As the story goes, Robert, "Upon her arrival in the magical world of Oz, Dorothy learns she cannot return home until she has destroyed the Wicked Witch of the West." We, your readers, are the Dorothy in the story. You, Robert, are a culmination of the friends Dorothy finds along the way: Scarecrow who has the brains to see the truth of the story; Tin Man who has the heart to share it; and the once Cowardly Lion who finds the courage to tell it and keep telling it. Together, we all go to find the Wizard who it turns out is not a wizard but a man who has the capacity to bring the country back from the brink. If only we are smart enough to see it. If only we have the heart to embrace it. If only we are brave enough to be it.
Amanda Gorman's poem recited at the 2021 Inauguration of President Biden, "The Hill We Climb"
Thank you, Royce. When I wrote this post, I had a vague memory of Amanda's choice of words when she spoke at Biden's inauguration. So, I provided the link for others to hear for themselves what she said.
Jocelyn, I think that the people who criticised Amanda were either afraid of the truths it contained, or people who got a look in the mirror and recoiled. Those two may be the same thing. They have to deal with what's inside them. All we need to do is keep celebrating Amanda.
Oh, the old "derivitive" trope. If it was, so has been every poem ever written, in one way or another. Don't have real critical insight, so throw out "derivitive" to minimize the actual power of something new. I am a poet (at one time recognizable, at least in the PacNW, and may be again). My poetry was good and still is. It will not speak to everyone, regardless, and some have to explain that away by blaming the poet. That kind of criticism is trivial. I love her poetry and sometimes go back to that one just to hear it ring again. Doesn't matter whether others hear it the same way or not.
That makes me chuckle. My brother gets restless in the presence of poetry. I send it to him anyway: things I think might speak to things I know he cares about. He never responds to them. But the funny thing is, I know he reads them because he includes some of the insights in his posts to other cancer patients (he is a long-time survivor of a difficult cancer that recently showed signs of coming back). I think of him often (as in every day), and my way of expressing things is through poetry, my own or others.
So far, no Shakespeare, though. We grew up near one of the country's best known Shakespeare theaters, and it was a strong part of our school curriculum. (You need a glossery to really understand it.) I hung out at the theater, and raised my kids on it. We still use references to it that are totally obscure to most people. I don't think my brother ever attended a performance. And yet, I think he turns to it on the secret. As we say in my family, that's my brother for ya. Can you tell I love him?
I am so grateful for Robert's optimism, legal insight, and enthusiasm. What a wonderful example of how an initially small effort grew into a thriving communication that is an inspiration for many of us!
Thanks Robert. It’s a really difficult time in our nation’s history that so many want to destroy this nation. There is no forum for health bi-partisan discussion. This troubles me the most. Whatever the result of the New York trial our only recourse is the vote. The attacks on our Judicial system are unprecedented and shocking and yet the cancer within the Judicial system are more horrifying .
Tens of thousands of grassroots activists have for years been developing and implementing the case for voting Democratic in this election. Robert Hubbell, Jess Craven, Heather Cox Richardson, Simon Rosenberg, Dan Rather, and dozens of grass-roots organizations like Field Teams 6 and Activate America have developed and articulated the reasons. By now we should ALL be familiar with the long list of reasons, and hopefully active in spreading the word and supporting the candidates who care about democracy, integrity and compassion. The time for hand-wringing is past; the time to roll up your sleeves and do something is now.
Hmm. Since I have to cover up (sun-sensitive), I rarely wear a T-shirt alone. But it just occurred to me that I could do something I did as a teen: wear an oversize T over a long-sleeved button-up shirt.
It should be more than enough, but some folks don’t seem to take the threat seriously. I personally wouldn’t mind hearing more about what is good about President Biden, and how he would also be way better than any old-school Republican.
Agreed...and the mainstream media is largely ignoring their job--their DUTY--in order to create ever more click-bait headlines about Trump and his doings.
It's not just the MSM who have gone off-track. I wrote a letter this morning (Sunday) to NPR, about my concern that their news coverage is just as fixated on the horserace as the run-of-the-mill reportage. Not talking about all the programming on public radio, which comes from a variety of sources and producers, many of them well-worth listening to. Just NPR news itself. I'm surprised and disgusted.
I agree, Tracey. What will guarantee success is to make people aware of how Biden is making people's lives better in specific ways. That's one of the strongest things we can do.
I totally agree. Robert writes"Eroding the legitimacy and authority of the courts is textbook fascism" and this is where we are. We now know and have known for some time that the courts are not going to save us. Neither is the media. I certainly would be tickled if Trump is found guilty in this trial but I am not holding my breath. It is ALL up to us to stop this fascist dictator wannabe and the others like him who are on the ballot at the polls in November.
I agree with one exception. The judicial system is doing the attacking on Americans. It has always been manipulated for the benefit of those seeking to commit crimes and never held accountable. Nixon being pardoned by Gerald Ford is one of the most recent heinous act of criminal complicity by a U.S. President until Trump and HIS SCOTUS (scamus) continuing attacks upon American women. Don’t be surprised if after child bearing age, women are treated like a lame horse and removed from society, sent to the glue factory or shot. Not over exaggerating and you know it. Or women who remain childless are placed in exile. Judges refusing to hold Trump accountable, Judges burying criminal acts against our own national security. A press that glorifies and lies for racist, misogynistic, corrupt politicians because they either own the media or threatened by career criminal politicians.
I blame the judges for empty threats regarding gag orders, accepting the unacceptable has become all of their sad excuses for Trump laughing in their faces while committing contempt of court. Each and every judge that has overseen Trump in their courtrooms have talked out of both sides of their collective mouths.
Now the dog and pony show attended Merchan’s courtroom dressed like the f-ing moron they support and violate Merchan’s gag order for Trump. Merchan says “Wut?” Nothing I can do.
So we have two Supreme Court justices (and/or their wives) openly siding if not egging on the insurrectionists. A trump lawyer masquerading as judge in Florida in plain sight is allowed to delay (if not derail) a slam dunk case against the leader of the insurrection. The justice system so far allowed to delay (if not derail) another slam dunk case against the leader of the insurrection in Georgia because of life style choices of the prosecuting DA. A MAGA governor nullifies the unanimous decision of a jury in Texas (Texas!!) to find a defendant guilty who claimed self-defense after shooting a demonstrator. And just for the record: a decent and honorable judge is hesitant to put his foot down when elected representatives of the insurrectionist are misusing his courtroom for a theatrical show of support.
Robert, you used the term fascism repeatedly. At least until Jan 6 I was hesitant to use the f-word. Not anymore. And the judicial system offers less and less guardrails to protect the system. A harbinger of what might come. Parallels to the situation in Germany in the 30s are becoming all too obvious – with one big exception: Germans in 1932 didn't really know who they were voting for.
I am confounded how Senator Bob Melendez is brought to trial seemingly quickly; and so many of Trump trials take eons. I am not a lawyer; this does not seem logical.
"New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez's corruption trial begins" "The trial could last six or seven weeks, ending in late June or early July, U.S. District Judge Sidney Stein... "
What makes a man/woman/US Senator not use the same delaying tactics we see with Trump (presuming they have the finances to support the ongoing delays?
"There's lots of buzz about North Carolina for the 2024 elections."
Things are indeed hopping in North Carolina. I've moved temporarily to NC to work with the Mecklenburg County Democratic Party under the leadership of also 26 year old Drew Kromer to get out the vote in the key county in one of the key states in the country. I am very impressed with the talent, smarts, sophisticated and proven strategies to get out the vote, energy and enthusiasm I see every day and am happy to be a small part of it. All help is welcome.
Welcome Jeff! I live in the southern part of Meck County. This evening I'm heading to the Middle James Brewery in Pineville (with the -ville pronounced -VUL) for a Meck Dems event.
Let us know what you are up to - I'd love to hear more about what you and other activists are doing!!
P.S. I'm a retired senior who is super impressed by Anderson Clayton and Drew Cromer!
Yes! We at HQ have been phone banking to drive attendance at that event. I hope you have a great time amid a big crowd.
Unfortunately I can't make it to Pineville but hope we get a chance to meet soon. In the meantime you can reach me at jeff@meckdems.org and we can continue our conversation offline or I guess literally on another line. :)
Thank you, Jeff. You have stepped up to defend democracy in an area that needs you. I genuinely wish I could join you there, but for now, I can only take small actions from afar, I do hope to help in NC sometime in late summer. I am incredibly proud of you, dear friend.
Thank you!!! I am so grateful to Anderson Clayton for breathing life back into the NC Democrats, and all of you who are working to take our state back. It breaks my heart to see this awful legislature, now emboldened by the Wicked Witch of the West (Tricia Cotham) switching parties and values to give them a supermajority. I live in the same building in Raleigh as Phil Berger. It is all I can do not to immediately get off the elevator when he happens to get on! And that’s the most civil way I can put that. But, as a native North Carolinian, I am so afraid that our legacy of racism, supported by religion, is still very alive and well. This includes members of my own family! Somehow I managed to evolve into a rabid Democrat, and I’m trying to persuade my sisters to pay attention! In fact, I’m sending them a sample ballot when we get closer to the election to show them which candidates to vote for and why!!!! They are sadly not well-informed, but surrounded by people who are Trumpers. We’ll see if this helps. I am doing canvassing as well as working during elections, but I applaud the NCDP and people like you for putting all of our angst into action.
Thank you, Jeff! From Precinct 3 in Durham! I am so grateful for the lifelines so many are tossing our way and for fellow North Carolinians swimming against the radical MAGA tide so that none of us is swimming alone. 💙
How ironic that it's America's freedoms that allow the people who want to undermine those freedoms to do so publicly and to rally other disgruntled Americans to join their anti-American actions. That those anti-American people are elected members of our legislative branch and, horror of horrors, lifetime members of our SCOTUS, is deeply disturbing. The rule of law is a saving grace of our democracy. When people with power afforded by democracy use that power to openly undermine the democracy that gives them their power, how is that not cannibalism?
"How ironic that it's America's freedoms that allow the people who want to undermine those freedoms to do so publicly and to rally other disgruntled Americans to join their anti-American actions."
This is a mind-blowing statement in so many ways. I think it would take hours to fully plumb its depths and reverberations because this is exactly, almost verbatim, what a lot of people said about civil rights and anti-Vietnam activists back in the day.* Seeing it here in this context is to me a statement of just how wonderful and resilient our Constitutional system is. On the surface it's a seemingly straightforward statement but like I said, boy it's doing my head in. In a good way.
*To be clear, I'm not disagreeing with you, I'm going off in a tangential direction inspired by your observation.
And yet again, Justice Alito goes after women, namely, his wife. Per the NYT:
“I had no involvement whatsoever in the flying of the flag. . . . It was briefly placed by Mrs. Alito in response to a neighbor’s use of objectionable and personally insulting language on yard signs.” Neighbors that were interviewed said that it was flying for days. He does not deny that it’s his flag or that he had knowledge that it was flying or that he failed to take it down immediately. He just blames his wife.
So many things are shocking about this story, including that it’s first coming out now, more than three years later, long after Justice Alito participated in cases involving the election, and that he continues to participate in decisions related to Trump. Yet the MAGA world continues to attack Judge Merchan, who requested and received an advisory ethics opinion before presiding over the trial:
(I note that in completing ethics forms in NYS, you only include dependent children who reside in your household; Judge Marchan’s daughter is 35 years old and married, and does not reside with him.) Compare this with the conduct of Ginni Thomas and the alleged actions of “Mrs. Alito” and the failure of their spouses to even consider whether they should recuse themselves. As with everything else in MAGA world, the hypocrisy is palpable.
“Personally insulting”? I thought Justices were supposed to refrain from political behavior. Instead the Alitos joined the Thomases in the most repugnant display of partisanship ever thrust upon us as a nation. I am personally insulted as I suppose most Americans are.
What is frustrating is Justices like Alito and Thomas who have been bought and paid for are in fact above the law they are suppose to protect and we can’t do anything about it. The red tie brigade in the court room in New York yesterday besides being Republican lawmakers were mostly from Southern States and were safe in their gerrymandered districts so their removal is not eminent. As important as electing Joe Biden is we must also elect Democrats up and down the ballot across all states to protect the fragile infrastructure of democratic government. Electing Trump is the only way the Abbots, Greene and Gaetz survive and stay relevant. We cannot let that happen.
Aristotle wrote Courage is the mother of all virtues. “We are not made for idleness. We are made for daring deeds. Life is short. Be brave.” Robert, you inspire us every morning to get back to the work at hand…saving our Democracy. What a legacy this generation will enjoy. Thank you.
How could the story of the Alito flag which occurred in January of 2021 and was photographed by a number of his neighbors not been exposed till now? Something is fishy.
Mr. Hubbell has often written about the need to expand the court. Here is more evidence on how important that is. Others have written that this election is very much about protecting the judiciary. With our very uneducated electorate this is not going to be a significant campaign issue, but we who read this newsletter can see that it is another reason to become highly engaged in the campaign.
Robert, Your writing about the extent to which MAGA already has absorbed both the legislative and judicial bodies amplifies, in my view, the pressing need for a presidential debate by June if only to motivate a largely disengaged public to join us in averting momentous forces conspiring to install a unitary executive eager and able to consolidate power, wherein the rule of law is subjugated to a single individual.
I wish I could believe that a debate would sway voters but I am afraid it will be another circus and people will take away what they brought into the debate
Stephen, Given Biden has enlisted rules, to which Trump has agreed, meant to simulate a courtroom in lieu of a “circus,” respectfully, I disagree with you. Regrettably, I expect Trump, ultimately, will invent a lame excuse not to participate.
I wonder. I suspect he is likely taking some, er, "calming" medication during the current trial to help him keep his mouth shut. He does seem to have learned that he cannot get away with outbursts, even sub-vocal ones. At the "debates", should they take place, he will not have a live mike during periods in which he has the floor, and there may be shut-off provisions as well. I am of the mind that he will try to mimic Biden's calm style, but won't be able to pull it off. So maybe a tantrum, but in the past that's when his mind goes wandering. Should be an interesting show for people who choose to watch. I haven't decided yet.
Conventional wisdom says he won’t show up. Yesterday he asked Biden to take a drug test before the debate which is an excuse he will use. Trump will never take a drug test and can’t debate with no audience and the mic turned off when Biden is speaking. It’s a no win for Trump.
I tend to agree with your take on it: it would be a no-win for Trump. But also recognize that the man's pride has no limits, and he will go to extreme lengths to preserve it. The Bible debacle we never hear about anymore, the tennis shoes, the list goes on. If he didn't "debate", he'd see himself as less than a candidate. He is incapable of seeing his limitation, not sure he will grasp that this situation could turn out extremely badly for him. Kind of a toss-up right now. Depends on what happens between now and then.
"my wife did it" is such a bullsh*t excuse, and John Roberts is in on the fascism. He let's them get away with it because he is a fellow traveler in wanting to overthrow democracy.
I live in Maine. A number of years ago, a friend’s husband was appointed to the bench in district court and later moved to superior court. She had remove all bumper stickers from her car, could not put campaign signs on her yard, could not even put a sign in her yard advertising an event whose proceeds would benefit the local Library, for fear of the household appearing at all impartial. “It was my wife who displayed the flag” is simply not the way it works. And if you don’t understand that about your role, you have no business in the role of judge.
The state of our nation, in many ways, is, indeed, depressing and discouraging. However, one thing that continues to inspire me is learning about the myriad of organizations around the country right now that are very active in supporting grassroots efforts on the ground, that send trusted messengers (great term!) to talk with folks in their own neighborhood, connect w them, hear their concerns, & gradually help them see why it’s so important to vote in this election, and vote for Biden.
I’ve attended a handful of Zooms in the past few weeks that have featured such organizations, including 31st Street Swing Left, Airlift, and more, and they feature the on the ground groups they are supporting, which are extremely impressive. I’ve donated to them and encourage others with more means than I to donate in large amounts, because getting these groups staffed up and working now is so critical to success in the fall. They are already talking to voters, so many of whom don’t seem to even know what Biden has done that can impact their own lives for the better, and who feel little has improved in their own lives. To imagine that many Americans actually thing the economy was better under Trump before the pandemic is mind boggling, as it is sooo much better now than even before the pandemic!
In addition to these terrific groups that are working hard, there are likely millions of others, such as myself, who are writing postcards, making plans to register voters, phonebank and text bank, as well as knock on doors to support Biden.
I feel the Dem party is doing better with messaging, ads, and organization in the Battleground states than it has previously, and the Trump campaign is struggling for funds & utterly disorganized. Just getting out their base will not be enough to push him over the top, and despite what a person says to a poll interviewer, there is a wide gap between who a voter might prefer and whether that person actually ends up going out to vote.
The Dems are way better positioned to turn their voters out this cycle, despite needing to work hard to gain support among black males (why they’d vote for Trump I don’t know, but perhaps staying home is their preferred option) and expanding turnout among young people. These are all achievable.
Great comments, Nancy. I have heard “stay on the couch” as the real enemy of Democrats in this upcoming general election. So grateful for these volunteer groups who can meet voters where they are and talk to them.
The opting out of voting by black men is a complex decision with deep historical roots. A black friend of mine who grew up in the south talked about how long it took him to feel at ease standing in voter lines after he moved to the PacNW. I've heard similar stories from folks from northern segregated cities, where black men were targeted. After a while, I imagine one either gives up or keeps quiet about one's intentions.
As the story goes, Robert, "Upon her arrival in the magical world of Oz, Dorothy learns she cannot return home until she has destroyed the Wicked Witch of the West." We, your readers, are the Dorothy in the story. You, Robert, are a culmination of the friends Dorothy finds along the way: Scarecrow who has the brains to see the truth of the story; Tin Man who has the heart to share it; and the once Cowardly Lion who finds the courage to tell it and keep telling it. Together, we all go to find the Wizard who it turns out is not a wizard but a man who has the capacity to bring the country back from the brink. If only we are smart enough to see it. If only we have the heart to embrace it. If only we are brave enough to be it.
Amanda Gorman's poem recited at the 2021 Inauguration of President Biden, "The Hill We Climb"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xr9OvLZ8goM&t=16s
You remind us, wise Lynell, of the power of story to help us make sense of this human struggle. “We’re all just walking each other home.” (Ram Dass)
Thank you for walking beside us, Robert and Lynell.
Well, now, Colleen, I'm proud to be among you.
"If only we are brave enough to be it." Amanda Gorman. Thank you for the reminder.
Thank you, Royce. When I wrote this post, I had a vague memory of Amanda's choice of words when she spoke at Biden's inauguration. So, I provided the link for others to hear for themselves what she said.
Brilliantly said,Lynell
Well said
Thank you, carol!
It was upsetting when young Amanda got pilloried for that amazing poem! We thought it was terrific.
It was freakin' amazing!
Jocelyn, I think that the people who criticised Amanda were either afraid of the truths it contained, or people who got a look in the mirror and recoiled. Those two may be the same thing. They have to deal with what's inside them. All we need to do is keep celebrating Amanda.
You could be right about that. Sad. The criticism I recall was that the poem was "derivative," but there were probably others. :-(
Oh, the old "derivitive" trope. If it was, so has been every poem ever written, in one way or another. Don't have real critical insight, so throw out "derivitive" to minimize the actual power of something new. I am a poet (at one time recognizable, at least in the PacNW, and may be again). My poetry was good and still is. It will not speak to everyone, regardless, and some have to explain that away by blaming the poet. That kind of criticism is trivial. I love her poetry and sometimes go back to that one just to hear it ring again. Doesn't matter whether others hear it the same way or not.
Agreed! (If I read poetry, I would ask about yours, but somehow very few poems ever speak to me. Unless you count Shakespeare!)
That makes me chuckle. My brother gets restless in the presence of poetry. I send it to him anyway: things I think might speak to things I know he cares about. He never responds to them. But the funny thing is, I know he reads them because he includes some of the insights in his posts to other cancer patients (he is a long-time survivor of a difficult cancer that recently showed signs of coming back). I think of him often (as in every day), and my way of expressing things is through poetry, my own or others.
So far, no Shakespeare, though. We grew up near one of the country's best known Shakespeare theaters, and it was a strong part of our school curriculum. (You need a glossery to really understand it.) I hung out at the theater, and raised my kids on it. We still use references to it that are totally obscure to most people. I don't think my brother ever attended a performance. And yet, I think he turns to it on the secret. As we say in my family, that's my brother for ya. Can you tell I love him?
A beautiful way to remind us to have heart, and be brave and smart, Lynette! Thank you!
So beautifully, yet so simply and pointedly put. Thank you Lynell. Yet another call to action (or to upgrade our current actions)!
Many thanks, Donna. I wanted Robert to know that his work is most appreciated by us.
I am so grateful for Robert's optimism, legal insight, and enthusiasm. What a wonderful example of how an initially small effort grew into a thriving communication that is an inspiration for many of us!
Oh, what a great comment about Robert, Donna; and I agree!
Thanks Robert. It’s a really difficult time in our nation’s history that so many want to destroy this nation. There is no forum for health bi-partisan discussion. This troubles me the most. Whatever the result of the New York trial our only recourse is the vote. The attacks on our Judicial system are unprecedented and shocking and yet the cancer within the Judicial system are more horrifying .
Our recourse is to register more Democrats to save the world.
https://www.fieldteam6.org/
We need to create the reason to vote Democratic
It's all here: https://www.demsmakelifebetter.org/?link_id=0&can_id=239815ac26bf47454eff88110b2df461&email_referrer=email_2310503&email_subject=announcing-an-easy-new-way-to-help-dems-win-in-november
Tens of thousands of grassroots activists have for years been developing and implementing the case for voting Democratic in this election. Robert Hubbell, Jess Craven, Heather Cox Richardson, Simon Rosenberg, Dan Rather, and dozens of grass-roots organizations like Field Teams 6 and Activate America have developed and articulated the reasons. By now we should ALL be familiar with the long list of reasons, and hopefully active in spreading the word and supporting the candidates who care about democracy, integrity and compassion. The time for hand-wringing is past; the time to roll up your sleeves and do something is now.
Hmm. Since I have to cover up (sun-sensitive), I rarely wear a T-shirt alone. But it just occurred to me that I could do something I did as a teen: wear an oversize T over a long-sleeved button-up shirt.
For me, to save democracy from Fascism. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGwmBKmMT_ShATCfnFm3egw
Quite right, and it starts with quality candidates vocalizing consistent policy positions that speak to the needs of their constituents.
Looking at Trump and the disaster that would be his second term isn't enough, Mr. Berg???
It should be more than enough, but some folks don’t seem to take the threat seriously. I personally wouldn’t mind hearing more about what is good about President Biden, and how he would also be way better than any old-school Republican.
Agreed...and the mainstream media is largely ignoring their job--their DUTY--in order to create ever more click-bait headlines about Trump and his doings.
It's not just the MSM who have gone off-track. I wrote a letter this morning (Sunday) to NPR, about my concern that their news coverage is just as fixated on the horserace as the run-of-the-mill reportage. Not talking about all the programming on public radio, which comes from a variety of sources and producers, many of them well-worth listening to. Just NPR news itself. I'm surprised and disgusted.
I agree, Tracey. What will guarantee success is to make people aware of how Biden is making people's lives better in specific ways. That's one of the strongest things we can do.
I myself am pretty unaware of how President Biden is making people’s lives better in specific ways. What am I missing?
"Create"? Stephen, it's glaringly evident! We just need to keep spreading it.
Unfortunately it’s not glaring obvious to many people yet.
I totally agree. Robert writes"Eroding the legitimacy and authority of the courts is textbook fascism" and this is where we are. We now know and have known for some time that the courts are not going to save us. Neither is the media. I certainly would be tickled if Trump is found guilty in this trial but I am not holding my breath. It is ALL up to us to stop this fascist dictator wannabe and the others like him who are on the ballot at the polls in November.
I agree with one exception. The judicial system is doing the attacking on Americans. It has always been manipulated for the benefit of those seeking to commit crimes and never held accountable. Nixon being pardoned by Gerald Ford is one of the most recent heinous act of criminal complicity by a U.S. President until Trump and HIS SCOTUS (scamus) continuing attacks upon American women. Don’t be surprised if after child bearing age, women are treated like a lame horse and removed from society, sent to the glue factory or shot. Not over exaggerating and you know it. Or women who remain childless are placed in exile. Judges refusing to hold Trump accountable, Judges burying criminal acts against our own national security. A press that glorifies and lies for racist, misogynistic, corrupt politicians because they either own the media or threatened by career criminal politicians.
I blame the judges for empty threats regarding gag orders, accepting the unacceptable has become all of their sad excuses for Trump laughing in their faces while committing contempt of court. Each and every judge that has overseen Trump in their courtrooms have talked out of both sides of their collective mouths.
Now the dog and pony show attended Merchan’s courtroom dressed like the f-ing moron they support and violate Merchan’s gag order for Trump. Merchan says “Wut?” Nothing I can do.
I agree!
So we have two Supreme Court justices (and/or their wives) openly siding if not egging on the insurrectionists. A trump lawyer masquerading as judge in Florida in plain sight is allowed to delay (if not derail) a slam dunk case against the leader of the insurrection. The justice system so far allowed to delay (if not derail) another slam dunk case against the leader of the insurrection in Georgia because of life style choices of the prosecuting DA. A MAGA governor nullifies the unanimous decision of a jury in Texas (Texas!!) to find a defendant guilty who claimed self-defense after shooting a demonstrator. And just for the record: a decent and honorable judge is hesitant to put his foot down when elected representatives of the insurrectionist are misusing his courtroom for a theatrical show of support.
Robert, you used the term fascism repeatedly. At least until Jan 6 I was hesitant to use the f-word. Not anymore. And the judicial system offers less and less guardrails to protect the system. A harbinger of what might come. Parallels to the situation in Germany in the 30s are becoming all too obvious – with one big exception: Germans in 1932 didn't really know who they were voting for.
BRAVO!
I am confounded how Senator Bob Melendez is brought to trial seemingly quickly; and so many of Trump trials take eons. I am not a lawyer; this does not seem logical.
"New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez's corruption trial begins" "The trial could last six or seven weeks, ending in late June or early July, U.S. District Judge Sidney Stein... "
What makes a man/woman/US Senator not use the same delaying tactics we see with Trump (presuming they have the finances to support the ongoing delays?
Damn right!
Amen.
"There's lots of buzz about North Carolina for the 2024 elections."
Things are indeed hopping in North Carolina. I've moved temporarily to NC to work with the Mecklenburg County Democratic Party under the leadership of also 26 year old Drew Kromer to get out the vote in the key county in one of the key states in the country. I am very impressed with the talent, smarts, sophisticated and proven strategies to get out the vote, energy and enthusiasm I see every day and am happy to be a small part of it. All help is welcome.
Welcome Jeff! I live in the southern part of Meck County. This evening I'm heading to the Middle James Brewery in Pineville (with the -ville pronounced -VUL) for a Meck Dems event.
Let us know what you are up to - I'd love to hear more about what you and other activists are doing!!
P.S. I'm a retired senior who is super impressed by Anderson Clayton and Drew Cromer!
Yes! We at HQ have been phone banking to drive attendance at that event. I hope you have a great time amid a big crowd.
Unfortunately I can't make it to Pineville but hope we get a chance to meet soon. In the meantime you can reach me at jeff@meckdems.org and we can continue our conversation offline or I guess literally on another line. :)
👍
Thank you, Jeff. You have stepped up to defend democracy in an area that needs you. I genuinely wish I could join you there, but for now, I can only take small actions from afar, I do hope to help in NC sometime in late summer. I am incredibly proud of you, dear friend.
Thanks, Dean.
Thank you!!! I am so grateful to Anderson Clayton for breathing life back into the NC Democrats, and all of you who are working to take our state back. It breaks my heart to see this awful legislature, now emboldened by the Wicked Witch of the West (Tricia Cotham) switching parties and values to give them a supermajority. I live in the same building in Raleigh as Phil Berger. It is all I can do not to immediately get off the elevator when he happens to get on! And that’s the most civil way I can put that. But, as a native North Carolinian, I am so afraid that our legacy of racism, supported by religion, is still very alive and well. This includes members of my own family! Somehow I managed to evolve into a rabid Democrat, and I’m trying to persuade my sisters to pay attention! In fact, I’m sending them a sample ballot when we get closer to the election to show them which candidates to vote for and why!!!! They are sadly not well-informed, but surrounded by people who are Trumpers. We’ll see if this helps. I am doing canvassing as well as working during elections, but I applaud the NCDP and people like you for putting all of our angst into action.
Thank you, Jeff! From Precinct 3 in Durham! I am so grateful for the lifelines so many are tossing our way and for fellow North Carolinians swimming against the radical MAGA tide so that none of us is swimming alone. 💙
How ironic that it's America's freedoms that allow the people who want to undermine those freedoms to do so publicly and to rally other disgruntled Americans to join their anti-American actions. That those anti-American people are elected members of our legislative branch and, horror of horrors, lifetime members of our SCOTUS, is deeply disturbing. The rule of law is a saving grace of our democracy. When people with power afforded by democracy use that power to openly undermine the democracy that gives them their power, how is that not cannibalism?
"How ironic that it's America's freedoms that allow the people who want to undermine those freedoms to do so publicly and to rally other disgruntled Americans to join their anti-American actions."
This is a mind-blowing statement in so many ways. I think it would take hours to fully plumb its depths and reverberations because this is exactly, almost verbatim, what a lot of people said about civil rights and anti-Vietnam activists back in the day.* Seeing it here in this context is to me a statement of just how wonderful and resilient our Constitutional system is. On the surface it's a seemingly straightforward statement but like I said, boy it's doing my head in. In a good way.
*To be clear, I'm not disagreeing with you, I'm going off in a tangential direction inspired by your observation.
Thanks, Jeff. Scary, huh?
And yet again, Justice Alito goes after women, namely, his wife. Per the NYT:
“I had no involvement whatsoever in the flying of the flag. . . . It was briefly placed by Mrs. Alito in response to a neighbor’s use of objectionable and personally insulting language on yard signs.” Neighbors that were interviewed said that it was flying for days. He does not deny that it’s his flag or that he had knowledge that it was flying or that he failed to take it down immediately. He just blames his wife.
So many things are shocking about this story, including that it’s first coming out now, more than three years later, long after Justice Alito participated in cases involving the election, and that he continues to participate in decisions related to Trump. Yet the MAGA world continues to attack Judge Merchan, who requested and received an advisory ethics opinion before presiding over the trial:
https://www.nycourts.gov/ipjudicialethicsopinions/23-54.htm
(I note that in completing ethics forms in NYS, you only include dependent children who reside in your household; Judge Marchan’s daughter is 35 years old and married, and does not reside with him.) Compare this with the conduct of Ginni Thomas and the alleged actions of “Mrs. Alito” and the failure of their spouses to even consider whether they should recuse themselves. As with everything else in MAGA world, the hypocrisy is palpable.
“Personally insulting”? I thought Justices were supposed to refrain from political behavior. Instead the Alitos joined the Thomases in the most repugnant display of partisanship ever thrust upon us as a nation. I am personally insulted as I suppose most Americans are.
What is frustrating is Justices like Alito and Thomas who have been bought and paid for are in fact above the law they are suppose to protect and we can’t do anything about it. The red tie brigade in the court room in New York yesterday besides being Republican lawmakers were mostly from Southern States and were safe in their gerrymandered districts so their removal is not eminent. As important as electing Joe Biden is we must also elect Democrats up and down the ballot across all states to protect the fragile infrastructure of democratic government. Electing Trump is the only way the Abbots, Greene and Gaetz survive and stay relevant. We cannot let that happen.
...and of course the Roberts Court is the one that "authorized" the briibes through the Citizens United decision...
Aristotle wrote Courage is the mother of all virtues. “We are not made for idleness. We are made for daring deeds. Life is short. Be brave.” Robert, you inspire us every morning to get back to the work at hand…saving our Democracy. What a legacy this generation will enjoy. Thank you.
How could the story of the Alito flag which occurred in January of 2021 and was photographed by a number of his neighbors not been exposed till now? Something is fishy.
Mr. Hubbell has often written about the need to expand the court. Here is more evidence on how important that is. Others have written that this election is very much about protecting the judiciary. With our very uneducated electorate this is not going to be a significant campaign issue, but we who read this newsletter can see that it is another reason to become highly engaged in the campaign.
Robert, Your writing about the extent to which MAGA already has absorbed both the legislative and judicial bodies amplifies, in my view, the pressing need for a presidential debate by June if only to motivate a largely disengaged public to join us in averting momentous forces conspiring to install a unitary executive eager and able to consolidate power, wherein the rule of law is subjugated to a single individual.
I wish I could believe that a debate would sway voters but I am afraid it will be another circus and people will take away what they brought into the debate
Stephen, Given Biden has enlisted rules, to which Trump has agreed, meant to simulate a courtroom in lieu of a “circus,” respectfully, I disagree with you. Regrettably, I expect Trump, ultimately, will invent a lame excuse not to participate.
I agree Trump probably won’t show up but if he does he will try and bully Biden.
I wonder. I suspect he is likely taking some, er, "calming" medication during the current trial to help him keep his mouth shut. He does seem to have learned that he cannot get away with outbursts, even sub-vocal ones. At the "debates", should they take place, he will not have a live mike during periods in which he has the floor, and there may be shut-off provisions as well. I am of the mind that he will try to mimic Biden's calm style, but won't be able to pull it off. So maybe a tantrum, but in the past that's when his mind goes wandering. Should be an interesting show for people who choose to watch. I haven't decided yet.
Conventional wisdom says he won’t show up. Yesterday he asked Biden to take a drug test before the debate which is an excuse he will use. Trump will never take a drug test and can’t debate with no audience and the mic turned off when Biden is speaking. It’s a no win for Trump.
I tend to agree with your take on it: it would be a no-win for Trump. But also recognize that the man's pride has no limits, and he will go to extreme lengths to preserve it. The Bible debacle we never hear about anymore, the tennis shoes, the list goes on. If he didn't "debate", he'd see himself as less than a candidate. He is incapable of seeing his limitation, not sure he will grasp that this situation could turn out extremely badly for him. Kind of a toss-up right now. Depends on what happens between now and then.
I would like to know who pays for members of congress to travel to and sit at Trumps hearing.
They’ll say they’re on a fact finding mission. Finding none, they’ll say they must remain until they do, on our dime
Pretty much what I thought and it does not make me happy
"my wife did it" is such a bullsh*t excuse, and John Roberts is in on the fascism. He let's them get away with it because he is a fellow traveler in wanting to overthrow democracy.
(As demonstrated by his going along w/the efforts to refuse voting rights and the Citizens United decision.)
GOTV for November. Codify Roe. End gerrymandering. Expand SCOTUS.
Yes, and let’s take back our flag with honor and respect and ,unlike Alito,display it appropriately!
🇺🇸
I live in Maine. A number of years ago, a friend’s husband was appointed to the bench in district court and later moved to superior court. She had remove all bumper stickers from her car, could not put campaign signs on her yard, could not even put a sign in her yard advertising an event whose proceeds would benefit the local Library, for fear of the household appearing at all impartial. “It was my wife who displayed the flag” is simply not the way it works. And if you don’t understand that about your role, you have no business in the role of judge.
Thank you, dear one, for consistently shining the proverbial light in the darkness!
The state of our nation, in many ways, is, indeed, depressing and discouraging. However, one thing that continues to inspire me is learning about the myriad of organizations around the country right now that are very active in supporting grassroots efforts on the ground, that send trusted messengers (great term!) to talk with folks in their own neighborhood, connect w them, hear their concerns, & gradually help them see why it’s so important to vote in this election, and vote for Biden.
I’ve attended a handful of Zooms in the past few weeks that have featured such organizations, including 31st Street Swing Left, Airlift, and more, and they feature the on the ground groups they are supporting, which are extremely impressive. I’ve donated to them and encourage others with more means than I to donate in large amounts, because getting these groups staffed up and working now is so critical to success in the fall. They are already talking to voters, so many of whom don’t seem to even know what Biden has done that can impact their own lives for the better, and who feel little has improved in their own lives. To imagine that many Americans actually thing the economy was better under Trump before the pandemic is mind boggling, as it is sooo much better now than even before the pandemic!
In addition to these terrific groups that are working hard, there are likely millions of others, such as myself, who are writing postcards, making plans to register voters, phonebank and text bank, as well as knock on doors to support Biden.
I feel the Dem party is doing better with messaging, ads, and organization in the Battleground states than it has previously, and the Trump campaign is struggling for funds & utterly disorganized. Just getting out their base will not be enough to push him over the top, and despite what a person says to a poll interviewer, there is a wide gap between who a voter might prefer and whether that person actually ends up going out to vote.
The Dems are way better positioned to turn their voters out this cycle, despite needing to work hard to gain support among black males (why they’d vote for Trump I don’t know, but perhaps staying home is their preferred option) and expanding turnout among young people. These are all achievable.
Let’s get to work to save our country from MAGA.
Great comments, Nancy. I have heard “stay on the couch” as the real enemy of Democrats in this upcoming general election. So grateful for these volunteer groups who can meet voters where they are and talk to them.
The opting out of voting by black men is a complex decision with deep historical roots. A black friend of mine who grew up in the south talked about how long it took him to feel at ease standing in voter lines after he moved to the PacNW. I've heard similar stories from folks from northern segregated cities, where black men were targeted. After a while, I imagine one either gives up or keeps quiet about one's intentions.