74 Comments
Jul 26, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

I did not hear about this story today on TV. But when I looked at breaking news on the internet, I saw it was covered in many different publications. I thought it was interesting, so I'm sharing it here. Michigan may have it's share of white supremacists, but these medical students provide a stark contrast to the MAGA crowd.

Michigan medical students walk out on an anti-abortion keynote speaker

July 25, 20224:22 PM ET

https://www.npr.org/2022/07/25/1113508044/michigan-medical-students-walk-out-on-an-anti-abortion-keynote-speaker

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Jul 26, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

A sore thumb? Matt Gaetz is a streak of rubber heel on a linoleum floor as he strains to please the metaphorically challenged! The crazies may not think they need vaccines, but the case of DeSantis proves that they have all been infected by the romance of fascism, and will do ANYTHING to pander to their supporters including tossing democracy aside.\\\

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Jul 26, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

Thanks so much. I really appreciate your continuing support of Joe Biden. I really can’t imagine how anyone deals with all the issues presented daily to the President. His decency and clarity will become legend.

I have an off-topic suggestion as well. A responsible Republican Party should be the ones supporting Biden in his support of the Ukrainian war efforts. Defense spending has gone through the roof, largely adding to the coffers of that industry that usually relies on Republican spending. However, had Trump been in office, our country would not have supported Ukraine, or the European efforts as well, to end this war with possible victory. The munitions we are providing as a bi-partisan decision has created great wealth at home. That would not have occurred if Trump had his way. His instincts are always counter-productive. If I were a Democrat in a close race I would remind Republicans of this; be of service, make the right choices, and everyone wins. Joe Manchin has the same flaws as Trump. He can’t see the bigger picture, only his own selfish interests that keep his state poor and the country torn apart. He’s not generous.

So we are monetarily supporting candidates in other states (‘we live in California) who also reflect a generosity and willingness to serve for the good of the whole country. Thanks to you and Chop Wood, there’s quite a list that we know need help. If a million people gave even $3 to each of those candidates, we’d all be in better shape to win in ‘22.

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I reread Paul Krugman’s column and wished that everyone would read it and ask themselves where are the facts to support the headlines especially about the “ Big Lie”. I after thinking about it believe many Americans really now don’t believe it and are getting disgusted with all Republicans. If people would stop focusing on Joe Biden’s approval ratings and focus on what is actually being passed and implemented and look around at the number of infrastructure projects in their home town and the people doing the work then you can see for yourself that things are getting done.

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Jul 26, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

Thank you for another outstanding newsletter. No one can naa as me a fat left democrat. Even Bernie and AOC would be considered mainstream democrats in Europe. It’s sad that people think universal health care, paid medical and new born time off, etc are radical radical ideas. They all help people keep decency.

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Jul 26, 2022·edited Jul 26, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

"In normal times, passing new legislation requires a majority in both chambers of Congress and a president of the same party in the White House." True, as things stand today, but I can remember a time and hope to see again a situation where Congresspeople and Senators voted on principle at least some of the time and Presidents, regardless of party, worked with them in what they perceived to be the best interest of the country. If we continue to accept less than that, we'll never see our way clear of the political morass we're in right now.

Your comments on Mr. Biden are spot on.

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founding

Contrary to some press reports, Biden has done a very good job on the economy. He has helped provide stimulus when needed, allowed us to get past the worst of the Covid crisis, and taken measures to address supply bottlenecks. And he has done this at a time when Jerome Powell and the Fed have been doing their best to thwart his efforts.

Powell was first appointed to office by Trump and sworn in on February 5, 2018. Concerned that the economy was getting overheated, the Fed, under his direction, began to raise interest rates. When the rate hikes started, Trump almost immediately began to castigate Powell. Trump was alarmed that the Fed would derail economic growth and tank the stock market. Under withering attack, Powell capitulated and started a dramatic easing of rates from February, 2019 to March, 2020. He appeased Trump but his timing couldn't have been worse. Inflation took off and Biden is now paying the price. Amazingly, Powell was reappointed to his post in May and has now done another about face, raising rates at unprecedented rates, battering the stock market, and choking off economic growth. Bottom line, Biden is paying a steep political price for Trump's wrongheaded policies which were promoted by the Fed. Higher rates are probably advisable at this point considering inflation concerns, but if Powell hadn't caved to Trumps demands, we would be in a much better place with inflation, growth, and the stock market.

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Jul 26, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

The media and the Democratic party needs to do a better job speaking out against the GOP's authoritarian beliefs and start touting the legislative accomplishments of the President.

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founding
Jul 26, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

A small point: The Georgia judge who blocked the Fulton County DA from calling one of the fake electors before the grand jury did so, because that individual is running for state office in November, and Ms. Willis sponsored a fundraiser for the Democrat who is now his opponent. Another prosecutor will now decide if the man should go before the grand jury. I’m not sure that the decision was wrong, and even if it were, I think it was within the bounds of reason.

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Jul 26, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

On a lighter note: I love those memes out there showing Josh Hawley running like a gazelle. https://www.billboard.com/culture/politics/josh-hawley-run-capitol-riot-memes-1235117054/

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Jul 26, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

it's about time. in all senses of that phrase. many thanks for another piercingly sane, grounded analysis of the day's events.

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Jul 26, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

“Coincidence - a remarkable concurrence of events or circumstances without apparent causal connection.”

A remarkable occurrence of events or circumstance without apparent causal connection… Hmm, no apparent causal connection? Nope, I think Yogi said it exactly right. That is all too much of a coincidence to be a coincidence.

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Jul 26, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

Thank you for that switch from easy to simple. Simple is not always easy, it seems. But easier than an enigma…. Cults are not an enigma, but do not deprogram themselves, hence our dilemma?

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founding
Jul 26, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

Jennifer Rubin's column presented the ongoing antidemocratic movement even sans Trump.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/07/26/more-republicans-dumping-trump-gop-still-imperils-democracy/

Thanks for soldiering on with us through your time of covid. What a time it is.

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Jul 26, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

Yes. At last, a positive headline and story about the midterms in the Washington Post. Hopefully, it is a trend of truth.

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founding
Jul 26, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

I couldn't believe my eyes when I clicked on WaPo last night and saw a positive headline about Biden!

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