Thank you Robert Hubbell with all of my heart. You have kept us from despair many times, inspired us to get involved, and carried us to the finish line. No matter what happens, we will be with you going forward, understanding now that democracy requires our participation. Thank you for showing us we can make a difference. You’re a champion.
I second your comment, Barbara. Thank you, Robert! You leaned in and then jumped in and built a community that shared our pain, our joys, our ideas; you helped motivate us to write postcards, call voters, knock on doors, contribute what we could to preserve our Democracy for our children. For this I am grateful.
I couldn’t agree more. Thank you, Robert. Your newsletter was exactly what I needed with my coffee this morning. Linking arms with all of you today and in the days ahead.
“We came to talk with you. You are not forgotten. Your voice matters. Vote.” This message you left on the door for those residents you couldn’t talk with has sincerity and kindness. You likely did connect with them even if not face to face. So grateful to you, Jill and Jessica and friends for giving your all in Mecklenburg county.
This is your BEST column, EVER. And boy! Do I feel wonderful reading it. Thank you for your chef-d'œuvre -- and for all the ceaseless work that you and Jill have put in, to be able to write what you have written. As I used to say to myself many decades ago, back in medical school when things got sometimes way too tough: you can't do better than your best. You did your best. So did Jill.
A perfect thank you to Robert, Jill, and all of us who have done what we can, in our own little or big ways, to preserve our democracy. Whatever the outcome, the goal remains the same and our efforts will continue.
I am also confident that we are not going back, no matter what happens Tuesday, Nov 5th. Robert Hubbell, you are a big reason why. You have given so many of us American Citizens a steadfast example of pragmatic engagement, and compassionate, and thoughtful hard work for democracy. John Lewis would have his heart warmed by your leadership you provided us. Thank You ! I also came across this you tube video from a debate with Pete and 25 undecided west Michigan voters. Pete Buttigieg offers us a master-class in compassionate communication. He models the skills we need going forward to knit our frayed Union back together. Enjoy! https://youtu.be/YE1f3n_n9UA
A master class indeed. Thanks for sharing. I truly hope Pete Buttigieg will run again and win. He would be a great President – following eight years of Kamala Harris.
Dear MLRGRMI, I hope I live long enough to see Pete Buttigieg elected President of the United States. If Kamala is elected now,, who knows what can happen in the future?
True words that fully express how I feel and so many others, especially women. I hadn't thought of this comparison, but physically, it feels the same as waiting to find out if someone you love is going to survive!
For my vigil, I'm not watching coverage till later. For now, watching Echo in the Canyon, which celebrates a time of liberation, of organic wildness, and of growth in music and culture. "The road of excess leads to the palace of wisdom".
The freedoms won in that time, before and after, are all on the line. We are fighting the forces that our parent's & grandparent's generations already fought & died to defeat. Only now it's home-grown. "The enemy within" indeed. It's bizarre.
If we lose our beloved today, we have to just remember that countries can and do come back. It may take a generation or even two but it will happen. A friend of mine used to quote an old expression, "When the times are oppressive, the people get clever". Liberation will out!
Warm gratitude to all in this community for the open, thoughtful, inspiring conversation these many months. This is was what victory feels like ...
"When the times are oppressive, the people get clever". Liberation will out! Beautiful! "Echo in the Canyon" sounds wonderful. I just checked and it's on Netflix. After a long walk with my daughter, reading, and cooking some comfort food, that sounds like a healing thing to do. I'm holding off on coverage till at least 9 pm. I just googled Alison Luter. She is a highly accomplished and respected poet.
PS Kamala and all Democrats running for office across the country made us proud with the campaigns they ran. I'm not aware of any that have embarrassed us. That's a mouthful considering our opponents. Joe Biden made me hugely proud. I hope all of us. He is in a class of his own.We can call it a day today proud of where we are knowing we left nothing on the field. Watching Kamala give her closing in Philadelphia a few minutes ago was invigorating. She is charged up and ready to go. We can all smile knowing that where there is a will there is a way, and that if there is a way to win tomorrow, we will win!
Thanks as always for the perspective and optimism Mr. Hubbell, I hope when I grow up I'm half the person you are :). You inspire me. Additionally, great notes about Charlotte, its an up and coming town in America it's sad to hear that even it has areas that are ignored. That needs addressing, not just in Charlotte but everywhere.
Thank you, Robert and Jill, for your wisdom and unfaltering optimism.
My partner and I—Nevada residents in our 70s—have proudly put in many hours writing letters, knocking on doors, phone banking, and texting on behalf of the Harris campaign and local Democrats. We have faith that this swing state of ours will swing blue…
We share your confidence.
A small group of friends will join us for dinner and to watch returns come in tomorrow night. On the menu: Tim Walz’s prizewinning Minnesota Hot Dish and a red-white-and-blue cheesecake dessert. And champagne, because after all, we have much to celebrate.
Thank you, Robert. I know I have often expressed my gratitude to you for these newsletters, the awe-inspiring astronomy images, the words you put out that bring us hope and sustain our efforts to make a difference towards saving our democracy, and I hope you know how much you are appreciated. Take care of yourself and Jill!
I had the same felling and thoughts you expressed about canvassing in the large apartment complexes in NC that were in disrepair but it was in Oct 2016 in PA near Philly. I took a bus from NYC with my high school aged daughter to canvass for Hillary. I was at first surprised when I heard so many say they probably would not go to vote. But as I walked the neighborhood I realized how left out and left behind they were. This was a poor Black neighborhood and even with a Dem in the White House for 8 years, Obama in the White House, they did not get anything out of it, even their sidewalks were cracked and dislodged, let alone the houses and abandoned lots. That was when I started to understand why they might not bother to vote and why they felt it didn't matter. I tell that story often. After all the work we've done since then, I am hoping for a steady push forward. I don't know how it can be so close but like you said, we could not be working any harder! We have organized volunteers tomorrow to be at the polls to continue to try to push Prop 1 (NY's abortion ballot question) across the finish line! Since we have worked on so many candidates and issues this cycle, there will be many results to watch and some of them have to be good! Thank you for working in community with us.
"That was when I started to understand why they might not bother to vote". I love your use of the word "started". Yes! (Any chance that you're related to the great David Corn?)
I’m 80 years old and have seen a few presidential elections but even with JFK and Obama I have never seen so many people energized and all working together to take our country back and move forward. When JFK became President there was a generational change in this country which signaled a new generation of leadership and that is happening now and today. Voters since 2016 have been somewhat passive and bulled by MAGA and now is the time we are fighting back, coming together and starting the healing process. The grassroots energy and commitment will carry over after the election and impact local elections and politics which is where democracy begins. A a famous pollster said recently their algorithm and models are based on historical voting turnout models. If the turnout is greater than the predicted model then the forecast is not correct. I feel the momentum and I see the turnout and I am a believer. My thanks to all of you for your time ,commitment and faith.
Me too, Stephen. Actually, VP Kamala Harris and Tim Walz have replicated the energy, excitement and anticipation of a better future that was the hallmark of JFK and Bobby Kennedy’s campaign. That energy is what I have all these years felt we had lost. My hope is that our future returns to the Kennedy ideals of living everyone up to a better place. Kamala appears ready and prepared to do so.
Here in red ole Tennessee, you have continually helped me see the blue, and I have shared your newsletter with numerous friends, hoping your positive, energizing messages will inspire them, too.
Many friends and acquaintances of mine who have voted Republican all their lives are voting blue this year.
Thank you for steering a course for us to follow to the stars of truth, justice, peace, and love.
So good to hear, Jenny! I remember a post here a few days ago. A person who was working the polls met a couple, looked very MAGA to her but were very open to what she had to say. As they left, the man leaned over and confided to her: "We usually are pretty conservative, but we don't vote crazy!"
Thank you Robert Hubbell with all of my heart. You have kept us from despair many times, inspired us to get involved, and carried us to the finish line. No matter what happens, we will be with you going forward, understanding now that democracy requires our participation. Thank you for showing us we can make a difference. You’re a champion.
I second your comment, Barbara. Thank you, Robert! You leaned in and then jumped in and built a community that shared our pain, our joys, our ideas; you helped motivate us to write postcards, call voters, knock on doors, contribute what we could to preserve our Democracy for our children. For this I am grateful.
Beautifully said, Andrew!
Amen!
Amen. We’re not going back.
Indeed! This newsletter has been a staple of my life since it first came to my attention many years ago. Thank you, Robert.
I couldn’t agree more. Thank you, Robert. Your newsletter was exactly what I needed with my coffee this morning. Linking arms with all of you today and in the days ahead.
“We came to talk with you. You are not forgotten. Your voice matters. Vote.” This message you left on the door for those residents you couldn’t talk with has sincerity and kindness. You likely did connect with them even if not face to face. So grateful to you, Jill and Jessica and friends for giving your all in Mecklenburg county.
This is your BEST column, EVER. And boy! Do I feel wonderful reading it. Thank you for your chef-d'œuvre -- and for all the ceaseless work that you and Jill have put in, to be able to write what you have written. As I used to say to myself many decades ago, back in medical school when things got sometimes way too tough: you can't do better than your best. You did your best. So did Jill.
A perfect thank you to Robert, Jill, and all of us who have done what we can, in our own little or big ways, to preserve our democracy. Whatever the outcome, the goal remains the same and our efforts will continue.
I am also confident that we are not going back, no matter what happens Tuesday, Nov 5th. Robert Hubbell, you are a big reason why. You have given so many of us American Citizens a steadfast example of pragmatic engagement, and compassionate, and thoughtful hard work for democracy. John Lewis would have his heart warmed by your leadership you provided us. Thank You ! I also came across this you tube video from a debate with Pete and 25 undecided west Michigan voters. Pete Buttigieg offers us a master-class in compassionate communication. He models the skills we need going forward to knit our frayed Union back together. Enjoy! https://youtu.be/YE1f3n_n9UA
A master class indeed. Thanks for sharing. I truly hope Pete Buttigieg will run again and win. He would be a great President – following eight years of Kamala Harris.
Love that crazy mad optimism!
I may have to be like Jimmy Carter and decide to live long enough to vote for Pete Buttigieg for President.
I just said that to another reader! May we be blessed like Jimmy Carter!
Marvelous!!!
Thank you very much for the link. Let's hope Pete Buttigieg will have a place in Harris's cabinet and will be president after her eight-year term.
I watched on Sunday. I hope we also one day have a President Pete (after 8 years of Kamala!)
Dear MLRGRMI, I hope I live long enough to see Pete Buttigieg elected President of the United States. If Kamala is elected now,, who knows what can happen in the future?
I’ve heard it said and been there…it’s like waiting for a biopsy report…and have it turn out to be the best news ever!!
We all feel the same. This was just forwarded to me from a friend in California
Alison Luterman
HOLDING VIGIL
My cousin asks if I can describe this moment,
the heaviness of it, like sitting outside
the operating room while someone you love
is in surgery and you’re on those awful plastic chairs
eating flaming Doritos from the vending machine
which is the only thing that seems appealing to you, dinner-wise,
waiting for the moment when the doctor will come out
in her scrubs and face-mask, which she’ll pull down
to tell you whether your beloved will live or not. That’s how it feels
as the hours tick by, and everyone I care about
is texting me with the same cold lump of dread in their throat
asking if I’m okay, telling me how scared they are.
I suppose in that way this is a moment of unity,
the fact that we are all waiting in the same
hospital corridor, for the same patient, who is on life support,
and we’re asking each other, Will he wake up?
Will she be herself? And we’re taking turns holding vigil,
as families do, and bringing each other coffee
from the cafeteria, and some of us think she’s gonna make it
while others are already planning what they’ll wear to the funeral,
which is also what happens at times like these,
and I tell my cousin I don’t think I can describe this moment,
heavier than plutonium, but on the other hand,
in the grand scheme of things, I mean the whole sweep
of human history, a soap bubble, because empires
are always rising and falling, and whole civilizations
die, they do, they get wiped out, this happens
all the time, it’s just a shock when it happens to your civilization,
your country, when it’s someone from your family on the respirator,
and I don’t ask her how she’s sleeping, or what she thinks about
when she wakes at three in the morning,
cause she’s got two daughters, and that’s the thing,
it’s not just us older people, forget about us, we had our day
and we burned right through it, gasoline, fast food,
cheap clothing, but right now I’m talking about the babies,
and not just the human ones, but also the turtles and owls
and white tigers, the Redwoods, the ozone layer,
the icebergs for the love of God—every single
blessed being on the face of this earth
is holding its breath in this moment,
and if you’re asking, can I describe that, Cousin,
then I’ve gotta say no, no one could describe it
we all just have to live through it,
holding each other’s hands.
—from Poets Respond
This poem so accurately describes what many of us are feeling. Thank you for sharing it.
True words that fully express how I feel and so many others, especially women. I hadn't thought of this comparison, but physically, it feels the same as waiting to find out if someone you love is going to survive!
No words... A brilliant metaphor for the past many, many months -- powerful, accurate, deeply moving. Did Alllison Luterman write this?
Hi kd 🙂
She is credited as author.
Powerful metaphor indeed.
For my vigil, I'm not watching coverage till later. For now, watching Echo in the Canyon, which celebrates a time of liberation, of organic wildness, and of growth in music and culture. "The road of excess leads to the palace of wisdom".
The freedoms won in that time, before and after, are all on the line. We are fighting the forces that our parent's & grandparent's generations already fought & died to defeat. Only now it's home-grown. "The enemy within" indeed. It's bizarre.
If we lose our beloved today, we have to just remember that countries can and do come back. It may take a generation or even two but it will happen. A friend of mine used to quote an old expression, "When the times are oppressive, the people get clever". Liberation will out!
Warm gratitude to all in this community for the open, thoughtful, inspiring conversation these many months. This is was what victory feels like ...
"When the times are oppressive, the people get clever". Liberation will out! Beautiful! "Echo in the Canyon" sounds wonderful. I just checked and it's on Netflix. After a long walk with my daughter, reading, and cooking some comfort food, that sounds like a healing thing to do. I'm holding off on coverage till at least 9 pm. I just googled Alison Luter. She is a highly accomplished and respected poet.
Yes she did. I just saw that Robert Reich also shared it in his substack.
Oh my. This is exactly how it feels. EXACTLY.
PS Kamala and all Democrats running for office across the country made us proud with the campaigns they ran. I'm not aware of any that have embarrassed us. That's a mouthful considering our opponents. Joe Biden made me hugely proud. I hope all of us. He is in a class of his own.We can call it a day today proud of where we are knowing we left nothing on the field. Watching Kamala give her closing in Philadelphia a few minutes ago was invigorating. She is charged up and ready to go. We can all smile knowing that where there is a will there is a way, and that if there is a way to win tomorrow, we will win!
Thanks as always for the perspective and optimism Mr. Hubbell, I hope when I grow up I'm half the person you are :). You inspire me. Additionally, great notes about Charlotte, its an up and coming town in America it's sad to hear that even it has areas that are ignored. That needs addressing, not just in Charlotte but everywhere.
Thank you, Robert and Jill, for your wisdom and unfaltering optimism.
My partner and I—Nevada residents in our 70s—have proudly put in many hours writing letters, knocking on doors, phone banking, and texting on behalf of the Harris campaign and local Democrats. We have faith that this swing state of ours will swing blue…
We share your confidence.
A small group of friends will join us for dinner and to watch returns come in tomorrow night. On the menu: Tim Walz’s prizewinning Minnesota Hot Dish and a red-white-and-blue cheesecake dessert. And champagne, because after all, we have much to celebrate.
Onward!
And again, many thanks…
Enjoy the experience you have prepared, Teri! Wish I were there!
Thanks! Give a shout if life should bring you to Las Vegas…
“We are stardust
We are golden
And we've got to get ourselves
Back to the garden.”
Joni Mitchell
💙💫🌟
I love that song. Have to listen to it today! Thanks for reminding me. Talk about hope and the impossible dream. It's no fun unless it's impossible.
Thank you, Robert. I know I have often expressed my gratitude to you for these newsletters, the awe-inspiring astronomy images, the words you put out that bring us hope and sustain our efforts to make a difference towards saving our democracy, and I hope you know how much you are appreciated. Take care of yourself and Jill!
I couldn't agree more, Just Raven!
I had the same felling and thoughts you expressed about canvassing in the large apartment complexes in NC that were in disrepair but it was in Oct 2016 in PA near Philly. I took a bus from NYC with my high school aged daughter to canvass for Hillary. I was at first surprised when I heard so many say they probably would not go to vote. But as I walked the neighborhood I realized how left out and left behind they were. This was a poor Black neighborhood and even with a Dem in the White House for 8 years, Obama in the White House, they did not get anything out of it, even their sidewalks were cracked and dislodged, let alone the houses and abandoned lots. That was when I started to understand why they might not bother to vote and why they felt it didn't matter. I tell that story often. After all the work we've done since then, I am hoping for a steady push forward. I don't know how it can be so close but like you said, we could not be working any harder! We have organized volunteers tomorrow to be at the polls to continue to try to push Prop 1 (NY's abortion ballot question) across the finish line! Since we have worked on so many candidates and issues this cycle, there will be many results to watch and some of them have to be good! Thank you for working in community with us.
"That was when I started to understand why they might not bother to vote". I love your use of the word "started". Yes! (Any chance that you're related to the great David Corn?)
Night before the marathon!
Last week, at the close of a postcarding gathering, meditation teacher Matthew Brensilver, PhD spoke of what we have come to know:
"… that love persists, no matter what happens, we'll persist."
May it be so.
I’m 80 years old and have seen a few presidential elections but even with JFK and Obama I have never seen so many people energized and all working together to take our country back and move forward. When JFK became President there was a generational change in this country which signaled a new generation of leadership and that is happening now and today. Voters since 2016 have been somewhat passive and bulled by MAGA and now is the time we are fighting back, coming together and starting the healing process. The grassroots energy and commitment will carry over after the election and impact local elections and politics which is where democracy begins. A a famous pollster said recently their algorithm and models are based on historical voting turnout models. If the turnout is greater than the predicted model then the forecast is not correct. I feel the momentum and I see the turnout and I am a believer. My thanks to all of you for your time ,commitment and faith.
Me too, Stephen. Actually, VP Kamala Harris and Tim Walz have replicated the energy, excitement and anticipation of a better future that was the hallmark of JFK and Bobby Kennedy’s campaign. That energy is what I have all these years felt we had lost. My hope is that our future returns to the Kennedy ideals of living everyone up to a better place. Kamala appears ready and prepared to do so.
Me too. Let’s hope
Here in red ole Tennessee, you have continually helped me see the blue, and I have shared your newsletter with numerous friends, hoping your positive, energizing messages will inspire them, too.
Many friends and acquaintances of mine who have voted Republican all their lives are voting blue this year.
Thank you for steering a course for us to follow to the stars of truth, justice, peace, and love.
So good to hear, Jenny! I remember a post here a few days ago. A person who was working the polls met a couple, looked very MAGA to her but were very open to what she had to say. As they left, the man leaned over and confided to her: "We usually are pretty conservative, but we don't vote crazy!"
Thank you Robert and Jill.