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.
I agree completely. The best way to communicate with those who disagree is to present facts rather than feelings and do so dispassionately. You are effective at both and it's why a lot of us keep reading.
This was another great Today's. And this was particularly good advice: "The above advice does not mean that every opinion must be heard, tolerated, or granted the presumption of good faith. An important skill in communicating is knowing when not to."
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.
Andrea, keep the faith! We've been in CA since the lockdown started, spending lots of time with kids and grandkids, all of whom live in the Bay Area. Solid blue in SF, but we've been further east to canvass and mobilize for D's.
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).
Hi, Jim. You raise important issues. I think you have written to me directly on this topic. Can you keep me updated on developments that I can share with readers regarding progress for low wage workers? Thanks!
Sure thing. Beloved Community is organizing a march from Asheville to Wilmington in honor of Gandhi’s salt march for next Spring. I believe the planning meeting is November 17. Will keep in touch.
Another disconnect I don't see mentioned and understood. It really costs MONEY to register a car, pay car insurance, maintain a vehicle, pay for property insurance, pay for internet access and telephones.... these are required in contemporary society and both the insurance companies and the telecomm companies are profiting.
I am very tired of the "economy" question. Perhaps economists and journalists and pollsters have a very refined definition of what the "economy" is, but does the average American? In a country where many think the GOP is "strong" on the economy and Joe Biden is not legitimately elected, will we get anything close to a rational answer on how the economy is doing? For one person, it might be gas prices, for another it might be that they didn't get to go to Disneyworld this summer, for another it might be that they like Trump. For us to get definitive answers, we need to ask definitive questions such as, "Are you making enough money?" or "Are you better off personally this year than last?" I think the term economy is murky and many people don't measure it the same way as the economists or aren't using the same numbers .
I am very tired too. I am tired of hearing MAGA followers deny climate change ‘the earth has gone through these changes forever’ and they deny earth events are increasing and becoming stronger. I am tired of hearing MAGAs deny increases of hate crimes, violence, racism because people have always been that way, and it's better to have a gun than not have a gun. I am tired of hearing MAGAs say they are christians when you can’t be a republican or on orange idiot supporter and preach to everyone else! That’s the one that makes me the most furious! Using religion to promote hate.
Yes indeed. I've been following Faithful America because they really take a theological hammer to White Christian Nationalism, which is the antithesis of the teachings of Christ. MAGA and all they stand for are tiresome and they are wrong. We need to call them out on all of this, especially the hate, bigotry, and lies masquerading as "God's truth."
A good point but we have raised the income levels of most Americans and they are higher than they have ever been but they need to be raised even higher. It’s hard for voters to connect how the Biden Administration enabled the higher wages many workers are enjoying today
Stephen, when you are on a fixed income, even though we received a healthy raise in Social Security last year, and when the prices of basic necessities and medicine keep increasing, many of us are still struggling. There is a disconnect, unfortunately.
I understand your concern but what people never think about is the difference between what Biden can do from an inflation perspective ( mange gas prices ) and what he can’t do regarding housing costs and heating costs. Many vendors are gauging the American consumer. What is important is that inflation has been going down since the pandemic and Republicans don’t have a silver bullet.
Right. Many corporations are trying to recoup their losses from the pandemic by stiffing it to the consumers, knowing that most folks will blame President Biden.
Very true, and I think many people who are stuck in low-wage jobs, and/or non-union jobs don’t seem to understand that Biden can’t just wave a magic wand and make everything better overnight. Even what he’s accomplished in these three years is remarkable, and it’s a shame that so many Americans seem to be in the dark about this.
I disagree. I know exactly what he has done and exactly what everybody is saying about the economy. I get (and read) regular email updates from the NYT about the inflation rate, the jobs numbers, etc.
Fortunately for me, I have an adequate income and good health insurance but I still am shocked every time I leave the grocery store. And this is the kind of reality that is faced by people who have to watch their money carefully - their grocery bill.
I think that’s a lot of it, and I don’t expect any MAGA groupie to be paying attention to Biden’s accomplishments. But polls show that even some Democrats and independents are not aware of Biden’s accomplishments. Do these people just not read any news? This is really a conundrum.
Great points. The government hopefully will do more to fight inflation at the top -- CEO pay due to corrupt corporate governance structure, and longer/stronger patents and copyrights would be a couple of good targets.
Jim, you and I are aligned completely. The poor , as well as regular people such as myself, are struggling with the increase in food prices, fuel and housing. Those of us who are ill have to find money for expensive medications, while also finding prices of basic necessities much higher over the last couple of years. I read an article about price gauging recently, which I wish the President would address and confront. Then, perhaps, many of us would feel better off economically!
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 would say part of that is in picking your moments. Progressives are angry right now and aren't in the mood to be persuaded. Many of them are hurting financially, despite the evidence showing the economy growing, because their wages are stagnant and the prices at the grocery store have remained high. Add to that the dissatisfaction with the Israeli conflict, and it’s a potent brew. Of course, that's showing in the polls and the media.
All of that said, I don’t think they are lost to the third-party wasteland. Instead of trying to persuade them at this point in time, we should be patient and find the right timing in this election cycle. Once all of the UAW strikes are resolved, it would be a good moment for that. The apparent victories are a direct result of President Biden’s leadership, and those contracts will be tangible proof. It’s also not the time to bash the third-party/independent candidates as nothing but exercises in vanity. They are, and we should, but not now. Many progressives and younger people see them as a solution given these multiple crises, but in a few months, that fervor will have faded somewhat, and the threat to democracy will become more clear. We can’t push them away in a time when they’re itching to be pushed.
Excellent points, Dean! We shouldn't react to every stimulus. In fact, the reaction is often what the protagonist wants. We must learn to be more strategic. And we can't change our friends' minds for them. "You can pick your friends and you can pick your nose, but you shouldn't pick your friend's nose."
It's so important not to push away young and Progressive voters. If they are involved and trying to learn, that is important. This new challenger to Biden is young and unknown, but I agree with him that plenty of younger voters are asking for an alternative. That is not wrong, even though we who are older see the wisdom and competence of Biden as a huge positive. I hope that in the end, they will understand that a young and inexperienced Congressman is no match for the circumstances we are seeing in our world today. Neither is a weird, incompetent Kennedy candidate. We have a year to go. We just have to keep on working!
⬆️Very well said, Kathleen. ⬆️ I would hazard a guess that if these were normal times, Biden would be the first to pass the torch. As things stand, he will be a "formidable" opponent to those who want to take the reins!
Agree! When the smoke clears a bit and progressive Democrats start to pay a little more attention to what Trump is saying about the Muslims, I think they will come back to the reality that while Biden may not be their top choice, in the long run, he is far better than any of the competition.
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.)
I’m “Half Jewish“ as they say. I grew up in a Jewish neighborhood. Almost all my friends were Jewish. Every Jewish person I know despises Netanyahu. The only way he can stay in power - and that’s all he really cares about - is to form a coalition with the right wing crazies.
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."
Hi Lynell, since you’re in Virginia, you might know this already, but I am posting a link here to a WAPO article. Youngkin has purged approximately 3400 eligible voters from the polls. When is this nonsense going to stop?
Yes, Janet; I did read the article you have posted earlier. But here's the deal... My two Democratic senators, Tim Kaine and Mark Warner, have submitted a request to Merrick Garland - of DOJ fame - to investigate this action by Youngkin. I love these guys!
Thank goodness!! Appreciate your reply. Since Republicans have no policies or substance anymore, they are all about just preventing Democrats and Democrat leaning independents from voting, especially people of color. If they spent a little time enacting policies that made Americans’ lives better, then they might actually be able to win elections in other ways. But I am preaching to the choir.:)
In re: the unending Republican disenfranchisement strategies… I recommend Marc Elias’ Democracy Docket. Don’t have a link but you can find it readily enough. It’s a little depressing to read every day. Republicans know they can’t win honestly so they try every tactic their despicable minds can conjure.
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.
On the two state solution: In looking around at the aid package to Palestinians, I noted that the US statements about the aid have always promoted a two state solution. So, Joe's emphasis is not new; it is just getting new attention. Whether it is the right solution is probably something that can't be decided at this time.
The seeds of a two state solution goes back as far as the Camp David accords, in the 1970’s. Any effort in this direction, historically, has been cut off by radical Muslims. They don’t want peace. They want to eradicate the possibility of any Jewish state.
(I’m talking about violent radical Muslims here, not the bulk of Palestinians, who, like everyone else, want to live in peace)
It was not a coincidence that the attack on Israel occurred as Israel and Saudi Arabia were getting close to a peace agreement.
I am afraid it is the only viable solution but we are further away from it than at any time before. That, by the way, was one of the reasons for the Hamas massacre. Whatever is happening right now is exactly following the Hamas script.
The two dates solution is no.longer a possibility and I believe President Biden and every other politician knows it . There are more than half a million Jewish Israelis living there and it would be impossible to make them move. The settlements control the aquifers. All that would be left would be reservations unconnected by land. Israel would still be controlling exits and entrances.
I don’t agree that derailing the two state solution was Hamas’ aim. Hamas’s aim may have been detailing the deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia and the other Gulf states. The two state solution was never part of that deal.
What makes you think so? The goal as far as Bibi was concerned was to get Saudis and other Arab states to forget about the Palestinians and accept some Bantustan-like arrangement. This was a far cry from the original idea of the two-state solution.
I think an accord between Israel and any other Arab state will lead to increased communications going forward. And Netanyahu will not be there very long after this debacle, IMO.
And please please please do not call him Bibi. It makes him sound like a mensch (a really nice guy, with a warm fuzzy favorite uncle intimation, for anyone who does not know the word).
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.
Yes; the asymmetry is palpable. Every call for a cease-fire should be preceded by a call for the unconditional release of the hostages. it almost never is.
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?
Israel can (and probably will) set up a temporary government and move towards an elected government, self-determined by Palestinians. I have read that only 25% of Palestinians actually support Hamas.
But it will be like Iraq. Who knows if it will be self sustaining
Yes, but there will always be the large group of hostile actors that do not want peace, whether they be Palestinian or from any of numerous regional countries.
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.
Well said. I agree!
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.
I agree completely. The best way to communicate with those who disagree is to present facts rather than feelings and do so dispassionately. You are effective at both and it's why a lot of us keep reading.
...or not respond at all...
Well said, from Ellie on down.
This was another great Today's. And this was particularly good advice: "The above advice does not mean that every opinion must be heard, tolerated, or granted the presumption of good faith. An important skill in communicating is knowing when not to."
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.
So good to see you here, and read your thoughtful comment!
Barry! Tough days! Working here on NC- formerly a purple progressive state!
I was in touch with some folks in CA and other blue states who phone bank for NC.
Andrea, keep the faith! We've been in CA since the lockdown started, spending lots of time with kids and grandkids, all of whom live in the Bay Area. Solid blue in SF, but we've been further east to canvass and mobilize for D's.
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).
Hi, Jim. You raise important issues. I think you have written to me directly on this topic. Can you keep me updated on developments that I can share with readers regarding progress for low wage workers? Thanks!
Sure thing. Beloved Community is organizing a march from Asheville to Wilmington in honor of Gandhi’s salt march for next Spring. I believe the planning meeting is November 17. Will keep in touch.
Another disconnect I don't see mentioned and understood. It really costs MONEY to register a car, pay car insurance, maintain a vehicle, pay for property insurance, pay for internet access and telephones.... these are required in contemporary society and both the insurance companies and the telecomm companies are profiting.
I am very tired of the "economy" question. Perhaps economists and journalists and pollsters have a very refined definition of what the "economy" is, but does the average American? In a country where many think the GOP is "strong" on the economy and Joe Biden is not legitimately elected, will we get anything close to a rational answer on how the economy is doing? For one person, it might be gas prices, for another it might be that they didn't get to go to Disneyworld this summer, for another it might be that they like Trump. For us to get definitive answers, we need to ask definitive questions such as, "Are you making enough money?" or "Are you better off personally this year than last?" I think the term economy is murky and many people don't measure it the same way as the economists or aren't using the same numbers .
I am very tired too. I am tired of hearing MAGA followers deny climate change ‘the earth has gone through these changes forever’ and they deny earth events are increasing and becoming stronger. I am tired of hearing MAGAs deny increases of hate crimes, violence, racism because people have always been that way, and it's better to have a gun than not have a gun. I am tired of hearing MAGAs say they are christians when you can’t be a republican or on orange idiot supporter and preach to everyone else! That’s the one that makes me the most furious! Using religion to promote hate.
What would Jesus say?
Yes indeed. I've been following Faithful America because they really take a theological hammer to White Christian Nationalism, which is the antithesis of the teachings of Christ. MAGA and all they stand for are tiresome and they are wrong. We need to call them out on all of this, especially the hate, bigotry, and lies masquerading as "God's truth."
A good point but we have raised the income levels of most Americans and they are higher than they have ever been but they need to be raised even higher. It’s hard for voters to connect how the Biden Administration enabled the higher wages many workers are enjoying today
Stephen, when you are on a fixed income, even though we received a healthy raise in Social Security last year, and when the prices of basic necessities and medicine keep increasing, many of us are still struggling. There is a disconnect, unfortunately.
I understand your concern but what people never think about is the difference between what Biden can do from an inflation perspective ( mange gas prices ) and what he can’t do regarding housing costs and heating costs. Many vendors are gauging the American consumer. What is important is that inflation has been going down since the pandemic and Republicans don’t have a silver bullet.
Right. Many corporations are trying to recoup their losses from the pandemic by stiffing it to the consumers, knowing that most folks will blame President Biden.
good point!
Very true, and I think many people who are stuck in low-wage jobs, and/or non-union jobs don’t seem to understand that Biden can’t just wave a magic wand and make everything better overnight. Even what he’s accomplished in these three years is remarkable, and it’s a shame that so many Americans seem to be in the dark about this.
I think a lot of the problem is that the people who don't know what he's done don't know because their news sources are right wing.
I disagree. I know exactly what he has done and exactly what everybody is saying about the economy. I get (and read) regular email updates from the NYT about the inflation rate, the jobs numbers, etc.
Fortunately for me, I have an adequate income and good health insurance but I still am shocked every time I leave the grocery store. And this is the kind of reality that is faced by people who have to watch their money carefully - their grocery bill.
I think that’s a lot of it, and I don’t expect any MAGA groupie to be paying attention to Biden’s accomplishments. But polls show that even some Democrats and independents are not aware of Biden’s accomplishments. Do these people just not read any news? This is really a conundrum.
I suspect a lot of people don't read the news. And they don't listen either. I suspect a lot of people just go futz around on the internet.
Yup, and then complain about things they have no right to complain about.
Again, the question is the level of inequality between the richest and the poorest.
Great points. The government hopefully will do more to fight inflation at the top -- CEO pay due to corrupt corporate governance structure, and longer/stronger patents and copyrights would be a couple of good targets.
Jim, you and I are aligned completely. The poor , as well as regular people such as myself, are struggling with the increase in food prices, fuel and housing. Those of us who are ill have to find money for expensive medications, while also finding prices of basic necessities much higher over the last couple of years. I read an article about price gauging recently, which I wish the President would address and confront. Then, perhaps, many of us would feel better off economically!
And there are so many young people who are far worse off than we are! They see no future hope!
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 would say part of that is in picking your moments. Progressives are angry right now and aren't in the mood to be persuaded. Many of them are hurting financially, despite the evidence showing the economy growing, because their wages are stagnant and the prices at the grocery store have remained high. Add to that the dissatisfaction with the Israeli conflict, and it’s a potent brew. Of course, that's showing in the polls and the media.
All of that said, I don’t think they are lost to the third-party wasteland. Instead of trying to persuade them at this point in time, we should be patient and find the right timing in this election cycle. Once all of the UAW strikes are resolved, it would be a good moment for that. The apparent victories are a direct result of President Biden’s leadership, and those contracts will be tangible proof. It’s also not the time to bash the third-party/independent candidates as nothing but exercises in vanity. They are, and we should, but not now. Many progressives and younger people see them as a solution given these multiple crises, but in a few months, that fervor will have faded somewhat, and the threat to democracy will become more clear. We can’t push them away in a time when they’re itching to be pushed.
Excellent points, Dean! We shouldn't react to every stimulus. In fact, the reaction is often what the protagonist wants. We must learn to be more strategic. And we can't change our friends' minds for them. "You can pick your friends and you can pick your nose, but you shouldn't pick your friend's nose."
Thanks for the chuckle, Bob. You’re absolutely right.
It's so important not to push away young and Progressive voters. If they are involved and trying to learn, that is important. This new challenger to Biden is young and unknown, but I agree with him that plenty of younger voters are asking for an alternative. That is not wrong, even though we who are older see the wisdom and competence of Biden as a huge positive. I hope that in the end, they will understand that a young and inexperienced Congressman is no match for the circumstances we are seeing in our world today. Neither is a weird, incompetent Kennedy candidate. We have a year to go. We just have to keep on working!
⬆️Very well said, Kathleen. ⬆️ I would hazard a guess that if these were normal times, Biden would be the first to pass the torch. As things stand, he will be a "formidable" opponent to those who want to take the reins!
➡️ "...picking your moments..." ⬅️
Agree! When the smoke clears a bit and progressive Democrats start to pay a little more attention to what Trump is saying about the Muslims, I think they will come back to the reality that while Biden may not be their top choice, in the long run, he is far better than any of the competition.
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.)
Thanks, Eileen. Stay strong!
I’m “Half Jewish“ as they say. I grew up in a Jewish neighborhood. Almost all my friends were Jewish. Every Jewish person I know despises Netanyahu. The only way he can stay in power - and that’s all he really cares about - is to form a coalition with the right wing crazies.
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/
helpful resource! thanks!
Hi Lynell, since you’re in Virginia, you might know this already, but I am posting a link here to a WAPO article. Youngkin has purged approximately 3400 eligible voters from the polls. When is this nonsense going to stop?
https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2023/10/29/youngkin-virginia-elections-voter-rolls/
And thanks for the link you provided.
Yes, Janet; I did read the article you have posted earlier. But here's the deal... My two Democratic senators, Tim Kaine and Mark Warner, have submitted a request to Merrick Garland - of DOJ fame - to investigate this action by Youngkin. I love these guys!
Gifted if you care to read: https://wapo.st/478EX4i
Thank goodness!! Appreciate your reply. Since Republicans have no policies or substance anymore, they are all about just preventing Democrats and Democrat leaning independents from voting, especially people of color. If they spent a little time enacting policies that made Americans’ lives better, then they might actually be able to win elections in other ways. But I am preaching to the choir.:)
Happy to elevate you, Janet, whenever you feel the need to preach!
My postcard writing group just wrote postcards (vote4VA) for Virginia house representatives. Such an important election! Good luck in your state.
Thank you, DW. I postcarded, too. My thumb needs to be put in a sling!
In re: the unending Republican disenfranchisement strategies… I recommend Marc Elias’ Democracy Docket. Don’t have a link but you can find it readily enough. It’s a little depressing to read every day. Republicans know they can’t win honestly so they try every tactic their despicable minds can conjure.
Marc and DD is a good one.
And thanks for the link. I do have a subscription to the Washington Post. It’s the only newspaper I read anymore.
I saw this, and read it. It’s nice to see it laid out so coherently in one place.
Glad it helps, DW!
Excellent, thank you. I was just thinking last night that I needed a document like this to keep track of all the indictments.
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.
I agree wholeheartedly. Americans can really be their own worst enemy.
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.
On the two state solution: In looking around at the aid package to Palestinians, I noted that the US statements about the aid have always promoted a two state solution. So, Joe's emphasis is not new; it is just getting new attention. Whether it is the right solution is probably something that can't be decided at this time.
The seeds of a two state solution goes back as far as the Camp David accords, in the 1970’s. Any effort in this direction, historically, has been cut off by radical Muslims. They don’t want peace. They want to eradicate the possibility of any Jewish state.
(I’m talking about violent radical Muslims here, not the bulk of Palestinians, who, like everyone else, want to live in peace)
It was not a coincidence that the attack on Israel occurred as Israel and Saudi Arabia were getting close to a peace agreement.
I am afraid it is the only viable solution but we are further away from it than at any time before. That, by the way, was one of the reasons for the Hamas massacre. Whatever is happening right now is exactly following the Hamas script.
The two dates solution is no.longer a possibility and I believe President Biden and every other politician knows it . There are more than half a million Jewish Israelis living there and it would be impossible to make them move. The settlements control the aquifers. All that would be left would be reservations unconnected by land. Israel would still be controlling exits and entrances.
I don’t agree that derailing the two state solution was Hamas’ aim. Hamas’s aim may have been detailing the deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia and the other Gulf states. The two state solution was never part of that deal.
But a peace agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia would have opened the door for a two state solution
What makes you think so? The goal as far as Bibi was concerned was to get Saudis and other Arab states to forget about the Palestinians and accept some Bantustan-like arrangement. This was a far cry from the original idea of the two-state solution.
I think an accord between Israel and any other Arab state will lead to increased communications going forward. And Netanyahu will not be there very long after this debacle, IMO.
And please please please do not call him Bibi. It makes him sound like a mensch (a really nice guy, with a warm fuzzy favorite uncle intimation, for anyone who does not know the word).
Or the rising wave of blatant antisemitism
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.
Yes; the asymmetry is palpable. Every call for a cease-fire should be preceded by a call for the unconditional release of the hostages. it almost never is.
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.
Fabulous!!
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?
Israel can (and probably will) set up a temporary government and move towards an elected government, self-determined by Palestinians. I have read that only 25% of Palestinians actually support Hamas.
But it will be like Iraq. Who knows if it will be self sustaining
I doubt it would be like Iraq: Among Palestinians there is nothing like the Sunni-Shia cleavage that bedevils Iraq.
Yes, but there will always be the large group of hostile actors that do not want peace, whether they be Palestinian or from any of numerous regional countries.
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!