It’s obvious we have a “ new sheriff “ in town. Garland is demonstrating that he has assembled a legal dream team and they are moving forward on many fronts with laser efficiency and focus. We all forgot that as long as William Barr was head of the DOJ Justice would not be served. It’s refreshing and exhilarating and momentum is building. My only wish is I hope the daughters of many state legislatures have conversations with their parents around a woman’s right to manage her own body. That is a conversation that needs to happen.
One more thought: In the end, what really matters in all this is honor and integrity, concepts that you reflect in every Today's Edition Newsletter, noble virtues that the army of mindless MAGA monsters are clueless about. Lincoln again: "I'm not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live by the light that I have. I must stand with anybody that stands right, and stand with him while he is right, and part with him when he goes wrong." Never in the history of America has a president gone so far wrong as Donald Trump, and yet scores of duly elected government officials still support his lies. A profound spiritual and political purgation and a serious reset is unavoidable if Democracy is to survive. Your newsletter is a transformative agent of that process.
Thanks, Stewart, for this wonderful Lincoln quote.
I fully agree with you. America has been suffering through 10-15 yrs of an ever-worsening moral and sociopolitical crisis. The erosion of truth and decency have swept through the Right - all in the name of the ends justifying the means. Their righteous fury, which slowly got hotter and more audacious ever since Gingrich, overtook their most basic commitment to facts and fair play.
IMO, it’s the same slippery slope that most revolutionaries get on. The difference this time is that the damage has been done through lying, bullying, disinformation, gaslighting, chaos-creation, and stealing of elections/SCOTUS seats. No bullets have been needed by the Trumpistas; using “modern” tools, they found stunning and disgusting ways of taking control of much of our government.
I believe it’s this fact - that an amoral and successful revolution has unfolded before our eyes without bullets flying - that has been so distressing for many of us. The weaknesses in the Constitution, the GOP’s strategies in states, social media, dark money, and the well-honed sociopathy of DT all resulted in what seemed unimaginable as recently as 2015.
So yes, I believe it’s been a moral crisis for the nation. But it’s also been a crisis of our limited ability to comprehend that a revolution took place, in which rules and decency were shelved. Jan. 6 is just when it finally reached its logical and visible extreme. Surviving the Mueller investigation and impeachment #1, the thugs thought they could get away with anything.
Robert’s newsletter reminds us that morality matters, justice usually prevails, we have succeeded so far in holding the line against this furious horde, and we can’t let up one iota. Being reminded of these ethical and strategic points, 6 days week, is something I deeply appreciate. Like probably most of you, under normal circumstances I’m generally clear about what key things are happening politically, and what is reasonable and morally acceptable. But these have not been remotely normal times!! Reminders and clarifications have been wonderful to receive so often - well worth the cost of a subscription!
RBG in SWFI: To get the heart to work, go to the top of the page. Look to the left of the search bar. There's an incomplete circle w/an arrow @ the end. Click on that-it refreshes the page then go back to the remarks-you should be able to click on the heart and have it work. Sometimes the click won't work or you may need to refresh soon after.
Finally, an investigation into the huge pool of money that Trump collected as he occupied the Oval Office after his defeat. We may finally find out how that money was spent, after so many contributors paid in, believing that their money was to be used for legitimate purposes. Was it merely an all purpose slush fund? Hoping we find out soon.
And hoping that we see the emails that underlie the investigation of Mr. Bannon as well.
I refuse to let the trump business overshadow everything so I would like to focus on the Queen's passing. I admired Queen Elizabeth. She appeared to be steady amid decades of incredibly momentous world events which felt reassuring. She was always Stately in the face of meeting scoundrels and politicians from all over the world. She seemed down to earth in a dogs, horses and dry wit kind of way. I'll miss her constant presence, the pageantry and her outfits. Whether a monarchy is appropriate or not is for Countries with monarchies to sort out. I will miss Queen Elizabeth.
I think monarchies are antique and dangerous. But I love what you have said. The more I read about her, the more fond I become. As a rabid "anti-monarchist" I must say I simply enjoy her as a person. She has displayed qualities that have become a bit rare in these times. Her steadfast devotion to country, her amazing ability to rise and remain above partisan pettiness and her love of animals are the big ones for me. Oh, and add in patience, hard work and discipline.
I am not sure the British monarchy would still be in place if a lesser person had reigned.
Her patience, hard work and discipline were on full display just this week when, on Tuesday, she carried out her official duty with the new Prime Minister. Some have remarked that she was in quite a bit of pain - having to do with "mobility" - yet there she was, two days before her death, doing her job. That and the many times she did the unexpected - driving a military vehicle and serving as a mechanic during the war, come to mind.
Aren’t they just a symbolic costly tourist attraction? I have thought that perhaps King Charles would dissolve it. Especially after the racist behaviors questions bought up recently. 
Thank you for the succinct and luucid explanation of the tangled litigation before Judge Cannon. It is why procedure matters, and it is a testament to the talent and determination of the DOJ.
Bannon is edging towards self-parody. He tried to channel John Paul Jones by claiming yesterday, "I have not yet begun to fight." Recall that Bannon promised "the misdemeanor from hell" when charged with contempt of Congress. He did not put on a defense at trial and is now facing a year in prison.
The analogy of the dog finally catching the car tire has been over used. But I can't help it. My favorite is the pendulum idea. In an effort to keep the GQP "base" riled up, the reactionary rebels have simply gone too far. Could "Dobbs" be ultimately viewed as a monumental strategic blunder by the Federalist fascists?
"Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned."
And perhaps a box of documents will be as important as a piece of duct tape on a door latch. Incompetent judges and hack attorneys do not make for long term success. The pendulum will swing back and it has huge momentum.
Robert, your writing seems to get sharper and sharper. In this newsletter, this is the pitchy remark that nails it: "In short, the DOJ has called Judge Cannon’s bluff. She is faced with a stark choice: She can confirm either that she is incompetent but teachable or corrupt and incorrigible."
VOTE on Nov 8th. Or be sure to do what your state allows to vote by mail if you're even a little bit at risk of being out of town on that most important of dates. Don't let the press lull you into a confidence based on the hoped-for actions of others who might/could go to the polls.
Yes, that leaped off the page to me. Something my mother said nearly 60 years ago when Reagan was elected governor of California, Republicans don't seem to understand an issue unless it affects them directly. This has been shown time and time again.
To that senator I say, duh. I am happy he listened to his daughters. He should have been listening to his constituency.
Wonder what Mitch is thinking as he ponders the mess he made of things. Be careful what you wish for Mitch…. Of course, I’m assuming that sanity will prevail, doing what I can to make it so…
He always makes me nervous, smart and evil should be in his name. Wonder what is come back strategy will be. Recently he’s been wrong, do you think that will continue?
Another outstanding letter, Robert. Though tempted to comment on things political I want to comment on the Queen’s death. I believe our reactions of grief and pain - maybe a bit of emptiness - show the importance of stability in our lives - even stability in a time of change. Most of us long to be “centered” by something. Here in America our sense of stability is threatened as never since the Civil War. Isn’t that what the MAGAs have done to us? Even in times of great change we always knew where America would be in five years. Well - perhaps not in the 60s. But certainly not now. Stability is what the monarchy gives Britons. Here it is - or was - our constitution.
"Biden unleased, Trump unhinged." 👍
“Energized” = “Momentum is infectious. Kansas. Michigan. South Carolina. Alaska. NY-19. Inflation Reduction Act. Investigations: Stolen secrets, fake electors, defrauded contributors, Georgia interference, NY tax evasion. Biden unleashed, Trump unhinged.”
VOTE BLUE
👍👍👍
It’s obvious we have a “ new sheriff “ in town. Garland is demonstrating that he has assembled a legal dream team and they are moving forward on many fronts with laser efficiency and focus. We all forgot that as long as William Barr was head of the DOJ Justice would not be served. It’s refreshing and exhilarating and momentum is building. My only wish is I hope the daughters of many state legislatures have conversations with their parents around a woman’s right to manage her own body. That is a conversation that needs to happen.
Wish I could ‘like’ twice
As Jessica Valenti says, “Pregnancy is too complicated to legislate.”
One more thought: In the end, what really matters in all this is honor and integrity, concepts that you reflect in every Today's Edition Newsletter, noble virtues that the army of mindless MAGA monsters are clueless about. Lincoln again: "I'm not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live by the light that I have. I must stand with anybody that stands right, and stand with him while he is right, and part with him when he goes wrong." Never in the history of America has a president gone so far wrong as Donald Trump, and yet scores of duly elected government officials still support his lies. A profound spiritual and political purgation and a serious reset is unavoidable if Democracy is to survive. Your newsletter is a transformative agent of that process.
Thanks, Stewart, for this wonderful Lincoln quote.
I fully agree with you. America has been suffering through 10-15 yrs of an ever-worsening moral and sociopolitical crisis. The erosion of truth and decency have swept through the Right - all in the name of the ends justifying the means. Their righteous fury, which slowly got hotter and more audacious ever since Gingrich, overtook their most basic commitment to facts and fair play.
IMO, it’s the same slippery slope that most revolutionaries get on. The difference this time is that the damage has been done through lying, bullying, disinformation, gaslighting, chaos-creation, and stealing of elections/SCOTUS seats. No bullets have been needed by the Trumpistas; using “modern” tools, they found stunning and disgusting ways of taking control of much of our government.
I believe it’s this fact - that an amoral and successful revolution has unfolded before our eyes without bullets flying - that has been so distressing for many of us. The weaknesses in the Constitution, the GOP’s strategies in states, social media, dark money, and the well-honed sociopathy of DT all resulted in what seemed unimaginable as recently as 2015.
So yes, I believe it’s been a moral crisis for the nation. But it’s also been a crisis of our limited ability to comprehend that a revolution took place, in which rules and decency were shelved. Jan. 6 is just when it finally reached its logical and visible extreme. Surviving the Mueller investigation and impeachment #1, the thugs thought they could get away with anything.
Robert’s newsletter reminds us that morality matters, justice usually prevails, we have succeeded so far in holding the line against this furious horde, and we can’t let up one iota. Being reminded of these ethical and strategic points, 6 days week, is something I deeply appreciate. Like probably most of you, under normal circumstances I’m generally clear about what key things are happening politically, and what is reasonable and morally acceptable. But these have not been remotely normal times!! Reminders and clarifications have been wonderful to receive so often - well worth the cost of a subscription!
Heart
RBG in SWFI: To get the heart to work, go to the top of the page. Look to the left of the search bar. There's an incomplete circle w/an arrow @ the end. Click on that-it refreshes the page then go back to the remarks-you should be able to click on the heart and have it work. Sometimes the click won't work or you may need to refresh soon after.
Thanks Tyler. What a deep and worthy response.
"spiritual and political purgation" 😎
That is a great quotation.
Outstanding letter, Robert! Thank you!
“Trump’s bouquet of legal troubles:” you are a master of irony!
Finally, an investigation into the huge pool of money that Trump collected as he occupied the Oval Office after his defeat. We may finally find out how that money was spent, after so many contributors paid in, believing that their money was to be used for legitimate purposes. Was it merely an all purpose slush fund? Hoping we find out soon.
And hoping that we see the emails that underlie the investigation of Mr. Bannon as well.
I refuse to let the trump business overshadow everything so I would like to focus on the Queen's passing. I admired Queen Elizabeth. She appeared to be steady amid decades of incredibly momentous world events which felt reassuring. She was always Stately in the face of meeting scoundrels and politicians from all over the world. She seemed down to earth in a dogs, horses and dry wit kind of way. I'll miss her constant presence, the pageantry and her outfits. Whether a monarchy is appropriate or not is for Countries with monarchies to sort out. I will miss Queen Elizabeth.
I think monarchies are antique and dangerous. But I love what you have said. The more I read about her, the more fond I become. As a rabid "anti-monarchist" I must say I simply enjoy her as a person. She has displayed qualities that have become a bit rare in these times. Her steadfast devotion to country, her amazing ability to rise and remain above partisan pettiness and her love of animals are the big ones for me. Oh, and add in patience, hard work and discipline.
I am not sure the British monarchy would still be in place if a lesser person had reigned.
Her patience, hard work and discipline were on full display just this week when, on Tuesday, she carried out her official duty with the new Prime Minister. Some have remarked that she was in quite a bit of pain - having to do with "mobility" - yet there she was, two days before her death, doing her job. That and the many times she did the unexpected - driving a military vehicle and serving as a mechanic during the war, come to mind.
Aren’t they just a symbolic costly tourist attraction? I have thought that perhaps King Charles would dissolve it. Especially after the racist behaviors questions bought up recently. 
Charles is mentioning a "slimmed down" monarchy. We'll see.
I liked her holiday talks.
Thank you for the succinct and luucid explanation of the tangled litigation before Judge Cannon. It is why procedure matters, and it is a testament to the talent and determination of the DOJ.
This layperson was gratified by Robert's use of puzzle pieces so large - yet understandable - I was even able to see the big picture!
Tump just can't stop himself from ripping off the rubes; it's what he's done all his life.
As to Bannon only shutting up when he's dead, that's sooooo tempting. Stop giving us ideas, Mr. Beach Ball Belly.
Bannon is edging towards self-parody. He tried to channel John Paul Jones by claiming yesterday, "I have not yet begun to fight." Recall that Bannon promised "the misdemeanor from hell" when charged with contempt of Congress. He did not put on a defense at trial and is now facing a year in prison.
He's the hot air balloon he looks like.
Thanks for making me laugh!
Haha!
The analogy of the dog finally catching the car tire has been over used. But I can't help it. My favorite is the pendulum idea. In an effort to keep the GQP "base" riled up, the reactionary rebels have simply gone too far. Could "Dobbs" be ultimately viewed as a monumental strategic blunder by the Federalist fascists?
"Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned."
And perhaps a box of documents will be as important as a piece of duct tape on a door latch. Incompetent judges and hack attorneys do not make for long term success. The pendulum will swing back and it has huge momentum.
Robert, your writing seems to get sharper and sharper. In this newsletter, this is the pitchy remark that nails it: "In short, the DOJ has called Judge Cannon’s bluff. She is faced with a stark choice: She can confirm either that she is incompetent but teachable or corrupt and incorrigible."
VOTE on Nov 8th. Or be sure to do what your state allows to vote by mail if you're even a little bit at risk of being out of town on that most important of dates. Don't let the press lull you into a confidence based on the hoped-for actions of others who might/could go to the polls.
To MAGA GOP: Listen to your daughters.
Yes, that leaped off the page to me. Something my mother said nearly 60 years ago when Reagan was elected governor of California, Republicans don't seem to understand an issue unless it affects them directly. This has been shown time and time again.
To that senator I say, duh. I am happy he listened to his daughters. He should have been listening to his constituency.
Interestinger and interestinger. Enjoy the weekend.
Wonder what Mitch is thinking as he ponders the mess he made of things. Be careful what you wish for Mitch…. Of course, I’m assuming that sanity will prevail, doing what I can to make it so…
He always makes me nervous, smart and evil should be in his name. Wonder what is come back strategy will be. Recently he’s been wrong, do you think that will continue?
Another outstanding letter, Robert. Though tempted to comment on things political I want to comment on the Queen’s death. I believe our reactions of grief and pain - maybe a bit of emptiness - show the importance of stability in our lives - even stability in a time of change. Most of us long to be “centered” by something. Here in America our sense of stability is threatened as never since the Civil War. Isn’t that what the MAGAs have done to us? Even in times of great change we always knew where America would be in five years. Well - perhaps not in the 60s. But certainly not now. Stability is what the monarchy gives Britons. Here it is - or was - our constitution.
I hope that the Constitution will give us that stability in the turbulent years to come.