No need to apologize for not watching the Republican debacle on Wednesday night. No need to waste hours of your life listening to lies & spin; you’d be more productive scrubbing commodes, & it would be a more pleasant experience. I live in Florida & am at the point of skimming headlines to see what the next awful thing our governor has done, & I skip the details. I’d much rather read about the great things President Biden has done to improve the lives of ALL citizens, whether or not they are members of the Democratic Party. I hope voters are “woke” enough to turn our government Blue.
I wonder if your use of the word "caste" was deliberate...
Because what Republicans have always worked towards and have often succeeded at was to establish a "caste" system. The Upper Caste Uber Rich funding the selection of ideologically driven puppets to appeal to the lower caste who think they are the victims of the "woke". Of course, they are indeed victims. They just don't know who the enemy is.
Such a clever scheme. Our job is to unveil it. "Justice" Thomas is assisting us.
You took the words out of my mouth and said it better. Thank you. My brother lives in Florida and is doing about the same thing with regard to the news.
He has my sympathy. I see where Rick “Red Tide” Scott has a Democrat challenger this time. Fingers crossed that enough folks see how sorry he is & turn Florida blue!
Republicans will go through the motions of appeasing MAGA/Freedom Caucus extremists, because Speaker Kevin McCarthy owes them. But eventually, the same bipartisan majority that raised the debt ceiling in the Spring will pass funding bills to keep the government from shutting down.
At that time, the bipartisan majority can also pass a "motion to vacate the Chair", and elect a moderate Republican like Don Bacon (R-NE) to the Speakership. So long as Mr. McCarthy is Speaker, this on-going assault on the House of Representatives will continue to be repeated.
Everyone needs to keep in mind that this is not just a typical minority voting bloc like libertarians, or even the Tea Party. The MAGA faction supports and identifies with January 6 conspirators, and speaks openly and proudly of a coming civil war.
It's long past time to isolate and marginalize the MAGA Members by replacing Speaker McCarthy with someone who commands respect from a majority of all Members and who owes nothing to the extremists.
A network of ordinary citizens has been working to see Kevin McCarthy removed and replaced since January. Everyone who values an orderly functioning House of Representatives is encouraged to pitch in.
Hi, Jerry. Very interesting substack and concept. I subscribed. Can you share a few words about your background with me (at rhubbell@outlook.com). I am considering promoting in my newsletter.
I, too, subscribed and read this article recommended on the site. In it, Mike Gallagher, a rep. from Wisconsin, recommends three interesting and sensible reforms for the House. A great read.
"Sigh. Americans don’t deserve a government that lurches from crisis to crisis. Or rather, they deserve a government that is able to perform basic functions like passing a budget on time"
And this is why Finch downgraded the US credit rating. We can't have nice things because the children break them or try to set them on fire.
Remember the saying that people get the government they deserve. I’m reluctantly beginning to believe Americans deserve bad governance: members of neither Party care seriously about government operations.
As always, I am so deeply grateful for Robert’s emphasis on voting trump and, I might add, the Republicans in general, out of office and leadership next November. They do not represent this country well. Before trump, I voted in every general election. Occasionally I heard there were primaries and would vote. I knew enough to vote for Dems but didn’t know, mostly anything about the people I voted for. I had no idea I was able to organize and I barely knew I could canvass or phone bank. Trumps’ presidency gave me foundational purpose and I, and others like me, have now flipped our county blue and have grown our voter engagement and participation in a big way. I feel giddy thinking that if every single Robert reader were to take responsibility for outreach to say, 40 households of Dems in their town or neighborhood, visited them, reminded them to vote and sent them a postcard..what would that do for our chances of prevailing in 2024 and beyond. I don’t know how many of us readers there are but multiply by 40 households and that’s a slew of more certain votes. My prayer is that my fellow readers will truly and literally heed Roberts’ claim that we win this in a tsunami of votes. Too many votes for any devious undermining they conjure up to thwart us. We are a potential army for repair for this country. Thank you Robert for always bringing us back to the vote. Losing is not an option from highway super to president.
I do, so, so agree. 2024 is all about vanquishing MAGA America or in a more civil sense, proving to all Americans that we are a democracy that believes in facts and the rule of law. We are NOT a cult devoted to a supreme provocateur aka TFG.
If we do focus on increasing turnout in 2024 we will deliver a landslide for the Biden administration and world democracy.
Imagine the Faustian Bargain the GOP has made to support TFG. The x-party, now cult, has sold its soul to hold on to national power.
We have to prove the MAGA GOP has marginalized itself to the backwaters of American history. Sadly, like Reconstruction, we can count on MAGA Americans to be active for quite a number of years.
With the tragic crisis at hand in Hawaii, it seems appropriate to use an analogy of equal proportion to the devastation and in line with recent weather events, asking the question, "How can we tell when a volcano will erupt? What are the signs of impending disaster?" In the case of a volcanic breakout several characteristic signs preempt the blast - an increase in the frequency and intensity of felt earthquakes; noticeable steaming or fumarolic activity; new or enlarged areas of hot ground; subtle swelling of the ground surface along with small changes in heat flow.
Similarly, our body politics is roiling. It has heated up to the point of boiling over. When the blast occurs toxic gases, ash and particulate matter will rise high up into the atmosphere effecting populations under the umbrella of scalding heat and burning effuse. The smoke will infuse the atmosphere and spread, as we have seen with the Canadian fires, throughout thousands of miles of cities, towns and villages. The lava flow will change permanently the contour of the land...and that of the lives of millions of people.
The signs are there for anyone with the will and courage to see. The question is, are we able to tell the truth and face ourselves? Can we recognize and care about what truly matters and is important to our survival? The Republican answer to these questions is a firm, indeed, absolute NO. "Let the magma flow", they contend. In their delusional world, no one but the enemies will scorch and burn. In their world, they will be saved from charring skin, smolder and incineration. They somehow believe they are exempt from the natural order and remain aloof from the dangers and tragedies informed by their plans They are wrong. Alas, that reality may only come due as the flow nears them personally. But who knows. They ran into shelters like scared rats when the insurrectionists invaded the Capitol. But, then they singularly pulled a "Hawley", frantically running childlike from the threat of harm only to support those who would do their mischief and cause them injury.
It is critical to realize that there are not two realities. There may be differing opinions about dealing with a reality, (that is what politics is all about), however, reality is a fact of existence that should not be avoided, debated or interpreted...just like the imminent, looming dangers of a lava flow. It is not "Liberal" to tell the truth. What makes a condition urgent is the demand for attention it requires. And, democratic action (small 'd') is what is needed now. Not partisan banter. We have a chance, and share an obligation, to speak with the immediacy and clarity this moment requires.
I recently sat near a gentleman at a B&B breakfast table. It was clear, briefly into our conversation, that we differed on matters, yet we laughed and enjoyed a lively conversation. He told me, "Your types usually don't speak with us types. They dismiss us." Reality is our friend. Do not dismiss it.
I like the tone of this. If a person will actually acknowledge reality and the truth - and then be willing to engage in respectful conversation, great! In the past I have had "conservative" and religious Republicans as friends. We would have drinks and dinner. And we would work towards a common solution. We would hug at the end of the night. That was before Trump.
First, the person in question must agree to the reality. There IS a climate emergency. There IS too much hunger and homelessness and a lack of proper housing, a decent education for many and a totally broken healthcare system - in the richest nation to have ever existed. The playing field is NOT level. The American Dream is NOT available to all of us. There IS too much money at the top. Our kids DON'T have the resources that we had. Russia and Putin ARE existential threats to our way of life and democracy everywhere.
Acknowledge all that and we can have a productive chat.
As for the MAGAs who think they will avoid the ‘charring skin, smolder and incineration’ because of their ‘savior’ I imagine most of you remember an expression years ago(not a perfect quote),
Democrats should be getting up a discharge petition for a Continuing Resolution that funds the government at current levels until January 6, 2025. Be done with this claque of Confederate traitors!
An informed electorate is an engaged electorate, and an engaged electorate will turn out to vote. Thanks, Robert, for giving us a forum for informing and engaging.
Unlike Robert and others here, I'm planning to hold my nose and watch the "debate." It will be a departure for me as I never watch anything but sports on that network. But for me, it's important to see the next level of swamp creatures lurking beneath TFG, because one of them stands a good chance of succeeding him if justice is finally served.
While I'll also watch the postgame analysis, I'll want to see and hear the "debate" for myself. That being said, I won't hesitate to switch off if it gets too bad. My money's on ten minutes.
Please send me your real-time reactions for the newsletter.
You are correct about an informed electorate being a prepared electorate. My problem is this: Not one of the candidates on the stage believes that Trump is a worthy candidate for election. But 80% of them will praise Trump and say that Democrats are persecuting him for partisan gain. They don't believe that and are making those assertions in bad faith. Why should anyone reward the candidates or Fox for broadcasting lies? When they start holding real debates about national interest, I will start watching. Until then, I am not going to enable them in their lies.
I'll try, but my real-time reactions may not be printable.
I agree that we don't want to reward any of these Bozos, but if my watching the network gets counted in their stats, I guess I'll have to accept that as the price of admission to presumed $#!+show. I just want to be able to judge for myself, without any bias but my own. Let's see how long I last.
p.s. For what it's worth, and this may seem contradictory, I'm still boycotting CNN over their TFG "town hall."
I have better uses for my time than watching the Republican “debate”.
The only thing that might interest me is watching Chris Christie demolish the Trumpsters’, and maybe DeSantis’s pretensions. Christie’s an unlovable person, but on Trump and MAGAism, he’s temporarily on the side of the angels.
So do I, but I'm still gonna try to stomach it. Christie may be fun to watch, like he was with the former Marco Rubio, but the way he stuck his nose up TFG's ample butt is a hard image to erase. His temporary sanity should not hide his own baggage either. I'm from NJ, and have lived thru his reign once.
Thanks. Robert's mention of this exchange in today's newsletter has certainly increased the pressure! Now I'm gonna have to pay attention!
I've started an essay in anticipation of the outcome, and plan to start with my low expectations and see if they're met. Depending on how it goes, I may publish it Thursday.
I wish all of us--including the press--could agree to stop using the word "debate" to describe these silly media spectacles in which candidates just produce canned speeches and there is no actual discussion of issues. Not that I have an idea for a better term right now--maybe you or some of your readers will, Robert--but can we please stop dignifying these stupid food fights with the word "debate," or at least put the word in quotes when we use it?
But the Democratic "debates" can be just as silly and petty. I still haven't quite forgiven Kamala Harris for taking a swipe at Biden in 2020 on account of his age.
Nor will I be watching the “Republican” debate tomorrow night, Robert. I am trying to keep my sanity, and keep my blood pressure at an acceptable level.
Thank you for your letters, and your reminder to not sweat the small stuff.
It seems to me that at every turn the Republican Party is tripping over themselves to try and rig the trials of Trump whether it’s Judge Cannon, the Georgia legislators trying to limit or eliminate the district attorney or the funding of Jack Smith. The indictments are extensive , very detailed and expansive and yet the Republican Party is trying to hold the country and justice hostage to help Trump avoid prosecution. If he was so innocent then he will be acquitted by a jury of his peers. More importantly why isn’t the media and voters calling out this behavior. Why aren’t voters appalled by these tactics and screaming about them? Life is too short to live or die on every nuisance of the impending trials and motions and sometime we all have to vent.
It seems to me that all tRump's indictments indicate a pattern of criminal behavior. Four grand juries made up of ordinary people have said that tRump should be arrested and tried for his criminal behavior. I can't understand how anyone could think that tRump's call to Brad Raffensberger was anything other than criminal.
People, a smaller group than the media reports , can’t stop believing him because without that unequivocal supporting of Trump they have nothing to believe in
On another topic entirely—-I am wondering whether there will be postcarding or letter writing for the reproductive rights ballot initiative in Ohio. With the defeat of issue 1, our work is only half done.
There also will be Letters to Voters for those who (like me) may find writing messages on postcards difficult for an aging hand. Right now, Vote Forward is focusing on Virginia. https://votefwd.org/campaigns
I have tried periodically to watch FOX news but I too find that 25 seconds is my limit. For fear of damaging my TV, I have to turn it off. Fanni Willis, in everything she has done and said is clearly exceptionally bright and remarkably tough. We know that Trump will defy her warnings and the consequences of his inability to tone down his venom. I sincerely hope that she will have him arrested and put in jail. As I've said before, we know that there will be some violence, which I believe will be less than we imagine, and which can be dealt with Ullman's 'shock and awe' response. (*He authored this strategy before the first gulf war) We have the resources and I believe the will to enforce the law. We can also anticipate the hysteria of the 'Jellyfish republicans' - frankly I've become anesthetized to their blather.
We definitely need a Congress that can pass a flippin' budget! The so-called Freedom Caucus & supporters have suffered a break from reality. We must get in the fight and get a solid Dem majority.
Just spent last weekend with two Australian friends and naturally American politics came up. They and their friends back in Sydney are dumbfounded by our democracy. How can it be that federal elections are at the mercy of so many state jurisdictions and with such a hodgepodge of rules. This is an issue that strikes many thinking Americans as crazy. But how much attention does it receive? Not much; not any more than the extraordinary self-centeredness of Americans who can only muster up thoughts and prayers as a signal of their concern for the wellbeing of their fellow Americans, which also is a value deprecated by our English speaking friends throughout the world. We lack their ability to view American democracy objectively.
This hodgepodge of states has frequently been the source of governmental innovation that percolated to the federal level. The hodgepodge isn’t all bad.
No it isn’t but consider what so many state “laboratories” have produced: Jim Crow laws lasting 100 years, gerrymandering since the early nineteenth century, laws against mixed marriages and gay relationships, anti-abortion legislation, gun proliferation, climate denial and book bans. And more!
No need to apologize for not watching the Republican debacle on Wednesday night. No need to waste hours of your life listening to lies & spin; you’d be more productive scrubbing commodes, & it would be a more pleasant experience. I live in Florida & am at the point of skimming headlines to see what the next awful thing our governor has done, & I skip the details. I’d much rather read about the great things President Biden has done to improve the lives of ALL citizens, whether or not they are members of the Democratic Party. I hope voters are “woke” enough to turn our government Blue.
How is it possible that one man cast darkness over millions?
I wonder if your use of the word "caste" was deliberate...
Because what Republicans have always worked towards and have often succeeded at was to establish a "caste" system. The Upper Caste Uber Rich funding the selection of ideologically driven puppets to appeal to the lower caste who think they are the victims of the "woke". Of course, they are indeed victims. They just don't know who the enemy is.
Such a clever scheme. Our job is to unveil it. "Justice" Thomas is assisting us.
I always agree with your posting. I did an edit as caste was an error although not far off.
I really don’t know. Let’s turn this around.
"you’d be more productive scrubbing commodes"
And you'd have the satisfaction of actually cleaning,, disinfecting,, and purging that commode of all harmful organisms..
😹😹😹
For a run down of what President Biden has accomplished since election, please read yesterday's Hartmann Report: https://hartmannreport.com/p/revealed-prebuttal-of-the-gops-debate-ea4
You took the words out of my mouth and said it better. Thank you. My brother lives in Florida and is doing about the same thing with regard to the news.
He has my sympathy. I see where Rick “Red Tide” Scott has a Democrat challenger this time. Fingers crossed that enough folks see how sorry he is & turn Florida blue!
Republicans will go through the motions of appeasing MAGA/Freedom Caucus extremists, because Speaker Kevin McCarthy owes them. But eventually, the same bipartisan majority that raised the debt ceiling in the Spring will pass funding bills to keep the government from shutting down.
At that time, the bipartisan majority can also pass a "motion to vacate the Chair", and elect a moderate Republican like Don Bacon (R-NE) to the Speakership. So long as Mr. McCarthy is Speaker, this on-going assault on the House of Representatives will continue to be repeated.
Everyone needs to keep in mind that this is not just a typical minority voting bloc like libertarians, or even the Tea Party. The MAGA faction supports and identifies with January 6 conspirators, and speaks openly and proudly of a coming civil war.
It's long past time to isolate and marginalize the MAGA Members by replacing Speaker McCarthy with someone who commands respect from a majority of all Members and who owes nothing to the extremists.
A network of ordinary citizens has been working to see Kevin McCarthy removed and replaced since January. Everyone who values an orderly functioning House of Representatives is encouraged to pitch in.
Learn more here: https://www.FeathersOfHope.net
.
Hi, Jerry. Very interesting substack and concept. I subscribed. Can you share a few words about your background with me (at rhubbell@outlook.com). I am considering promoting in my newsletter.
I, too, subscribed and read this article recommended on the site. In it, Mike Gallagher, a rep. from Wisconsin, recommends three interesting and sensible reforms for the House. A great read.
I also sent a link to the article to my Rep.
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2018/11/gallagher-congress/575689/
Thank you Jerry and Gina.
"Sigh. Americans don’t deserve a government that lurches from crisis to crisis. Or rather, they deserve a government that is able to perform basic functions like passing a budget on time"
And this is why Finch downgraded the US credit rating. We can't have nice things because the children break them or try to set them on fire.
It has been said at times that (republican) Congress is the best one can buy
Remember the saying that people get the government they deserve. I’m reluctantly beginning to believe Americans deserve bad governance: members of neither Party care seriously about government operations.
I love your last line. You captured it.
As always, I am so deeply grateful for Robert’s emphasis on voting trump and, I might add, the Republicans in general, out of office and leadership next November. They do not represent this country well. Before trump, I voted in every general election. Occasionally I heard there were primaries and would vote. I knew enough to vote for Dems but didn’t know, mostly anything about the people I voted for. I had no idea I was able to organize and I barely knew I could canvass or phone bank. Trumps’ presidency gave me foundational purpose and I, and others like me, have now flipped our county blue and have grown our voter engagement and participation in a big way. I feel giddy thinking that if every single Robert reader were to take responsibility for outreach to say, 40 households of Dems in their town or neighborhood, visited them, reminded them to vote and sent them a postcard..what would that do for our chances of prevailing in 2024 and beyond. I don’t know how many of us readers there are but multiply by 40 households and that’s a slew of more certain votes. My prayer is that my fellow readers will truly and literally heed Roberts’ claim that we win this in a tsunami of votes. Too many votes for any devious undermining they conjure up to thwart us. We are a potential army for repair for this country. Thank you Robert for always bringing us back to the vote. Losing is not an option from highway super to president.
Hi, Amy! thanks for your enthusiasm! and great suggestion!!
Amy..
I do, so, so agree. 2024 is all about vanquishing MAGA America or in a more civil sense, proving to all Americans that we are a democracy that believes in facts and the rule of law. We are NOT a cult devoted to a supreme provocateur aka TFG.
If we do focus on increasing turnout in 2024 we will deliver a landslide for the Biden administration and world democracy.
Imagine the Faustian Bargain the GOP has made to support TFG. The x-party, now cult, has sold its soul to hold on to national power.
We have to prove the MAGA GOP has marginalized itself to the backwaters of American history. Sadly, like Reconstruction, we can count on MAGA Americans to be active for quite a number of years.
Amen.
With the tragic crisis at hand in Hawaii, it seems appropriate to use an analogy of equal proportion to the devastation and in line with recent weather events, asking the question, "How can we tell when a volcano will erupt? What are the signs of impending disaster?" In the case of a volcanic breakout several characteristic signs preempt the blast - an increase in the frequency and intensity of felt earthquakes; noticeable steaming or fumarolic activity; new or enlarged areas of hot ground; subtle swelling of the ground surface along with small changes in heat flow.
Similarly, our body politics is roiling. It has heated up to the point of boiling over. When the blast occurs toxic gases, ash and particulate matter will rise high up into the atmosphere effecting populations under the umbrella of scalding heat and burning effuse. The smoke will infuse the atmosphere and spread, as we have seen with the Canadian fires, throughout thousands of miles of cities, towns and villages. The lava flow will change permanently the contour of the land...and that of the lives of millions of people.
The signs are there for anyone with the will and courage to see. The question is, are we able to tell the truth and face ourselves? Can we recognize and care about what truly matters and is important to our survival? The Republican answer to these questions is a firm, indeed, absolute NO. "Let the magma flow", they contend. In their delusional world, no one but the enemies will scorch and burn. In their world, they will be saved from charring skin, smolder and incineration. They somehow believe they are exempt from the natural order and remain aloof from the dangers and tragedies informed by their plans They are wrong. Alas, that reality may only come due as the flow nears them personally. But who knows. They ran into shelters like scared rats when the insurrectionists invaded the Capitol. But, then they singularly pulled a "Hawley", frantically running childlike from the threat of harm only to support those who would do their mischief and cause them injury.
It is critical to realize that there are not two realities. There may be differing opinions about dealing with a reality, (that is what politics is all about), however, reality is a fact of existence that should not be avoided, debated or interpreted...just like the imminent, looming dangers of a lava flow. It is not "Liberal" to tell the truth. What makes a condition urgent is the demand for attention it requires. And, democratic action (small 'd') is what is needed now. Not partisan banter. We have a chance, and share an obligation, to speak with the immediacy and clarity this moment requires.
I recently sat near a gentleman at a B&B breakfast table. It was clear, briefly into our conversation, that we differed on matters, yet we laughed and enjoyed a lively conversation. He told me, "Your types usually don't speak with us types. They dismiss us." Reality is our friend. Do not dismiss it.
I like the tone of this. If a person will actually acknowledge reality and the truth - and then be willing to engage in respectful conversation, great! In the past I have had "conservative" and religious Republicans as friends. We would have drinks and dinner. And we would work towards a common solution. We would hug at the end of the night. That was before Trump.
First, the person in question must agree to the reality. There IS a climate emergency. There IS too much hunger and homelessness and a lack of proper housing, a decent education for many and a totally broken healthcare system - in the richest nation to have ever existed. The playing field is NOT level. The American Dream is NOT available to all of us. There IS too much money at the top. Our kids DON'T have the resources that we had. Russia and Putin ARE existential threats to our way of life and democracy everywhere.
Acknowledge all that and we can have a productive chat.
I don't see it happening with my one Trump -ist friend! I can't even get a sentence out!
As for the MAGAs who think they will avoid the ‘charring skin, smolder and incineration’ because of their ‘savior’ I imagine most of you remember an expression years ago(not a perfect quote),
When you die in the rapture, can I have your car!
Democrats should be getting up a discharge petition for a Continuing Resolution that funds the government at current levels until January 6, 2025. Be done with this claque of Confederate traitors!
Great suggestion.
An informed electorate is an engaged electorate, and an engaged electorate will turn out to vote. Thanks, Robert, for giving us a forum for informing and engaging.
Unlike Robert and others here, I'm planning to hold my nose and watch the "debate." It will be a departure for me as I never watch anything but sports on that network. But for me, it's important to see the next level of swamp creatures lurking beneath TFG, because one of them stands a good chance of succeeding him if justice is finally served.
While I'll also watch the postgame analysis, I'll want to see and hear the "debate" for myself. That being said, I won't hesitate to switch off if it gets too bad. My money's on ten minutes.
Please send me your real-time reactions for the newsletter.
You are correct about an informed electorate being a prepared electorate. My problem is this: Not one of the candidates on the stage believes that Trump is a worthy candidate for election. But 80% of them will praise Trump and say that Democrats are persecuting him for partisan gain. They don't believe that and are making those assertions in bad faith. Why should anyone reward the candidates or Fox for broadcasting lies? When they start holding real debates about national interest, I will start watching. Until then, I am not going to enable them in their lies.
I'll try, but my real-time reactions may not be printable.
I agree that we don't want to reward any of these Bozos, but if my watching the network gets counted in their stats, I guess I'll have to accept that as the price of admission to presumed $#!+show. I just want to be able to judge for myself, without any bias but my own. Let's see how long I last.
p.s. For what it's worth, and this may seem contradictory, I'm still boycotting CNN over their TFG "town hall."
I have better uses for my time than watching the Republican “debate”.
The only thing that might interest me is watching Chris Christie demolish the Trumpsters’, and maybe DeSantis’s pretensions. Christie’s an unlovable person, but on Trump and MAGAism, he’s temporarily on the side of the angels.
So do I, but I'm still gonna try to stomach it. Christie may be fun to watch, like he was with the former Marco Rubio, but the way he stuck his nose up TFG's ample butt is a hard image to erase. His temporary sanity should not hide his own baggage either. I'm from NJ, and have lived thru his reign once.
Got a good bottle of bourbon? 😉
You betcha! Good idea!
I congratulate you on your valiant determination, bourbon-fortified or not!!
Thanks. Robert's mention of this exchange in today's newsletter has certainly increased the pressure! Now I'm gonna have to pay attention!
I've started an essay in anticipation of the outcome, and plan to start with my low expectations and see if they're met. Depending on how it goes, I may publish it Thursday.
I will look forward to it.
I wish all of us--including the press--could agree to stop using the word "debate" to describe these silly media spectacles in which candidates just produce canned speeches and there is no actual discussion of issues. Not that I have an idea for a better term right now--maybe you or some of your readers will, Robert--but can we please stop dignifying these stupid food fights with the word "debate," or at least put the word in quotes when we use it?
"MAGA Infomercial" comes to mind.
But the Democratic "debates" can be just as silly and petty. I still haven't quite forgiven Kamala Harris for taking a swipe at Biden in 2020 on account of his age.
Nor will I be watching the “Republican” debate tomorrow night, Robert. I am trying to keep my sanity, and keep my blood pressure at an acceptable level.
Thank you for your letters, and your reminder to not sweat the small stuff.
It seems to me that at every turn the Republican Party is tripping over themselves to try and rig the trials of Trump whether it’s Judge Cannon, the Georgia legislators trying to limit or eliminate the district attorney or the funding of Jack Smith. The indictments are extensive , very detailed and expansive and yet the Republican Party is trying to hold the country and justice hostage to help Trump avoid prosecution. If he was so innocent then he will be acquitted by a jury of his peers. More importantly why isn’t the media and voters calling out this behavior. Why aren’t voters appalled by these tactics and screaming about them? Life is too short to live or die on every nuisance of the impending trials and motions and sometime we all have to vent.
It seems to me that all tRump's indictments indicate a pattern of criminal behavior. Four grand juries made up of ordinary people have said that tRump should be arrested and tried for his criminal behavior. I can't understand how anyone could think that tRump's call to Brad Raffensberger was anything other than criminal.
People, a smaller group than the media reports , can’t stop believing him because without that unequivocal supporting of Trump they have nothing to believe in
YES! what the hell. The recording should be enough!
Re-read 'Alice through the looking glass'
A great piece of advice from Minnie Mouse about why you should not pay attention to political polls:
https://twitter.com/EmGusk/status/1693451320579985463?utm_campaign=wp_power_up&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&wpinl_powerup&s=20
Just keep your head down and do the necessary work. The key to Democratic victory is turnout. It has nothing to do with polling.
How many people did you speak with today about the importance of voting? Tell one more person.
On another topic entirely—-I am wondering whether there will be postcarding or letter writing for the reproductive rights ballot initiative in Ohio. With the defeat of issue 1, our work is only half done.
Very good question. I will report back.
Thank you!
There also will be Letters to Voters for those who (like me) may find writing messages on postcards difficult for an aging hand. Right now, Vote Forward is focusing on Virginia. https://votefwd.org/campaigns
Yes, there definitely will be. Sign up for postcards to voters & markers for democracy
I have tried periodically to watch FOX news but I too find that 25 seconds is my limit. For fear of damaging my TV, I have to turn it off. Fanni Willis, in everything she has done and said is clearly exceptionally bright and remarkably tough. We know that Trump will defy her warnings and the consequences of his inability to tone down his venom. I sincerely hope that she will have him arrested and put in jail. As I've said before, we know that there will be some violence, which I believe will be less than we imagine, and which can be dealt with Ullman's 'shock and awe' response. (*He authored this strategy before the first gulf war) We have the resources and I believe the will to enforce the law. We can also anticipate the hysteria of the 'Jellyfish republicans' - frankly I've become anesthetized to their blather.
oh please, please, please someone, anyone, arrest him!
Just taking his $200,000 bail would warm my heart.
We definitely need a Congress that can pass a flippin' budget! The so-called Freedom Caucus & supporters have suffered a break from reality. We must get in the fight and get a solid Dem majority.
Just spent last weekend with two Australian friends and naturally American politics came up. They and their friends back in Sydney are dumbfounded by our democracy. How can it be that federal elections are at the mercy of so many state jurisdictions and with such a hodgepodge of rules. This is an issue that strikes many thinking Americans as crazy. But how much attention does it receive? Not much; not any more than the extraordinary self-centeredness of Americans who can only muster up thoughts and prayers as a signal of their concern for the wellbeing of their fellow Americans, which also is a value deprecated by our English speaking friends throughout the world. We lack their ability to view American democracy objectively.
This hodgepodge of states has frequently been the source of governmental innovation that percolated to the federal level. The hodgepodge isn’t all bad.
No it isn’t but consider what so many state “laboratories” have produced: Jim Crow laws lasting 100 years, gerrymandering since the early nineteenth century, laws against mixed marriages and gay relationships, anti-abortion legislation, gun proliferation, climate denial and book bans. And more!
Thank you Robert, ... just thank you.