I imagine we all observed that Robert’s entire roster of engagement options rested on our retaining control of both Congressional chambers. While I don’t advise, before the midterms, dwelling on the real possibility we could lose 1, probably not both, chambers, I simply would note, were that to happen, I don’t imagine that this community would submit to the view that a fatal weakening of American civic institutions invariably would follow.
While nothing more about this need be said this morning, I merely would underscore that virtually all of America’s most meaningful social movements met with repeated frustration and failure before people, who believed their individual efforts mattered, made significant progress towards achieving their goals.
The frustration today is at an all time high and exasperated by legislators who have been scared of the bullying by Trump and MAGA and have done nothing.
It's worse this time, Barbara Jo, because we are having hard-fought-for rights wrested from us that we've enjoyed for decades, and the fear is that even more draconian rulings will be coming down the pike soon.
Mim, Please be assured that I don’t underestimate the consequences of the 22 midterm outcomes as they relate to launching sorely needed structural democracy reforms, including massive reforms to the Court. Still, were Democrats to lose some crucial races, the only way I could summon the resilience to stay in the fight would be to recognize that we should not see our current challenges as unprecedented. Rather, I would acknowledge that we have had very difficult moments, including on Constitutional fundamentals, in the past. Simply put, absent such acknowledgment, there would be no way I could muster the will it would take to try and help fix these things.
It’s up to all of us to step up and do something about it. Taking about it helps but does mot solve the problem. We need voters and we need turnout and we need people willing to fight for our country and make the commitment
The best thing to do is to get involved now, with the campaign(s) of your choice. Make phone calls to voters to discuss the candidates and the choice: democracy or autocracy. Remind voters to engage with like-minded family & friends to ask them to be sure to vote in November. This increases voter turnout better than other methods as the request comes from a trusted friend or family member. Volunteer to knock on doors and talk to voters - same as you do when calling - only nicer when you’re face to face. This is how we’ll win. You can call w/various orgs on Zoom, where you’ll be trained, and once trained many orgs offer links to call on your own, at your convenience. It’s rewarding work with many wonderful conversations and connections. Checkout orgs such as Indivisible: Give No Ground, Grassroots Democrats HQ, DNC Call Crew, Common Cause, Activate America, NextGen America, and Field Team 6. And of course individual campaigns across the country. So many ways to take action - GO FOR IT! Then we celebrate!
Angela, Thank you for such a spirited comment, replete with truly helpful counsel and resources. I hope you post and re-post in as many places as possible.
Just an observation. DeSantis is not dealing with the aftermath of Ian well at all. I talked to a friend in St Pete tonight who works for fish and wildlife. They haven't even been able to locate all their employees from SW FL. Alive? Dead? They do not know. Also Gaetz voted against aid for FL. Scott and Rubio want money for FL when they voted agaisnt it for Sandy. Hypocrites all.
Lisa, Extending your comment, it’s worth noting, just last week, that the House and Senate passed a continuing resolution to fund the government through December that included an $18.8 billion fund for FEMA to assist states with natural disasters. All 16 GOP Florida House members plus Senator Rick Scott voted against the bill. Senator Marco Rubio, running for re-election, was not present for the vote. Though I imagine they have figured it out on their own, I am prevailing upon all Florida Democratic House candidates plus Senate candidate Val Demings to amplify this disgrace.
Rubio in particular has a lot to be held accountable fo starting with his comments about Trump. She needs to be aggressive and attack his record. He does not do well when confronted with facts. Put him on the defensive and also let’s keep mentioning Rick Scott and his proposed platform and prior insurance fraud as well, as his thoughts on eliminating social security and Medicare. Shake those seniors up in “ The Villages”.
The people of Florida need to be reminded everyday that Republicans are not protecting their backs or approving legislation for rebuilding the infrastructure. The plan is not to approve it now and wait till after the election and then approve it and take credit for it. Wake up Florida.
I'm hoping that DeSantis's downfall is in his doing nothing about the insurance crisis in Florida which will be getting huge visibility this final month before the election.
1) Thank you for your "shoot for the moon" message. Over time, I tend to pare back my expectations. Your words today energized me to push for these bills.
2) I think we've become used to Trump's offensive attacks on people, most recently Elaine Chao. But I'll never get used to a spouse hearing that attack on his/her partner and saying...nothing. Someone with no courage to defend his own spouse is not someone who should be in any leadership position. Pathetic.
Well put!! 'Judge Cannon can then go back to deciding which font size and paper color to use for her application to be a Supreme Court justice if Trump is re-elected'.
Nicknames? For Rick Scott, how about “Admitted Thief?” Oh, wait, that’s not a nickname, it’s a statement of fact. (Scott’s former company admitted to stealing more than $2 billion (with a “b”) from Medicare.)
Ron DeSantis is incapable of showing empathy or, for that matter, any emotion other than pique. He cannot even look you in the eye. Here is a perfect example...giving out supplies with his wife while they wear campaign gear. https://twitter.com/jcp717/status/1576658228921782272
Thanks for stepping up to the plate again with this clear explanation of the situation. Today's Edition Newsletter is a "great act of citizenship," a courageous dissemination of truth in a political climate of suffocating mendacity. Evidence-based information is essential for citizens in a democracy in their efforts to understand the issues, an ingredient sadly missing amongst the dominant players in this country that comprise what was once a functional "Fourth Estate." Your newsletter fills that void, and I'm grateful to be counted as another ardent reader in the company of "Hubbell's Warriors" in the fight for "liberty and justice for all," aided of course by the work of Heather Cox Richardson and many other inspiring Substack writers. Before I discovered this Internet platform I was cynical, passive, and pessimistic about neoliberal politics and the prospects for democracy. Today, my mechanisms of perception have been radically adjusted, especially by the sanguine vision delivered to my inbox every morning filtered through your "lens of hope." A las barricadas!
Re 303 Creative v Elenis, I could use some guidance. As in the wedding cake case of a few years back, clearly the law is on the side of the party seeking services. But in both cases, a great outcome requires the contractor to engage fully, bringing both technical expertise and emotional energy to the effort. I know this as someone who’s had a career in creative services. Why would anyone want someone making a wedding cake or building a website under duress? Why not let these bigoted creatives live their sad, narrow lives and move on to a more enlightened contractor? You may say, “What about my rights?” Doesn’t picking fights in cases like this accomplish little, other than providing grist for the MAGA crowd and the anti-woke politicians who feed off them? We’re winning. Why rub their noses in it and further harden their hearts?
Hi, Paul. Kathe's comment below is correct; this is a preemptive lawsuit by someone who intends, in the future, to offer website services but wants a declaratory ruling that she doesn't have to do so for same-sex couples.
I understand your comments about the tension between creative services and the classes of people they would prefer not to do business with. The problem is that that line of thinking effectively allows everyone who makes something to say they are an artist (whether they are or not) and use that as an excuse to discriminate against LBGTQ people. if the law is settled that everyone must offer public accommodations to all people without regard to sexual preference or gender identity, then artists can decide whether they want to enter interstate commerce under that legal framework.
My understanding is that this is a nascent business; she's not actually marketing her wares right now. The case was brought to prove a point. No one actually asked her to design a website for them, so the whole question is theoretical.
Governor DeSantis immediately started a "hurricane fund" that he will control. I cannot begin to imagine the corruption that will accompany this unfettered money. Please do NOT give any money to that fund. There are established non-profits like World Kitchen and Red Cross that deserve the funds.
DeSantis and other Repubs state that BlackRock is too “woke” on climate.
“Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis has also taken on the issue. On Aug. 23, he successfully pushed through a ban on considering ESG criteria in state pension fund investments.”
“DeSantis said of his win against ESG investing, “We are reasserting the authority of republican governance over corporate dominance and we are prioritizing the financial security of the people of Florida over whimsical notions of a utopian tomorrow.”
I'm so glad you're a friend of Deval Patrick! He is an amazing orator who speaks with heart and without a single cliche directly to our core values of democracy and community. It was wonderful to campaign for Deval in Massachusetts. I hope that he supports us now in our ballot campaign to make our state tax system fairer and to provide much deserved funding for better roads and transit systems and public education in towns all across Massachusetts!
Another thing we can do is push for a constitutional amendment to undo Citizens United decision that corporations are people. Here is a link to Move To Amend where you can add your name to a petition.
Thank you for all your work but today particularly for the important messages of today’s edition of your newsletter. To your suggestions I can only respond with the urging from a recent campaign, “Yes We Can.”
Let’s get these suggested actions done, every damn one of them and ASAP. Please.
Todays Edition did a superb job of outlining 6 things and changes that have to be made to preserve and protect Democracy. Your right it does start with the filibuster and unless the Democrats add a few more Senate seats and hold the House it has no chance of happening. Every day I ask myself why voters and legislators don’t believe enough to take actions against the onslaught of attacks against Democracy by MAGA. Just read what Trump and Majorie Taylor Greene say at rallies and ask yourself do you want these people governing our country?. Ask yourself how they would handle disasters like Ian or the war in Ukraine or inflation and climate change and do you have confidence in their abilities to honestly handle these situations. The bottom line is Trump’s attack on Mitch McConnell’s wife is an example to all Republicans what happens when you cross Trump and they are scared of the blowback and attacks by avid followers. The reality is if Trump and MAGA gain control their lives will be held hostage. The only salvation is not locking up Trump but passing long over due laws that protect all of us including Republicans from all parties who want to destroy Democracy. That’s why we need to win the midterms.
We're all lucky we have at least one crazy optimist to read here.
Thanks for the analysis in this post.
I think there are many optimists and let’s hope they all come out to vote.
I imagine we all observed that Robert’s entire roster of engagement options rested on our retaining control of both Congressional chambers. While I don’t advise, before the midterms, dwelling on the real possibility we could lose 1, probably not both, chambers, I simply would note, were that to happen, I don’t imagine that this community would submit to the view that a fatal weakening of American civic institutions invariably would follow.
While nothing more about this need be said this morning, I merely would underscore that virtually all of America’s most meaningful social movements met with repeated frustration and failure before people, who believed their individual efforts mattered, made significant progress towards achieving their goals.
The frustration today is at an all time high and exasperated by legislators who have been scared of the bullying by Trump and MAGA and have done nothing.
Stephen, Because I agree, I also appreciate the imperative of summoning the resilience we’ll need to stay in the fight.
It's worse this time, Barbara Jo, because we are having hard-fought-for rights wrested from us that we've enjoyed for decades, and the fear is that even more draconian rulings will be coming down the pike soon.
Mim, Please be assured that I don’t underestimate the consequences of the 22 midterm outcomes as they relate to launching sorely needed structural democracy reforms, including massive reforms to the Court. Still, were Democrats to lose some crucial races, the only way I could summon the resilience to stay in the fight would be to recognize that we should not see our current challenges as unprecedented. Rather, I would acknowledge that we have had very difficult moments, including on Constitutional fundamentals, in the past. Simply put, absent such acknowledgment, there would be no way I could muster the will it would take to try and help fix these things.
Indeed, which is why we readers gain so much perspective, hope and determination from our cheerleaders, Robert and Heather.
It’s up to all of us to step up and do something about it. Taking about it helps but does mot solve the problem. We need voters and we need turnout and we need people willing to fight for our country and make the commitment
The best thing to do is to get involved now, with the campaign(s) of your choice. Make phone calls to voters to discuss the candidates and the choice: democracy or autocracy. Remind voters to engage with like-minded family & friends to ask them to be sure to vote in November. This increases voter turnout better than other methods as the request comes from a trusted friend or family member. Volunteer to knock on doors and talk to voters - same as you do when calling - only nicer when you’re face to face. This is how we’ll win. You can call w/various orgs on Zoom, where you’ll be trained, and once trained many orgs offer links to call on your own, at your convenience. It’s rewarding work with many wonderful conversations and connections. Checkout orgs such as Indivisible: Give No Ground, Grassroots Democrats HQ, DNC Call Crew, Common Cause, Activate America, NextGen America, and Field Team 6. And of course individual campaigns across the country. So many ways to take action - GO FOR IT! Then we celebrate!
Angela, Thank you for such a spirited comment, replete with truly helpful counsel and resources. I hope you post and re-post in as many places as possible.
Thank you Barbara Jo. Appreciate your kind words - and the recommendation to repost!
Just an observation. DeSantis is not dealing with the aftermath of Ian well at all. I talked to a friend in St Pete tonight who works for fish and wildlife. They haven't even been able to locate all their employees from SW FL. Alive? Dead? They do not know. Also Gaetz voted against aid for FL. Scott and Rubio want money for FL when they voted agaisnt it for Sandy. Hypocrites all.
Lisa, Extending your comment, it’s worth noting, just last week, that the House and Senate passed a continuing resolution to fund the government through December that included an $18.8 billion fund for FEMA to assist states with natural disasters. All 16 GOP Florida House members plus Senator Rick Scott voted against the bill. Senator Marco Rubio, running for re-election, was not present for the vote. Though I imagine they have figured it out on their own, I am prevailing upon all Florida Democratic House candidates plus Senate candidate Val Demings to amplify this disgrace.
Val has been attacking Rubio’s attendance record. They debate Oct 18th. 🍿
Rubio in particular has a lot to be held accountable fo starting with his comments about Trump. She needs to be aggressive and attack his record. He does not do well when confronted with facts. Put him on the defensive and also let’s keep mentioning Rick Scott and his proposed platform and prior insurance fraud as well, as his thoughts on eliminating social security and Medicare. Shake those seniors up in “ The Villages”.
“Insurance fraud?” It was theft, dressed up in a nicer name. It was theft from every American, not some faceless entity called “the government.”
Kathy, Thanks for the heads-up. I expect she will chastise him for failing, just last week, to cast a vote to fund FEMA.
The people of Florida need to be reminded everyday that Republicans are not protecting their backs or approving legislation for rebuilding the infrastructure. The plan is not to approve it now and wait till after the election and then approve it and take credit for it. Wake up Florida.
I'm hoping that DeSantis's downfall is in his doing nothing about the insurance crisis in Florida which will be getting huge visibility this final month before the election.
I’m curious if he’ll get a “rally around the flag” effect regardless
I had two thoughts after reading today's column.
1) Thank you for your "shoot for the moon" message. Over time, I tend to pare back my expectations. Your words today energized me to push for these bills.
2) I think we've become used to Trump's offensive attacks on people, most recently Elaine Chao. But I'll never get used to a spouse hearing that attack on his/her partner and saying...nothing. Someone with no courage to defend his own spouse is not someone who should be in any leadership position. Pathetic.
Well put!! 'Judge Cannon can then go back to deciding which font size and paper color to use for her application to be a Supreme Court justice if Trump is re-elected'.
Nicknames? For Rick Scott, how about “Admitted Thief?” Oh, wait, that’s not a nickname, it’s a statement of fact. (Scott’s former company admitted to stealing more than $2 billion (with a “b”) from Medicare.)
Ron DeSantis is incapable of showing empathy or, for that matter, any emotion other than pique. He cannot even look you in the eye. Here is a perfect example...giving out supplies with his wife while they wear campaign gear. https://twitter.com/jcp717/status/1576658228921782272
Callous!
Thanks for stepping up to the plate again with this clear explanation of the situation. Today's Edition Newsletter is a "great act of citizenship," a courageous dissemination of truth in a political climate of suffocating mendacity. Evidence-based information is essential for citizens in a democracy in their efforts to understand the issues, an ingredient sadly missing amongst the dominant players in this country that comprise what was once a functional "Fourth Estate." Your newsletter fills that void, and I'm grateful to be counted as another ardent reader in the company of "Hubbell's Warriors" in the fight for "liberty and justice for all," aided of course by the work of Heather Cox Richardson and many other inspiring Substack writers. Before I discovered this Internet platform I was cynical, passive, and pessimistic about neoliberal politics and the prospects for democracy. Today, my mechanisms of perception have been radically adjusted, especially by the sanguine vision delivered to my inbox every morning filtered through your "lens of hope." A las barricadas!
Re 303 Creative v Elenis, I could use some guidance. As in the wedding cake case of a few years back, clearly the law is on the side of the party seeking services. But in both cases, a great outcome requires the contractor to engage fully, bringing both technical expertise and emotional energy to the effort. I know this as someone who’s had a career in creative services. Why would anyone want someone making a wedding cake or building a website under duress? Why not let these bigoted creatives live their sad, narrow lives and move on to a more enlightened contractor? You may say, “What about my rights?” Doesn’t picking fights in cases like this accomplish little, other than providing grist for the MAGA crowd and the anti-woke politicians who feed off them? We’re winning. Why rub their noses in it and further harden their hearts?
Hi, Paul. Kathe's comment below is correct; this is a preemptive lawsuit by someone who intends, in the future, to offer website services but wants a declaratory ruling that she doesn't have to do so for same-sex couples.
I understand your comments about the tension between creative services and the classes of people they would prefer not to do business with. The problem is that that line of thinking effectively allows everyone who makes something to say they are an artist (whether they are or not) and use that as an excuse to discriminate against LBGTQ people. if the law is settled that everyone must offer public accommodations to all people without regard to sexual preference or gender identity, then artists can decide whether they want to enter interstate commerce under that legal framework.
My understanding is that this is a nascent business; she's not actually marketing her wares right now. The case was brought to prove a point. No one actually asked her to design a website for them, so the whole question is theoretical.
Governor DeSantis immediately started a "hurricane fund" that he will control. I cannot begin to imagine the corruption that will accompany this unfettered money. Please do NOT give any money to that fund. There are established non-profits like World Kitchen and Red Cross that deserve the funds.
BlackRock, world’s largest asset manager, was one of the donors to Florida Disaster Fund.
https://www.floridadisaster.org/news-media/news/20221001-first-lady-casey-desantis-announces-over-$20-million-raised-within-48-hours-of-activating-the-florida-disaster-fund/
DeSantis and other Repubs state that BlackRock is too “woke” on climate.
“Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis has also taken on the issue. On Aug. 23, he successfully pushed through a ban on considering ESG criteria in state pension fund investments.”
“DeSantis said of his win against ESG investing, “We are reasserting the authority of republican governance over corporate dominance and we are prioritizing the financial security of the people of Florida over whimsical notions of a utopian tomorrow.”
https://newjerseymonitor.com/2022/09/20/gop-leaders-target-woke-investments-through-state-pension-funds/
He can be bought and that's a fact.
I'm so glad you're a friend of Deval Patrick! He is an amazing orator who speaks with heart and without a single cliche directly to our core values of democracy and community. It was wonderful to campaign for Deval in Massachusetts. I hope that he supports us now in our ballot campaign to make our state tax system fairer and to provide much deserved funding for better roads and transit systems and public education in towns all across Massachusetts!
#CitizenshipIsAnAct These are just the words I needed to start this week. Thank you for the inspiration!
https://twitter.com/ElvinBen/status/1576886357796216833?s=20&t=9SCGzNikOtNropuhJ0HOpQ
Another thing we can do is push for a constitutional amendment to undo Citizens United decision that corporations are people. Here is a link to Move To Amend where you can add your name to a petition.
https://www.movetoamend.org/
Thank you for all your work but today particularly for the important messages of today’s edition of your newsletter. To your suggestions I can only respond with the urging from a recent campaign, “Yes We Can.”
Let’s get these suggested actions done, every damn one of them and ASAP. Please.
Todays Edition did a superb job of outlining 6 things and changes that have to be made to preserve and protect Democracy. Your right it does start with the filibuster and unless the Democrats add a few more Senate seats and hold the House it has no chance of happening. Every day I ask myself why voters and legislators don’t believe enough to take actions against the onslaught of attacks against Democracy by MAGA. Just read what Trump and Majorie Taylor Greene say at rallies and ask yourself do you want these people governing our country?. Ask yourself how they would handle disasters like Ian or the war in Ukraine or inflation and climate change and do you have confidence in their abilities to honestly handle these situations. The bottom line is Trump’s attack on Mitch McConnell’s wife is an example to all Republicans what happens when you cross Trump and they are scared of the blowback and attacks by avid followers. The reality is if Trump and MAGA gain control their lives will be held hostage. The only salvation is not locking up Trump but passing long over due laws that protect all of us including Republicans from all parties who want to destroy Democracy. That’s why we need to win the midterms.
You make me happy that I can grow almost anything in a garden and can kill any potted plant.
I am saving your podcast for my afternoon cuppa.