I was very heartened by President Biden’s State of the Union message. I am very proud of his working to unite our European Allies after Trump thumbed his nose at them and NATO. I am frustrated that we can’t do more to help Ukraine in its fight against the Russian Army.
I was so very happy to hear him say that we will build our infrastructure with materials totally made in America! We must bring the majority of manufacturing back to the United States. Made in America encourages unification and pride in America.
I was also happy to hear that Intel will be building a large plant to make those semi-conductors that we need so badly and that the lack of has caused the price of new cars to rise to heights not seen in a long time, if ever.
I was pleased that President Biden moved back to his more moderate side while not throwing some important Progressive causes out.
I for one am more enthusiastic about the future of the Democratic Party after tonight.
Mar 2, 2022·edited Mar 2, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
Nice recap. Biden is doing what many of us (just me speaking, now) find so hard to do.Honestly, I think I would not have been able, as President, to speak in such a unifying manner. I would have felt the need to call out the bigots and haters for what they are. It would have been normal and natural to rally our base. After all, we're really angry. And angry people love and desperately respond to furious rhetoric.
But Joseph Biden has done what Obama did. He took the high road. He exceeds my expectations by attempting to be the President of all Americans. Makes me proud, again. Standing ovation here.
Two more “unity agenda” highlights noted by CNN’s Brian Stelter:
- we must address “the harms of social media” — a first SOTU reference ever
- journalist Luke Russert on Biden’s ad lib, with clenched fist, “Go get ‘em!” Rather than referring to Putin, Luke said his dad, Tim, meant it as, ‘let’s go forward, try hard and win America.’”
You bet, chief. I will ignore the poorly conceived headlines and drive. Lies, damn lies, and statistics—as usual.
Your excellent report on Biden’s speech makes me hopeful ( I haven’t owned a TV since W was elected.) I will join locals today in a Zoom meeting that addresses political problems and especially health care, affordable care, and poverty.
I believe the world will never forget Zelensky and Ukraine for their courage in this crucial moment.
I thought the Biden speech was excellent because it indirectly debunked some of the Republicans attack lines around “ sleepy Joe” and “ defunding the police”. President Biden did not appear sleepy to me and the audience who watched his address. Unfortunately a large number of voters did not watch last night and get their news and comments from biased media outlets. I have come to the conclusion that Biden wins because actions speak louder than words in key voter issues, their pocketbooks, their health and the safety of their families and their jobs and potential for the future. That is where the 2022 elections will be won and lost. Biden is not running in 2022 but members of his party are and President Biden who brought NATO and the EU together to fight Russian aggression now must bring the Democrats together to fight Republican aggression against Democracy
Another excellent newsletter, Robert. And here I am going to digress from all the worthwhile topics in this column. I want to say "thank you" for not only your daily inspiration, but the ability of any interested reader to sign up for your newsletter. It can be free, where readers can read it in its entirety and even read the comments, or as a "paying" subscriber which limits only the ability to comment. I subscribe to many worthwhile substack newsletters and pay for only a few (this one included, of course). Yet for some reason Charlie Sykes and the folks at the Bulwark have decided to try and snare your interest with a cogent and interesting snippet then say if you want to read the whole thing you must subscribe. This morning's "Never Again" Morning Shots did just that. While I would have liked to read what they had to say, I refuse to be blackmailed into paying for it. So, again, Thank You!!!!!
Biden was right in calling for unity and not calling out Republican intransigence (a nicer word for what they actually do). Now, it's up to us to inform other voters, especially Independents who might actually listen and be persuaded, how Biden's proposed policies will help all Americans. Bravo, Biden!
I’m afraid I have to disagree with you again, Robert. If T___p were president (is there a more horrifying thought?) Putin would not have invaded Ukraine. He wouldn’t have had to, because T___p would have presented it on a platter.
As for Biden’s speech, it reads better than it sounded, but that’s OK, because the text is what will live. Joe continues to show patience, to wait for the actual results, not the headlines in the next news cycle. There’s a name for that kind of conduct: leadership. And that’s what we need. I just hope that we out here in the hinterlands are worthy of him.
I understand the monster that must be defeated. Agreed. But here is where many will part company. Who created the monster? We did and we always do. During and after the breakup of the Soviet Union, we promised not to expand NATO then we went back on our promise. And even if it wasn’t a promise, we took advantage of a weakened Russia and expanded a military defense pack. That’s history. Putin is a product of the Soviet Union as he was deployed in East Germany. All he wanted was a promise to keep Ukraine neutral. Was that so difficult to understand? Apparently it was. Was it difficult to understand that a build up of the Russian military was a prelude to a massive invasion? Apparently so. Did anyone take into account the massive deaths and destruction that would result? Probably not. So who is the other monster in this room? We are, of course. Shame on us for deciding that humans are a necessary casualty of inevitable war. I have consistently said through much of my life that America is the most dangerous, destructive, war mongering killing nation on earth bar none. Ok, we’ve had some good competition through the years. But our Yankee ingenuity has pulled up back out in front during those times of fierce competition of who can kill more. So today, we’ll make Russia and Putin the Darth Vader of Destruction.
Thanks again for your clear-headed insights; we must be clear that Republicans have no agenda apart from sowing distrust, disunity, and pandering to dictators like Putin.
Mar 2, 2022·edited Mar 2, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
Excellent summary of our current situation. If you or readers are interested in more information about the Ukrainians’ resolve, I recommend watching the Netflix documentary “Winter on Fire” about the 92 day protest on the Maidan in Kiev. These are people fighting for Democracy in a way we have never had to. It builds my own resolve to help our country!
The polls, the polls... 78% of those polled by CBS, last night, approved of the President's speech. It's all relative, and reactive. As for Putin, he's come up with a sure-to-win strategy for showing the stock market how the cow chews the cabbage- "You can't sell off your assets, because I am shutting you down!" I'm surprised Trump never thought of that. Oh, wait, he himself had too much invested.
I did not think the SOTU a GREAT speech. It was a good solid workmanlike speech that presented strength and Biden’s vision. It’s unfortunate that Biden is not a great orator and frequently trips over his words, which the GOP shamelessly portrays as weakness. But that can’t be helped.
The glaring omission was probably a deliberate decision to avoid hammering the GOP on their flaccid fealty to Trump on Ukraine and other issues. Have we allowed them to turn on the dime from thinking Putin a “genius” to blaming the war on Biden’s weakness?
Well, I can understand Biden’s decision to take the high road on this last night. But somebody on a national scale besides MSNBC anchors needs to get down and dirty with them. The GOP is far from taking the high road. Looking at you, VP Harris!
I was very heartened by President Biden’s State of the Union message. I am very proud of his working to unite our European Allies after Trump thumbed his nose at them and NATO. I am frustrated that we can’t do more to help Ukraine in its fight against the Russian Army.
I was so very happy to hear him say that we will build our infrastructure with materials totally made in America! We must bring the majority of manufacturing back to the United States. Made in America encourages unification and pride in America.
I was also happy to hear that Intel will be building a large plant to make those semi-conductors that we need so badly and that the lack of has caused the price of new cars to rise to heights not seen in a long time, if ever.
I was pleased that President Biden moved back to his more moderate side while not throwing some important Progressive causes out.
I for one am more enthusiastic about the future of the Democratic Party after tonight.
Nice recap. Biden is doing what many of us (just me speaking, now) find so hard to do.Honestly, I think I would not have been able, as President, to speak in such a unifying manner. I would have felt the need to call out the bigots and haters for what they are. It would have been normal and natural to rally our base. After all, we're really angry. And angry people love and desperately respond to furious rhetoric.
But Joseph Biden has done what Obama did. He took the high road. He exceeds my expectations by attempting to be the President of all Americans. Makes me proud, again. Standing ovation here.
Two more “unity agenda” highlights noted by CNN’s Brian Stelter:
- we must address “the harms of social media” — a first SOTU reference ever
- journalist Luke Russert on Biden’s ad lib, with clenched fist, “Go get ‘em!” Rather than referring to Putin, Luke said his dad, Tim, meant it as, ‘let’s go forward, try hard and win America.’”
You bet, chief. I will ignore the poorly conceived headlines and drive. Lies, damn lies, and statistics—as usual.
Your excellent report on Biden’s speech makes me hopeful ( I haven’t owned a TV since W was elected.) I will join locals today in a Zoom meeting that addresses political problems and especially health care, affordable care, and poverty.
I believe the world will never forget Zelensky and Ukraine for their courage in this crucial moment.
I thought the Biden speech was excellent because it indirectly debunked some of the Republicans attack lines around “ sleepy Joe” and “ defunding the police”. President Biden did not appear sleepy to me and the audience who watched his address. Unfortunately a large number of voters did not watch last night and get their news and comments from biased media outlets. I have come to the conclusion that Biden wins because actions speak louder than words in key voter issues, their pocketbooks, their health and the safety of their families and their jobs and potential for the future. That is where the 2022 elections will be won and lost. Biden is not running in 2022 but members of his party are and President Biden who brought NATO and the EU together to fight Russian aggression now must bring the Democrats together to fight Republican aggression against Democracy
Another excellent newsletter, Robert. And here I am going to digress from all the worthwhile topics in this column. I want to say "thank you" for not only your daily inspiration, but the ability of any interested reader to sign up for your newsletter. It can be free, where readers can read it in its entirety and even read the comments, or as a "paying" subscriber which limits only the ability to comment. I subscribe to many worthwhile substack newsletters and pay for only a few (this one included, of course). Yet for some reason Charlie Sykes and the folks at the Bulwark have decided to try and snare your interest with a cogent and interesting snippet then say if you want to read the whole thing you must subscribe. This morning's "Never Again" Morning Shots did just that. While I would have liked to read what they had to say, I refuse to be blackmailed into paying for it. So, again, Thank You!!!!!
Biden was right in calling for unity and not calling out Republican intransigence (a nicer word for what they actually do). Now, it's up to us to inform other voters, especially Independents who might actually listen and be persuaded, how Biden's proposed policies will help all Americans. Bravo, Biden!
Nicely done, needs no other comment. Thanks and have an awesome day.
I’m afraid I have to disagree with you again, Robert. If T___p were president (is there a more horrifying thought?) Putin would not have invaded Ukraine. He wouldn’t have had to, because T___p would have presented it on a platter.
As for Biden’s speech, it reads better than it sounded, but that’s OK, because the text is what will live. Joe continues to show patience, to wait for the actual results, not the headlines in the next news cycle. There’s a name for that kind of conduct: leadership. And that’s what we need. I just hope that we out here in the hinterlands are worthy of him.
I understand the monster that must be defeated. Agreed. But here is where many will part company. Who created the monster? We did and we always do. During and after the breakup of the Soviet Union, we promised not to expand NATO then we went back on our promise. And even if it wasn’t a promise, we took advantage of a weakened Russia and expanded a military defense pack. That’s history. Putin is a product of the Soviet Union as he was deployed in East Germany. All he wanted was a promise to keep Ukraine neutral. Was that so difficult to understand? Apparently it was. Was it difficult to understand that a build up of the Russian military was a prelude to a massive invasion? Apparently so. Did anyone take into account the massive deaths and destruction that would result? Probably not. So who is the other monster in this room? We are, of course. Shame on us for deciding that humans are a necessary casualty of inevitable war. I have consistently said through much of my life that America is the most dangerous, destructive, war mongering killing nation on earth bar none. Ok, we’ve had some good competition through the years. But our Yankee ingenuity has pulled up back out in front during those times of fierce competition of who can kill more. So today, we’ll make Russia and Putin the Darth Vader of Destruction.
Appreciate this so much. Namely the redirection of thoughts and energies to what we CAN do (voter registration) at this moment.
Thanks again for your clear-headed insights; we must be clear that Republicans have no agenda apart from sowing distrust, disunity, and pandering to dictators like Putin.
Excellent summary of our current situation. If you or readers are interested in more information about the Ukrainians’ resolve, I recommend watching the Netflix documentary “Winter on Fire” about the 92 day protest on the Maidan in Kiev. These are people fighting for Democracy in a way we have never had to. It builds my own resolve to help our country!
The polls, the polls... 78% of those polled by CBS, last night, approved of the President's speech. It's all relative, and reactive. As for Putin, he's come up with a sure-to-win strategy for showing the stock market how the cow chews the cabbage- "You can't sell off your assets, because I am shutting you down!" I'm surprised Trump never thought of that. Oh, wait, he himself had too much invested.
I did not think the SOTU a GREAT speech. It was a good solid workmanlike speech that presented strength and Biden’s vision. It’s unfortunate that Biden is not a great orator and frequently trips over his words, which the GOP shamelessly portrays as weakness. But that can’t be helped.
The glaring omission was probably a deliberate decision to avoid hammering the GOP on their flaccid fealty to Trump on Ukraine and other issues. Have we allowed them to turn on the dime from thinking Putin a “genius” to blaming the war on Biden’s weakness?
Well, I can understand Biden’s decision to take the high road on this last night. But somebody on a national scale besides MSNBC anchors needs to get down and dirty with them. The GOP is far from taking the high road. Looking at you, VP Harris!
Go Biden, team and allies! The CivicCenter.org has postcard campaigns to young voters & turnoutpac.org/postcards has postcard campaigns to swing states.