"the best thing we can do is to be steadfast in the pursuit of our goals." One thing we can be grateful for is that we have, in Joe Biden, a president who has been steadfast in support of democracy and opportunity for all. He does not win on every issue. Had he and we been able to keep the child tax credit, for instance, we would have made an enormous difference regarding the poverty of children. Thank you for encouraging us to keep on our path.
Where is the outrage, indeed? The man is talking about concentration camps and prosecuting political enemies, yet the response is crickets. Trump is alternately covered like a legitimate candidate or a sideshow when the reality is that he and his Republican enablers, are the greatest threat to the country since the Civil War.
I think there is more disgust than outrage and I think it’s quiet because it’s safer for people to be quiet and express their outrage behind the closed curtain of a voting booth.
I think that's a fair point, Stephen, and one we should remind voters of. Their vote is private, and whomever they support is their own business. However, if they get caught up in an echo chamber of the Defendant's lies, they may compromise their ability to think for themselves.
Mr. Berg, I am concerned that there is great comfort, not outrage. There is quiet because it is comfortable. I am concerned that when they walk into the voting booth, they have complete privacy to vote for it.
Carol I believe people are very aware of the bullying and blow back and for security reasons stay quiet and will vote their conscience. Silence in this case is a good thing. I pray I am right.
There seems to be a strong fear that "if we give this air and make it a major news story, people might not actually disagree with it or see why it is so wrong and so better to pretend it is not happening."
That seems to go all the way back to Hitler, who was, after all, elected in a relatively free election.
And yet, the appropriate response should be an enormous backlash from millions of people who care about our democracy and freedom. People who care about a government that is run for the people not for a vindictive madman. We should be hearing a collective and deafening roar of a reaction that condemns and crushes such hate speech. A roar that declares such talk from a presidential candidate as instigating violence against all of us.
This is not a political give and take. "I believe this, you believe that". This talk is what we have heard from dictators and kings for centuries. It needs to be called out. In a decent society, that little speech would have disqualified him from being taken seriously as a candidate. In a decent political party...
Of course, we should remember that "45" is an expert at projection. When he calls us "vermin" he is describing himself.
Believe the malady of complacency, denial and shortened attention spans plays a large part in our non-response.
A lot of folks lack critical thinking as to "Well, this keeps up, A, B or C will happen". Too many aren't even privy to actual news if it isn't entertaining or feeds into their sense of perceived outrage.
I was complacent about the 2016 election and bitterly learned the error of my ways - never again.
Great comment, Bill! We need to be more active than ever, and one thing we can do is to recommend this newsletter to friends and family who may be ignorant of the damage main stream media is proliferating at this important, actually desperate time.
I have been forwarding this and others like crazy to anyone who might just be too busy enjoying life. I am surely the big downer, but that's what it takes.
Correction: Hitler was *not* elected. True, his party achieved a plurality in the vote. But he became Chancellor only because he verbally bludgeoned President Hindenburg.
Hindenburg could well have, if he cared, empowered a coalition government that did not include Hitler.
Fair- my point though was, as you noted, the Nazis received a pluarilty of the vote despite the German public knowing exactly who they were and what they stood for.
I often get the sense that there is a real fear that if Trump's worst comments are turned into front page headlines that a sizeable enough minority will embrace what he is saying rather than condemn it.
No, it is not unfounded at all, based on the rampant antisemitism, bigotry and racism that we are seeing today. Jay Kuo, an Asian attorney who also writes a substack newsletter, described two instances of being attacked verbally while out in public during the height of Covid when Trump named it the “China virus.” Trump can get anyone who is brainwashed into this cult to do anything; all he has to do is name a race or religion as deserving of contempt, and his maniacal fans will act out.
He was. And the fat boy is spouting Hitlrisms so fast and furiosly now that even the NYT has to sneak in a teeny bit of concern in their headline re-do.
May I point out that in the middle of all of these very serious issues, the expression "fat boy" is shaming and name calling, and hurtful to those of us who have been called fat or a number of other versions of the label our entire lives. I can't help when my reptile brain gets triggered no matter how much I tell myself I am no longer a fat teenager. Please focus on his behaviors rather than his body. Thank you.
His ugly self is front and center for all to see, despite the fact that there are plenty of images put forth to make him look young, strong, and handsome (and Aryan). Truth about the packaging is often necessary…especially since so many worship him as they would a God. … and he has no clue about shame. I Imagine his putrid self like the emperor with no clothes. It’s enough to make the most devout worshipper puke at the altar. So sorry about your painful history. I know of what you speak.
Yes, and yet I don't think it's his size that makes him ugly. It's the ugliness that comes from his spirit, his message, his hatred and his ability to rile that up in his followers.
Thank you for the reminder. I would not refer to anyone else in that manner but for his denial and bravado in regard to his great physical condition.There are certainly other expressions of greater negativity that would not be offensive in that way to others. Please accept my apology.
Apology accepted! I wasn't sure how my request would be received, and I appreciate your kind answer. I know what you mean about "his denial and bravado about his great physical condition!" That's a great way to refer to it. I'm trying to use comments on behaviors rather than adjectives about the person when I have something negative to say about someone. That's what your phrase does. Blessings,
Bill, I think many of us ARE outraged, but too many of our fellow Americans are entertained by his madness. As you know, I attribute a lot of this to expectations. We expect him to be a narcissistic, vindictive, lying, blathering fool, and he meets or exceeds those expectations every time he opens his mouth. Unfortunately, many who are entertained by him know he's lying, so they don't take him seriously. More unfortunately, there are some who are inspired by his words and act on them. That's what makes him so dangerous.
The common refrain that he's a threat to democracy has worn thin. I think we need to focus on defining what we expect a President to be: honest, sincere, and serve the best interests of all Americans. The contrast between the two leading candidates in that regard couldn't be more stark.
I saw an ad or posting today from Biden's campaign that repeated the Defendant's own words, without comment or judgment. It was very powerful. I hope to see more like it.
I agree! Many of us are outraged, but our outrage isn't enough. We must get loud and do EVERYTHING we can to get the message out of the choice we are facing in a year! I'm going to join another postcard group. And send Robert's newsletter to everyone whose mind I think I can change and even those who I don't think I can steer away from mainstream media. Once they read this newsletter, at least they will know another viewpoint!
I needed a dose of your what to dos this morning..I’m happy to be signed up for your grassroots leaders program on Nov 30. I’m a proud Seniors Taking Action member who coordinates in North Carolina. I’ve already been in touch with several people who found us through your post on our behalf.
Aside from that I’m in the middle of setting up a meeting with the regional director for the Democratic Party in NC to figure out where and how best to help organize our registrations and GOTV, especially with the growing population of Seniors here all across our State. So many people are energized to help and want practical ways to do it.
Souring on so much of the media on all sides, but don’t know how to pass my weekly quizzes if I don’t at least spend some catch up time.
Thank you for you Robert, and for Heather Cox Richardson who I follow religiously
We are planning on moving from god-awful Florida to NC within the next few months, “God willing and the creek don’t rise” as they say. I’ll be at Robert’s summit so perhaps we can connect and you can hook me into the Dems there. We’re looking at Raleigh
Nancy, reach out to me at babsfree5@gmail.com. I think I can put you in touch with you with people who are active there. We tune in for the zooms from all over and coordinate postcarding from where we are, and I can be helpful in starting some groups to get together more locally. Go to seniorstakingaction.org to sign up for newsletters, but reach out today or tomorrow if you can.
Thanks Robert, I'm glad I was told to hook up with you. You are a very valuable resource. There are several rural outreach groups/PACs that would probably be of assistance to Vicky in Franklin County. No Dem Left Behind, off the top of my head. I'll have to go down my ActBlue monthly list for some others.
I do need to get off my butt and not just kick in $$$. I am a CSU retiree with modest pension and SS. I went way over my limit in the 2020, but I can help out with getting some of Heather's books and mail them. Vroman's is down the hill in Pasadena. I'll be available.
What a generous offer to buy a book for a fellow reader. I would like to suggest that readers also tap into the resources of their public libraries. Aside from borrowing this book the library is an amazing community resource.
I should have added this note to my explanation: the reader's local library had not purchased any copies, and the reader intends to donate the book to the library when she is finished reading it.
That works at the LA Public Library. If you're in LA, you can request they order the book, and then you can sign up to receive it, because, sadly, they do not order enough books - EVER!
Helen, when I saw your comment, and subsequently that of other readers this morning, I called my local library. They have ordered the HCR hard copy though it's not yet in. It is however available via Libby as mentioned by another reader, via digital and audio versions. And the good news is that there's a waiting list for these — which is a real good sign.
This paragraph is directly copied from Joyce Vance's wonderful substack blog. I'm just tryimg to give a wonderful idea a boost, Robert:
"....consider extending your personal observance of Veterans Day....by making a call this week to Alabama Senator “Coach” Tommy Tuberville’s Washington, D.C., office. Make sure he knows how upset you are that he’s blocking military promotions, which he’s doing because he thinks he’s entitled to dictate what kind of medical care women who serve our country in the military can have access to. When I called earlier this weekend, his voicemail box was full, but you can always leave yourself a reminder to call later in the week. Here’s his office number: 202-224-4124"
Heather Cox Richardson's book "Democracy Awakening" is available as an audio book (on Audible) and is a great read using this medium (I just finished it during my daily 3-mile dog walks). Perhaps, the gift program could be expanded to include this option?
I appreciate your putting the impending government shutdown at the top of your newsletter today, Robert. I don't think it's getting enough attention. We need to make sure everyone knows who's responsible - the House of Representatives under the hapless leadership of today's RINO Party.
In the first words he spoke in his descent to the Speaker's chair, Mike Johnson pledged to work with Hakeem Jeffries, and work with both sides to deliver results. He started with so much promise, but like his predecessor and his false idol, almost immediately began breaking promises. Kevin McCarthy's demise, in my opinion, wasn't due to his failure to deliver the cuts his party demanded, but his failure to keep his promises. He could have salvaged his speakership by acknowledging that the only way forward was thru bipartisanship, but instead surrendered to Democrats at the 11th hour to get their support for the debt limit increase, and then turned around and attacked them for making him do so.
Mike Johnson's tenure is likely to be defined by what happens this week. I fully expect him to take us to the brink. Whether he pushes us over the edge or pulls back and compromises, and suffers the slings and arrows from his extreme right remains to be seen. I'm not counting on him doing what's best for our country.
Actually, while it may be the opposite of its current pejorative usage, it's quite apropos of the vast majority of the Republicans in the House, and many in the Senate as well. The Defendant, and many of his "echo"lytes and "sicko"phants have co-opted the term from its original usage in the 90s to describe Republicans who didn't follow the party line. None of them seem to anymore. The change in the term to what you described is kinda like the way "woke" has become the opposite of what it really means, thru massive projection and misuse.
Until the Republicans return to the party that Mike Johnson described in his first speech noted above, representing Individual Freedom; Limited Government; The Rule of Law; Peace through Strength; Fiscal Responsibility; Free Markets; and Human Dignity (see his 7 core principles of conservatism); they're all RINOs in my book. Just look at that list, and measure any one of the Republicans in power against it, and see if you see any resemblance. I sure don't.
p.s. Here's a meme for the next election cycle related to the second of Mike's principles: "If Republicans are for smaller government, why do they keep running for office?" I think I may try to write something around his 7 principles with a countermeme for each.
I’m reading Heathers book right now . Wouldn’t it be awesome if it was HS or College Mandatory reading ? I would be more than willing to pay for a book for someone who would like one . I’m so glad you recommended Bookshop.org . I have been using it for several years at the request of my son Benjamin. It makes me feel good that I’m supporting small and independent bookstores!
I always attempt to talk positively about President Biden, and his accomplishments.What surprised me as I was at a dinner party Friday night with very very close friends and of course I bought a politics which is in my blood. What shocked me was that all of them felt that Biden was too old too frail etc. and I looked at them as if they were talking about someone from Outer space. I do not see Biden as frail. I do not see him as old I think when he talks he sounds fine when he walks across the stage I think he looks fine. I said what about Trump and his obesity and his health and his rants and they all counteracting it with Trump is energetic. I said yes someone who has a huge ego and has an audience will have energy so I continued to try to present Biden in such a positive way like you always do when your newsletters
My informal research over the past week indicated that in the initial, main section (top headline down to the advice columns) of the Washington Post (digital edition), there were 28 articles with headlines about Trump and 6 about Biden (five of which were negative). The nearly 5 to 1 disparity in coverage is too obvious to be accidental and most likely reflects deliberate editorial decisions about coverage.
"the best thing we can do is to be steadfast in the pursuit of our goals." One thing we can be grateful for is that we have, in Joe Biden, a president who has been steadfast in support of democracy and opportunity for all. He does not win on every issue. Had he and we been able to keep the child tax credit, for instance, we would have made an enormous difference regarding the poverty of children. Thank you for encouraging us to keep on our path.
Thanks Robert, the silence of the GOP is just as criminal as Trumps language. They are all traitors.
If you support a traitor, you are also a traitor.
Amen!
With reference to Trumps fascist rants:
Where is the outrage?
Where is the indignation?
Where is the Republican embarrassment?
Where are the Republicans who have even a tiny sense of history?
Why isn't this blustering bully called out for "hate speech"?
- By every news outlet on the planet.
What has caused this numbness, this indifference?
Is it the "anything goes" popular culture?
Is it something in the water?
How did we get to this "new normal"?
Why aren't decent democracy loving people reacting?
I repeat: Where is the outrage?
Where is the outrage, indeed? The man is talking about concentration camps and prosecuting political enemies, yet the response is crickets. Trump is alternately covered like a legitimate candidate or a sideshow when the reality is that he and his Republican enablers, are the greatest threat to the country since the Civil War.
(persecuting political enemies, may be more like it)
I think there is more disgust than outrage and I think it’s quiet because it’s safer for people to be quiet and express their outrage behind the closed curtain of a voting booth.
I think that's a fair point, Stephen, and one we should remind voters of. Their vote is private, and whomever they support is their own business. However, if they get caught up in an echo chamber of the Defendant's lies, they may compromise their ability to think for themselves.
Mr. Berg, I am concerned that there is great comfort, not outrage. There is quiet because it is comfortable. I am concerned that when they walk into the voting booth, they have complete privacy to vote for it.
Carol I believe people are very aware of the bullying and blow back and for security reasons stay quiet and will vote their conscience. Silence in this case is a good thing. I pray I am right.
Don’t believe that’s the case in Texas
Or anywhere.
especially swing states.
Of course it is but not in the rural areas.
This will not happen. We must have faith and fortitude to get out the vote. Voters will do the democratic thing.
Where it counts!
Some will vote because he expresses their hate for the same people. These peo0e vote
THAT is what we are up agaist. Project 2025 is real. This isn't a horse race. It's about what side of the high razorwire fence you want to be on.
So true, they are saying and putting in writing what they did try to hide.
True but there are not enough of them to win an election. He needs independents and conservatives who are not supporting him like before.
Their cheating is world class, ask any Texan
There seems to be a strong fear that "if we give this air and make it a major news story, people might not actually disagree with it or see why it is so wrong and so better to pretend it is not happening."
That seems to go all the way back to Hitler, who was, after all, elected in a relatively free election.
And yet, the appropriate response should be an enormous backlash from millions of people who care about our democracy and freedom. People who care about a government that is run for the people not for a vindictive madman. We should be hearing a collective and deafening roar of a reaction that condemns and crushes such hate speech. A roar that declares such talk from a presidential candidate as instigating violence against all of us.
This is not a political give and take. "I believe this, you believe that". This talk is what we have heard from dictators and kings for centuries. It needs to be called out. In a decent society, that little speech would have disqualified him from being taken seriously as a candidate. In a decent political party...
Of course, we should remember that "45" is an expert at projection. When he calls us "vermin" he is describing himself.
Believe the malady of complacency, denial and shortened attention spans plays a large part in our non-response.
A lot of folks lack critical thinking as to "Well, this keeps up, A, B or C will happen". Too many aren't even privy to actual news if it isn't entertaining or feeds into their sense of perceived outrage.
I was complacent about the 2016 election and bitterly learned the error of my ways - never again.
Great comment, Bill! We need to be more active than ever, and one thing we can do is to recommend this newsletter to friends and family who may be ignorant of the damage main stream media is proliferating at this important, actually desperate time.
I have been forwarding this and others like crazy to anyone who might just be too busy enjoying life. I am surely the big downer, but that's what it takes.
Was that what Hitler meant?
Correction: Hitler was *not* elected. True, his party achieved a plurality in the vote. But he became Chancellor only because he verbally bludgeoned President Hindenburg.
Hindenburg could well have, if he cared, empowered a coalition government that did not include Hitler.
Fair- my point though was, as you noted, the Nazis received a pluarilty of the vote despite the German public knowing exactly who they were and what they stood for.
I often get the sense that there is a real fear that if Trump's worst comments are turned into front page headlines that a sizeable enough minority will embrace what he is saying rather than condemn it.
A not unfounded fear, I might add.
No, it is not unfounded at all, based on the rampant antisemitism, bigotry and racism that we are seeing today. Jay Kuo, an Asian attorney who also writes a substack newsletter, described two instances of being attacked verbally while out in public during the height of Covid when Trump named it the “China virus.” Trump can get anyone who is brainwashed into this cult to do anything; all he has to do is name a race or religion as deserving of contempt, and his maniacal fans will act out.
Unfortunately so.
As Lenin is supposed to have said, A lie, repeated often enough, becomes truth [approximate wording].
True.
People may be reluctant to compare Trump’s rants to Hitler because they could (inaccurately but powerfully, politically) be labeled hysterical.
I was, years ago. No comfort that I was right.
He was. And the fat boy is spouting Hitlrisms so fast and furiosly now that even the NYT has to sneak in a teeny bit of concern in their headline re-do.
May I point out that in the middle of all of these very serious issues, the expression "fat boy" is shaming and name calling, and hurtful to those of us who have been called fat or a number of other versions of the label our entire lives. I can't help when my reptile brain gets triggered no matter how much I tell myself I am no longer a fat teenager. Please focus on his behaviors rather than his body. Thank you.
His ugly self is front and center for all to see, despite the fact that there are plenty of images put forth to make him look young, strong, and handsome (and Aryan). Truth about the packaging is often necessary…especially since so many worship him as they would a God. … and he has no clue about shame. I Imagine his putrid self like the emperor with no clothes. It’s enough to make the most devout worshipper puke at the altar. So sorry about your painful history. I know of what you speak.
Yes, and yet I don't think it's his size that makes him ugly. It's the ugliness that comes from his spirit, his message, his hatred and his ability to rile that up in his followers.
Thank you for the reminder. I would not refer to anyone else in that manner but for his denial and bravado in regard to his great physical condition.There are certainly other expressions of greater negativity that would not be offensive in that way to others. Please accept my apology.
Apology accepted! I wasn't sure how my request would be received, and I appreciate your kind answer. I know what you mean about "his denial and bravado about his great physical condition!" That's a great way to refer to it. I'm trying to use comments on behaviors rather than adjectives about the person when I have something negative to say about someone. That's what your phrase does. Blessings,
Propaganda worked like a charm, does here too
I am full of outrage!
Bill, I think many of us ARE outraged, but too many of our fellow Americans are entertained by his madness. As you know, I attribute a lot of this to expectations. We expect him to be a narcissistic, vindictive, lying, blathering fool, and he meets or exceeds those expectations every time he opens his mouth. Unfortunately, many who are entertained by him know he's lying, so they don't take him seriously. More unfortunately, there are some who are inspired by his words and act on them. That's what makes him so dangerous.
The common refrain that he's a threat to democracy has worn thin. I think we need to focus on defining what we expect a President to be: honest, sincere, and serve the best interests of all Americans. The contrast between the two leading candidates in that regard couldn't be more stark.
I saw an ad or posting today from Biden's campaign that repeated the Defendant's own words, without comment or judgment. It was very powerful. I hope to see more like it.
I agree! Many of us are outraged, but our outrage isn't enough. We must get loud and do EVERYTHING we can to get the message out of the choice we are facing in a year! I'm going to join another postcard group. And send Robert's newsletter to everyone whose mind I think I can change and even those who I don't think I can steer away from mainstream media. Once they read this newsletter, at least they will know another viewpoint!
Watch for the Lincoln Project ads in 2024. They will eviscerate Trump, using his own words.
Been wondering that since the escalator ride
First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
—Martin Niemöller
I needed a dose of your what to dos this morning..I’m happy to be signed up for your grassroots leaders program on Nov 30. I’m a proud Seniors Taking Action member who coordinates in North Carolina. I’ve already been in touch with several people who found us through your post on our behalf.
Aside from that I’m in the middle of setting up a meeting with the regional director for the Democratic Party in NC to figure out where and how best to help organize our registrations and GOTV, especially with the growing population of Seniors here all across our State. So many people are energized to help and want practical ways to do it.
Souring on so much of the media on all sides, but don’t know how to pass my weekly quizzes if I don’t at least spend some catch up time.
Thank you for you Robert, and for Heather Cox Richardson who I follow religiously
I am touched to the core by Robert's kindness.
We are planning on moving from god-awful Florida to NC within the next few months, “God willing and the creek don’t rise” as they say. I’ll be at Robert’s summit so perhaps we can connect and you can hook me into the Dems there. We’re looking at Raleigh
I live in Durham but was in Raleigh for first 25 years. Reach out please. Babsfree5@gmail.com
You go girl!
Simon Rosenberg at Hopium Chronicles has said his/our community will be working hard to help Dems in North Carolina.
I saw that program where he announced it
Ilene, I live in Asheville. Is there a Seniors Taking Action in this area?
Nancy, reach out to me at babsfree5@gmail.com. I think I can put you in touch with you with people who are active there. We tune in for the zooms from all over and coordinate postcarding from where we are, and I can be helpful in starting some groups to get together more locally. Go to seniorstakingaction.org to sign up for newsletters, but reach out today or tomorrow if you can.
I have also reached out and signed up today!I'm in LA.
I'm joining Seniors Taking Action today!
Welcome
Thanks Robert, I'm glad I was told to hook up with you. You are a very valuable resource. There are several rural outreach groups/PACs that would probably be of assistance to Vicky in Franklin County. No Dem Left Behind, off the top of my head. I'll have to go down my ActBlue monthly list for some others.
I do need to get off my butt and not just kick in $$$. I am a CSU retiree with modest pension and SS. I went way over my limit in the 2020, but I can help out with getting some of Heather's books and mail them. Vroman's is down the hill in Pasadena. I'll be available.
Also https://backroadspac.com/
What a generous offer to buy a book for a fellow reader. I would like to suggest that readers also tap into the resources of their public libraries. Aside from borrowing this book the library is an amazing community resource.
I should have added this note to my explanation: the reader's local library had not purchased any copies, and the reader intends to donate the book to the library when she is finished reading it.
Now that makes sense.
Wow! 🙏
That’s beautiful!!
Also, requesting that your local library purchase HCR's book helps bump up sales and accessibility.
That works at the LA Public Library. If you're in LA, you can request they order the book, and then you can sign up to receive it, because, sadly, they do not order enough books - EVER!
Helen, when I saw your comment, and subsequently that of other readers this morning, I called my local library. They have ordered the HCR hard copy though it's not yet in. It is however available via Libby as mentioned by another reader, via digital and audio versions. And the good news is that there's a waiting list for these — which is a real good sign.
You'll have to get on a waiting list in LA. They do not order enough books! But the wait list works!
The best solution, although book sales help get second editions. Libraries are vital. Perod.
This paragraph is directly copied from Joyce Vance's wonderful substack blog. I'm just tryimg to give a wonderful idea a boost, Robert:
"....consider extending your personal observance of Veterans Day....by making a call this week to Alabama Senator “Coach” Tommy Tuberville’s Washington, D.C., office. Make sure he knows how upset you are that he’s blocking military promotions, which he’s doing because he thinks he’s entitled to dictate what kind of medical care women who serve our country in the military can have access to. When I called earlier this weekend, his voicemail box was full, but you can always leave yourself a reminder to call later in the week. Here’s his office number: 202-224-4124"
And we can't forget support for Ukraine!
Thank you ten thousand times for your excellent work.
Heather Cox Richardson's book "Democracy Awakening" is available as an audio book (on Audible) and is a great read using this medium (I just finished it during my daily 3-mile dog walks). Perhaps, the gift program could be expanded to include this option?
Excellent suggestion!
I have to take longer walks!
I appreciate your putting the impending government shutdown at the top of your newsletter today, Robert. I don't think it's getting enough attention. We need to make sure everyone knows who's responsible - the House of Representatives under the hapless leadership of today's RINO Party.
In the first words he spoke in his descent to the Speaker's chair, Mike Johnson pledged to work with Hakeem Jeffries, and work with both sides to deliver results. He started with so much promise, but like his predecessor and his false idol, almost immediately began breaking promises. Kevin McCarthy's demise, in my opinion, wasn't due to his failure to deliver the cuts his party demanded, but his failure to keep his promises. He could have salvaged his speakership by acknowledging that the only way forward was thru bipartisanship, but instead surrendered to Democrats at the 11th hour to get their support for the debt limit increase, and then turned around and attacked them for making him do so.
Mike Johnson's tenure is likely to be defined by what happens this week. I fully expect him to take us to the brink. Whether he pushes us over the edge or pulls back and compromises, and suffers the slings and arrows from his extreme right remains to be seen. I'm not counting on him doing what's best for our country.
Johnson didn't simply break promises, he lied when he made them.
Seems to be a common trait.
RINO means “Republican in Name Only”. It’s a right-wing put-down of all-but-far-right Republicans.
The overwhelming majority of House Republicans cannot be accurately said to be members of the “RINO party”. It’s quite the opposite.
Actually, while it may be the opposite of its current pejorative usage, it's quite apropos of the vast majority of the Republicans in the House, and many in the Senate as well. The Defendant, and many of his "echo"lytes and "sicko"phants have co-opted the term from its original usage in the 90s to describe Republicans who didn't follow the party line. None of them seem to anymore. The change in the term to what you described is kinda like the way "woke" has become the opposite of what it really means, thru massive projection and misuse.
Until the Republicans return to the party that Mike Johnson described in his first speech noted above, representing Individual Freedom; Limited Government; The Rule of Law; Peace through Strength; Fiscal Responsibility; Free Markets; and Human Dignity (see his 7 core principles of conservatism); they're all RINOs in my book. Just look at that list, and measure any one of the Republicans in power against it, and see if you see any resemblance. I sure don't.
p.s. Here's a meme for the next election cycle related to the second of Mike's principles: "If Republicans are for smaller government, why do they keep running for office?" I think I may try to write something around his 7 principles with a countermeme for each.
I’m reading Heathers book right now . Wouldn’t it be awesome if it was HS or College Mandatory reading ? I would be more than willing to pay for a book for someone who would like one . I’m so glad you recommended Bookshop.org . I have been using it for several years at the request of my son Benjamin. It makes me feel good that I’m supporting small and independent bookstores!
Thanks Robert
I always attempt to talk positively about President Biden, and his accomplishments.What surprised me as I was at a dinner party Friday night with very very close friends and of course I bought a politics which is in my blood. What shocked me was that all of them felt that Biden was too old too frail etc. and I looked at them as if they were talking about someone from Outer space. I do not see Biden as frail. I do not see him as old I think when he talks he sounds fine when he walks across the stage I think he looks fine. I said what about Trump and his obesity and his health and his rants and they all counteracting it with Trump is energetic. I said yes someone who has a huge ego and has an audience will have energy so I continued to try to present Biden in such a positive way like you always do when your newsletters
Good work!
My informal research over the past week indicated that in the initial, main section (top headline down to the advice columns) of the Washington Post (digital edition), there were 28 articles with headlines about Trump and 6 about Biden (five of which were negative). The nearly 5 to 1 disparity in coverage is too obvious to be accidental and most likely reflects deliberate editorial decisions about coverage.
Thanks for the information.
I can't wait to send someone a copy of HCR's book! This is the stuff that makes the world go 'round.
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