Regarding the impact of Alito's leaked draft opinion, one important group it appears to have energized is Democratic candidates. The Court's view and prospective additional horrible positions appears to feel immediate and personal to candidates in the way other issues have not.
I like that you use the term "MAGA" Robert. At some point it can take on a life of its own as a strong negative perjorative in the general population. And some research I saw yesterday supports using the term. But to bring it out more and for people who may know what it means, suggest we take a page out of the Republican playbook and routinely add the adjective "extremist". Thus "extremist MAGA" just as they would routinely use a phrase like "socialist left", etc. And they are clearly extremist.
Consider these situations if Roe v. Wade is reversed and if the Red States prohibit abortions:
1. Your 17 year old daughter gets drunk at a party and gets raped. She will now have to carry the child to term. If she aborts, she will be charged with murder. If the father or a neighbor) (drives her to another state, they will be charged with murder also.
2. You and your wife have 4 children and you are both now over 50. Your contraceptives didn't work and she is pregnant. She will now have to carry the child to term or be charged with murder.
3. An uncle impregnates his 12 year old niece while she is visiting on a holiday. She will now have to carry the child to term.
4. A woman with terminal cancer gets pregnant. She will now have to carry the child to term, even though the health of the mother and the child will be impaired.
Put these questions to Ron Johnson (who, because he is seen as a "полезный идиот" (useful idiot,) was selected by the Russians to be the diseminator of disinformation in the last election cycle).
May 13, 2022·edited May 13, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
I am attending a protest on Roe V Wade this Saturday. I have to get involved somehow.
Every poll I see that shows Republicans surging on inflation makes me feel sick, but deep down I have a feeling that they will lose in the long term.
Louisiana caved to public pressure and messaging recently. They removed the part of their new abortion bill that would charge women and doctors with homicide.
I have a feeling that ordinary American people will not accept the GOP's policies no matter how the GOP tries to subvert elections. Even if they do get some crazy people in, and even if some Qanon secretaries of state take over, I have a feeling that there's only so much they can do to lift an increasingly unpopular party.
People who want inflation to go down aren't asking for social conservatism. I understand the danger we are all in, but authoritarian regimes have been defeated many times in history. Humanity has faced insurmountable odds before and I don't see how the current situation is a reason to surrender and give in to despair.
I'm not trying to spread "polyannish optimism." I know the threats we are facing. But the younger generations are more liberal and, if anything, these new draconian laws targeting them will backfire when they become of voting age. Any attempt to destroy gay marriage or contraception will make the protests now look like peanuts.
The GOP talks big, and they will probably win the house and senate. But it's our job to shoo away the doomsayers and stay strong as their policies tank their popularity. In order for autocrats to succeed, they need a lot of the population on their side. I know people bring up Hungary, but that is a country with a population that is 98% smaller than America.
They say "once democracy is gone, we will be fascist forever." But I don't believe that. I believe, like you said, that we WILL win and that it's just a matter of time. The GOP needs to keep its growing coalition of Hispanic, female and working class voters together. They are riding on the low approval of Biden and not by their own popularity. Even with their gerrymandering, Dems can absolutely still win the house in a blue wave year, which I believe will happen in 2026 is (God Forbid) Biden loses. And no, the GOP can't simply throw Democratic ballots in the trash if enough people vote.
I will continue to strive for a better future, even if it's "naïve" or "foolish." Because I refuse to spend the rest of my life depressed and worried. It's time to stop doomscrolling and start working for a future we can be proud of.
Merrick Garland should be asked to resign. Biden should install an "acting AG" who will pledge to indict those who defy the legal right of the House Committee to require testimony. In other words, find an AG who will do his or her job and do it promptly.
If the roles were reversed, would a Republican President do any less? It is time for the Justice Department to serve up some justice. Its failure to pursue Meadows and crew is a dereliction of duty.
When reviewing our history years from now, will Biden be vilified for not having left Garland alone or because he failed to hold the conspirators accountable? Forget the fracking politics. Just do what is right for America and the future of our democracy.
Trump’s every move has motivation in delaying/averting his own mounting legal morass — enabled by self-absorbed GOP members (and Manchin), his PAC money machine, and DOJ. Roy Cohn would be proud.
Ask yourself this; if GOP controls Congress again and their “Revenge Committees” begin issuing subpoenas to Dems on past Impeachment & Jan. 6 Committee members AND appoints a partisan AG again, will they enforce, through DOJ, anyone who protests their “Trumped up” subpoenas? Brown shirts optional!
Here’s the perfect example of why Dems can’t find their ass with two hands on messaging!
What did Madam VP Kamala Harris want to accomplish, this past week, by her comment on the vote to protect women’s right to chose? “This vote clearly suggests(!!!!????!!!!!!!!????!!!) that the Senate (excuse me, the entire Senate!!!!!????!!!!) is not where the majority of American people are on this issue.”
Let me tell you what Dem constituents were desperate to hear; what should have been in her video, played repeatedly across national news outlets, as I curled up in the fetal position every time I saw it!
“This vote clearly exposes that every single REPUBLICAN Senator, and the DINO from WV, Joe Manchin, has decided that they are against where the majority of American people on this issue!!”
There! Was that so hard! With all due respect, Madam VP, get the freaking politically correct, “when they go low, we go high” out of your DNA! Your getting played and a lot of voters a cringing at your ineptness!
In simple terms (non-lawyerly!) can you explain AG Garland’s strategy? Is he another Joe Manchin… an R in D clothing… or is he using a Muhammad Ali “rope-a-dope” strategy? Will he come out swinging once the investigation is concluded and issue indictments and knock out some of the arrogant, over-confident Republicans?
Robert- what is our avenue for creating pressure on Garland to launch his own investigation of the Jan 6th coup and ongoing attempt to erode democracy?
May 13, 2022·edited May 13, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
I think turn-out will be the pivot. If the Dems know that their candidates are better and saner, and assume that they and the majority of their state agrees with them (as in PA), then they may stay home. They may believe that the horror on the far right is so obvious that someone else will do the voting for them. Trump is a master at riling up the crazies. We need to be on guard. And VOTE!
A serious question for you, a true question, not pushing you to agree with something: President Biden has full power to remove Merrick Garland as AG, immediately and without consent from anyone and without giving a reason (if I am incorrect on this, please correct me). Garland's inaction on important matters, which troubles and puzzles you (and me also) greatly will fully cease with his removal. WHY DOES PRESIDENT BIDEN NOT REMOVE HIM AND WHY HAVE YOU NOT ADDRESSED THIS VERY OBVIOUS QUESTION? It occurs to me that president Biden MAY see some benefit in Garland's inaction. In political election matters TIMING CAN BE IMPORTANT. Is action by the AG after the primaries and before the general election in November better than now because it gives the people the full play out of the important forces, then THE PUBLIC VOTES. I hasten to say that I do intend to make an excuse for the AG's inaction; I am just trying to understand it.
I'm beginning to wonder whether it was McConnell's genius that he blocked Merrick Garland's nomination to the Supreme Court. He now has an Attorney General he can truly admire!
Got today's newsletter, once again your mantra: Get Out The Vote must echo throughout the Democratic party guidance. We can outvote the shrinking MAGA crowd, many Republicans have been discouraged by the extremists and either will not participate or will vote for "optional" candidates. Focus on our Independent and low voter friends talk about the devastation threatened by Scott's 11 point plan: sun-setting Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid in 5 years for example and eliminating from education any historical truths that "damage" America's pure image. Focus on the strength of the infrastructure passed without Republican support, DEFICIT REDUCTION. And a rebuilding of the NATO alliance and SEATO by Biden's brilliant Foreign Policy team. Believe that inflation will peak this summer and that we will win in Nov.
You're right about those GOP candidates who offer nothing but hate but, to be effective, the Democrats will have to offer positive programs and an approach other than "I'm not the Republican".
Regarding the impact of Alito's leaked draft opinion, one important group it appears to have energized is Democratic candidates. The Court's view and prospective additional horrible positions appears to feel immediate and personal to candidates in the way other issues have not.
I like that you use the term "MAGA" Robert. At some point it can take on a life of its own as a strong negative perjorative in the general population. And some research I saw yesterday supports using the term. But to bring it out more and for people who may know what it means, suggest we take a page out of the Republican playbook and routinely add the adjective "extremist". Thus "extremist MAGA" just as they would routinely use a phrase like "socialist left", etc. And they are clearly extremist.
Consider these situations if Roe v. Wade is reversed and if the Red States prohibit abortions:
1. Your 17 year old daughter gets drunk at a party and gets raped. She will now have to carry the child to term. If she aborts, she will be charged with murder. If the father or a neighbor) (drives her to another state, they will be charged with murder also.
2. You and your wife have 4 children and you are both now over 50. Your contraceptives didn't work and she is pregnant. She will now have to carry the child to term or be charged with murder.
3. An uncle impregnates his 12 year old niece while she is visiting on a holiday. She will now have to carry the child to term.
4. A woman with terminal cancer gets pregnant. She will now have to carry the child to term, even though the health of the mother and the child will be impaired.
Put these questions to Ron Johnson (who, because he is seen as a "полезный идиот" (useful idiot,) was selected by the Russians to be the diseminator of disinformation in the last election cycle).
https://www.justsecurity.org/71947/how-sen-ron-johnsons-investigation-became-an-enabler-of-russian-disinformation-part-i/
Hey Republican Warship. . . .
Where's Waldo, I mean Merrick?
I am attending a protest on Roe V Wade this Saturday. I have to get involved somehow.
Every poll I see that shows Republicans surging on inflation makes me feel sick, but deep down I have a feeling that they will lose in the long term.
Louisiana caved to public pressure and messaging recently. They removed the part of their new abortion bill that would charge women and doctors with homicide.
I have a feeling that ordinary American people will not accept the GOP's policies no matter how the GOP tries to subvert elections. Even if they do get some crazy people in, and even if some Qanon secretaries of state take over, I have a feeling that there's only so much they can do to lift an increasingly unpopular party.
People who want inflation to go down aren't asking for social conservatism. I understand the danger we are all in, but authoritarian regimes have been defeated many times in history. Humanity has faced insurmountable odds before and I don't see how the current situation is a reason to surrender and give in to despair.
I'm not trying to spread "polyannish optimism." I know the threats we are facing. But the younger generations are more liberal and, if anything, these new draconian laws targeting them will backfire when they become of voting age. Any attempt to destroy gay marriage or contraception will make the protests now look like peanuts.
The GOP talks big, and they will probably win the house and senate. But it's our job to shoo away the doomsayers and stay strong as their policies tank their popularity. In order for autocrats to succeed, they need a lot of the population on their side. I know people bring up Hungary, but that is a country with a population that is 98% smaller than America.
They say "once democracy is gone, we will be fascist forever." But I don't believe that. I believe, like you said, that we WILL win and that it's just a matter of time. The GOP needs to keep its growing coalition of Hispanic, female and working class voters together. They are riding on the low approval of Biden and not by their own popularity. Even with their gerrymandering, Dems can absolutely still win the house in a blue wave year, which I believe will happen in 2026 is (God Forbid) Biden loses. And no, the GOP can't simply throw Democratic ballots in the trash if enough people vote.
I will continue to strive for a better future, even if it's "naïve" or "foolish." Because I refuse to spend the rest of my life depressed and worried. It's time to stop doomscrolling and start working for a future we can be proud of.
Merrick Garland should be asked to resign. Biden should install an "acting AG" who will pledge to indict those who defy the legal right of the House Committee to require testimony. In other words, find an AG who will do his or her job and do it promptly.
If the roles were reversed, would a Republican President do any less? It is time for the Justice Department to serve up some justice. Its failure to pursue Meadows and crew is a dereliction of duty.
When reviewing our history years from now, will Biden be vilified for not having left Garland alone or because he failed to hold the conspirators accountable? Forget the fracking politics. Just do what is right for America and the future of our democracy.
Trump’s every move has motivation in delaying/averting his own mounting legal morass — enabled by self-absorbed GOP members (and Manchin), his PAC money machine, and DOJ. Roy Cohn would be proud.
Ask yourself this; if GOP controls Congress again and their “Revenge Committees” begin issuing subpoenas to Dems on past Impeachment & Jan. 6 Committee members AND appoints a partisan AG again, will they enforce, through DOJ, anyone who protests their “Trumped up” subpoenas? Brown shirts optional!
Here’s the perfect example of why Dems can’t find their ass with two hands on messaging!
What did Madam VP Kamala Harris want to accomplish, this past week, by her comment on the vote to protect women’s right to chose? “This vote clearly suggests(!!!!????!!!!!!!!????!!!) that the Senate (excuse me, the entire Senate!!!!!????!!!!) is not where the majority of American people are on this issue.”
Let me tell you what Dem constituents were desperate to hear; what should have been in her video, played repeatedly across national news outlets, as I curled up in the fetal position every time I saw it!
“This vote clearly exposes that every single REPUBLICAN Senator, and the DINO from WV, Joe Manchin, has decided that they are against where the majority of American people on this issue!!”
There! Was that so hard! With all due respect, Madam VP, get the freaking politically correct, “when they go low, we go high” out of your DNA! Your getting played and a lot of voters a cringing at your ineptness!
Be of good heart. The tide is turning. Oh, yeah, and do all you can to help the tide turn.
Mr. Hubbell
In simple terms (non-lawyerly!) can you explain AG Garland’s strategy? Is he another Joe Manchin… an R in D clothing… or is he using a Muhammad Ali “rope-a-dope” strategy? Will he come out swinging once the investigation is concluded and issue indictments and knock out some of the arrogant, over-confident Republicans?
Robert- what is our avenue for creating pressure on Garland to launch his own investigation of the Jan 6th coup and ongoing attempt to erode democracy?
I think turn-out will be the pivot. If the Dems know that their candidates are better and saner, and assume that they and the majority of their state agrees with them (as in PA), then they may stay home. They may believe that the horror on the far right is so obvious that someone else will do the voting for them. Trump is a master at riling up the crazies. We need to be on guard. And VOTE!
A serious question for you, a true question, not pushing you to agree with something: President Biden has full power to remove Merrick Garland as AG, immediately and without consent from anyone and without giving a reason (if I am incorrect on this, please correct me). Garland's inaction on important matters, which troubles and puzzles you (and me also) greatly will fully cease with his removal. WHY DOES PRESIDENT BIDEN NOT REMOVE HIM AND WHY HAVE YOU NOT ADDRESSED THIS VERY OBVIOUS QUESTION? It occurs to me that president Biden MAY see some benefit in Garland's inaction. In political election matters TIMING CAN BE IMPORTANT. Is action by the AG after the primaries and before the general election in November better than now because it gives the people the full play out of the important forces, then THE PUBLIC VOTES. I hasten to say that I do intend to make an excuse for the AG's inaction; I am just trying to understand it.
I'm beginning to wonder whether it was McConnell's genius that he blocked Merrick Garland's nomination to the Supreme Court. He now has an Attorney General he can truly admire!
Got today's newsletter, once again your mantra: Get Out The Vote must echo throughout the Democratic party guidance. We can outvote the shrinking MAGA crowd, many Republicans have been discouraged by the extremists and either will not participate or will vote for "optional" candidates. Focus on our Independent and low voter friends talk about the devastation threatened by Scott's 11 point plan: sun-setting Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid in 5 years for example and eliminating from education any historical truths that "damage" America's pure image. Focus on the strength of the infrastructure passed without Republican support, DEFICIT REDUCTION. And a rebuilding of the NATO alliance and SEATO by Biden's brilliant Foreign Policy team. Believe that inflation will peak this summer and that we will win in Nov.
You're right about those GOP candidates who offer nothing but hate but, to be effective, the Democrats will have to offer positive programs and an approach other than "I'm not the Republican".