Robert, I write because, although fundamentally you and I are on the same page, I do perceive a fundamental difference that I can’t dismiss because it’s too important. On one hand, in your Concluding Thoughts, you write that “problem-spotting” is “worthless as political currency. The key is to find solutions.” On the other, I believe we generally need to understand the nature of a situation and the factors involved in order to find solutions.
For example, in recent years, Republicans have been remarkably successful at turbo-charging fears of Democrats embracing socialist policies. Essentially, Republicans bank on our not sharing a basic understanding of Socialism. They exploit Americans’ overall inexperience distinguishing between, say, Democratic Socialism, that merely calls for a more equitable distribution of a nation’s wealth, and Socialism, that advocates for government control and ownership of the means of production. Consequently, Americans largely are susceptible to Republicans conflating the two to serve their own interests.
A devastating effect has been our Party’s failure, despite its 50 Senate Democrats, to pass its promised transformative set of economic policies. Not surprisingly, as we speak, the failure to extend the child tax credit already is causing an increase in poverty.
My point is that sometimes we can’t find solutions until we fully understand the nature of the problem. Meanwhile, we’re losing elections we should be winning.
Unreasoned support of Putin is unfortunately not limited to weak-minded fools on the Right. A friend of mind tirelessly, and tiresomely, references Ralph Nader and "constitutional scholar" Bruce Fein, who argue in support of Putin's ruse that NATO's existence is an existential threat to Russia. (My friend happens to have been a philosophy major, which may account for a generally tentative relationship with the real world. Or is it his chronic gaming? Tough call. Now where'd I leave my Ocham's razor?)
"But most importantly, Democrats should stop spreading the false rumor that Democrats are focused on identity politics. They are not; they are focused on making the lives of all Americans better." Well said. Well done.
Love the “ Anyone can find fault. Let us find solutions.“ and it’s a great retort to Republican attacks. Bottom line is Republicans don’t have any solutions only faults. Our slogan should be “ Show me your solutions “.
“Unamerican Activities” seem to be a moot point in the GOP’s current incarnation. LGBTQ kids will survive because they must. Or not. Yet how dare these parents and politicians try to stigmatize them. They are bullies of the first order who use edicts and policies instead of fists and whips.
Dear Ralph Nader: Stick to promoting automotive safety. Dear Candace Owens: Stick to researching viruses and vaccines. Dear Josh Hawley: Take note that your Republican colleagues Lindsey Graham, Chuck Grassley and Ben Sasse are decidedly NOT in the Putin camp and re-assess your own fawning statements, so reminiscent of Charles Lindbergh and Prescott Bush, in an earlier, "simpler" time.
I am appalled at the Republicans' lying and support of Putin. Do you remember when Romney said that Russia was the geo-political threat, and nobody listened to him? (I am glad he wasn't elected, but he still spoke the truth on this subject). If you'd like to hear an excellent description of what REALLY happened with Ukraine's claim to sovereignty, and it's NOT what Putin said, please listen to Timothy Snyder from last night's "The Last Word" with Lawrence O'Donnell: https://www.msnbc.com/the-last-word/watch/why-invading-ukraine-could-be-a-real-problem-for-putin-133720133759
And in accordance with Putin's logic, the members of the Republican party who agree with Putin's version of history would understand that the U.S.A. is actually entirely a creation of well ... lets see ... Great Britain, France, Spain, Portugal ... and perhaps we should also properly include those who were actually here first the indigenous people from whom all those others actually stole the land.
I haven't turned on my TV today (yet), so I'm not "up" on the status of things. But one thing I will add to this is that with that amazing cast of brains assembled around Biden, it's no wonder he's playing a masterful game of three-dimensional chess. He actually pays attention to those who give him their best ideas...and that's an attribute of real leadership.
Context for Putin's version of history of Ukraine:
Kyiv is one among the oldest cities in Europe and was founded in 482, while Moscow was founded in 1147 by Yuriy Dolgoruky, the son of Volodymyr Monomakh. So, Kyiv is older than Moscow by 665 years.
Courtesy of and with permission of U.S. embassy in Kyiv:
It would be nice if Republicans remembered the old adage that politics stops at the water’s edge, even better if they were stand-defenders of democracy. But the next best thing is for them to deepen the split in the party over Putin and Ukraine. For now, I’ll take it.
Since Robert released today’s edition, Germany has announced it is stopping the Nordstream II pipeline. Good for Germany (although I shouldn’t be surprised to see them reverse themselves if Putin extends a fig-leaf). Now it’s up to Biden to tighten the screws, because Russia has sent troops into Lukhansk and the Donbas.
Alaska was once Russian territory. Will Republicans let Putin make a play for it?
Robert, I write because, although fundamentally you and I are on the same page, I do perceive a fundamental difference that I can’t dismiss because it’s too important. On one hand, in your Concluding Thoughts, you write that “problem-spotting” is “worthless as political currency. The key is to find solutions.” On the other, I believe we generally need to understand the nature of a situation and the factors involved in order to find solutions.
For example, in recent years, Republicans have been remarkably successful at turbo-charging fears of Democrats embracing socialist policies. Essentially, Republicans bank on our not sharing a basic understanding of Socialism. They exploit Americans’ overall inexperience distinguishing between, say, Democratic Socialism, that merely calls for a more equitable distribution of a nation’s wealth, and Socialism, that advocates for government control and ownership of the means of production. Consequently, Americans largely are susceptible to Republicans conflating the two to serve their own interests.
A devastating effect has been our Party’s failure, despite its 50 Senate Democrats, to pass its promised transformative set of economic policies. Not surprisingly, as we speak, the failure to extend the child tax credit already is causing an increase in poverty.
My point is that sometimes we can’t find solutions until we fully understand the nature of the problem. Meanwhile, we’re losing elections we should be winning.
Call it what is...treason.
Unreasoned support of Putin is unfortunately not limited to weak-minded fools on the Right. A friend of mind tirelessly, and tiresomely, references Ralph Nader and "constitutional scholar" Bruce Fein, who argue in support of Putin's ruse that NATO's existence is an existential threat to Russia. (My friend happens to have been a philosophy major, which may account for a generally tentative relationship with the real world. Or is it his chronic gaming? Tough call. Now where'd I leave my Ocham's razor?)
"But most importantly, Democrats should stop spreading the false rumor that Democrats are focused on identity politics. They are not; they are focused on making the lives of all Americans better." Well said. Well done.
Love the “ Anyone can find fault. Let us find solutions.“ and it’s a great retort to Republican attacks. Bottom line is Republicans don’t have any solutions only faults. Our slogan should be “ Show me your solutions “.
“Unamerican Activities” seem to be a moot point in the GOP’s current incarnation. LGBTQ kids will survive because they must. Or not. Yet how dare these parents and politicians try to stigmatize them. They are bullies of the first order who use edicts and policies instead of fists and whips.
Dear Ralph Nader: Stick to promoting automotive safety. Dear Candace Owens: Stick to researching viruses and vaccines. Dear Josh Hawley: Take note that your Republican colleagues Lindsey Graham, Chuck Grassley and Ben Sasse are decidedly NOT in the Putin camp and re-assess your own fawning statements, so reminiscent of Charles Lindbergh and Prescott Bush, in an earlier, "simpler" time.
I am appalled at the Republicans' lying and support of Putin. Do you remember when Romney said that Russia was the geo-political threat, and nobody listened to him? (I am glad he wasn't elected, but he still spoke the truth on this subject). If you'd like to hear an excellent description of what REALLY happened with Ukraine's claim to sovereignty, and it's NOT what Putin said, please listen to Timothy Snyder from last night's "The Last Word" with Lawrence O'Donnell: https://www.msnbc.com/the-last-word/watch/why-invading-ukraine-could-be-a-real-problem-for-putin-133720133759
And in accordance with Putin's logic, the members of the Republican party who agree with Putin's version of history would understand that the U.S.A. is actually entirely a creation of well ... lets see ... Great Britain, France, Spain, Portugal ... and perhaps we should also properly include those who were actually here first the indigenous people from whom all those others actually stole the land.
I haven't turned on my TV today (yet), so I'm not "up" on the status of things. But one thing I will add to this is that with that amazing cast of brains assembled around Biden, it's no wonder he's playing a masterful game of three-dimensional chess. He actually pays attention to those who give him their best ideas...and that's an attribute of real leadership.
Context for Putin's version of history of Ukraine:
Kyiv is one among the oldest cities in Europe and was founded in 482, while Moscow was founded in 1147 by Yuriy Dolgoruky, the son of Volodymyr Monomakh. So, Kyiv is older than Moscow by 665 years.
Courtesy of and with permission of U.S. embassy in Kyiv:
https://twitter.com/USEmbassyKyiv/status/1496115593149358081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1496115593149358081%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fpublish.twitter.com%2F%3Fquery%3Dhttps3A2F2Ftwitter.com2FUSEmbassyKyiv2Fstatus2F1496115593149358081widget%3DTweet
Perhaps Putin has it all the wrong way around and Russia is actually a part of Ukraine and should be properly governed from Kyiv by its President?
Bumper Sticker: Democrats are Pro-democracy, are you?
Splitting a hair into three parts! Wikipedia gives Occam, Ockham, and Ocham. Either his idea of a little joke on history, or the name of his law firm?
It would be nice if Republicans remembered the old adage that politics stops at the water’s edge, even better if they were stand-defenders of democracy. But the next best thing is for them to deepen the split in the party over Putin and Ukraine. For now, I’ll take it.
Since Robert released today’s edition, Germany has announced it is stopping the Nordstream II pipeline. Good for Germany (although I shouldn’t be surprised to see them reverse themselves if Putin extends a fig-leaf). Now it’s up to Biden to tighten the screws, because Russia has sent troops into Lukhansk and the Donbas.
O', ccam now! (Corny jokes welcome here. 😂)