All I can say, Robert, is I have read every one of your columns almost for as long as you have written them. You have literally saved my sanity with your easy to understand explanations of the daily news, your links to ways to help fight for our democracy and, especially, your never ending optimism. I will never be able to thank you enough.
Thanks, Robert, for your cool headed observations and, as always, sound advice. Every morning I look forward to opening your newsletter. You’re doing a great job. Thank you.
"I am struggling to find the right way to communicate with readers who disagree with my observations." This conclusion took me by surprise. Robert, you write with deep care, consideration, and integrity, and have on occasions offered a correction and/or apology. Those who disagree are entitled to their opinions, but that should not necessitate your efforts to sway them. I say, you be you.
We naturally wish to be understood, heard, recognized and respected. You are reminding me that when we are talking about difficult, controversial issues, we must seek to understand, not to be understood. Too often in my eagerness to set things right, I fail to listen and respect even good friends and family! This does not mean I agree or capitulate to different opinions. It just becomes a fruitful, stimulating, growth-producing conversation, if I can respectfully ask questions and seek to understand those alternate viewpoints. Acknowledging and understanding others, is difficult when I “know” they are “wrong”—but it is mean and futile to try to silence others. I agree with Mr. Hubbell about our President. Biden is keeping dialogue open and respecting and listening. And some good things are happening for some Palestinians, not as much as is needed but more than it appeared was going to be possible. He has shown respect and listened to some, perhaps misguided leaders, he seeks to understand. And it seems to open them up to changing and slowing some of their destructive aggression and enhancing their understanding of the need for humanitarian aid. It appears this way to me.
Oct 30, 2023·edited Oct 30, 2023Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
Many thanks for this update, Robert. I think part of the disconnect on the economy is because the lowest paid workers in the service industry, most minority and female, but not all, are prohibited from forming unions. This is a huge percentage of our workforce. Some workers in right-to-work states, Amazon employees, for example, are unionizing and bargaining collectively anyway. my point is, until we raise up the poorest among us, we are not addressing the entire problem. Hence, Reverend Barber and The Poor People’s Campaign, and Rev.Nelson Johnson and his wife Joyce, and their Beloved Community’s Truth, Justice, and Reconciliation project (see Facebook, the Web, etc).
Good morning! I agree wholeheartedly with Robert’s final few paragraphs about how we talk to, listen to and interact with each other, most especially at this fevered time in history. I wonder what we’d all see if we could zoom out beyond Earth and have perspective. The worst effect of Trump and Maga over the years has been a free-for-all opening of Pandora’s box around free soeech. He modeled zero self-censorship and even those citizens who know better are giving up and getting into the barroom brawl that has become our discourse. I’m inspired by Robert’s suggestion as to how to practice temperance and will start here at home with my 97 year old mom who occasionally digs in in a black and white fashion about a topic. I want to listen better. I think Free Speech must include Deep Listening and Empathy for it to work. I applaud Robert for working so hard to articulate this to so many people. A safe and decent way forward will depend on this.
Oct 30, 2023·edited Oct 30, 2023Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
Great Concluding Thoughts, especially, "Avoid compounding the pain of this moment by walking away from confrontations that will serve only to increase your agitation or anger while resolving nothing." Walking away is the civilized alternative to "fight or flight," and something we should all aspire to master. Sometimes, it's easier to see a path forward by taking the high road.
I am a Jew who thinks Netanyahu is the tRump of Israel on many levels. I believe strongly in the two state solution, and I don't believe his policies have promoted this end. One of the first things that went through my mind after Hamas attacked Israel was how badly innocent Palestinians were going to end up suffering for this terrorism. Hamas' stated goal is the destruction of the Jewish State. Too many people see their actions as some sort of protest against Israel's policies, and it has been agonizing for many of us who who are not only traumatized by the loss of innocent life on both sides but who now see Israel essentially being blamed for the atrocities. I can't thank you enough for your sanity and understanding at this time, (and I thank goodness that Biden is president.)
Hey, Robert...many thanks! As regards the 4 indictments of Trump, here's a link from CBS that provides: "A quick-look guide to charges, trial dates and key players for each case."
Oct 30, 2023·edited Oct 30, 2023Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
It took the Republican strategists and legislators over four decades to effectively lay down a strategy, adhere to a plan, execute with precision a program of bottom up support that has finally achieved what they evidently wished for - a corruption of American democratic processes while garnering devoted populist backing and a latent, citizen military force. It has imbued their philosophy with notions of White Christian, purist nationalistic supremacy and pitted Americans against Americans.
Over four decades!
It has taken one term in office for Joe Biden to accomplish not only what Presidents have not but whole Congresses have been unable to succeed at and in many more than the eight years of presidential leadership allowed. Yet, he is no miracle worker. It has been the result of pushing an enormous rock uphill. And yet we ask for more. More is asked of Biden by both Liberals and Progressives who should know better. The name of the political left wing is "progressives" not "miraclists". By not viewing his real results as near all that might have prudently been anticipated and much, much more, we create diminished hope, dubious messaging, and the potential for self-fulfilling prophecy. Biden is one hell of a calm, composed, shrewd, subtle, and wise leader and legislator. We should all be grateful for that.
Good morning, Robert! I find myself bouncing like a rubber ball on a stormy sea of bad news with some good mixed in.
My son is livid at Biden for downplaying the Gaza death toll. I myself have trouble digesting his calling for a two-state solution while embracing the man who has made blocking such a solution the policy cornerstone of his 25 year run at or near the top of Israeli poltics - Netanyahu.
I call such a stance “duplicitous”, literally two-faced - EXCEPT - I do so without attaching the usual negative connotation to that word. Another way to look at it is to steal a chant from recent demonstrations:
This is what DIPLOMACY looks like!
Joe Biden is looking for a diplomatic solution to the Middle East conflict. It is a gigantic gamble and one that may fail spectacularly but I have no doubt that that is his aim and I support that aim.
I have no problem with those demonstrating for a cease-fire, but I don’t extend that support to demonizing Biden or glorifying Hamas’ murderous attacks.
So the media is all worked up about Israel’s response to the vicious massacre of innocent Jews on October 7. Isn’t it curious that none have raised the issue of the obvious response from the Palestinians to resolve the issue? I mean of course to simply return to Israel the 230 or so hostages and turn over to the Israeli government the Hamas terrorists. Simple solution. War is over. No more innocents being killed.
Part of the deal can obviously include getting rid of the Netanyahu government and a guarantee for a PA ruled Palestinian state with a taking down of settlements on the West Bank. But first, return the hostages.
Oct 30, 2023·edited Oct 30, 2023Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
Robert, you are exploring very important ground in your last few paragraphs. Not many lawyers are willing to discuss emotions and their impact. I am grateful that you take this crucial but really difficult topic on with subtlety and discernment. Know that this reader respects and admires your courage in walking this minefield of emotional responsibility.
We live in a complicated and difficult world. Many of the issues and challenges we face like the war in Israel, climate change, the economy and the entire Trump legal soap opera contain complex issues and details that cannot be adequately covered with a simple headline and a sound bite. There is a lot more involved than that. One question that illustrates this is if Israel is successful against Hamas what happens to Palestine? One of the major challenges in this war is the fact that there is no legitimate acceptable leaders and governing body in Palestine that could provide a stable government. Most Americans are not familiar with the complexity of the Israel and Palestinian conflicts, history and politics and without that knowledge as a basis for your opinions you are not understanding the entire situation. That is the reason all of us must invest time and energy to do the hard work and gain an understanding of all sides of the issue. You cannot fight misinformation and prejudice without the knowledge and facts to help people find their way. We we don’t do it who will?
Indeed, the Biden Administration with its return to demand-side economic policies, the traditional Democratic approach to the economy, is responsible for the significant growth in jobs and income of the bottom and middle 90% of society. The UAW victories hopefully are a bellwether for future significant labor wins. During the New Deal era from the 1930s until 1980, when demand side policies were embraced by both political parties, economic growth, productivity, and employment rates were at their highest, much higher than they ever were during the Reaganomic supply-side era from 1980 until the end of Trump's admin. The GOP approach to the economy has always been to enact policies that put downward pressure on employment rates and worker pay so that the CEOs and stockholders can make the most money. So, keep up the good work Joe!
All I can say, Robert, is I have read every one of your columns almost for as long as you have written them. You have literally saved my sanity with your easy to understand explanations of the daily news, your links to ways to help fight for our democracy and, especially, your never ending optimism. I will never be able to thank you enough.
Thanks, Robert, for your cool headed observations and, as always, sound advice. Every morning I look forward to opening your newsletter. You’re doing a great job. Thank you.
"I am struggling to find the right way to communicate with readers who disagree with my observations." This conclusion took me by surprise. Robert, you write with deep care, consideration, and integrity, and have on occasions offered a correction and/or apology. Those who disagree are entitled to their opinions, but that should not necessitate your efforts to sway them. I say, you be you.
We naturally wish to be understood, heard, recognized and respected. You are reminding me that when we are talking about difficult, controversial issues, we must seek to understand, not to be understood. Too often in my eagerness to set things right, I fail to listen and respect even good friends and family! This does not mean I agree or capitulate to different opinions. It just becomes a fruitful, stimulating, growth-producing conversation, if I can respectfully ask questions and seek to understand those alternate viewpoints. Acknowledging and understanding others, is difficult when I “know” they are “wrong”—but it is mean and futile to try to silence others. I agree with Mr. Hubbell about our President. Biden is keeping dialogue open and respecting and listening. And some good things are happening for some Palestinians, not as much as is needed but more than it appeared was going to be possible. He has shown respect and listened to some, perhaps misguided leaders, he seeks to understand. And it seems to open them up to changing and slowing some of their destructive aggression and enhancing their understanding of the need for humanitarian aid. It appears this way to me.
Many thanks for this update, Robert. I think part of the disconnect on the economy is because the lowest paid workers in the service industry, most minority and female, but not all, are prohibited from forming unions. This is a huge percentage of our workforce. Some workers in right-to-work states, Amazon employees, for example, are unionizing and bargaining collectively anyway. my point is, until we raise up the poorest among us, we are not addressing the entire problem. Hence, Reverend Barber and The Poor People’s Campaign, and Rev.Nelson Johnson and his wife Joyce, and their Beloved Community’s Truth, Justice, and Reconciliation project (see Facebook, the Web, etc).
Good morning! I agree wholeheartedly with Robert’s final few paragraphs about how we talk to, listen to and interact with each other, most especially at this fevered time in history. I wonder what we’d all see if we could zoom out beyond Earth and have perspective. The worst effect of Trump and Maga over the years has been a free-for-all opening of Pandora’s box around free soeech. He modeled zero self-censorship and even those citizens who know better are giving up and getting into the barroom brawl that has become our discourse. I’m inspired by Robert’s suggestion as to how to practice temperance and will start here at home with my 97 year old mom who occasionally digs in in a black and white fashion about a topic. I want to listen better. I think Free Speech must include Deep Listening and Empathy for it to work. I applaud Robert for working so hard to articulate this to so many people. A safe and decent way forward will depend on this.
Great Concluding Thoughts, especially, "Avoid compounding the pain of this moment by walking away from confrontations that will serve only to increase your agitation or anger while resolving nothing." Walking away is the civilized alternative to "fight or flight," and something we should all aspire to master. Sometimes, it's easier to see a path forward by taking the high road.
I am a Jew who thinks Netanyahu is the tRump of Israel on many levels. I believe strongly in the two state solution, and I don't believe his policies have promoted this end. One of the first things that went through my mind after Hamas attacked Israel was how badly innocent Palestinians were going to end up suffering for this terrorism. Hamas' stated goal is the destruction of the Jewish State. Too many people see their actions as some sort of protest against Israel's policies, and it has been agonizing for many of us who who are not only traumatized by the loss of innocent life on both sides but who now see Israel essentially being blamed for the atrocities. I can't thank you enough for your sanity and understanding at this time, (and I thank goodness that Biden is president.)
Hey, Robert...many thanks! As regards the 4 indictments of Trump, here's a link from CBS that provides: "A quick-look guide to charges, trial dates and key players for each case."
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-indictments-details-guide-charges-trial-dates-people-case/
It took the Republican strategists and legislators over four decades to effectively lay down a strategy, adhere to a plan, execute with precision a program of bottom up support that has finally achieved what they evidently wished for - a corruption of American democratic processes while garnering devoted populist backing and a latent, citizen military force. It has imbued their philosophy with notions of White Christian, purist nationalistic supremacy and pitted Americans against Americans.
Over four decades!
It has taken one term in office for Joe Biden to accomplish not only what Presidents have not but whole Congresses have been unable to succeed at and in many more than the eight years of presidential leadership allowed. Yet, he is no miracle worker. It has been the result of pushing an enormous rock uphill. And yet we ask for more. More is asked of Biden by both Liberals and Progressives who should know better. The name of the political left wing is "progressives" not "miraclists". By not viewing his real results as near all that might have prudently been anticipated and much, much more, we create diminished hope, dubious messaging, and the potential for self-fulfilling prophecy. Biden is one hell of a calm, composed, shrewd, subtle, and wise leader and legislator. We should all be grateful for that.
Good morning, Robert! I find myself bouncing like a rubber ball on a stormy sea of bad news with some good mixed in.
My son is livid at Biden for downplaying the Gaza death toll. I myself have trouble digesting his calling for a two-state solution while embracing the man who has made blocking such a solution the policy cornerstone of his 25 year run at or near the top of Israeli poltics - Netanyahu.
I call such a stance “duplicitous”, literally two-faced - EXCEPT - I do so without attaching the usual negative connotation to that word. Another way to look at it is to steal a chant from recent demonstrations:
This is what DIPLOMACY looks like!
Joe Biden is looking for a diplomatic solution to the Middle East conflict. It is a gigantic gamble and one that may fail spectacularly but I have no doubt that that is his aim and I support that aim.
I have no problem with those demonstrating for a cease-fire, but I don’t extend that support to demonizing Biden or glorifying Hamas’ murderous attacks.
So the media is all worked up about Israel’s response to the vicious massacre of innocent Jews on October 7. Isn’t it curious that none have raised the issue of the obvious response from the Palestinians to resolve the issue? I mean of course to simply return to Israel the 230 or so hostages and turn over to the Israeli government the Hamas terrorists. Simple solution. War is over. No more innocents being killed.
Part of the deal can obviously include getting rid of the Netanyahu government and a guarantee for a PA ruled Palestinian state with a taking down of settlements on the West Bank. But first, return the hostages.
Fellow retirement community residents wrote 500 postcards to voters in Ohio. New York, and Florida.
Average age of writers?
80 - 90 years
Mailing cards today.
Robert, you are exploring very important ground in your last few paragraphs. Not many lawyers are willing to discuss emotions and their impact. I am grateful that you take this crucial but really difficult topic on with subtlety and discernment. Know that this reader respects and admires your courage in walking this minefield of emotional responsibility.
We live in a complicated and difficult world. Many of the issues and challenges we face like the war in Israel, climate change, the economy and the entire Trump legal soap opera contain complex issues and details that cannot be adequately covered with a simple headline and a sound bite. There is a lot more involved than that. One question that illustrates this is if Israel is successful against Hamas what happens to Palestine? One of the major challenges in this war is the fact that there is no legitimate acceptable leaders and governing body in Palestine that could provide a stable government. Most Americans are not familiar with the complexity of the Israel and Palestinian conflicts, history and politics and without that knowledge as a basis for your opinions you are not understanding the entire situation. That is the reason all of us must invest time and energy to do the hard work and gain an understanding of all sides of the issue. You cannot fight misinformation and prejudice without the knowledge and facts to help people find their way. We we don’t do it who will?
Indeed, the Biden Administration with its return to demand-side economic policies, the traditional Democratic approach to the economy, is responsible for the significant growth in jobs and income of the bottom and middle 90% of society. The UAW victories hopefully are a bellwether for future significant labor wins. During the New Deal era from the 1930s until 1980, when demand side policies were embraced by both political parties, economic growth, productivity, and employment rates were at their highest, much higher than they ever were during the Reaganomic supply-side era from 1980 until the end of Trump's admin. The GOP approach to the economy has always been to enact policies that put downward pressure on employment rates and worker pay so that the CEOs and stockholders can make the most money. So, keep up the good work Joe!