Jun 29, 2023·edited Jun 29, 2023Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
Thanks, Robert...this one's a knockout!
As a side note to the Bidenomics story, I couldn't help but "smirk" my way through this article in The Guardian yesterday: "Solar helps Texas carry energy load as heatwave puts power grid to test: State has managed to avoid rolling blackouts amid three-digit temperatures thanks to its supply of solar power, experts say."
I love stealing Republican epithets and turning them into Democrat positives. Back at you MAGAS! However, we need a different tactic when it comes to MAGAS use of the terms Fascist, Racist and Elitist. Distorted use of words and twisting their meaning often enough can totally debase their value if left unchallenged. We must therefore strenuously apply these words in truthfully labeling enemies of democracy. American oligarchs who are the few trying to control the many properly must be seen as fascist. Stand Your Ground laws are racist. Christian nationalists are elitist who demand their religious views should govern a diverse and increasingly secular country. Originalism is elitism. Truth for authority not authority for truth (Lucretia Mott).
Yes, yes, to all your points, John. Language governs perception. How else does a criminal, traitorous man baby with SERIOUS mental health issues get elected president???!!!
Regarding the use of language, why don't we just call oligarchs what they are in plain language "robber barons"? Jim, who lives in a double wide, drives a 12 year old Chevy Silverado, works at the tire store, has a wife, two kids and a high school education will under robber baron. The robber barons, Musk, Koch, Peter Thiel, Harlon Crow, Jeff Bezos are stealing the country blind!
Yes -- “Language governs perception.” And, as John pointed out, clear language is critical -- well beyond the Jims in the double-wides, there also are Bobs and Jennifers in this country’s struggling middle class who will hear & immediately understand “robber barons” and what they mean for their lives. (I, for one, first think “Russia” when I hear “oligarch.”)
I heard some of Biden’s speech about what is now called “Bidenomics”. I love that as much as Obamacare. Obama said, paraphrasing here, “If Obamacare means the Obama cares, then YES!”
What Biden did early on was delegate his hopes and dreams to very competent staff members and leaders of many departments. He got positive feedback pretty quickly which meant full steam ahead and he hasn’t slowed down. I admire the fact that he has juggled so many balls in the air, some at one time. Because he assigned the DOJ with the task of cleaning up a mess and investigating J6, he was able to concentrate on other important things. He’s pretty darn capable, I’d say.
Rudy’s dye will be dripping a little more after he was offered a proffer by Jack Smith. That proffer is like a dangling carrot and Rudy is taking it in exchange for every little thing he knows. That’s a big plus for DOJ and for democracy. A big minus for Fake 45 and Company.
As for that Russian General, he’s probably not going to live much longer since colluding with Prigozhin. This incident really showed us all Putin’s vulnerabilities. Now if we could just get a little closer to him and nab he and his mercenary friends to be brought to trial for violations against humanity, that’d be the icing on the cake.
Have a safe trip to Boston with your Managing Editor!
Just a side note about General Sergei Surovikin who was arrested. He has a reputation for being extremely competent and is very well liked and respected by the troops. Putin is obviously looking for a scapegoat. But this may backfire. I think Putin is showing his frightened desperate side. Once again, Diane Francis dives deep into the stuff that rarely makes what I call the "surface news" and the chyrons.
Crimes against Humanity trial for Putin? The orange idiot is jealous Putin might get something he can’t! He is screaming at the top of his lungs ‘NO ME FIRST’!
I am so grateful for your championing of President Biden. He is so successful and yet even democrats seem to have a hard time praising him. I agree he is going to go down extraordinarily well in history. We are most fortunate to have him at the helm, both domestically and internationally.
Jun 29, 2023·edited Jun 29, 2023Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
I am once again so thankful for your fact-filled and insightful writing. My day would not start out right if I did not read your and knowledgeable others views on what is happening in our country and the world. I just have one comment to make about Clarence Thomas and his"historical analog from 1791" take on the 2nd Amendment and that is this. If his originalism is so air-tight on banning all firearms regulation, then the firearms being unregulated would be muskets. There is no mention of AR-15s in 1791 when the 2nd Amendment was ratified. I am thoroughly tired of the corrupt opinions from these beyond right-wing SCOTUS judges. It is going to take many years to be free of the damage that they have inflicted upon all of us.
"Late, short and full of typos" is just fine with me, as long as I can start my day with insight, perspective and a bit of healthy optimism, courtesy of your column. Travel safely, and try to rise above the mess of summer flying conditions.
Jun 29, 2023·edited Jun 29, 2023Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
RE “Justice Thomas adopted an extremist view of the Second Amendment that prohibits any regulation of firearms that does not have a “historical analog” from 1791.” This suggests that gun legislation limiting gun owners’ rights to “arms” in existence in 1791 might succeed.
I keep telling people! Biden's the best President of my lifetime! They'll be studying him 100 years from now! 200 years from now! I can feel the wind at my back and it keeps getting stronger! And all this is despite one major disagreement with him. You don't get everything you want from any president, but Biden is giving us a better, stronger country and world. He has learned from decades of experience, and has put that learning to good use.
I was born while FDR was President. I didn't understand till I was much older the incredible programs he put into place. I am enjoying my retirement because of him. I agree that Biden will be known as a great President, better than Obama, which I've been afraid to say aloud for obvious reasons. He's not perfect, that is true. But he is great, and hopefully, he will be able to work on the Environment in his second term!
Every Democratic president of my lifetime--which began under Eisenhower--has been a disappointment to me--until Biden. (I don't expect anything out of GOPers anymore.) I think Obama was hugely lacking in experience, and was lucky to have Pelosi to help shepherd Obamacare into law.
Incidentally--your last name--does it refer to a certain Chateau in France? I have photos of it tht I took in 1966, and I feel nostalgic when I see your name.
It remains my view that Biden is our best president since Lyndon Johnson. But, like LBJ, his flaws tend to obscure the good work he is doing. In particular, the climate is Biden's Vietnam. I expect he will be re-elected and his party will enjoy majorities in both houses of the next Congress. What happens then will determine his place in history.
One of the strongest arguments for a new way is a look back at which administrations in the the past half century have been the most responsible for increasing the national debt by running big deficits. Big deficits and growing debt are a not-very-hidden tax on the economy through the growth in the debt service burden. I'd like to see Biden and his cabinet say that if you want the national debt to grow, vote Republican. Look at the history under Trump, GWB, Reagan. Then say it and show it in graphs again and again.
Jun 29, 2023·edited Jun 29, 2023Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
Obamacare: "A big f'ing deal"
Bidenomics: "A big f'ing deal"
P.S. Ari Melber had tape recordings of CEOs touting their profits at the expense of consumers "used to paying more", wages, and just plain ole common decency. The glee in their voices is revolting.
Totally off topic comment. Well, maybe not. Since Robert is headed to the great Commonwealth of Massachusetts, I wanted to possibly bring a smile to some of you who haven't caught this story. We (the state led by our wonderful Governor Healey) are poking a stick in the eye of Mr. Bigot Ron Deathsantis.
Also off topic, but I loved the article yesterday, NYT?, saying that some of the immigrants illegally “shipped” to Martha’s Vineyard have found a welcoming home there. How’s that for ugliness backfiring!
The truth is that MA needs workers of all kinds. The islands off the Cape are no exception.
So the billboard is based on a need. The other big problem here is the costing of housing (if you can find it) is out of control. Hence, we are losing people.
Finally the Democrats have a handle called Bidenomics which is catchy and can be easily defined and will accelerate Democrats ability to define simply their position and the reason Biden should be re-elected. Biden himself loves the name and it’s going to be bigger than MAGA.
Yes. But it will be interesting to see how Senator Whitehouse's crusade progresses, as he works to force the Supreme Court to adopt a strong code of ethics. Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito publicly breast-feeding off of ultra rich Republicans in exchange for ruling in favor of cases "their masters" bring to the court, doesn't seem like a sustainable practice. Keep after them, Senator Whitehouse! We appreciate your tenacity and concern for the reputation of our Supreme Court and our Rule of Law.
Thanks, Robert...this one's a knockout!
As a side note to the Bidenomics story, I couldn't help but "smirk" my way through this article in The Guardian yesterday: "Solar helps Texas carry energy load as heatwave puts power grid to test: State has managed to avoid rolling blackouts amid three-digit temperatures thanks to its supply of solar power, experts say."
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jun/28/texas-heatwave-power-grid-solar-energy
I love stealing Republican epithets and turning them into Democrat positives. Back at you MAGAS! However, we need a different tactic when it comes to MAGAS use of the terms Fascist, Racist and Elitist. Distorted use of words and twisting their meaning often enough can totally debase their value if left unchallenged. We must therefore strenuously apply these words in truthfully labeling enemies of democracy. American oligarchs who are the few trying to control the many properly must be seen as fascist. Stand Your Ground laws are racist. Christian nationalists are elitist who demand their religious views should govern a diverse and increasingly secular country. Originalism is elitism. Truth for authority not authority for truth (Lucretia Mott).
Yes, yes, to all your points, John. Language governs perception. How else does a criminal, traitorous man baby with SERIOUS mental health issues get elected president???!!!
Regarding the use of language, why don't we just call oligarchs what they are in plain language "robber barons"? Jim, who lives in a double wide, drives a 12 year old Chevy Silverado, works at the tire store, has a wife, two kids and a high school education will under robber baron. The robber barons, Musk, Koch, Peter Thiel, Harlon Crow, Jeff Bezos are stealing the country blind!
Yes -- “Language governs perception.” And, as John pointed out, clear language is critical -- well beyond the Jims in the double-wides, there also are Bobs and Jennifers in this country’s struggling middle class who will hear & immediately understand “robber barons” and what they mean for their lives. (I, for one, first think “Russia” when I hear “oligarch.”)
Hope the MAGAts in Texas appreciate that. But I likely hope in vain, they are dedicated cultists
I heard some of Biden’s speech about what is now called “Bidenomics”. I love that as much as Obamacare. Obama said, paraphrasing here, “If Obamacare means the Obama cares, then YES!”
What Biden did early on was delegate his hopes and dreams to very competent staff members and leaders of many departments. He got positive feedback pretty quickly which meant full steam ahead and he hasn’t slowed down. I admire the fact that he has juggled so many balls in the air, some at one time. Because he assigned the DOJ with the task of cleaning up a mess and investigating J6, he was able to concentrate on other important things. He’s pretty darn capable, I’d say.
Rudy’s dye will be dripping a little more after he was offered a proffer by Jack Smith. That proffer is like a dangling carrot and Rudy is taking it in exchange for every little thing he knows. That’s a big plus for DOJ and for democracy. A big minus for Fake 45 and Company.
As for that Russian General, he’s probably not going to live much longer since colluding with Prigozhin. This incident really showed us all Putin’s vulnerabilities. Now if we could just get a little closer to him and nab he and his mercenary friends to be brought to trial for violations against humanity, that’d be the icing on the cake.
Have a safe trip to Boston with your Managing Editor!
Well said, Marlene,
Just a side note about General Sergei Surovikin who was arrested. He has a reputation for being extremely competent and is very well liked and respected by the troops. Putin is obviously looking for a scapegoat. But this may backfire. I think Putin is showing his frightened desperate side. Once again, Diane Francis dives deep into the stuff that rarely makes what I call the "surface news" and the chyrons.
https://dianefrancis.substack.com/p/vlad-the-terrible
I’d like to hear Fiona Hill’s take.
Crimes against Humanity trial for Putin? The orange idiot is jealous Putin might get something he can’t! He is screaming at the top of his lungs ‘NO ME FIRST’!
I am so grateful for your championing of President Biden. He is so successful and yet even democrats seem to have a hard time praising him. I agree he is going to go down extraordinarily well in history. We are most fortunate to have him at the helm, both domestically and internationally.
What history reports will, in large part, depend on us
I am once again so thankful for your fact-filled and insightful writing. My day would not start out right if I did not read your and knowledgeable others views on what is happening in our country and the world. I just have one comment to make about Clarence Thomas and his"historical analog from 1791" take on the 2nd Amendment and that is this. If his originalism is so air-tight on banning all firearms regulation, then the firearms being unregulated would be muskets. There is no mention of AR-15s in 1791 when the 2nd Amendment was ratified. I am thoroughly tired of the corrupt opinions from these beyond right-wing SCOTUS judges. It is going to take many years to be free of the damage that they have inflicted upon all of us.
As Simon Rosenberg says “We all need to get loud”. We are part of the messaging too.
"Late, short and full of typos" is just fine with me, as long as I can start my day with insight, perspective and a bit of healthy optimism, courtesy of your column. Travel safely, and try to rise above the mess of summer flying conditions.
I heard travel iss going a little better today.
Thanks Robert, Time for the Democrats to learn a lesson from the GOP....repeat, repeat, repeat....
Ad nauseam, but it will more closely resemble the truth. Go Dems
I know ad nauseam for sure but democrats are really poor at this
True, but here's hoping Biden is going to undo that. He's going to be on Nicolle Wallace's show today, 1:00 Pacific.
Have been for decades.
RE “Justice Thomas adopted an extremist view of the Second Amendment that prohibits any regulation of firearms that does not have a “historical analog” from 1791.” This suggests that gun legislation limiting gun owners’ rights to “arms” in existence in 1791 might succeed.
Whaddya think, Clarence?
I've been saying for years... "everyone should have a right to own a musket" lol
I keep telling people! Biden's the best President of my lifetime! They'll be studying him 100 years from now! 200 years from now! I can feel the wind at my back and it keeps getting stronger! And all this is despite one major disagreement with him. You don't get everything you want from any president, but Biden is giving us a better, stronger country and world. He has learned from decades of experience, and has put that learning to good use.
I was born while FDR was President. I didn't understand till I was much older the incredible programs he put into place. I am enjoying my retirement because of him. I agree that Biden will be known as a great President, better than Obama, which I've been afraid to say aloud for obvious reasons. He's not perfect, that is true. But he is great, and hopefully, he will be able to work on the Environment in his second term!
Kathleen,
Every Democratic president of my lifetime--which began under Eisenhower--has been a disappointment to me--until Biden. (I don't expect anything out of GOPers anymore.) I think Obama was hugely lacking in experience, and was lucky to have Pelosi to help shepherd Obamacare into law.
Incidentally--your last name--does it refer to a certain Chateau in France? I have photos of it tht I took in 1966, and I feel nostalgic when I see your name.
It remains my view that Biden is our best president since Lyndon Johnson. But, like LBJ, his flaws tend to obscure the good work he is doing. In particular, the climate is Biden's Vietnam. I expect he will be re-elected and his party will enjoy majorities in both houses of the next Congress. What happens then will determine his place in history.
He playing the best he can with the cards he is dealt.
Agreed. As usual, he plays the long game. So much smarter than I ever realized.
I totally agree. I have to go listen to some Democrats belittle him today. I have good arguments to offer, respectfully!
From your lips to God's ear, Clifford!
Agreed.
One of the strongest arguments for a new way is a look back at which administrations in the the past half century have been the most responsible for increasing the national debt by running big deficits. Big deficits and growing debt are a not-very-hidden tax on the economy through the growth in the debt service burden. I'd like to see Biden and his cabinet say that if you want the national debt to grow, vote Republican. Look at the history under Trump, GWB, Reagan. Then say it and show it in graphs again and again.
Obamacare: "A big f'ing deal"
Bidenomics: "A big f'ing deal"
P.S. Ari Melber had tape recordings of CEOs touting their profits at the expense of consumers "used to paying more", wages, and just plain ole common decency. The glee in their voices is revolting.
Well said!
Totally off topic comment. Well, maybe not. Since Robert is headed to the great Commonwealth of Massachusetts, I wanted to possibly bring a smile to some of you who haven't caught this story. We (the state led by our wonderful Governor Healey) are poking a stick in the eye of Mr. Bigot Ron Deathsantis.
And...making a beautiful statement. You go Maura!
https://www.politico.com/newsletters/massachusetts-playbook/2023/06/27/healey-takes-out-a-billboard-00103760
Also off topic, but I loved the article yesterday, NYT?, saying that some of the immigrants illegally “shipped” to Martha’s Vineyard have found a welcoming home there. How’s that for ugliness backfiring!
The truth is that MA needs workers of all kinds. The islands off the Cape are no exception.
So the billboard is based on a need. The other big problem here is the costing of housing (if you can find it) is out of control. Hence, we are losing people.
Loved and shared the Biden and Bidenomics good news!
Finally the Democrats have a handle called Bidenomics which is catchy and can be easily defined and will accelerate Democrats ability to define simply their position and the reason Biden should be re-elected. Biden himself loves the name and it’s going to be bigger than MAGA.
“Backbone of a sea sponge:” you are so good for my morale, Robert.
I am no longer afraid of Clarence Thomas. He is completely discredited.
But still powerful, sadly
Yes. But it will be interesting to see how Senator Whitehouse's crusade progresses, as he works to force the Supreme Court to adopt a strong code of ethics. Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito publicly breast-feeding off of ultra rich Republicans in exchange for ruling in favor of cases "their masters" bring to the court, doesn't seem like a sustainable practice. Keep after them, Senator Whitehouse! We appreciate your tenacity and concern for the reputation of our Supreme Court and our Rule of Law.