they have had a bunch of local groups door knocking. Rides to the polls for voters was efficient and effective too. Good operation Ayat and their team.
Joe, let me be clear. I was happy to receive appeals to support the targeted campaign for Srinivasan and JJ Singh and happy for their victories. My chagrin, voiced by others in the Hubbell Community, was with the frequent appeals after the November election from successful candidates who now want more money. I get that campaigns need money and certainly in the House races the next election seems just around the corner. But the disaster language, not to mention that some of the appeals are scams, is tiresome and patronizing. I congratulate all who help us focus on the crucial lesser known state races. The folks in VA did a great job in educating. So many of us are crying out, "What can we do?" And "How can we help?" No one person can respond to every appeal, but I know many of us stand read to do what we can, if the communication is clear and focused.
Fair enough Patrick!
Good work! Thanks for letting us know!!
trump’s proposed secretary of defense, Hegseth, needs to be immediately and very specifically asked what he would do if directly ordered by trump to make plans to insert American personnel into Greenland or Panama.
He will lie without even blinking. They know that to get approved, they cannot say what they intend to do. We have let the maniacs run the house. I weep for America!
That which you say immediately brings to mind confirmation hearings of Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett, under oath to Congress. And as if only they have lied to Congress and to the American people. We are bound to weep even more in the coming days, and weeks, and years.
I agree with you Linda but it's so devastating i can't give you a heart.
No one is talking about how to replace all the women he will force out of the military. They meet their recruiting goals now! Can everyone say, DRAFT?
If Trump/Hegseth try to take over the Panama Canal, they will expose American troops to guerrilla warfare. The US didn‘t exit the Canal Zone simply because it was „the right thing to do“ or because „international opinion“ turned against the US. Guerrilla actions began to break out, and they were going to get more powerful. If Trump tries to take the Canal Zone by force, we could get a kind of Vietnam in the Western hemisphere.
Hi Petie,
I noticed this post from you-greetings from Lisa in S.E.PA
Robert- glad you and Jill are safe. It’s extremely windy here in Simi but fortunately we too are currently safe. My heart aches for our friends and neighbors who lost their homes during the evening.
President Biden should order the DOJ to release Jack Smith’s report. Presidential immunity cuts both ways
Yes!!
"Presidential immunity cuts both ways" ✅
Yes, indeed!
I have a question: Why does Merrick Garland need permission from anyone, as Attorney General, to release a report for an investigation that he ordered? News outlets are not explaining this.
Exactly, especially given that she lacks jurisdiction. Why doesn't Biden, whom the Supreme Court has said cannot be held responsible for any "official act," just order it released?
Exactly! The White House should be flooded with emails and call asking Biden to do this as a last and necessary service to the nation. Not doing so would actually be a dereliction of duty. It would mean complicity in sweeping the truth under the rug.
Excellent point.
Perhaps because we are not them, nor do we want to be.
I like Ellen Thomas‘s citation of „official act“ . Stuff „Official Act“ back in the conservatives‘ faces.
… with a smile.
I lived in San Diego for 23 years and just LOVE Southern California. The wildfires are breaking my heart and I hope everyone is safe.
As for that goblin Bezos, I'm going to shut down my FB account right now. He can kick rocks. See you on BlueSky.
Bezos owns Amazon. Shut down Prime everyone. I cancelled Prime a year ago- don’t miss it at all. Any purchased video content is still accessible- you don’t need Prime for accessing previously purchased content. Stop posting on Facebook which is owned by Zuckerberg. (I’m going to struggle with that because I’ve been sharing my favorite Substack authors on FB to get the word out, but I need to be completely off Facebook at this point.)
I'm shutting down everything on Jan 20th. if enough people do it they'll notice!
And stop shopping at Whole Foods (also owned by Bezos). And stop using PayPal (owned by Thiel, another billionaire Trump-worshiper). Stop using Instagram (also owned by Zuckerberg). Stop buying Teslas (owned by Musk). Sell yours or burn it (safely). Stop subscribing to StarLink (owned by Musk).
Robert, my sincerest hope that you, Jill, your family and friends (and all others there) will stay safe from the horrendous fires in your area.
On another subject, if Jack Smith and/or Merrick Garland are true patriots, they will see to the release of Smith’s report, even at the risk of prosecution for contempt of court.
If they do release the report, they should accompany it with a public statement arguing concisely that Judge Cannon‘s order is illegal and that they are not bound by an illegal order.
I tried posting this earlier but something must have gone wrong. I am deeply saddened by the Facebook/Meta news today, and I posted the following on my facebook page. For anyone similarly outraged, do make a public post and remember to # and @ facebook and meta
The following is my personal opinion. I do not expect every one who sees this will agree but if you don't, please comment repectfully
I am horrified at #Facebook and #meta decision to get rid of fact checkers.
This is not allowing free speech. This is creating a monster.
Was the fact checking too politically biased or is the dropping of fact checking actually the main political interference?
Were some unfair decisions in a wealth of correct decisions too high a price to pay if no guard rails are considered the better option?
Lies are not valid free speech no matter how many times they are repeated or amplified. They are still lies.
Unfounded conspiracy theories are not valid free speech.
Posts that promote hate, violence, racism, sexual abuse, religious intolerance are not valid free speech.
Posts that aim to attack, demean or groom the young, impressionable or vulnerable and the minorities are not valid free speech.
Freedom of speech is about many things but it is meant to be a positive force. It should not be that one person`s right to free expression is at the cost of another person's actual freedom to be safe and sane. It is not a selfish right. It should be a selfless right.
The post does the damage.
The POST does the damage.
The community comments are too little too late.
Social media was created by people who are now billionaires. They should have a responsibility to use their success wisely and not wash their hands of the repercussions of their inventions. That is cowardice and greed.
That is not free speech.
Well said. I’ve been looking for the words to post to my friends as I say goodbye to Facebook. May I quote you?
yes of course you can.
„That is not free speech“ –
Zuckerberg is malevolently corrupting the concept of free speech.
Robert, can the Freedom of Information Act give us access to Jack Smith’s reports?
"At root, however, we must acknowledge that what we are experiencing is not normal. Indeed, it is unprecedented in the history of our nation. Feeling overwhelmed, confused, anxious, or angry is a normal human reaction. Indeed, not experiencing those feelings (to some degree) is not a normal human reaction."
Thank you for this! I literally feel like vomiting if I look at any news about trump in the past few days (since Jan 5th).
But "this too shall pass" and I/we will gird our loins and stand up for democracy. Thank you for this post and for the work you do. And I am also grateful for how the views of our incredible Universe put it all into perspective.
Every day will be a maddening day going forward, chaos is trump’s brand. Wishing for a military coup would have been unthinkable before last November, but here I am. The peaceful transfer of power to a fascist is nonsensical. I wish it wasn’t so, but we should not give trump control of our country and the world. We will deeply regret this in short order.
Robert, you are keeping me on an even keel. I was beginning to spiral from the onslaught, but your words help. I sat last early evening to watch the ceremony for President Carter and sobbed as the military choir sang “America the Beautiful.” Praying for God’s grace for this country, and that we have the strength to make it so.
Our son lives in LA and Will Rogers State Park is one of his favorite places. We’ve hiked there and are heartbroken at the loss. Praying that no lives are lost.
May you and your family stay safe as well as my myriad friends in the LA area! I watch this and all the other news emanating from the US with horror. And of course we in Italy now have our own conspiracy with Musk and Meloni. The world has indeed gone mad. I suspect it will take more time than I have on this earth to right itself again. The spiral turns. Sometimes way too slowly.
Yes, I think you are correct. We need to accept this as the new reality, even if we don’t like it, and at the same time, resist, resist.