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
My folks went to the University of Michigan and revered it. I am so relieved to see that it retains its healthy freedom of speech and inquiry reputation. Thank you for sharing this. Abortion is healthcare and abortion is nuanced. It generally requires a lot of complicated issues. It also involves a serious choice, so if you don't want to have an abortion on religious or other grounds, you don't have to have one. I still remember the words of a beloved doctor who was assassinated because he performed abortions: "Women will make the right choice." And he died because of his belief in women. His assassin was a man.
It's a big university and as liberal as many students and faculty are, it has its share of conservatives. I hadn't heard about Jim Harbaugh discussing abortion publicly. He has always been a passionate Catholic. Looks like he was asked about it in 2020 and gave his opinion (link below) to a senior editor of the conservative National Review.
This most recent time was at a "Right to Life" fundraising event on July 17, 2022 in Plymouth, Michigan.
In a statement sent to Newsweek, a spokesperson for Michigan football said, "Jim Harbaugh attended an event and shared his personal views as any citizen has the constitutional right to do. He was sharing his personal beliefs and was not speaking on behalf of the university."
The University of Michigan has lots of experience with Jim Harbaugh's unusual and often quirky personality. I don't believe college coaches should be making public statements about their religious opinions, for obvious reasons. I am not defending his behavior on this topic.
As the Yahoo article (link below) said, he doesn't care what anyone else thinks and he is also willing to admit publicly when he thinks he was wrong. He made a very public "about face" regarding Colin Kaepernick's now famous kneeling during the national anthem before a professional football game.
So Jennifer, bottom line is that whenever you may ask "What is up at U of M?," if the topic is Jim Harbaugh, for better or worse, he is usually in a class all by himself.
Thanks CC for your thoughtful response! I liked Harbaugh when he was the coach of my home team (until they moved to Santa Clara). And I agree, in this charged world, I agree that coaches should not wade into the mud.
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.\\\
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.
A great way to support other states is through a Giving Circle of The States Project. The States Project has analyzed which states are most critically flippable for Democratic majority--so our donor dollars get the most bang for the buck! Jessica Craven has a Giving Circle and appears to have adopted a second state:
Thank you! I was trying to decide how to deploy a modest sum. We tend to donate emotionally - it's natural. But donating effectively gets us where we NEED to go. Thanks again.
I really appreciate your comment. We need to work for the good of the country. Joe Biden is doing this work as are those in his cabinet. I bet there are lots of people out there that feel as we do and I'd really like to learn more about them instead of endless soundbites about snake oil salesmen. I really would.
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.
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.
The funny thing about it is that all those programs are hugely popular among all Americans. Strange that they seem unable to understand or acknowledge that a = a*, another failing of our education system. Fox and other misinformation "news" is such a divisive influence.
*I hope my a = a is the correct way of stating this. I never understood algebra and have never used it until now.
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.
Thanks Robert. A lot of us tend to regard anything prior to 9/11 as ancient or non-existent history and forget the lessons that went along with it. The same applies for both the inflation and the civil rights protests of the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Some of those lessons come in very handy today.
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.
That's very interesting. I have personally had it with Biden bashing. He inherited a mess from a narcissistic and incompetent slob and now he's doing more than just cleanup. He's trying to move the dial forward. The rightwing is costing up lots of money and wasting everyone's time.
Exactly. The country continues to pay for the ineptitude and venality of Trump and his enablers. Republicans make a mess and Democrats get criticized when they clean it up.
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.
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.
Yes; thanks for the correction. But if states choose to make prosecutorial positions political, it's tough to see how being political is grounds for recusal.
“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.
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?
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
My folks went to the University of Michigan and revered it. I am so relieved to see that it retains its healthy freedom of speech and inquiry reputation. Thank you for sharing this. Abortion is healthcare and abortion is nuanced. It generally requires a lot of complicated issues. It also involves a serious choice, so if you don't want to have an abortion on religious or other grounds, you don't have to have one. I still remember the words of a beloved doctor who was assassinated because he performed abortions: "Women will make the right choice." And he died because of his belief in women. His assassin was a man.
I saw that video over the weekend; it was quite powerful. What is up at U of M? The head football coach said that the unborn should be given a chance.
It's a big university and as liberal as many students and faculty are, it has its share of conservatives. I hadn't heard about Jim Harbaugh discussing abortion publicly. He has always been a passionate Catholic. Looks like he was asked about it in 2020 and gave his opinion (link below) to a senior editor of the conservative National Review.
This most recent time was at a "Right to Life" fundraising event on July 17, 2022 in Plymouth, Michigan.
In a statement sent to Newsweek, a spokesperson for Michigan football said, "Jim Harbaugh attended an event and shared his personal views as any citizen has the constitutional right to do. He was sharing his personal beliefs and was not speaking on behalf of the university."
The University of Michigan has lots of experience with Jim Harbaugh's unusual and often quirky personality. I don't believe college coaches should be making public statements about their religious opinions, for obvious reasons. I am not defending his behavior on this topic.
As the Yahoo article (link below) said, he doesn't care what anyone else thinks and he is also willing to admit publicly when he thinks he was wrong. He made a very public "about face" regarding Colin Kaepernick's now famous kneeling during the national anthem before a professional football game.
So Jennifer, bottom line is that whenever you may ask "What is up at U of M?," if the topic is Jim Harbaugh, for better or worse, he is usually in a class all by himself.
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan/wolverines/2020/04/11/michigan-football-jim-harbaugh-horrendous-abortion-coronavirus/2975639001/
https://www.newsweek.com/jim-harbaugh-anti-abortion-event-unborn-comment-1726066
https://sports.yahoo.com/be-outraged-or-be-happy-about-jim-harbaughs-anti-abortion-stance-hell-keep-being-jim-harbaugh-214055066.html
https://www.espn.com/video/clip/_/id/34296028
Thanks CC for your thoughtful response! I liked Harbaugh when he was the coach of my home team (until they moved to Santa Clara). And I agree, in this charged world, I agree that coaches should not wade into the mud.
Or, perhaps a choice?
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.\\\
What’s the vaccine against fascism? Truth, leavened with a bit of humility.
Nice!
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.
A great way to support other states is through a Giving Circle of The States Project. The States Project has analyzed which states are most critically flippable for Democratic majority--so our donor dollars get the most bang for the buck! Jessica Craven has a Giving Circle and appears to have adopted a second state:
https://www.grapevine.org/giving-circle/KXMhoaJ/Jess-Craven-s-Giving-Circle
or go to The States Project to start your own!
https://statesproject.org/why-states-matter/
presumably with Robert's blessing!
https://www.callin.com/episode/future-now-the-states-project-WnHGzwuwjQ
With my great encouragement!!
Thank you! I was trying to decide how to deploy a modest sum. We tend to donate emotionally - it's natural. But donating effectively gets us where we NEED to go. Thanks again.
Appreciate info re who to support as I NEVER respond to begging emails.
Thank you
I really appreciate your comment. We need to work for the good of the country. Joe Biden is doing this work as are those in his cabinet. I bet there are lots of people out there that feel as we do and I'd really like to learn more about them instead of endless soundbites about snake oil salesmen. I really would.
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.
That's so well said. Thank you.
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.
The funny thing about it is that all those programs are hugely popular among all Americans. Strange that they seem unable to understand or acknowledge that a = a*, another failing of our education system. Fox and other misinformation "news" is such a divisive influence.
*I hope my a = a is the correct way of stating this. I never understood algebra and have never used it until now.
"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.
Good point about bygone bipartisanship.
Thanks Robert. A lot of us tend to regard anything prior to 9/11 as ancient or non-existent history and forget the lessons that went along with it. The same applies for both the inflation and the civil rights protests of the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Some of those lessons come in very handy today.
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.
That's very interesting. I have personally had it with Biden bashing. He inherited a mess from a narcissistic and incompetent slob and now he's doing more than just cleanup. He's trying to move the dial forward. The rightwing is costing up lots of money and wasting everyone's time.
Heart.
Exactly. The country continues to pay for the ineptitude and venality of Trump and his enablers. Republicans make a mess and Democrats get criticized when they clean it up.
Sad but true. I think I'll go read a little more about Eleanor Roosevelt to cheer myself up and inspire action. Onward.
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.
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.
Yes; thanks for the correction. But if states choose to make prosecutorial positions political, it's tough to see how being political is grounds for recusal.
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/
I love the one of his raised arm coming out of a chicken!
it's about time. in all senses of that phrase. many thanks for another piercingly sane, grounded analysis of the day's events.
“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.
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?
A reader yesterday corrected me and upon reflection, she was right. So I corrected my error.
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.
Yes. At last, a positive headline and story about the midterms in the Washington Post. Hopefully, it is a trend of truth.
I couldn't believe my eyes when I clicked on WaPo last night and saw a positive headline about Biden!
Me either, I shared it with everyone I know.