I have always labored under the belief that Republicans attack on Democracy, bad behaviors, lies and misinformation would have negative impact on voters. The attached article sheds a much different light on the subject and maybe helps explain why a different path might be needed in 2022. https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2022/01/07/democracy-threat-voters-politics/
David Brooks called out to Democrats to organize at the local level to impact the state and local governments that make soooo many decisions impacting all issues of our lives. His evaluation, and mine, is that the Republicans do a much better job of this. They started taking on school boards decades ago; it is State Houses that will impact much of our voting laws. We MUST get thirty, forty, fifty and sixty year olds to run for local offices. Imperative participation. I wish I had been clear on this at a younger age and I would have done more.
Robert! Thanks for the Newsletter! I look forward to your sage and calming advice with my coffee every morning.
I usually don't often comment but a Special to the Washington Post by Hugh Hewitt on January 8 was very disturbing in the criticism of Chuck Schumer's attempt to "revise" the filibuster. In it he implied that "if the filibuster is somehow revised or amended, the GOP majorities that look certain to emerge in both chambers after November (2022?) will combine with whoever the GOP nominates in 2024 to create a unified field of Republican power in January 2025. Expect the new Republican president to use the new rules to move quickly to enact long-overdue reforms".
What "reforms"? Aren't we just prolonging the agony of a dysfunctional autocracy? What's wrong with "majority" rule as long as "everyone" has a vote and, dare I say, we do away with the electoral college? It's time to start deliberating rather than obstructing!
I did not write this, but you've gotta love it: " A vote is not a valentine. You aren't confessing your love for the candidate. It's a chess move for the world you want to live in." Share as you feel appropriate. Definitely part of our messaging for the next 305 days.
Love the idea of boycotting corporations that fund seditionists. I wonder if you could put the name of one such corporation in your newsletter once or twice a week, or even every day, along with info on how to contact that corporation by email. I would email them stating my intent to boycott. I bet that lots of your readers would also.
Thanks again for your heroic work for democracy, Mr Hubbell.!
I think the information about who/how to contact the decision makers is crucial. If you go to some of the major web pages of these corporations, you don't get the best information on who to contact. In fact, much of the time it is a "generic" contact us e-mail.
Your newsletter links common sense to eternal hope. Anticipating, with fear, November 8, 2022, one truth remains. There are more of us than them. Consistent messaging will influence the result of that day. If we vote, we win.
That said, in the coming 305 days, would you consider adding an ongoing byline, tagline or closing line to each newsletter, some version of:
There are more of us than them. More who honor democracy.
Vote. Work to get out the vote. If we vote, we win!
When I read your comments about Merrick Garland, I must counter with the quiet discretion the Justice Dept. is showing as it sorts through hundreds of insurrectionists. Separating wheat from chaff is a laborious, time consuming business.
Yes, it was a tough, depressing day. I encourage people to get a "sun lamp" of some sort to lift your spirits during the darker winter months. It helps. And walks no matter what the weather is like. Like Robert, though, and heartened by all the people who care and are doing what they can to bring about the positive changes we need. There are so many ways and something that Robert lists will resonate with you or me. Sometimes, it is simply giving a bit of time to chat with someone who is so disheartened they feel like giving up. I love seeing these letters to editors and big businesses, too. Thank you for those, my fellow activists.
Story from Axios today makes the point that corporate America and the GOP are actually drifting apart, spurred on by grassroots constituents on both sides. While this may appear to be a plus for Democrats, the article notes that Republicans aren't too concerned because any funding shortfall from corporate PACs can be made up by appeals to their base which now is "disproportionately comprised of retirees, non-college graduates, and rural voters".
Thanks for your encouragement....today and every day. It is, indeed, easy to get discouraged. Even today, one of the headlines on CNN.com is "Biden's credibility is on the line". What???? This is no way to describe Biden's fantastic speech. But, of course, that is what our news media always does. I think one of the best things you provide is an assortment of ways to get involved and make a difference.
Yesterday I spent a couple of hours calling Arizona with Field Team Six. About half an hour before we were supposed to finish, Representative Adam Schiff made an appearance on our Zoom call. What a treat! He thanked us for our work and inspired us all to keep going. Democracy isn’t easy. You have to do the work. But what is the alternative?
This new political Trump-obsessed monster means business and it’s not for the faint-hearted. We know this. It’s not going away. This kind of reactionary politicking is not new as it can be found in our history the worst being that which led to the Civil War. And it all has to do with the slavery issues. As Heather Richardson’s book, “How the South Won the Civil War…” says, the north won on the battle field but the south won in the courts and this delayed progress for the rest of our history to the modern. And it continues to this day. You need only follow the footprints.
The question that I ask myself is how to reach that large group of independents (of which I’m one but tilt to the left of course). I think the progressives always push until the middle reacts and veers to the right. Talking to a local acquaintance who was once a Republican councilman, an Irish American too, who should know better about historical national inequality, told me sort of, that too much blame is being placed on well, I guess, white society for all the inequalities. Hello, we know there is justified blame. But to the point that it becomes counterproductive, a backlash results. I have never forgiven the perpetrators of the Chicago riots of 1968 that ultimately gave Nixon his victory (southern strategy.) The protests should have been directed at the Republican convention not the democrats. I despised Abbie Hoffman and company and I was only 15 years old — already a post-hippie at the time.
So what is my point? Somehow, we need to temper our criticism down just a bit. Last year, I wrote to Robert and stated that the summer street troubles were going to negatively impact the elections. They did. We didn’t achieve that big blue wave. Robert responded rightly that what else was there to do after a Black man was murdered by a police officer? I got it. I didn’t disagree. I only pointed out that a backlash was coming and while we still kept the House and took the senate and the executive, the senate is a stalemate.
Listening to that local councilman to me was a harbinger for the increasingly difficult struggle ahead. I have a better prediction ability just not too strong on solutions. Let’s also consider that in my opinion, Obama chose Biden in order to fortify the white blue collar vote which now has largely evaporated and gone to you know where. In Virginia, they voted for a bad person who is employing the former Trump director (and coal lobbyist) of the EPA, to run the state environmental office.
It becomes clearer every day that the Republican Party is fragmenting. Not just the "reasonable" Republicans who are anti-Trump, like Liz Cheney and, to some extent, my former governor Mitt Romney, but also in the reactionary/authoritarian wing of the party--viz. Ted Cruz's reference to terrorists and McConnell's continuing war with T___p. That fight will continue, and get worse.
As for Joe Biden, he threw down the gauntlet, finally. But we must pick it up and smack it across the faces of the would-be authoritarians, every day from now to November 8th. The Republican Party is in a death spiral, but we must help it along--and prevent it from righting itself temporarily. (On a long- or even medium-term basis it is doomed.)
Your daily summary of actions to take and where to focus our attention is invaluable. Bless you for the clarity you bring to our activism and advocacy.
Simply put, President Joseph R. Biden's speech, yesterday, gives the lie to rumours of his senescence. The gauntlet has been thrown down and the red line has been drawn. Everything the defeated former president says and does, from here on out, is destined for the dust bin of history-save one thing: His acknowledgement that the United States of America, in the end, will remain a democratic republic, based on the rule of law. We are waiting, and not altogether patiently.
I have always labored under the belief that Republicans attack on Democracy, bad behaviors, lies and misinformation would have negative impact on voters. The attached article sheds a much different light on the subject and maybe helps explain why a different path might be needed in 2022. https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2022/01/07/democracy-threat-voters-politics/
David Brooks called out to Democrats to organize at the local level to impact the state and local governments that make soooo many decisions impacting all issues of our lives. His evaluation, and mine, is that the Republicans do a much better job of this. They started taking on school boards decades ago; it is State Houses that will impact much of our voting laws. We MUST get thirty, forty, fifty and sixty year olds to run for local offices. Imperative participation. I wish I had been clear on this at a younger age and I would have done more.
Robert! Thanks for the Newsletter! I look forward to your sage and calming advice with my coffee every morning.
I usually don't often comment but a Special to the Washington Post by Hugh Hewitt on January 8 was very disturbing in the criticism of Chuck Schumer's attempt to "revise" the filibuster. In it he implied that "if the filibuster is somehow revised or amended, the GOP majorities that look certain to emerge in both chambers after November (2022?) will combine with whoever the GOP nominates in 2024 to create a unified field of Republican power in January 2025. Expect the new Republican president to use the new rules to move quickly to enact long-overdue reforms".
What "reforms"? Aren't we just prolonging the agony of a dysfunctional autocracy? What's wrong with "majority" rule as long as "everyone" has a vote and, dare I say, we do away with the electoral college? It's time to start deliberating rather than obstructing!
Sorry for the rant! Too much coffee this morning!
Look forward to your comments.
I did not write this, but you've gotta love it: " A vote is not a valentine. You aren't confessing your love for the candidate. It's a chess move for the world you want to live in." Share as you feel appropriate. Definitely part of our messaging for the next 305 days.
Love the idea of boycotting corporations that fund seditionists. I wonder if you could put the name of one such corporation in your newsletter once or twice a week, or even every day, along with info on how to contact that corporation by email. I would email them stating my intent to boycott. I bet that lots of your readers would also.
Thanks again for your heroic work for democracy, Mr Hubbell.!
I think the information about who/how to contact the decision makers is crucial. If you go to some of the major web pages of these corporations, you don't get the best information on who to contact. In fact, much of the time it is a "generic" contact us e-mail.
Very good point. Maybe someone could help Mr Hubbell supply the best possible email addresses to use for each corporation.
Your newsletter links common sense to eternal hope. Anticipating, with fear, November 8, 2022, one truth remains. There are more of us than them. Consistent messaging will influence the result of that day. If we vote, we win.
That said, in the coming 305 days, would you consider adding an ongoing byline, tagline or closing line to each newsletter, some version of:
There are more of us than them. More who honor democracy.
Vote. Work to get out the vote. If we vote, we win!
When I read your comments about Merrick Garland, I must counter with the quiet discretion the Justice Dept. is showing as it sorts through hundreds of insurrectionists. Separating wheat from chaff is a laborious, time consuming business.
Yes, it was a tough, depressing day. I encourage people to get a "sun lamp" of some sort to lift your spirits during the darker winter months. It helps. And walks no matter what the weather is like. Like Robert, though, and heartened by all the people who care and are doing what they can to bring about the positive changes we need. There are so many ways and something that Robert lists will resonate with you or me. Sometimes, it is simply giving a bit of time to chat with someone who is so disheartened they feel like giving up. I love seeing these letters to editors and big businesses, too. Thank you for those, my fellow activists.
Story from Axios today makes the point that corporate America and the GOP are actually drifting apart, spurred on by grassroots constituents on both sides. While this may appear to be a plus for Democrats, the article notes that Republicans aren't too concerned because any funding shortfall from corporate PACs can be made up by appeals to their base which now is "disproportionately comprised of retirees, non-college graduates, and rural voters".
https://www.axios.com/new-grassroots-gop-shuns-corporate-america-53cfd624-8e11-42ee-9dd8-9decaad66749.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter_axiossneakpeek&stream=top
Thanks for your encouragement....today and every day. It is, indeed, easy to get discouraged. Even today, one of the headlines on CNN.com is "Biden's credibility is on the line". What???? This is no way to describe Biden's fantastic speech. But, of course, that is what our news media always does. I think one of the best things you provide is an assortment of ways to get involved and make a difference.
Yesterday I spent a couple of hours calling Arizona with Field Team Six. About half an hour before we were supposed to finish, Representative Adam Schiff made an appearance on our Zoom call. What a treat! He thanked us for our work and inspired us all to keep going. Democracy isn’t easy. You have to do the work. But what is the alternative?
Biden’s speech was enough news yesterday. May democracy prevail through:
- January 6th Select Committee
- DOJ, perhaps especially SDNY
- NY Attorney General
- 2022 voting rights efforts
- overt distinction between true journalism and entertainment/fiction
- a GOP that finds its moral footing
One unhinged man clings to “executive privilege” to avoid due consequences.
PS: Adding USAA to must-send letters.
This new political Trump-obsessed monster means business and it’s not for the faint-hearted. We know this. It’s not going away. This kind of reactionary politicking is not new as it can be found in our history the worst being that which led to the Civil War. And it all has to do with the slavery issues. As Heather Richardson’s book, “How the South Won the Civil War…” says, the north won on the battle field but the south won in the courts and this delayed progress for the rest of our history to the modern. And it continues to this day. You need only follow the footprints.
The question that I ask myself is how to reach that large group of independents (of which I’m one but tilt to the left of course). I think the progressives always push until the middle reacts and veers to the right. Talking to a local acquaintance who was once a Republican councilman, an Irish American too, who should know better about historical national inequality, told me sort of, that too much blame is being placed on well, I guess, white society for all the inequalities. Hello, we know there is justified blame. But to the point that it becomes counterproductive, a backlash results. I have never forgiven the perpetrators of the Chicago riots of 1968 that ultimately gave Nixon his victory (southern strategy.) The protests should have been directed at the Republican convention not the democrats. I despised Abbie Hoffman and company and I was only 15 years old — already a post-hippie at the time.
So what is my point? Somehow, we need to temper our criticism down just a bit. Last year, I wrote to Robert and stated that the summer street troubles were going to negatively impact the elections. They did. We didn’t achieve that big blue wave. Robert responded rightly that what else was there to do after a Black man was murdered by a police officer? I got it. I didn’t disagree. I only pointed out that a backlash was coming and while we still kept the House and took the senate and the executive, the senate is a stalemate.
Listening to that local councilman to me was a harbinger for the increasingly difficult struggle ahead. I have a better prediction ability just not too strong on solutions. Let’s also consider that in my opinion, Obama chose Biden in order to fortify the white blue collar vote which now has largely evaporated and gone to you know where. In Virginia, they voted for a bad person who is employing the former Trump director (and coal lobbyist) of the EPA, to run the state environmental office.
Dig that.
It becomes clearer every day that the Republican Party is fragmenting. Not just the "reasonable" Republicans who are anti-Trump, like Liz Cheney and, to some extent, my former governor Mitt Romney, but also in the reactionary/authoritarian wing of the party--viz. Ted Cruz's reference to terrorists and McConnell's continuing war with T___p. That fight will continue, and get worse.
As for Joe Biden, he threw down the gauntlet, finally. But we must pick it up and smack it across the faces of the would-be authoritarians, every day from now to November 8th. The Republican Party is in a death spiral, but we must help it along--and prevent it from righting itself temporarily. (On a long- or even medium-term basis it is doomed.)
Your daily summary of actions to take and where to focus our attention is invaluable. Bless you for the clarity you bring to our activism and advocacy.
Simply put, President Joseph R. Biden's speech, yesterday, gives the lie to rumours of his senescence. The gauntlet has been thrown down and the red line has been drawn. Everything the defeated former president says and does, from here on out, is destined for the dust bin of history-save one thing: His acknowledgement that the United States of America, in the end, will remain a democratic republic, based on the rule of law. We are waiting, and not altogether patiently.