Biden is working very hard to define the Republicans as a collection of tools, idiots and traitors in advance of the 2024 elections, and the Republicans are doing everything they can to demonstrate that the definition is completely accurate.
I just want to express my appreciation and gratitude to Mr. Hubbell and Heather Richardson, two powerful voices of democracy, sanity and hope on this Ides of March, 2023. On the eve of this historically significant day, Richardson retold the now famous story about how she learned to use a chainsaw and how a tale about ordinary citizens banding together to fight slavery and promote democracy led to the launch of her popular Substack newsletter Letters from an American. "I was not a great student in college," she concluded. "I liked learning, but not on someone else's timetable. It was this story that woke me up and made me a scholar. I found it fascinating that a group of ordinary people from country towns who shared a fear that they were losing their democracy could figure out how to work together to reclaim it."
Today, the Ides of March, Hubbell wrote on Today's Edition Newsletter, my other regular must read commentary on Substack, "Democrats have their faults, to be sure. But as Bill Kristol said, we have it 'generally and approximately right.' Republicans 'left the building' of sanity and patriotism years ago. Making that difference clear--loudly and proudly--should be an important part of our mission over the next two years."
The consistent encouragement from these two inspiring citizens has reinforced my confidence that we can indeed "figure out how to work together and reclaim" our democracy.
If you don’t know Timothy Snyder, he spoke on “Playing the Victim” at the UN Security Council yesterday. Russia requested the session on Russophobia. Snyder demolished Putin to the extent the Russian bureaucrat who arranged the UN session will probably throw himself off a tall building. Snyder’s podcast is Thinking About, March 15, 2023.
For Timothy Snyder fans, I highly recommend his course on Ukrainian history at Yale. It is available online and will provide a deep understanding of the roots of the current crisis. Most importantly, it lays bare the grotesque historical lies on which Putin has predicated his invasion of Ukraine.
Another great newsletter. Thank you, Mr. Hubbell. You bring up the point that DeSantis despite going to Harvard, seems so ignorant. There are a number of far right politicians, including Ted Cruz, Elise Stefanik, Josh Hawley, and Glenn Youngkin, who attended elite ivy league schools and presumably had the best education in the world, and yet espouse ideas so many of us find repugnant , or which are manifestly untrue. Perhaps I'm naive, but I've always believed that a good education would necessarily fine tune one's discernment, especially on the difference between right and wrong. These politicians have either thrown their discernment to the wind, or made Machiavellian calculations solely for the sake of power. This never fails to shake my faith in humanity, or at least the minority who pretend to represent us.
Sadly education of any kind, whether Ivy League or not, does not necessarily enhance humanity or tolerance or common sense nor does it prevent arrogance, narcissism or downright pigheadedness.
Then the education is incomplete and will, for better or for worse, be completed by the events of life. Some people never do learn the fundamental truth that we are all part of one creation and cannot, in the long run, separate ourselves and succeed.
It's a great education; those of us lucky enough to have experienced it nonetheless have/had a responsibility to incorporate what we learned into a morally sound framework that addresses the human condition. Expert guidance in forming that framework is built into many courses, but it is the responsibility of the student to recognize, accept and incorporate it. The majority of Ivy League students do this, and typically lead useful, meaningful lives incorporating service to their communities. There are always some who merely want connections, and wouldn't recognize an ethical choice if it collided head on with them. Money and connections buy access for some to the Ivy League; they're humans, they sometimes make stupid, selfish, mean-spirited decisions...as the old saying paraphrases, leading the horse to water doesn't guarantee he'll drink.
There's no doubt it's a good education, with all the years of practice they've had, one would expect nothing less. Your observations would be echoed by any honest graduate of any college or university about their school and there are several whose credentials match anything the Ivy League can present, even those without the impressive financial endowments.
You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's brain, or soul for that matter. The Ivy League is much over-rated. Add to your list the clunkers on the Supreme Court that graduated from Harvard and Yale Law Schools.
That's for sure! I think they've gone downhill. My parents and at least half of their close friends--a group of superb people, most of whom are alas, gone--went to grad school at Harvard.
Is there a link yet for listening to your event today with Simon Rosenberg and others? Or will there be at some point? I signed up, but unfortunately couldn’t make it. I hope to listen to the whole thing and in the meantime appreciate your summary.
Two action items from Robert’s event last evening: 1. Bill Kristol on Dems doing things ‘generally right’: Study Michigan (‘s 2022 success). 2. Simon Rosenberg: Get high school seniors registered to vote. Do-able!!
I read both Rosenberg and Kristol and find their comments and opinions very interesting and thought provoking. The DeSantis comments are a clear example of a candidate who doesn’t have the experience required to be President and a candidate who will be advised and manipulated by his advisors similar to Trump. One of the things people never give Biden credit for is how his own experience especially in foreign affairs and his very experienced team which are making a difference. Rosenberg is correct we need to be truth warriors and the challenge is how to reach the millions of voters who don’t understand or care to understand the issues facing this country and the seriousness of them from climate change , foreign policy , individual rights , and voter integrity and fairness. How do we get the messages across to these individuals.?
Kristol is amazing given where he's coming from. I've retweeted his tweets countless times, and watching him last night (along with Robert Hubbell and Simon Rosenberg) was a treat. I think there's a recently developed profound goodness in him.
I'm not even sure he's a Republican anymore. But if he's still a Republican, he's definitely sane, and definitely appalled at what his party has become.
Watching Kristol speak recently (from online), the change in him seemed like the sort of change people undergo when they take up meditation. The was an aura of goodness about him that I don't recall seeing in the before times.
I think there is a rational explanation for the lack of attention to Mike Pence’s recent statements.
Pence is being asked to affirm a proposition that is patently obvious: that Trump is a dangerous traitor.
Pence is willing to make that statement in a book for profit, on the campaign trail, and during interviews that advance his presidential prospects. But he refuses to make that statement under oath in proceedings designed to hold Trump accountable.
We do not need Mike Pence to tell us that the sky is blue. But if we are going to hold Trump accountable, it would be great if Mike Pence could set aside, personal ambition to state under oath, that yes, indeed, the sky is blue. Until he is willing to do that, I don’t know why we should pay one moment of attention to a selfish demagogue.
I hear you Robert, and understand the need for the dross to speak under oath, but for me, and perhaps others, being drenched daily in mendacity and a pernicious deluge of malodorous bs, hearing one or more of the scuz speak the truth that we know is the truth publicly helps me psychologically. ✨
Phillip Bump at WAPO wrote essentially the same article -- look at today's edition. My take: While it may seem stunning for the "historical record," this is merely a confirmation of what we all knew. We saw it with our own eyes, and Pence et al have been saying the same thing for more than 2 years. So, that being said, it wouldn't necessarily be considered "news" in the sense of unknown to readers. It is fully known. We are all just waiting for the appropriate DOJ indictments that would preclude Trump from running for election in 2024 because he is a seditionist. He has admitted so publicly. The End.
Thank you Janet. I am also not a subscriber, but from time to time am able to read a piece or two. It is my protest against WaPo and NYT for the lack of reporting the work that President Biden is doing.
I have been flying the Ukraine flag alongside the American flag since before the November elections. I request everyone who can afford a flag and a place to fly it do so and especially now. Maybe one of those colorful gay (for lack of a name) flags are appropriate, too, whether LBGQT or not. “Woke banking”, GMAB!
I'm in a part of Massachusetts where it would only be preaching to the converted. I'm more incline to put flag decals (both American and Ukrainian) on the car. But I might still fly 'em.
Speaking of collaborating with the enemy, this just out:
BREAKING: Trump Media, the parent company of Truth Social, is reportedly under FEDERAL INVESTIGATION for money laundering in connection to two payments made to them, totaling $8 MILLION from entities reportedly controlled by allies of Vladimir Putin.
Details:
- In December 2021, Trump Media received an initial payment of $2 million at a critical moment when the company faced imminent collapse. The payment arrived amidst a tumultuous period in which the planned merger with a public company was delayed due to an SEC investigation
- Two months later, Trump Media's account received a second payment of $6 million from ES Family Trust, as evidenced by a transfer receipt.
- One of the payments was tracked to Anton Postolnikov, who appears to have a relation of Putin ally Aleksandr Smirnov. The other payment was also tracked to a Putin-connected ally through Paxum Bank.
- Prosecutors seem to have displayed particular concern regarding the aforementioned payments, given that Paxum Bank, the offshore financial institution involved, has a track record of catering to the needs of the adult entertainment and SEX WORKER sectors.
DeSantis brings to mind George on the Jerry Seinfeld Show saying, "I got nothing." With nothing of substance or importance to bring to the table, he falls back on "wokeness" and "territorial disputes." Yes, challenge him with facts and mock him at the same time.
I am an appreciative subscriber who took part in last night's discussiion with Wm. Kristol and Simon Rosenberg, moderated by our own wonderful Robert Hubbell. Just want to say that I came away from it more determined than ever to do everything I can to register voters, especially young ones, and to be more positive in my thinking and action. Thanks to everyone who made last night happen! Ann M.
It really is amazing how Tucker Carlson is the thought leader of the GOP. That Ron DeSanctimonious (sorry, I like the phrasing) should be so shallow and so obviously a creature of Carlson is just plain sad. I wonder if we'll hear loud condemnation from anyone senior in the GOP over calling what is happening in Ukraine anything other than war? Hello McConnell, Pence, Haley?
Mar 15, 2023·edited Mar 15, 2023Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
Thank you Mr. Hubbell for your daily insights and dedication to the important issues we face everyday in our country.
I just have a couple minor points to bring up. First, I don't think that DeSantis is dumb, I think he just only speaks to his core supporters and fuels a culture war to win power. For example, his whole crusade against Disney is a farce, he got married at Disney. They were just an easy company to attack because he is obsessed with power, and winning at any cost. Same thing with his comments regarding the war in Ukraine, he knows that the subset of voters he is targeting doesn't want the US to help with aid so he is just trying to appeal to those people. I don't believe at all that he is naïve or unintelligent, I just think he is willing to throw nuance, good policy and democracy out the window if he can win an election. I try not to attribute malice to what can easily be attribute do ignorance but I think DeSantis is playing a game to win and it would be a mistake to write him and other Republicans off as just silly or not smart.
Regarding what is going on in North Carolina, I'm actually shocked a bit because while I know that Republicans are willing to do whatever is necessary for us to become a one party country where they are in power. I think this whole road they are going down is scary and we should all be afraid. What are the chances that this ends up in front of the Supreme Court and they actually side with this god awful decision? Additionally, have Democrats given up on the Voting Rights Act and trying to get independent maps drawn in states? I know that Republicans are trying to maximize their minority rule over the next 8-15 years, but it is so blatant right now. As Justice Anita Earls said "“How can it be left up to the people?” Earls asked. “If the maps don’t fairly reflect the voting strength of the people of the state, aren’t you essentially seeking to prevent voters from exercising control over their own government?”
The fact that some of our citizens want to limit, punish or take away the right to vote or fair representation of other people in our country is so disappointing, they are saying the quiet part out loud right now. No matter where you are on the political spectrum you should be scared of these types of ideals.
I would rather have Di Santis as an opponent than Trump. No thanks to coward Garland, everything points to it being Trump which is very very dangerous. And Biden just lost a portion of the youth vote with this disgusting decision to not advance climate action. Truly, our children are doomed to live on a dying planet with this kind of behavior.
The Willow project will release a trivial amount of CO2 into the atmosphere over the 30 years--the equivalent of 2.8 percent of a single year's US CO2 emissions. Democrats and indigenous people in Alaska badly want this to go forward, the latter to be able to finance schools, roads, and the like. It would not take much conservation at all to way more than make up for that. (I took a class in 1975 from John Holdren (who later became Pres O's Science Advisor) called Quantitative Aspects of Global Environmental Problems.)
I agree that oil should stay in the ground if for no other reason as a reserve for future needs. When there is a finite amount of a resource the smartest thing to do is to save one’s own and use the other guy’s. “Save our oil for us” is the bumper sticker. In the ground is the perfect place to save it for the future.
The amount of oil that is going to be drilled in that Willow project is trivial. That amount of oil, burned by cars, would cause CO2 emissions equivalent to 2.8 percent of one year's CO2 emissions from all sources in the US.
I worry about it because so many people react like you have. But hre's the info on it. Start on the first video at 38:29, as it says. You wont' have to listen long. And I haven't read the newsweek article yet but I suspect it will be helpful
I suspect that by the time of the election a lot of people will have forgotten about this, and/or else Biden will have done enough good that they'll vote for him anyway. I really think he's been masterful. Definitely the best president in my lifetime, by a longshot, although if LBJ hadn't gotten us mired in Vietnam, he'd be vying for that title, but I still think Biden would be the best. It amazes me how lucky we are to have him in office.
Both Democrats and indigenous people in Alaska want it badly, for the money it will provide to build schools and roads, etc. Which they apparently need. I'll look for what Heather Cox Richardson said (tape recorded) yesterday, hope I can find it.
Mar 15, 2023·edited Mar 15, 2023Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
As I listened to last night's excellent discussion (thanks to Robert, the participants, and sponsors), I pondered what we could do differently besides communicate better and use "muscular language" (thanks, Simon). It seems to me that many of us accept if not embrace supposed Republican tenets (e.g., smaller government, fiscal responsibility, responsible immigration, law & order, reasonable regulation, personal freedom, etc.), most of which have been abandoned or perverted by today's MAGA-dominated Republican party. What if the Democrats took ownership of some of those tenets and engaged ex-Republicans and Independents in advancing them?
Biden is working very hard to define the Republicans as a collection of tools, idiots and traitors in advance of the 2024 elections, and the Republicans are doing everything they can to demonstrate that the definition is completely accurate.
Tools or fools, or both?
foolish tools
I wouldn’t count on enough of the public discerning this no matter how often they’re shown it.
🎯
Right on!
I just want to express my appreciation and gratitude to Mr. Hubbell and Heather Richardson, two powerful voices of democracy, sanity and hope on this Ides of March, 2023. On the eve of this historically significant day, Richardson retold the now famous story about how she learned to use a chainsaw and how a tale about ordinary citizens banding together to fight slavery and promote democracy led to the launch of her popular Substack newsletter Letters from an American. "I was not a great student in college," she concluded. "I liked learning, but not on someone else's timetable. It was this story that woke me up and made me a scholar. I found it fascinating that a group of ordinary people from country towns who shared a fear that they were losing their democracy could figure out how to work together to reclaim it."
Today, the Ides of March, Hubbell wrote on Today's Edition Newsletter, my other regular must read commentary on Substack, "Democrats have their faults, to be sure. But as Bill Kristol said, we have it 'generally and approximately right.' Republicans 'left the building' of sanity and patriotism years ago. Making that difference clear--loudly and proudly--should be an important part of our mission over the next two years."
The consistent encouragement from these two inspiring citizens has reinforced my confidence that we can indeed "figure out how to work together and reclaim" our democracy.
They are great but not alone and we need to add Jessica Craven to the list
If you don’t know Timothy Snyder, he spoke on “Playing the Victim” at the UN Security Council yesterday. Russia requested the session on Russophobia. Snyder demolished Putin to the extent the Russian bureaucrat who arranged the UN session will probably throw himself off a tall building. Snyder’s podcast is Thinking About, March 15, 2023.
For Timothy Snyder fans, I highly recommend his course on Ukrainian history at Yale. It is available online and will provide a deep understanding of the roots of the current crisis. Most importantly, it lays bare the grotesque historical lies on which Putin has predicated his invasion of Ukraine.
I just subscribed! I've got a lot of wood chopping and water carrying to do!
Welcome to the team, Stewart!
Thank you, Stephen! 🥰
Another great newsletter. Thank you, Mr. Hubbell. You bring up the point that DeSantis despite going to Harvard, seems so ignorant. There are a number of far right politicians, including Ted Cruz, Elise Stefanik, Josh Hawley, and Glenn Youngkin, who attended elite ivy league schools and presumably had the best education in the world, and yet espouse ideas so many of us find repugnant , or which are manifestly untrue. Perhaps I'm naive, but I've always believed that a good education would necessarily fine tune one's discernment, especially on the difference between right and wrong. These politicians have either thrown their discernment to the wind, or made Machiavellian calculations solely for the sake of power. This never fails to shake my faith in humanity, or at least the minority who pretend to represent us.
Sadly education of any kind, whether Ivy League or not, does not necessarily enhance humanity or tolerance or common sense nor does it prevent arrogance, narcissism or downright pigheadedness.
Then the education is incomplete and will, for better or for worse, be completed by the events of life. Some people never do learn the fundamental truth that we are all part of one creation and cannot, in the long run, separate ourselves and succeed.
At some point, one must question whether or not the Ivy League still provides "the best education in the world" or just a bunch of connections.
It's a great education; those of us lucky enough to have experienced it nonetheless have/had a responsibility to incorporate what we learned into a morally sound framework that addresses the human condition. Expert guidance in forming that framework is built into many courses, but it is the responsibility of the student to recognize, accept and incorporate it. The majority of Ivy League students do this, and typically lead useful, meaningful lives incorporating service to their communities. There are always some who merely want connections, and wouldn't recognize an ethical choice if it collided head on with them. Money and connections buy access for some to the Ivy League; they're humans, they sometimes make stupid, selfish, mean-spirited decisions...as the old saying paraphrases, leading the horse to water doesn't guarantee he'll drink.
There's no doubt it's a good education, with all the years of practice they've had, one would expect nothing less. Your observations would be echoed by any honest graduate of any college or university about their school and there are several whose credentials match anything the Ivy League can present, even those without the impressive financial endowments.
You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's brain, or soul for that matter. The Ivy League is much over-rated. Add to your list the clunkers on the Supreme Court that graduated from Harvard and Yale Law Schools.
That's for sure! I think they've gone downhill. My parents and at least half of their close friends--a group of superb people, most of whom are alas, gone--went to grad school at Harvard.
Obviously, the ivy colleges are NOT so elite!
No, but they're really good at marketing.
Is there a link yet for listening to your event today with Simon Rosenberg and others? Or will there be at some point? I signed up, but unfortunately couldn’t make it. I hope to listen to the whole thing and in the meantime appreciate your summary.
Thanks - as always, Alexandra
Yes. Will publish asap.
Will there be a text version or will it be closed captioned for
deaf and hearing impaired? We
are a part of the electorate too,
please try not to forget about us.
Thank you.
I believe a transcript was generated. I will link to it if possible.
Add in those of us who are visual learners for this transcript, please!
Here it is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SE8cChmlyeQ&t=25s&ab_channel=SimonRosenberg
courtesy of Simon Rosenberg.
Two action items from Robert’s event last evening: 1. Bill Kristol on Dems doing things ‘generally right’: Study Michigan (‘s 2022 success). 2. Simon Rosenberg: Get high school seniors registered to vote. Do-able!!
Yes there will definitely be a recording available in the next few days but it’s not ready yet. We’ll send it to Robert to post here when it is.
So glad to learn this!
Here is the recording of Tuesday night's event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvGK6Yk_ZwA
You can also access other links and resources from the event here: https://linktr.ee/prodemocracycoalition
it was well worth it!
I read both Rosenberg and Kristol and find their comments and opinions very interesting and thought provoking. The DeSantis comments are a clear example of a candidate who doesn’t have the experience required to be President and a candidate who will be advised and manipulated by his advisors similar to Trump. One of the things people never give Biden credit for is how his own experience especially in foreign affairs and his very experienced team which are making a difference. Rosenberg is correct we need to be truth warriors and the challenge is how to reach the millions of voters who don’t understand or care to understand the issues facing this country and the seriousness of them from climate change , foreign policy , individual rights , and voter integrity and fairness. How do we get the messages across to these individuals.?
Kristol is amazing given where he's coming from. I've retweeted his tweets countless times, and watching him last night (along with Robert Hubbell and Simon Rosenberg) was a treat. I think there's a recently developed profound goodness in him.
I agree and for me he represents a “ sane” Republican who is appalled at what happen to his party.
I'm not even sure he's a Republican anymore. But if he's still a Republican, he's definitely sane, and definitely appalled at what his party has become.
Hopefully they will influence other sane Republicans
I agree!
Watching Kristol speak recently (from online), the change in him seemed like the sort of change people undergo when they take up meditation. The was an aura of goodness about him that I don't recall seeing in the before times.
Why is this not in the headlines of the news??? Pence holds Trump accountable in public.
https://www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/archive/2023/03/mike-pence-trump-january-6/673402/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=atlantic-daily-newsletter&utm_content=20230314&utm_term=The%20Atlantic%20Daily
I think there is a rational explanation for the lack of attention to Mike Pence’s recent statements.
Pence is being asked to affirm a proposition that is patently obvious: that Trump is a dangerous traitor.
Pence is willing to make that statement in a book for profit, on the campaign trail, and during interviews that advance his presidential prospects. But he refuses to make that statement under oath in proceedings designed to hold Trump accountable.
We do not need Mike Pence to tell us that the sky is blue. But if we are going to hold Trump accountable, it would be great if Mike Pence could set aside, personal ambition to state under oath, that yes, indeed, the sky is blue. Until he is willing to do that, I don’t know why we should pay one moment of attention to a selfish demagogue.
I hear you Robert, and understand the need for the dross to speak under oath, but for me, and perhaps others, being drenched daily in mendacity and a pernicious deluge of malodorous bs, hearing one or more of the scuz speak the truth that we know is the truth publicly helps me psychologically. ✨
Pence has no credibility and if he really wanted to hold Trump accountable testify
Second the ‘motion’!
Still. . .
Phillip Bump at WAPO wrote essentially the same article -- look at today's edition. My take: While it may seem stunning for the "historical record," this is merely a confirmation of what we all knew. We saw it with our own eyes, and Pence et al have been saying the same thing for more than 2 years. So, that being said, it wouldn't necessarily be considered "news" in the sense of unknown to readers. It is fully known. We are all just waiting for the appropriate DOJ indictments that would preclude Trump from running for election in 2024 because he is a seditionist. He has admitted so publicly. The End.
Agree!
Unfortunately it won't let me read it unless I sign up and pay? 🤷♀️
Thank you Janet. I am also not a subscriber, but from time to time am able to read a piece or two. It is my protest against WaPo and NYT for the lack of reporting the work that President Biden is doing.
Here is Bump's article: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/03/14/trump-pence-jan-6/
I have been flying the Ukraine flag alongside the American flag since before the November elections. I request everyone who can afford a flag and a place to fly it do so and especially now. Maybe one of those colorful gay (for lack of a name) flags are appropriate, too, whether LBGQT or not. “Woke banking”, GMAB!
I'm in a part of Massachusetts where it would only be preaching to the converted. I'm more incline to put flag decals (both American and Ukrainian) on the car. But I might still fly 'em.
Speaking of collaborating with the enemy, this just out:
BREAKING: Trump Media, the parent company of Truth Social, is reportedly under FEDERAL INVESTIGATION for money laundering in connection to two payments made to them, totaling $8 MILLION from entities reportedly controlled by allies of Vladimir Putin.
Details:
- In December 2021, Trump Media received an initial payment of $2 million at a critical moment when the company faced imminent collapse. The payment arrived amidst a tumultuous period in which the planned merger with a public company was delayed due to an SEC investigation
- Two months later, Trump Media's account received a second payment of $6 million from ES Family Trust, as evidenced by a transfer receipt.
- One of the payments was tracked to Anton Postolnikov, who appears to have a relation of Putin ally Aleksandr Smirnov. The other payment was also tracked to a Putin-connected ally through Paxum Bank.
- Prosecutors seem to have displayed particular concern regarding the aforementioned payments, given that Paxum Bank, the offshore financial institution involved, has a track record of catering to the needs of the adult entertainment and SEX WORKER sectors.
Last edited
6:57 AM · Mar 15, 2023
·
142.9K
Views
Wow! Thank you for alerting us to this developing story
Yeah, I think those payments deserve to be investigated.
DeSantis brings to mind George on the Jerry Seinfeld Show saying, "I got nothing." With nothing of substance or importance to bring to the table, he falls back on "wokeness" and "territorial disputes." Yes, challenge him with facts and mock him at the same time.
DeSantis IS a nothing.
I am an appreciative subscriber who took part in last night's discussiion with Wm. Kristol and Simon Rosenberg, moderated by our own wonderful Robert Hubbell. Just want to say that I came away from it more determined than ever to do everything I can to register voters, especially young ones, and to be more positive in my thinking and action. Thanks to everyone who made last night happen! Ann M.
It really is amazing how Tucker Carlson is the thought leader of the GOP. That Ron DeSanctimonious (sorry, I like the phrasing) should be so shallow and so obviously a creature of Carlson is just plain sad. I wonder if we'll hear loud condemnation from anyone senior in the GOP over calling what is happening in Ukraine anything other than war? Hello McConnell, Pence, Haley?
David From wrote a revealing editorial in the Atlantic Monthly about DeSantis. I encourage people to read it.
David Frum: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/03/desantis-ukraine-pro-russia-position-gop-presidential-nomination/673392/
Paywall blocks this.
Sorry, Tom. I couldn't find a way to gift the article.
Thanks, Lynell - I may have to subscribe, it's gotten to be an excellent magazine!
My wife thinks she can find a way to read it now ( and not wait for a recycled copy at our local Health Food Co-Op).
Thank you, I will check it out!
Thank you Mr. Hubbell for your daily insights and dedication to the important issues we face everyday in our country.
I just have a couple minor points to bring up. First, I don't think that DeSantis is dumb, I think he just only speaks to his core supporters and fuels a culture war to win power. For example, his whole crusade against Disney is a farce, he got married at Disney. They were just an easy company to attack because he is obsessed with power, and winning at any cost. Same thing with his comments regarding the war in Ukraine, he knows that the subset of voters he is targeting doesn't want the US to help with aid so he is just trying to appeal to those people. I don't believe at all that he is naïve or unintelligent, I just think he is willing to throw nuance, good policy and democracy out the window if he can win an election. I try not to attribute malice to what can easily be attribute do ignorance but I think DeSantis is playing a game to win and it would be a mistake to write him and other Republicans off as just silly or not smart.
Regarding what is going on in North Carolina, I'm actually shocked a bit because while I know that Republicans are willing to do whatever is necessary for us to become a one party country where they are in power. I think this whole road they are going down is scary and we should all be afraid. What are the chances that this ends up in front of the Supreme Court and they actually side with this god awful decision? Additionally, have Democrats given up on the Voting Rights Act and trying to get independent maps drawn in states? I know that Republicans are trying to maximize their minority rule over the next 8-15 years, but it is so blatant right now. As Justice Anita Earls said "“How can it be left up to the people?” Earls asked. “If the maps don’t fairly reflect the voting strength of the people of the state, aren’t you essentially seeking to prevent voters from exercising control over their own government?”
The fact that some of our citizens want to limit, punish or take away the right to vote or fair representation of other people in our country is so disappointing, they are saying the quiet part out loud right now. No matter where you are on the political spectrum you should be scared of these types of ideals.
DeSantis may not be dumb, but he does not see the big picture.
I would rather have Di Santis as an opponent than Trump. No thanks to coward Garland, everything points to it being Trump which is very very dangerous. And Biden just lost a portion of the youth vote with this disgusting decision to not advance climate action. Truly, our children are doomed to live on a dying planet with this kind of behavior.
The Willow project will release a trivial amount of CO2 into the atmosphere over the 30 years--the equivalent of 2.8 percent of a single year's US CO2 emissions. Democrats and indigenous people in Alaska badly want this to go forward, the latter to be able to finance schools, roads, and the like. It would not take much conservation at all to way more than make up for that. (I took a class in 1975 from John Holdren (who later became Pres O's Science Advisor) called Quantitative Aspects of Global Environmental Problems.)
I agree that oil should stay in the ground if for no other reason as a reserve for future needs. When there is a finite amount of a resource the smartest thing to do is to save one’s own and use the other guy’s. “Save our oil for us” is the bumper sticker. In the ground is the perfect place to save it for the future.
The amount of oil that is going to be drilled in that Willow project is trivial. That amount of oil, burned by cars, would cause CO2 emissions equivalent to 2.8 percent of one year's CO2 emissions from all sources in the US.
I worry about it because so many people react like you have. But hre's the info on it. Start on the first video at 38:29, as it says. You wont' have to listen long. And I haven't read the newsweek article yet but I suspect it will be helpful
https://www.facebook.com/heathercoxrichardson/videos/1385246698990230 (starts at minute 38:29)
She mentioned U.S. House Rep Mary Peltola (a Native American) who defended the Willow Project.
https://www.newsweek.com/alaska-democrat-mary-peltola-defends-arctic-oil-willow-project-biden-1785784
I suspect that by the time of the election a lot of people will have forgotten about this, and/or else Biden will have done enough good that they'll vote for him anyway. I really think he's been masterful. Definitely the best president in my lifetime, by a longshot, although if LBJ hadn't gotten us mired in Vietnam, he'd be vying for that title, but I still think Biden would be the best. It amazes me how lucky we are to have him in office.
Both Democrats and indigenous people in Alaska want it badly, for the money it will provide to build schools and roads, etc. Which they apparently need. I'll look for what Heather Cox Richardson said (tape recorded) yesterday, hope I can find it.
As I listened to last night's excellent discussion (thanks to Robert, the participants, and sponsors), I pondered what we could do differently besides communicate better and use "muscular language" (thanks, Simon). It seems to me that many of us accept if not embrace supposed Republican tenets (e.g., smaller government, fiscal responsibility, responsible immigration, law & order, reasonable regulation, personal freedom, etc.), most of which have been abandoned or perverted by today's MAGA-dominated Republican party. What if the Democrats took ownership of some of those tenets and engaged ex-Republicans and Independents in advancing them?
Did DeSantis get a “legacy” education like W? Could explain a lot. Both idiots with credentials. Chump was just an idiot with money…
He was recruited out of college and worked at a white shoe law firm and has been groomed.
DeSantis or W?