My everlasting thanks to you, Robert. You are a consistent beacon of hope and positivity. What started as a kernel of encouragement for your daughters has grown into something solid and enduring for thousands of us. Keep up the good fight!
Thank you, Bob, for lifting up Robert's words. Indeed, the peace and security we experienced is as worthy of celebration as the results that were achieved!
TC, it is good to know that there are pockets of sanity in this country. Sadly, southeastern NC, where I live, is not one of them. Ted Budd, seditious congress weasel, now senator. David Rouzer, seditious congress weasel, political opportunist, fan of that hateful old racist bigot, Jesse Helms. I watched a clip of Rouzer extolling Strom Thurmond and Jesse Helms. Nauseating! Disgusting! Rouzer has not had an independent idea in his entire life. He only wants to be in elected office. His bio of office jumping when he first ran was sickening. He has never done anything to improve life in our backwaters. He has no concept of what service means.
Lots of folks are celebrating, but I live in a state where evil, selfish men, yes mostly men, are out for themselves. They control state government. So many communities have been hollowed out, but the NC Republicans don't care. Just care about their big donors.
Same in Georgia. But what gives me hope is rising up to 30,000feet and looking at the big picture. Thank you Robert and the Hubbell Community for being here. It doesn’t feel so despairing when we are here for each other to lift and encourage.
I can't quite get to your place yet, TCinLA. As Jenn and Rachel note below, there is still a broad swath of America that still supports a theocratic autocracy that is misogynist, racist and anti-democratic. Until we are able to demonstrate that social democracy improves their lives, (via control of Congress and the Presidency), these people will continue to be an undertow on the wave of democracy.
In Phoenix we had the worst slate of candidates vying for governor, Secretary of State and senator. Thank God Kelly and Fontes won but why I wonder is it even close? And the odious Kari lake still to close to call!
From what I’m understanding in Arizona? Thank you (again) Gen X! Listen to the Frost kid in Florida —yes Florida! Articulate, thoughtful and totally gets it! And up-in-comer and hopefully more to follow just like him across this country!
If Hobbs pulls it off, then your (ours too) fear(s) will be lifted. Like CA, Arizona vote counts take time. Thank goodness the election deniers have not succeeded like they thought they would.
I don't know, Andrew. Even the people who are still mired in the muck of anti-democratic beliefs have already been helped significantly by the actions of our amazing president and the decent members of Congress. President Biden has managed to help and protect the entire society, no matter their political leanings, with reasonable and good social policy. Those left unappreciative are people who have stopped thinking, or never could. I honestly don't know how we can reach them.
Nov 12, 2022·edited Nov 12, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
Thank you Robert every night before I go to bed I read your newsletter and your optimism sometimes freaked me out but I stuck with it despite the knots in my stomach and you were right and I can’t thank you enough for helping me get through frequent despair and anxiety about this election
I think Mr. Trump is history at this point and the infighting in the GOP is enjoyable and I’m gonna sit back and watch but I do feel for the first time in six years plus that i can actually have a conversation with somebody who doesn’t agree with me and that feels actually good so again thank you
Lastly a friend of mine stopped subscribing to you, because he felt that you were so optimistic and he was so doom and gloom and even he admitted that he should’ve stuck with you
You and Heather and Michael Moore alone ignored the media the polls the noise and you guys nailed it Plaudits to you and the managing editor
Well said once again, Robert! Prompted by a link in yesterday's newsletter, this afternoon I phonebanked to cure ballots in Clark County, NV, with Make the Road Action. Somewhat tedious and grueling, but for a good cause. Thank you for the uplifting commentary and specific action items!
Robert, I will always credit you with keeping me sane. You are an amazing man and Your editor in chief deserves credit as well. I hope to meet you one day and I would love to give you both a big hug. I'm Southern so that is the way we roll...lol.
I’m up way past my bedtime, with Ben and Jerry and Cherry Garcia unable to sleep despite the fact that Nevada won’t fully come in until tomorrow…hope is restored. The past few days have been terribly encouraging and I even read somewhere, someone predicted that this is the end of the Trump Era. THAT, whether it’s imminent or not really lifted me up. And the notion that folks might be rejecting the extreme right ideology…it’s worth another pint. Hey Ben. Hey Jerry. . So glad you’re here!! Tomorrow can’t come soon enough…
I'm grateful to you Robert for your wisdom, your counsel, and your hopeful - yet realistic - countenance. Thanks for being the guide America needs to get us from where we've been to where we must yet go. Blessings to you and your family.
As usual, a really fine newsletter. I have one criticism, but, unfortunately, no idea of how to fix it. With a close friend who is Canadian and whose husband is Argentinian, another friend's husband who was born in Mexico, I now wince at the word "America" being used to describe the United States of American (actually, I also wince at the sadness of "United"). America extends from the North Pole to the South Pole. I still say "American" but I strive to say "United States". I am also someone who winced even in "West Wing" to hear politicians say "God bless the United States of America"--as if we should be the exclusive recipients of such blessings.
That said, I once again thank you, and. hope you spend your weekend restoring yourself in beauty.
While I agree with you about the overuse of America to apply to just the US, the word American is a different situation. There is no such word as UnitedStatesian. There is a word for the citizens of each other country on the two continents--Mexican, Canadian, Peruvian, etc. For whatever reason the name for the citizens of a country go by the country. It probably arises from the way those countries broke off from whoever first colonized them. I'm pretty sure the US was the first to do so, so it got first dibs on a national moniker.
Thank you for pointing this out. I wince when I hear it too. I lived for a few years in Mexico City and I still say "people from the U.S." rather than "Americans". I teach Spanish and my students are always surprised to learn that, in Spanish, they are estadounidenses (United Statesians) and that saying "soy americano" when you are from the U.S. is offensive to those americanos living in El Salvador, Chile, Mexico, etc. They also are disappointed that they have to learn how to pronounce estadounidense. :-)
wow. Some things don't translate. At least nowadays "I'm from Seattle" doesn't produce the blank stares it did while I was growing up. But it's similar (though not a matter of offense) of asking for "chips" in Britain and getting french fries, not potato chips. Not to mention the confusion of saying I'll put the groceries in the trunk. The what? You keep groceries in a trunk?
YES!!!!! Absolutely. Here in Spain ¨Americans¨ and Canadians are North Americans. Where I live people from the U.S.A. are called Yankees. The U.S. is not America but has become to see itself as the only important part of all of the Americas. When I'm asked where I'm from, I just say Los Angeles or California.
As a state department kid living in Honduras in 3rd grade I learned that we are the United States.....South American, Central American, and North American countries are America! We citizens of the US need to understand this snd quit being so damned arrogant.
Thanks for sharing with us how one can become aware. In the US many of us may be inexperienced, uninformed, and uneducated, rather than intending to be arrogant. I'm thankful to be learning today from the comments.
Following this protocol, we’re all North Americans from the United States. Which makes sense since the “of” in the United States of America denotes that we are a part of America, which extends from the North Pole to the South Pole, as Carol noted earlier.
And, don't go to 'sleep' for two years! The work is ongoing!! Seriously! We have a planet to save, children to educate, social security to save, and JOY TO BE HAD!! xx's
Cecilia- I actually feel like I have just woken up and have a stronger resolve then ever! Seeing the results of the work that so many have done is very encouraging indeed! Optimism is my new fuel!
In all the post-election commentary I've heard and seen, there's been no mention of the abysmal voter turnout. Per the WA Post, - https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/interactive/2022/voter-turnout-2022-by-state/ - only 10 states had a turnout of more than 55%; the lowest turnout was Mississippi at 31%. With so much at stake, I have to wonder why all the missing voters decided not to vote. I doubt the blame is entirely on organized voter suppression. American voter turnout has never been high historically, but I'm discouraged it was this low this particular election.
Laurie, if WAPO is correct (Im a paid subscriber who has doubts about that), all I can come up with is that there was a lot of discouragement and folks who fell for the republicans’ red wave poll maneuvers--offset by the millions of fresh new voters and fed-up republican crossovers, who fortunately outnumbered the mAga votes. I honestly don’t have the mental horsepower of the average subscriber to this group; however, I hope this is helpful. What does everybody else think?
Robert, when I’m finished donating to help push Rev. Warnock over the line on 12/06, I fully intend to become one of your paid subscribers. Reading you (for free) is a major reason I am still at least functionally sane. Time to ‘come off the hip’ as some folks say here in Georgia!!
I think you're closer to the reason for many - particularly people in the South who live all their lives under minoritarian governments that never seem to change. Why vote if nothing changes? Of course, if they did vote something would change, but it's convincing them of that.
We worked really hard in super red KY to shut down two proposed amendments to our state constitution (abortion and Republican power grab from the legislature). It took lots of door knocking (and other GOTV strategies) and educating people about what is really at stake. They responded and voted "No". While Charles Booker lost his Senate race to Rand Paul, when I look at the map of tiny new blue spots in deep red areas, Charles is right at saying his campaign reached into areas of KY & talked with voters whose voices had never been heard. The foundation has been laid and it is up to us to work hard to help it blossom.
I always admire you folks down there who spend your lives living "out of range" and always fighting. It's been going on for 150 years that I know of historically-speaking.
Well, TC, after 40 years here, I'm not as close to an understanding as I want to be; however, I do know that southern issues are way more complex than I could have imagined.
I believe you are correct about the acceptance of minoritarian government. Many possible reasons as to why it is that way. A long time ago the minority was the majority....Rats--now I need more input!
We all should never put any credence in polls ever again. They are just another money making scam. The BS about Joe Biden’s low ratings is another example. Polls and the media create hype where there should be none, IMHO.
Biden’s low ratings need to be parsed, but pollsters and the media don’t seem interested. How many of those who “disapproved” of Biden did so because he was deemed insufficiently
liberal/“progressive”? Such people wouldn’t have voted for Republican candidates.
I have always wondered, even in better days, how you could accurately assess the mood of millions of voters with such a small sample. Or how you could determine the marketability of a product name or flavor with just a focus group or two....
In their podcast "Now and Then" of 11/09/22, Heather Cox Richardson and Joanne Freeman describe how polling has become weaponized to manipulate the voting populace:
Well, the weekend before the election I got four e-mail requests for me to participate in a poll. I looked at them. the first 4-5 questions were reasonable, then they started moving "Republican" with things like "How much do you agree with the thought that after the Republicans take the House majority, the lame duck session should not take any action that thwarts the expressed will of the people?"
A kind gesture for a gracious Georgian who may know more than they realize. What I know for certain is that I'm inspired by both of you, and this community that Robert faithfully shepherds. Please let me know how I can join you in your expression of appreciation, Ellie. I'd be grateful.
Appears that your message is shaded and not sure if that means you're writing to me directly. I actually requested support from Substack earlier asking if I can get a message to you directly and received emails stating my messages requesting support weren't received. Embarrassing I didn't even get that part right!
Public or private, the same is true ... I appreciate your calling my attention to the "gift a subscription" option. I am ready to do this though hesitate given that Sheila would also like to participate. Do you know if there's an option to make a collective gift to an individual? I'd ask Substack support if I knew how to communicate with them! O dear!
After Gus mentioned getting a paid subscription after Warnock work is done, I noticed the "Gift" option under his comments. I clicked on it, and it easily brought me a page to verify that I wanted to gift Gus a subscription for one month or one year, write a note in the text box, and that was that. If the "Gift" option under his comments was not visible to you, then it is a puzzlement to me and definitely a question for Substack support! I assumed Sheila found the same click option that I did.
Marlene, that is an utterly believable article--in fact I subscribed to the free newsletter. Thanks for the tip!
Although Walker's donations began to dry up following his abortion heresy, I think new sources of cash will come piling in, to keep our senate majority to a minimum ( Rev. Warnock could provide the anti-Manchin vote, yes?).
So, Rev. Warnock's reported $10 million and change remaining campaign funds wouldn't be enough--yet I share your optimistim! Folks like you and me--from Georgia and all over this country will do it again. We'll push him over the line in another runoff. We' Will get the Job Done.
I really believe Rev. Warnock has the potential to be another "Lion of the Senate" someday, in the best sense of that homage....
Thanks, I always look for your comments, whatever SubStack community we happen to be on.
Hi, Laurie. I think we should wait before making conclusions about turnout. Voter turnout was good where it needed to be; and we should not fall into the media trap of comparing 2022 only to 2020 or 2018. It's more complicated than that. 2020 was a presidential year where Trump was on the ballot, and 2018 was Trump's first and only midterm. Both were historic by any measure. Comparing every midterm after 2018 and 2020 will always disappoint. The good news is that the youth vote skyrocketed--which is one explanation why Democrats did so well. And Democrats picked up support from women and independents. So, keep an open mind and wait for more information.
Robert, I agree with your reply. I am always disappointed with turnout, every election, because I believe more people should be paying attention and voting. Historically, 50-60% turnout seems to be typical, and I acknowledge that. I just wish it were better. That's probably my high expectations colliding with human nature. : - )
I agree & when I saw the % for my blue county in TX, I was surprised & then angry. With so much at stake, I have a hard time realizing that so many people are un-engaged.
This is why it is so important to give money all year long to groups working on the ground, in communities all over the country, to get more voters to the polls for each election. Many of these groups work at developing relationships with the voters so when election time comes and these groups ask the voters to step up and vote, the voters trust it is the right thing to do.
Historically election workers and candidates only show up a month or two before an election and then leave town before all the ballots are counted. Voters feel used and unappreciated and irrelevant.
Instead, progressive groups today work to develop ongoing, year round relationships and help voters get registered, get a mail in ballot, or a ride to the polls, or even help with a particular issue. It is, as these groups understand, all about ongoing relationships.
There are quite a few groups doing this kind of work and it is important to keep donating to them year round so they can keep their staff employed. Otherwise the money dries up shortly after the election and these groups must lay off their extra staff. Those staff then go get other jobs, and when election time rolls around the community groups must look for, hire and train new people to do the work. This takes time and money away from working on those relationships that help get out the vote.
And please note, if you can’t give year round please donate as early in the year as you possibly can so these groups have the funds to hire, train and then use their staff for a longer period to get out the vote. Waiting until a few months or weeks before the election to donate means these groups have little time to train people, and less time to develop those critical relationships with the voters.
So give early and give often. Robert and others, in yesterday’s column, mentioned quite a few groups that help with this kind of funding. Movement Voter Project, Working Families, Georgia Alliance for Progress are just a few of these kinds of organizations working with local groups all around the country.
I am only giving money to voter education and registration groups: NextGen, Vote Riders, You Can Vote (NC), Fair Fight (GA), etc. I found one to give to in 10 swing states and will continue to support each year. They are doing the heavy work on behalf of democracy.
Agree! I just learned about Working Families and was impressed by how effective their year round work is in Georgia. They have a minimum of 4 contacts/voter about issues that are important to them before asking for candidate. Their stats are truly impressive. Increasingly, my money is going to orgs that fund the ground game and since I don’t have the big bucks to give, want value for each dollar I donate.
Also hard for me to believe or accept. Then again, here are some considerations:
There is Voter Suppression, and then there is Voter Depression. The GOP specializes in the former, and corporate Dems are skilled at and have a long track record of the latter.
The pattern has been this: When Dems have repeatedly fallen short in making real and large enough, ongoing differences in the lives of the 80 MILLION people who are eligible to but don't vote, by siding with Wall Street over Main Street and doing nothing to change a system that worsens inequalities, then tens of millions of people are not motivated to engage. I'm hoping that when the IRA's benefits start being felt in the form of lower healthcare costs and good jobs in the transition to electrification and renewables, then many people will make the connection that Dems are actually doing better than serving donors' interests.
Then there are younger folks coming into power and leadership, and Gen Z members are more passionate about systems change because, well, they have to be in order to have any chance of a livable world and a just society. As policies and programs make real improvements in people's lives, then voter turnout should increase.
“ I'm hoping that when the IRA's benefits start being felt in the form of lower healthcare costs and good jobs in the transition to electrification and renewables, then many people will make the connection that Dems are actually doing better than serving donors' interests.” –
Hope, alone, won’t do it. Democratic officeholders, the DNC, and the White House have to do it. And they have to break through media indifference: good news doesn’t bleed, so it doesn’t lead.
Unfortunately, “organized” Democrats haven’t been doing it, lazily assuming that they’ll receive credit without making any effort. Meanwhile, there are reports of Republican politicians dishonestly arrogating credit for bringing federal dollars into their constituencies, even though they voted against the measures.
Agreed, Michael. More than hope is needed. Elizabeth Warren's NYT piece 11/12/22 is a strong example of a Dem being louder in taking credit AND being smarter strategically.
"Democrats should fight back by making this lame-duck session of Congress the most productive in decades. We can start by lifting the debt ceiling now to block Republicans from taking our economy hostage next year. Democrats must then continue delivering for families. Where we can pursue legislative action, we should fight aggressively. When Republicans try to obstruct such action and the president can act by executive authority, he must. Most of all, the Democrats should be aggressive in putting Republicans on the defensive, pressing hard on why they are blocking much-needed initiatives to help Americans."
Laurie, you make an important point. We must continue to build greater voter engagement in our government by promoting how essential citizens participation is, how it is what makes democracy work.
Nov 12, 2022·edited Nov 12, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
I am enjoying watching the predicaments they have forged for themselves, now that lies and insurrection have been rejected as strategies of governance. I think of him coming down that escalator in his ego-filled glory so many years ago, and my thoughts of this week keep reminding me that "revenge is a dish best served cold."
One recurring thought I had these last many months, when I would tire of block walking, data entering, postcard writing,etc., was that my efforts were nothing compared to those of our veterans and service members, including my husband. He’s a Viet Nam vet and like many of his buddies saw his life interrupted and experienced what I hope our children never do.
Heather Cox Richardson’s letter this morning so moved me and gives me ever more determination for the work ahead and, to Robert’s point, gratitude that we as voters did not blow this legacy this last week. And apparently President Zelensky agrees.
My everlasting thanks to you, Robert. You are a consistent beacon of hope and positivity. What started as a kernel of encouragement for your daughters has grown into something solid and enduring for thousands of us. Keep up the good fight!
Yes. Again thanks to Robert for keeping our spirits positive at times of "troubled waters"
So so important point about "vigorously contested election that unfolded in peace and security".
A profound noting of the change of our culture. Not mentioned elsewhere. Excellent.
Thank you, Bob, for lifting up Robert's words. Indeed, the peace and security we experienced is as worthy of celebration as the results that were achieved!
I have to say this week has restored my faith in this country and its people.
TC, it is good to know that there are pockets of sanity in this country. Sadly, southeastern NC, where I live, is not one of them. Ted Budd, seditious congress weasel, now senator. David Rouzer, seditious congress weasel, political opportunist, fan of that hateful old racist bigot, Jesse Helms. I watched a clip of Rouzer extolling Strom Thurmond and Jesse Helms. Nauseating! Disgusting! Rouzer has not had an independent idea in his entire life. He only wants to be in elected office. His bio of office jumping when he first ran was sickening. He has never done anything to improve life in our backwaters. He has no concept of what service means.
Lots of folks are celebrating, but I live in a state where evil, selfish men, yes mostly men, are out for themselves. They control state government. So many communities have been hollowed out, but the NC Republicans don't care. Just care about their big donors.
Same here in Texas, I feel your pain. It’s hopeless here and I don’t see anything changing for many years to come.
Same in Georgia. But what gives me hope is rising up to 30,000feet and looking at the big picture. Thank you Robert and the Hubbell Community for being here. It doesn’t feel so despairing when we are here for each other to lift and encourage.
Right on! We ARE on the path of Democracy and truth - and it’s a damn strong Villiage!
I live in New York and am Jewish. In my 78 years I've never been subjected to anti-Semitism here.
I can't quite get to your place yet, TCinLA. As Jenn and Rachel note below, there is still a broad swath of America that still supports a theocratic autocracy that is misogynist, racist and anti-democratic. Until we are able to demonstrate that social democracy improves their lives, (via control of Congress and the Presidency), these people will continue to be an undertow on the wave of democracy.
In Phoenix we had the worst slate of candidates vying for governor, Secretary of State and senator. Thank God Kelly and Fontes won but why I wonder is it even close? And the odious Kari lake still to close to call!
From what I’m understanding in Arizona? Thank you (again) Gen X! Listen to the Frost kid in Florida —yes Florida! Articulate, thoughtful and totally gets it! And up-in-comer and hopefully more to follow just like him across this country!
Sorry, fat fingers…Gen Z…and X
If Hobbs pulls it off, then your (ours too) fear(s) will be lifted. Like CA, Arizona vote counts take time. Thank goodness the election deniers have not succeeded like they thought they would.
I don't know, Andrew. Even the people who are still mired in the muck of anti-democratic beliefs have already been helped significantly by the actions of our amazing president and the decent members of Congress. President Biden has managed to help and protect the entire society, no matter their political leanings, with reasonable and good social policy. Those left unappreciative are people who have stopped thinking, or never could. I honestly don't know how we can reach them.
Thank you Robert every night before I go to bed I read your newsletter and your optimism sometimes freaked me out but I stuck with it despite the knots in my stomach and you were right and I can’t thank you enough for helping me get through frequent despair and anxiety about this election
I think Mr. Trump is history at this point and the infighting in the GOP is enjoyable and I’m gonna sit back and watch but I do feel for the first time in six years plus that i can actually have a conversation with somebody who doesn’t agree with me and that feels actually good so again thank you
Lastly a friend of mine stopped subscribing to you, because he felt that you were so optimistic and he was so doom and gloom and even he admitted that he should’ve stuck with you
You and Heather and Michael Moore alone ignored the media the polls the noise and you guys nailed it Plaudits to you and the managing editor
Well said once again, Robert! Prompted by a link in yesterday's newsletter, this afternoon I phonebanked to cure ballots in Clark County, NV, with Make the Road Action. Somewhat tedious and grueling, but for a good cause. Thank you for the uplifting commentary and specific action items!
Robert, I will always credit you with keeping me sane. You are an amazing man and Your editor in chief deserves credit as well. I hope to meet you one day and I would love to give you both a big hug. I'm Southern so that is the way we roll...lol.
I’m up way past my bedtime, with Ben and Jerry and Cherry Garcia unable to sleep despite the fact that Nevada won’t fully come in until tomorrow…hope is restored. The past few days have been terribly encouraging and I even read somewhere, someone predicted that this is the end of the Trump Era. THAT, whether it’s imminent or not really lifted me up. And the notion that folks might be rejecting the extreme right ideology…it’s worth another pint. Hey Ben. Hey Jerry. . So glad you’re here!! Tomorrow can’t come soon enough…
Oh, a mènage á trois. is it? Carry on!
Ben & Jerry's for 6 years now...
I'm grateful to you Robert for your wisdom, your counsel, and your hopeful - yet realistic - countenance. Thanks for being the guide America needs to get us from where we've been to where we must yet go. Blessings to you and your family.
Mark Kelly retains his Senate seat!
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/11/us/politics/arizona-senator-mark-kelly-blake-masters.html?
Made my day! Now, let’s get Warnock reelected!!
As usual, a really fine newsletter. I have one criticism, but, unfortunately, no idea of how to fix it. With a close friend who is Canadian and whose husband is Argentinian, another friend's husband who was born in Mexico, I now wince at the word "America" being used to describe the United States of American (actually, I also wince at the sadness of "United"). America extends from the North Pole to the South Pole. I still say "American" but I strive to say "United States". I am also someone who winced even in "West Wing" to hear politicians say "God bless the United States of America"--as if we should be the exclusive recipients of such blessings.
That said, I once again thank you, and. hope you spend your weekend restoring yourself in beauty.
While I agree with you about the overuse of America to apply to just the US, the word American is a different situation. There is no such word as UnitedStatesian. There is a word for the citizens of each other country on the two continents--Mexican, Canadian, Peruvian, etc. For whatever reason the name for the citizens of a country go by the country. It probably arises from the way those countries broke off from whoever first colonized them. I'm pretty sure the US was the first to do so, so it got first dibs on a national moniker.
good point.
Thank you for pointing this out. I wince when I hear it too. I lived for a few years in Mexico City and I still say "people from the U.S." rather than "Americans". I teach Spanish and my students are always surprised to learn that, in Spanish, they are estadounidenses (United Statesians) and that saying "soy americano" when you are from the U.S. is offensive to those americanos living in El Salvador, Chile, Mexico, etc. They also are disappointed that they have to learn how to pronounce estadounidense. :-)
Sí. Aquí en españa nos llaman estadounidenses.
it is easier to say in Spanish. I tried USians and USAsians and neither really works. USAites? USites? Usans?
wow. Some things don't translate. At least nowadays "I'm from Seattle" doesn't produce the blank stares it did while I was growing up. But it's similar (though not a matter of offense) of asking for "chips" in Britain and getting french fries, not potato chips. Not to mention the confusion of saying I'll put the groceries in the trunk. The what? You keep groceries in a trunk?
"Gringo: (in Spanish-speaking countries and contexts, chiefly in the Americas) a person, especially an American, who is not Hispanic or Latino."
But that doesn't embrace Canada, I expect.
Or, jokingly, (or maybe not) "Los ricos del Norte."
It is not used in Spain
I didn't think so, Gailee.
YES!!!!! Absolutely. Here in Spain ¨Americans¨ and Canadians are North Americans. Where I live people from the U.S.A. are called Yankees. The U.S. is not America but has become to see itself as the only important part of all of the Americas. When I'm asked where I'm from, I just say Los Angeles or California.
Well, here Yankees are a particular KIND of American. Call a Texan a Yankee and you are quite likely to get shot. Literally, nowadays.
Here in VT, the joke goes:
Outside the USA a Yankee is anyone from the United States.
In the USA, a Yankee is anyone from the northeast.
In the northeast, a Yankee is someone from Vermont.
In Vermont, a Yankee is someone who has pie for breakfast
In New England, Yankee has another meaning: part of that monstrous New York fan base, the foe of all good Red Sox fans 😜
🤣😂🤣😂 I know. Location. Location. Location.
In The Boston area, “Yankees” are the baseball team we love to hate. Don’t apply the term to the entire US.
As a state department kid living in Honduras in 3rd grade I learned that we are the United States.....South American, Central American, and North American countries are America! We citizens of the US need to understand this snd quit being so damned arrogant.
Thanks for sharing with us how one can become aware. In the US many of us may be inexperienced, uninformed, and uneducated, rather than intending to be arrogant. I'm thankful to be learning today from the comments.
Following this protocol, we’re all North Americans from the United States. Which makes sense since the “of” in the United States of America denotes that we are a part of America, which extends from the North Pole to the South Pole, as Carol noted earlier.
And, don't go to 'sleep' for two years! The work is ongoing!! Seriously! We have a planet to save, children to educate, social security to save, and JOY TO BE HAD!! xx's
Cecilia- I actually feel like I have just woken up and have a stronger resolve then ever! Seeing the results of the work that so many have done is very encouraging indeed! Optimism is my new fuel!
And more people to register to vote!
Yes, yes!!
In all the post-election commentary I've heard and seen, there's been no mention of the abysmal voter turnout. Per the WA Post, - https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/interactive/2022/voter-turnout-2022-by-state/ - only 10 states had a turnout of more than 55%; the lowest turnout was Mississippi at 31%. With so much at stake, I have to wonder why all the missing voters decided not to vote. I doubt the blame is entirely on organized voter suppression. American voter turnout has never been high historically, but I'm discouraged it was this low this particular election.
Laurie, if WAPO is correct (Im a paid subscriber who has doubts about that), all I can come up with is that there was a lot of discouragement and folks who fell for the republicans’ red wave poll maneuvers--offset by the millions of fresh new voters and fed-up republican crossovers, who fortunately outnumbered the mAga votes. I honestly don’t have the mental horsepower of the average subscriber to this group; however, I hope this is helpful. What does everybody else think?
Robert, when I’m finished donating to help push Rev. Warnock over the line on 12/06, I fully intend to become one of your paid subscribers. Reading you (for free) is a major reason I am still at least functionally sane. Time to ‘come off the hip’ as some folks say here in Georgia!!
I think you're closer to the reason for many - particularly people in the South who live all their lives under minoritarian governments that never seem to change. Why vote if nothing changes? Of course, if they did vote something would change, but it's convincing them of that.
We worked really hard in super red KY to shut down two proposed amendments to our state constitution (abortion and Republican power grab from the legislature). It took lots of door knocking (and other GOTV strategies) and educating people about what is really at stake. They responded and voted "No". While Charles Booker lost his Senate race to Rand Paul, when I look at the map of tiny new blue spots in deep red areas, Charles is right at saying his campaign reached into areas of KY & talked with voters whose voices had never been heard. The foundation has been laid and it is up to us to work hard to help it blossom.
I always admire you folks down there who spend your lives living "out of range" and always fighting. It's been going on for 150 years that I know of historically-speaking.
Well, TC, after 40 years here, I'm not as close to an understanding as I want to be; however, I do know that southern issues are way more complex than I could have imagined.
I believe you are correct about the acceptance of minoritarian government. Many possible reasons as to why it is that way. A long time ago the minority was the majority....Rats--now I need more input!
Actually, the minority that has run the South since before the Revolution was always a minority, thinking of itself as an aristocracy.
Yes, indeedy!
We all should never put any credence in polls ever again. They are just another money making scam. The BS about Joe Biden’s low ratings is another example. Polls and the media create hype where there should be none, IMHO.
Biden’s low ratings need to be parsed, but pollsters and the media don’t seem interested. How many of those who “disapproved” of Biden did so because he was deemed insufficiently
liberal/“progressive”? Such people wouldn’t have voted for Republican candidates.
Hale, 100% !
I have always wondered, even in better days, how you could accurately assess the mood of millions of voters with such a small sample. Or how you could determine the marketability of a product name or flavor with just a focus group or two....
The math doesn't reliably work....
In their podcast "Now and Then" of 11/09/22, Heather Cox Richardson and Joanne Freeman describe how polling has become weaponized to manipulate the voting populace:
https://cafe.com/now-and-then/
Well, the weekend before the election I got four e-mail requests for me to participate in a poll. I looked at them. the first 4-5 questions were reasonable, then they started moving "Republican" with things like "How much do you agree with the thought that after the Republicans take the House majority, the lame duck session should not take any action that thwarts the expressed will of the people?"
At least you were asked to be in a poll! I have never been asked...maybe that’s a good thing. Might blow my top!
Anyone else notice that little "Gift a subscription" next to "Reply?" And care to join me in a token of appreciation for a Georgia warrior?
Me
You rock, Sheila!!!
A kind gesture for a gracious Georgian who may know more than they realize. What I know for certain is that I'm inspired by both of you, and this community that Robert faithfully shepherds. Please let me know how I can join you in your expression of appreciation, Ellie. I'd be grateful.
Hi Jean,
Under any of Gus's comments are selection options for us:
"heart," Reply, Gift a subscription, Collapse.
Thank you!
Ellie
Hi Ellie,
Appears that your message is shaded and not sure if that means you're writing to me directly. I actually requested support from Substack earlier asking if I can get a message to you directly and received emails stating my messages requesting support weren't received. Embarrassing I didn't even get that part right!
Public or private, the same is true ... I appreciate your calling my attention to the "gift a subscription" option. I am ready to do this though hesitate given that Sheila would also like to participate. Do you know if there's an option to make a collective gift to an individual? I'd ask Substack support if I knew how to communicate with them! O dear!
Appreciate your thoughts,
Jean
Hi Jean,
After Gus mentioned getting a paid subscription after Warnock work is done, I noticed the "Gift" option under his comments. I clicked on it, and it easily brought me a page to verify that I wanted to gift Gus a subscription for one month or one year, write a note in the text box, and that was that. If the "Gift" option under his comments was not visible to you, then it is a puzzlement to me and definitely a question for Substack support! I assumed Sheila found the same click option that I did.
Ellie
Gus, Warnock is receiving lots of money, thank goodness! Here’s a great site that was /is tracking candidates finances: https://www.opensecrets.org/news/2022/11/some-of-2022s-most-expensive-u-s-senate-races-too-close-to-call-after-election-day
Marlene, that is an utterly believable article--in fact I subscribed to the free newsletter. Thanks for the tip!
Although Walker's donations began to dry up following his abortion heresy, I think new sources of cash will come piling in, to keep our senate majority to a minimum ( Rev. Warnock could provide the anti-Manchin vote, yes?).
So, Rev. Warnock's reported $10 million and change remaining campaign funds wouldn't be enough--yet I share your optimistim! Folks like you and me--from Georgia and all over this country will do it again. We'll push him over the line in another runoff. We' Will get the Job Done.
I really believe Rev. Warnock has the potential to be another "Lion of the Senate" someday, in the best sense of that homage....
Thanks, I always look for your comments, whatever SubStack community we happen to be on.
Thanks, Gus. Always look forward to hearing from you and reading your comments too.
Hi, Laurie. I think we should wait before making conclusions about turnout. Voter turnout was good where it needed to be; and we should not fall into the media trap of comparing 2022 only to 2020 or 2018. It's more complicated than that. 2020 was a presidential year where Trump was on the ballot, and 2018 was Trump's first and only midterm. Both were historic by any measure. Comparing every midterm after 2018 and 2020 will always disappoint. The good news is that the youth vote skyrocketed--which is one explanation why Democrats did so well. And Democrats picked up support from women and independents. So, keep an open mind and wait for more information.
Robert, I agree with your reply. I am always disappointed with turnout, every election, because I believe more people should be paying attention and voting. Historically, 50-60% turnout seems to be typical, and I acknowledge that. I just wish it were better. That's probably my high expectations colliding with human nature. : - )
Meanwhile best midterm turn out since 1940 Thanks to Trumpty Dumpty and SCOTUS
I agree & when I saw the % for my blue county in TX, I was surprised & then angry. With so much at stake, I have a hard time realizing that so many people are un-engaged.
This is why it is so important to give money all year long to groups working on the ground, in communities all over the country, to get more voters to the polls for each election. Many of these groups work at developing relationships with the voters so when election time comes and these groups ask the voters to step up and vote, the voters trust it is the right thing to do.
Historically election workers and candidates only show up a month or two before an election and then leave town before all the ballots are counted. Voters feel used and unappreciated and irrelevant.
Instead, progressive groups today work to develop ongoing, year round relationships and help voters get registered, get a mail in ballot, or a ride to the polls, or even help with a particular issue. It is, as these groups understand, all about ongoing relationships.
There are quite a few groups doing this kind of work and it is important to keep donating to them year round so they can keep their staff employed. Otherwise the money dries up shortly after the election and these groups must lay off their extra staff. Those staff then go get other jobs, and when election time rolls around the community groups must look for, hire and train new people to do the work. This takes time and money away from working on those relationships that help get out the vote.
And please note, if you can’t give year round please donate as early in the year as you possibly can so these groups have the funds to hire, train and then use their staff for a longer period to get out the vote. Waiting until a few months or weeks before the election to donate means these groups have little time to train people, and less time to develop those critical relationships with the voters.
So give early and give often. Robert and others, in yesterday’s column, mentioned quite a few groups that help with this kind of funding. Movement Voter Project, Working Families, Georgia Alliance for Progress are just a few of these kinds of organizations working with local groups all around the country.
I am only giving money to voter education and registration groups: NextGen, Vote Riders, You Can Vote (NC), Fair Fight (GA), etc. I found one to give to in 10 swing states and will continue to support each year. They are doing the heavy work on behalf of democracy.
LWV does voter education and registration year round
Thanks Tanya. I agree. All these groups are truly doing, as you said, the heavy work on behalf of democracy.
Vote Forward is also worthwhile.
Don't forget nonpartisan League of Women Voters
Agree! I just learned about Working Families and was impressed by how effective their year round work is in Georgia. They have a minimum of 4 contacts/voter about issues that are important to them before asking for candidate. Their stats are truly impressive. Increasingly, my money is going to orgs that fund the ground game and since I don’t have the big bucks to give, want value for each dollar I donate.
Also a Texan who's worked for years at the polls and GOTV. The Dems keep singing the same song, and yes, need more participation by everyone
Vote turnout in a midterm was the highest since 1940 Mississippi just is backwater
Also hard for me to believe or accept. Then again, here are some considerations:
There is Voter Suppression, and then there is Voter Depression. The GOP specializes in the former, and corporate Dems are skilled at and have a long track record of the latter.
The pattern has been this: When Dems have repeatedly fallen short in making real and large enough, ongoing differences in the lives of the 80 MILLION people who are eligible to but don't vote, by siding with Wall Street over Main Street and doing nothing to change a system that worsens inequalities, then tens of millions of people are not motivated to engage. I'm hoping that when the IRA's benefits start being felt in the form of lower healthcare costs and good jobs in the transition to electrification and renewables, then many people will make the connection that Dems are actually doing better than serving donors' interests.
Then there are younger folks coming into power and leadership, and Gen Z members are more passionate about systems change because, well, they have to be in order to have any chance of a livable world and a just society. As policies and programs make real improvements in people's lives, then voter turnout should increase.
“ I'm hoping that when the IRA's benefits start being felt in the form of lower healthcare costs and good jobs in the transition to electrification and renewables, then many people will make the connection that Dems are actually doing better than serving donors' interests.” –
Hope, alone, won’t do it. Democratic officeholders, the DNC, and the White House have to do it. And they have to break through media indifference: good news doesn’t bleed, so it doesn’t lead.
Unfortunately, “organized” Democrats haven’t been doing it, lazily assuming that they’ll receive credit without making any effort. Meanwhile, there are reports of Republican politicians dishonestly arrogating credit for bringing federal dollars into their constituencies, even though they voted against the measures.
Agreed, Michael. More than hope is needed. Elizabeth Warren's NYT piece 11/12/22 is a strong example of a Dem being louder in taking credit AND being smarter strategically.
"Democrats should fight back by making this lame-duck session of Congress the most productive in decades. We can start by lifting the debt ceiling now to block Republicans from taking our economy hostage next year. Democrats must then continue delivering for families. Where we can pursue legislative action, we should fight aggressively. When Republicans try to obstruct such action and the president can act by executive authority, he must. Most of all, the Democrats should be aggressive in putting Republicans on the defensive, pressing hard on why they are blocking much-needed initiatives to help Americans."
And you sir, are a healthy part of the reason why democracy prevailed... THANK YOU!
Laurie, you make an important point. We must continue to build greater voter engagement in our government by promoting how essential citizens participation is, how it is what makes democracy work.
I am enjoying watching the predicaments they have forged for themselves, now that lies and insurrection have been rejected as strategies of governance. I think of him coming down that escalator in his ego-filled glory so many years ago, and my thoughts of this week keep reminding me that "revenge is a dish best served cold."
One recurring thought I had these last many months, when I would tire of block walking, data entering, postcard writing,etc., was that my efforts were nothing compared to those of our veterans and service members, including my husband. He’s a Viet Nam vet and like many of his buddies saw his life interrupted and experienced what I hope our children never do.
Heather Cox Richardson’s letter this morning so moved me and gives me ever more determination for the work ahead and, to Robert’s point, gratitude that we as voters did not blow this legacy this last week. And apparently President Zelensky agrees.
https://open.substack.com/pub/heathercoxrichardson/p/november-11-2022?r=8vyqy&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web