After showing the video clip of Schumer and Pelosi, huddled and on the phone with Jeff Rosen, Stephen Colbert commented, “This footage reveals a superhuman level of composure by the Speaker. I guess it’s true what they say, behind every successful man, is Nancy Pelosi saying, “Chuck please. I’ll handle this.““
I know I speak for many of your readers in wishing you blessings for the nuptials of your daughter. May the young couple be blessed with a happy marriage and a wonderful family, and a household filled with love.
On October 16, 1993, (a Saturday), it had been raining all week in Santa Margherita Ligure, where we were to be married. That morning sun came through the French doors to the balcony of my hotel, a beam of sun made its way across the room to light the flowers a friend had given me and the gold of what would be my husband's ring. it was a magic day, 29 years later the best thing I did in my life. The one piece I would give to your daughter is "remember to be fully present, to have moments that are just your new spouse and you. We went in and out of that--hadn't know there was a risk, but I will never forget his face lighting up when he saw me and the beautiful wedding bouquet of white flowers in his hands.
I send good wishes to the daughter of the man who has given so much this year. This weekend you are giving back something he may have dreamed of when you were little. I wish you both love and joy, humor, patience, and the knowledge that the memories you make from play and work together will serve as equity to get you through times that are hard. Viva gli sops!
Robert and "my managing editor" a hearty Mazel Tov on this wonderful weekend. As Lisa Young said "no checking comments." This weekend cannot be repeated so don't miss a moment. Can't wait to hear a few comments about the festivities and thank you for all you do to keep us keeping on.
Your missive yesterday underscored just how connected you are to VIPs who are fighting for our Democracy!
I re-submit this idea because I believe it has even more merit today.
Previously your readers have responded positively. I ask that you consider acting on it before it is too late!
Countless leaders have warned of the threat our democracy faces from Donald Trump.
They have stated their views individually and artfully but have gone silent afterward.
They need to stop being nice, and speak as one, NOW, or our Democracy will be gone! They need to be General Patten rallying his troops in front of our American flag.
Here is a draft pitch asking our country’s highly placed leaders, who have spoken out as individuals, to consolidate their thoughts to now speak in unison for our Democracy.
_______
DO YOUR DUTY – VOTE DEMOCRAT!!!
<<< IMAGE (Poster from WW II) – "UNCLE SAM – I WANT YOU >>>
Uncle Sam wants YOU – the multitude of leaders, who swore the oath to “protect the Constitution from all enemies foreign and domestic” – to speak in one voice for our Democracy, NOW.
Steve Schmidt on 10/2/2022 in The Warning wrote, “The greatest of all American inventions is the peaceful transition of power under the Constitution. The bloodying of that transfer by Donald Trump and the lieutenants and co-conspirators of his extremist cause is among the most despicable acts ever perpetrated against America. It was a crime against all of us… both living and dead.”
Ten U.S Senators and 139 U.S. Representatives, all Republicans, dishonored their oaths while in office. Just hours after the attack on our Capitol and their own colleagues, they voted against election certification and instead pledged fealty to a mendacious insurrectionist.
For seven years we have been living with the clear present and future danger Donald J. Trump and his disciples are to Democracy.
Many of you have eloquently warned about the threat our democracy faces, but often these warnings are followed by silence.
Enough already! Silence and individuality are no longer viable!
Together, agree on a statement that articulates the danger we face.
Stand as one and demand that everyone does their duty and votes the Democratic ticket across the board, by mail or in person, on November 8th.
Failure to vote to protect our individual rights is not an option.
Create a broadsheet with your cry to arms under Uncle Sam’s image. Identify the threat that Republican election deniers represent to our Democracy and your plea to vote, List the prominent signatories below.
Circulate it to targeted races throughout the country based on these two LINKS:
Uncle Sam says, “Get it done NOW – Ballots are already in the mail!”
_______
Suggested Who’s Who List of “YOU” Signatories:
Former Presidents Obama, Bush, Clinton, Carter; VPs Cheney, Quale, Gore; White House Chiefs of Staff, Kelly, Mulvaney?; former Cabinet members, Mattis, Rumsfeld, Califano, Kissinger, Ramsey Clark, James Baker, Leon Panetta, William Cohen, Esper, Hagel, Kerry, Carter; CIA Directors, Brennan, Coates, Morrell, Haspel; National Security Advisors; past Chairmen of RNC, DNC; former JCS members, Admiral Mullen, General Dempsey, General Pace; State Governors; Judges, O’Connor, Souter, Kennedy, Breyer, Luttig, et al.
The signatories should be bipartisan, in large print so their names are prominent.
________
These statements come to mind from some leaders who swore the oath.
Admiral Mullen's comments after 6/1/2020 teargassing in front of the White House is an example. I particularly remember William Cohen’s articulate comments on MSNBC in the days after January 6th. And Judge Luttig’s warnings were stark during the January 6th hearings.
________
NOTE: The LINK to an article in SALON "Biden's Historic Speech was Too Damn Nice – No hand of friendship to fascists" is below.
It underscores that the time for polite, equivocating discourse is over. Biden needs to set the tone – he and the leaders I describe need to act and speak clearly and decisively.
There are no “better angels” left in the Republican party with the balls to honor their oaths. Like Trump, the Republican caucus tells you this over and over with their lack of a platform and their “no votes” on every bill that would defend voting and individual rights before the Congress.
The time for “pussy footin” is long past. "Launch the attack now!"
It is spot on and deserves your complete attention. The "leaders" I list, and others you might include, need to tell it like it is or we will lose our Democracy!
Speaker Pelosi was a calm and focused leader during the January 6th insurrection. Her intelligence and know how most certainly saved lives. As we approach the midterms, I am dismayed by the total lack of presence of the national democratic party, its surrogates and of President Obama and First Lady Obama. Each of these entities appear missing. Why are we not hearing about the DNC's financial support of the many senate races in play - OH, NC, GA, FLA, ARZ for example? Why do we not see democratic surrogates in national news coverage and at rallies? Where are the Obamas and the Clintons, and other national democratic leaders? The democrats do not appear to have the killer instinct, the game plan or the follow through to win in this extremely high stakes election. I pray I am wrong. Otherwise, the likes of Jim Jordan and Josh Hawley will run our country down the drain.
Headed out now to assist overseas voters using www.votefromabroad.org. Yesterday at the outdoor market, 2 men came up to me with their VFA t-shirts, one of whom is the Dems Abroad treasurer in Madrid. We are everywhere. Reach out to all your groups--someone has a friend, colleague or relative living abroad. This link may help: Is your ONE U.S. Midterm vote worthwhile? https://middletonma.gov/303/The-Power-of-One-Vote
If you are one of the 6.5 million US citizens living abroad you can definitely vote in the upcoming election!! Go to votefromabroad.org to request your overseas ballot. But hurry because time is running out! Please share this with any US expatsyou know!
I don't think enough praise (if that's the right word?) can be given to Nancy Pelosi. The composure, focus and true grit she showed on January 6th were utterly remarkable and cannot be underscored. I am grateful she is the Speaker.
Again Robert, a hearty Mazel Tov to your daughter, her new husband and your entire family. Enjoy!
When I was a child my parents many times said to me “ you have to appreciate what you have. Don’t take any of it for granted “ I was a child born right after WWII and that experience shaped the thoughts of my parents and upbringing. This week as I watched President Biden interact with citizens across the country and saw the J6th video of Nancy Pelosi I realized that we are under appreciating these two individuals and what they are doing and mean to our country. Nothing fancy, not a lot of hype and straight honest dialogue that you can trust and believe. Most importantly look hard at the list of accomplishments they have racked up since this administration began governing. Decent hard working people working together to protect our country, lives and freedoms. We all cannot afford to lose any of this because the alternative is frightening and unacceptable. Maybe we should judge all candidates running for office against the character of President Biden and Nancy Pelosi. They sure could use some help and assistance.
Happy wedding weekend! Such a wonderful testimony to the parenting of Robert and Jill! Blessings to their family! Robert tells the story that he started this newsletter for the purpose of providing calming assurance to his daughters that we will be okay after Trump was elected--okay with ongoing vigilance for how to keep our democracy.
I don't think Robert would mind our being "defiant, and unrelenting in doing everything possible to claim as many victories as possible...to win enough to...flip a few state legislatures," as through any donations in the name of his work to help save democracy! You can contribute to meeting the goal of funds to be distributed by The States Project to the good legislative candidates in the most pivotal states--by this Monday, October 17!
I am enjoying the comments which praise Nancy, the unflappable and heroic woman who has done such a terrific job keeping the House in order. My thought, when I saw that video, was — this lady had 8 children. She knows how to deal with chaos. How abut a Medal of Freedom for her?
In the 70s as a college student at Rutgers, I did an independent study on McCarthyism. To me there were two features that were eye openers.
First, grown adults experienced irrational fear of events outside their control (Russia going nuclear, China taken over by Mao). When times get tough, some of us rise to the occasion. Too many revert to selfish impulses. Harm gets done and we lower ourselves.
The other was a power play by the new rich in TX and OK to push aside old wealth as GOP political players. Primarily wildcat oil men like the Murchisons, they financed the immaturity of libertarianism against what they saw as the restrictions of the New Deal. Immature people never recognize that complete freedom is the danger instead of trading a reasonable amount so all prosper. They came of age under Reagan.
I get frustrated when friends make fun of Hee Haw Trumpists. An all-too-easy target that doesn't explain why successful people support him. To me, when facing hard issues like pandemic, economic suffering, immigration, societal change, religion and politics moves again toward being selfish and narcissistic...collectively narcissistic. Christianity without Christ.
What it has taught me is that too many humans are devoid of the mental makeup to band together to get past threats. They push women, children, the frail and weak out of the way, making up a false narrative of empty courage to justify their own lack of maturity and real courage. No mistake: ignorance is a factor, but the truth is that it is willful ignorance. And they have found their pied piper, whether in McCarthy or Trump. We have to find the good souls and grownups and join together to offset this contagion of weakness and loss of character. We must seize the narrative and hold up the mirror as did attorney Welch: "have you no sense of decency?" And do so as our politics are financed by the wealthiest, self-seeking sliver of our polity. We have our work cut out.
After showing the video clip of Schumer and Pelosi, huddled and on the phone with Jeff Rosen, Stephen Colbert commented, “This footage reveals a superhuman level of composure by the Speaker. I guess it’s true what they say, behind every successful man, is Nancy Pelosi saying, “Chuck please. I’ll handle this.““
I know I speak for many of your readers in wishing you blessings for the nuptials of your daughter. May the young couple be blessed with a happy marriage and a wonderful family, and a household filled with love.
On October 16, 1993, (a Saturday), it had been raining all week in Santa Margherita Ligure, where we were to be married. That morning sun came through the French doors to the balcony of my hotel, a beam of sun made its way across the room to light the flowers a friend had given me and the gold of what would be my husband's ring. it was a magic day, 29 years later the best thing I did in my life. The one piece I would give to your daughter is "remember to be fully present, to have moments that are just your new spouse and you. We went in and out of that--hadn't know there was a risk, but I will never forget his face lighting up when he saw me and the beautiful wedding bouquet of white flowers in his hands.
I send good wishes to the daughter of the man who has given so much this year. This weekend you are giving back something he may have dreamed of when you were little. I wish you both love and joy, humor, patience, and the knowledge that the memories you make from play and work together will serve as equity to get you through times that are hard. Viva gli sops!
I'm going to punch him in the nose.
They're going to arrest me and I'll go to jail.
And I'll be very happy.
Robert and "my managing editor" a hearty Mazel Tov on this wonderful weekend. As Lisa Young said "no checking comments." This weekend cannot be repeated so don't miss a moment. Can't wait to hear a few comments about the festivities and thank you for all you do to keep us keeping on.
To ROBERT HUBBELL from Robert K!
Your missive yesterday underscored just how connected you are to VIPs who are fighting for our Democracy!
I re-submit this idea because I believe it has even more merit today.
Previously your readers have responded positively. I ask that you consider acting on it before it is too late!
Countless leaders have warned of the threat our democracy faces from Donald Trump.
They have stated their views individually and artfully but have gone silent afterward.
They need to stop being nice, and speak as one, NOW, or our Democracy will be gone! They need to be General Patten rallying his troops in front of our American flag.
Here is a draft pitch asking our country’s highly placed leaders, who have spoken out as individuals, to consolidate their thoughts to now speak in unison for our Democracy.
_______
DO YOUR DUTY – VOTE DEMOCRAT!!!
<<< IMAGE (Poster from WW II) – "UNCLE SAM – I WANT YOU >>>
Uncle Sam wants YOU – the multitude of leaders, who swore the oath to “protect the Constitution from all enemies foreign and domestic” – to speak in one voice for our Democracy, NOW.
Steve Schmidt on 10/2/2022 in The Warning wrote, “The greatest of all American inventions is the peaceful transition of power under the Constitution. The bloodying of that transfer by Donald Trump and the lieutenants and co-conspirators of his extremist cause is among the most despicable acts ever perpetrated against America. It was a crime against all of us… both living and dead.”
Ten U.S Senators and 139 U.S. Representatives, all Republicans, dishonored their oaths while in office. Just hours after the attack on our Capitol and their own colleagues, they voted against election certification and instead pledged fealty to a mendacious insurrectionist.
For seven years we have been living with the clear present and future danger Donald J. Trump and his disciples are to Democracy.
Many of you have eloquently warned about the threat our democracy faces, but often these warnings are followed by silence.
Enough already! Silence and individuality are no longer viable!
Together, agree on a statement that articulates the danger we face.
Stand as one and demand that everyone does their duty and votes the Democratic ticket across the board, by mail or in person, on November 8th.
Failure to vote to protect our individual rights is not an option.
Create a broadsheet with your cry to arms under Uncle Sam’s image. Identify the threat that Republican election deniers represent to our Democracy and your plea to vote, List the prominent signatories below.
Circulate it to targeted races throughout the country based on these two LINKS:
60 Percent of Americans will have an Election Denier on the Ballot this Fall > https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/republicans-trump-election-fraud/
Democracy on the ballot – How many election deniers are on the ballot in November and what is their likelihood of success? > https://www.brookings.edu/blog/fixgov/2022/10/07/democracy-on-the-ballot-how-many-election-deniers-are-on-the-ballot-in-november-and-what-is-their-likelihood-of-success/
Uncle Sam says, “Get it done NOW – Ballots are already in the mail!”
_______
Suggested Who’s Who List of “YOU” Signatories:
Former Presidents Obama, Bush, Clinton, Carter; VPs Cheney, Quale, Gore; White House Chiefs of Staff, Kelly, Mulvaney?; former Cabinet members, Mattis, Rumsfeld, Califano, Kissinger, Ramsey Clark, James Baker, Leon Panetta, William Cohen, Esper, Hagel, Kerry, Carter; CIA Directors, Brennan, Coates, Morrell, Haspel; National Security Advisors; past Chairmen of RNC, DNC; former JCS members, Admiral Mullen, General Dempsey, General Pace; State Governors; Judges, O’Connor, Souter, Kennedy, Breyer, Luttig, et al.
The signatories should be bipartisan, in large print so their names are prominent.
________
These statements come to mind from some leaders who swore the oath.
Admiral Mullen's comments after 6/1/2020 teargassing in front of the White House is an example. I particularly remember William Cohen’s articulate comments on MSNBC in the days after January 6th. And Judge Luttig’s warnings were stark during the January 6th hearings.
________
NOTE: The LINK to an article in SALON "Biden's Historic Speech was Too Damn Nice – No hand of friendship to fascists" is below.
It underscores that the time for polite, equivocating discourse is over. Biden needs to set the tone – he and the leaders I describe need to act and speak clearly and decisively.
There are no “better angels” left in the Republican party with the balls to honor their oaths. Like Trump, the Republican caucus tells you this over and over with their lack of a platform and their “no votes” on every bill that would defend voting and individual rights before the Congress.
The time for “pussy footin” is long past. "Launch the attack now!"
https://www.salon.com/2022/09/09/joe-bidens-historic-speech-was-too-damn-nice-no-hand-of-friendship-to-fascists/
It is spot on and deserves your complete attention. The "leaders" I list, and others you might include, need to tell it like it is or we will lose our Democracy!
Very respectfully submitted, RK
Speaker Pelosi was a calm and focused leader during the January 6th insurrection. Her intelligence and know how most certainly saved lives. As we approach the midterms, I am dismayed by the total lack of presence of the national democratic party, its surrogates and of President Obama and First Lady Obama. Each of these entities appear missing. Why are we not hearing about the DNC's financial support of the many senate races in play - OH, NC, GA, FLA, ARZ for example? Why do we not see democratic surrogates in national news coverage and at rallies? Where are the Obamas and the Clintons, and other national democratic leaders? The democrats do not appear to have the killer instinct, the game plan or the follow through to win in this extremely high stakes election. I pray I am wrong. Otherwise, the likes of Jim Jordan and Josh Hawley will run our country down the drain.
Headed out now to assist overseas voters using www.votefromabroad.org. Yesterday at the outdoor market, 2 men came up to me with their VFA t-shirts, one of whom is the Dems Abroad treasurer in Madrid. We are everywhere. Reach out to all your groups--someone has a friend, colleague or relative living abroad. This link may help: Is your ONE U.S. Midterm vote worthwhile? https://middletonma.gov/303/The-Power-of-One-Vote
If you are one of the 6.5 million US citizens living abroad you can definitely vote in the upcoming election!! Go to votefromabroad.org to request your overseas ballot. But hurry because time is running out! Please share this with any US expatsyou know!
I don't think enough praise (if that's the right word?) can be given to Nancy Pelosi. The composure, focus and true grit she showed on January 6th were utterly remarkable and cannot be underscored. I am grateful she is the Speaker.
Again Robert, a hearty Mazel Tov to your daughter, her new husband and your entire family. Enjoy!
When I was a child my parents many times said to me “ you have to appreciate what you have. Don’t take any of it for granted “ I was a child born right after WWII and that experience shaped the thoughts of my parents and upbringing. This week as I watched President Biden interact with citizens across the country and saw the J6th video of Nancy Pelosi I realized that we are under appreciating these two individuals and what they are doing and mean to our country. Nothing fancy, not a lot of hype and straight honest dialogue that you can trust and believe. Most importantly look hard at the list of accomplishments they have racked up since this administration began governing. Decent hard working people working together to protect our country, lives and freedoms. We all cannot afford to lose any of this because the alternative is frightening and unacceptable. Maybe we should judge all candidates running for office against the character of President Biden and Nancy Pelosi. They sure could use some help and assistance.
Democracy ROCKSTAR Nancy Pelosi!!!
Happy Family Wedding Weekend, except no checking comments/messages!!! Enjoy/cherish this special time!!! Best wishes from your Colorado Fan Club!
Happy wedding weekend! Such a wonderful testimony to the parenting of Robert and Jill! Blessings to their family! Robert tells the story that he started this newsletter for the purpose of providing calming assurance to his daughters that we will be okay after Trump was elected--okay with ongoing vigilance for how to keep our democracy.
I don't think Robert would mind our being "defiant, and unrelenting in doing everything possible to claim as many victories as possible...to win enough to...flip a few state legislatures," as through any donations in the name of his work to help save democracy! You can contribute to meeting the goal of funds to be distributed by The States Project to the good legislative candidates in the most pivotal states--by this Monday, October 17!
https://www.grapevine.org/giving-circle/1XQhnyD/Tending-to-Democracy
May all the love and happiness that surround your daughter and her husband at the ceremony and celebration be with them every day of their marriage.
And enjoy every minute of this harried, hectic, heart-filled event in all of your lives.
I am enjoying the comments which praise Nancy, the unflappable and heroic woman who has done such a terrific job keeping the House in order. My thought, when I saw that video, was — this lady had 8 children. She knows how to deal with chaos. How abut a Medal of Freedom for her?
In the 70s as a college student at Rutgers, I did an independent study on McCarthyism. To me there were two features that were eye openers.
First, grown adults experienced irrational fear of events outside their control (Russia going nuclear, China taken over by Mao). When times get tough, some of us rise to the occasion. Too many revert to selfish impulses. Harm gets done and we lower ourselves.
The other was a power play by the new rich in TX and OK to push aside old wealth as GOP political players. Primarily wildcat oil men like the Murchisons, they financed the immaturity of libertarianism against what they saw as the restrictions of the New Deal. Immature people never recognize that complete freedom is the danger instead of trading a reasonable amount so all prosper. They came of age under Reagan.
I get frustrated when friends make fun of Hee Haw Trumpists. An all-too-easy target that doesn't explain why successful people support him. To me, when facing hard issues like pandemic, economic suffering, immigration, societal change, religion and politics moves again toward being selfish and narcissistic...collectively narcissistic. Christianity without Christ.
What it has taught me is that too many humans are devoid of the mental makeup to band together to get past threats. They push women, children, the frail and weak out of the way, making up a false narrative of empty courage to justify their own lack of maturity and real courage. No mistake: ignorance is a factor, but the truth is that it is willful ignorance. And they have found their pied piper, whether in McCarthy or Trump. We have to find the good souls and grownups and join together to offset this contagion of weakness and loss of character. We must seize the narrative and hold up the mirror as did attorney Welch: "have you no sense of decency?" And do so as our politics are financed by the wealthiest, self-seeking sliver of our polity. We have our work cut out.