"Biden has accomplished more in the first eleven months of his presidency than Trump accomplished in four years." I would rather not make comparisons to Trump's presidency which was largely destructive. Biden has accomplished the following: 1. He has restored integrity to the United States government. 2. He is succeeding against the pandemic -- except for those, under a malign influence who have refused vaccination. 3. He has removed our troops from Afghanistan. 4. He has passed a bill to fix roads, bridges, power, the internet. 5. At worst, he has introduced a plan to slow climate change and to improve the lives of children and families -- a plan on which he and the rest of the Democrats can campaign on for the 2022 election. Finally, if there are segments of the climate change and children and families bill that Joe Manchin would support, perhaps he will introduce those proposals to the Senate. I'm sure Chuck Schumer would pave the way for him to make those proposals.
Would it be worth the effort for people to send this list to every journalist every time they write a derogatory piece about “Biden’s failures?” I feel we all need to call media out constantly until they start writing positive articles.
The coal miners union has come forward and told Manchin to get back to the table. They believe that BBB will create new jobs but more importantly fund their Black Lung disease fund which supports thousands of coal miners. After the announcement Manchin indicated he would negotiate after the first of the year. The anger and outrage directed at Manchin should be directed at the 50 Republicans who are against the bill because they represent millions of constituents who need the benefits of the legislation
Hi, Stephen. Thanks for that information. Manchin is part of Democratic leadership. If he wants to get back to the table, he should draft a bill and attempt to persuade other Democrats to support it. Biden has been portrayed as weak and ineffectual because of Manchin’s duplicity and delay. We should not fall into that trap again.
And yes, you are right. We should be angry at every Republican in Congress, not just the Senate. Schumer should schedule a vote and require every Senator to go on record as opposing BBB.
Manchin is a failure in the Democratic Party, a DINO( Democrat In Name Only), putting his own self-interest ahead of his constituents, invested in the coal industry, denying them much needed funds for infrastructure, environment and health. I have wondered why the people of West Virginia have not had a successful recall movement to replace this self-centered, greedy failure as a worthy advocate for their State.
“We should not stew in anger and frustration over Manchin’s political sabotage. Instead, we should channel those feelings into action steps. By doing so, we may change the political outcome; more importantly, we will change our ourselves.”
“Action is the antithesis of anxiety.”—Jon Stewart
Antidote as well, yes?
Thank you, Robert, for the list today of tangible actions we can take THIS WEEK, per Indivisible Santa Barbara! Let us not succumb to measuring actions as great or small, lest we err by attaching like comparison of significant versus insignificant. Not so! There are countless examples of something seemingly small in the moment then generating massive repercussions and impact, positive and negative alike. Letting your imagination explore this may likely bolster your faith and courage to take that next step! Do it — for democracy!
“We can do this!” — Robert Hubbell
Persevere! Onward! Join forces!
We have every reason to hope, but no room for complacency (loose translation— apologies, Mr. Hubbell.)
The following comment was posted in the comments section of last evening's Heather Cox Richardson's Letters from an American. It is a perfect example of someone taking action!
Carla2 hr ago
This needs to be posted here. A voice from a West Virginian.
I am a grassroots organizer for economic justice here in West Virginia, building the Rattle The Windows movement alongside poor and marginalized West Virginians. I have been working tirelessly for months in coalition with groups here, on a state level and on a national level with Moms Rising and Community Change Action, to organize and elevate the stories of WV children and families around their support of Build Back Better, especially the Child Tax Credit expansion, paid leave, and child care.
For months, I have celebrated with moms as they talked about being able to pay for child care, buy reliable vehicles, fill their freezers and cupboards with food, and move their families out of Section 8 housing, to name a few. The expanded CTC allowed families to feel as if they were finally able to breathe a little easier, and Senator Manchin's announcement yesterday was devastating, especially so close to the holidays.
West Virginia was born out of the resistance. Engrained in our DNA is the need to not give up or to back down. When we think about the 50,000 WV kiddos the senator has singlehandedly pushed back across the poverty line, our hearts break, and we wonder how he could be that far removed from those he was elected to protect and fight for. We wonder what legacy he is seeking to leave for all the children in the Mountain State, not just his own. And we need for him to know that he's taking away our best opportunity to be able to rely on ourselves. We're disappointed in Manchin's actions, but we haven't given up. It is, after all, the season of miracles and hope.
- Amy Jo Hutchison, organizer and movement builder, Rattle The Windows
I will promote Rattle the Windows this evening. Thanks Andrew. I often hear from readers in red states who are fighting every day to protect democracy, educate their children, and promote the health and safety of their families. They are battling against long odds. Readers in other states need to help sustain them!
Btw, the website is www.rattlethewindows.com. I am circulating this message to my groups and will donate toward their effort. If we all contribute in whatever we can (even just forwarding the inspirational messages), we can make a huge difference!
Robert, I love your regular actions steps! Really need to keep folks motivated. Postcarding is my salvation. When people start to complain about the bad news or the coming bloodbath in congress, I look at them and politely say what are you going to do about that?
HI, Jennifer. Thanks for doing your part! Many readers are involved in postcarding, which is a terrific way to make a difference! Fair warning, many readers have described postcarding as a “gateway drug” to even greater activism!
I had a real wake-up moment last evening when I heard an interview with former Nebraska Senator Bob Kerrey. He urged us to stop beating up on Manchin for failing to support the BBB bill. He asked this: Why are we not calling out the other fifty Senators, the Republicans who are also not supporting the bill? What about holier-than-thou Mitt Romney? What about Susan Collins? Their constituents are just as much in need as those in the states represented by Democratic Senators. Let's start naming and shaming instead of aiming our fire at Manchin!!
Yes; put the BBB to a vote, then go after the Rs who vote against it. But let’s be clear: Manchin repeatedly demanded that the vote be delayed. Manchin is the reason that Republicans could lay in the weeds, insulated from criticism.
I don't suggest we let Manchin off the hook. He is deserving of all the criticism coming his way. But...let's have that vote and let's see each Republican Senator vote no, because sure as the sun rises tomorrow, if and when the bill passes, those very same Senators will brag about what "they" have brought home to their constituents!
I corrected an error in today's newsletter. I referred to Richard DeSantis, who is a lawyer who I litigated a case against 25 years ago. His name is stuck in my head, but he is not the Governor of Florida, who is Ron DeSantis. Apologies for the error.
"Dear Gavin Newsom: Just because the Gang of (Five or)Six has shot itself in the right foot, doesn't mean you should shoot it in the left". Your take on the matter is spot on.
Manchin is, rightfully, running into the buzz saw of the United Mine Workers Association. I'd like to see McConnell, Paul, Capito, Barrasso, Lummiss,et al also be taken to task by the UMWA.
Poetically stated as always and even more great action groups to investigate. Listening to your amazing interview with Jess Craven this weekend and a caller asked “what can I do each day if I only have 5 minutes to give”? There is plenty to do and if we each do one thing purposefully, each day…it adds up! Yesterday was my Letter to Joe Manchin and the Atlanta Journal Letters to the Editor. It felt so cathartic. And today I will be writing letters for Demand Justice. The list never ends.
Betty, thanks for mentioning the interview. Jessica Craven’s answer about what to do with only five minutes was inspiring. I should excerpt that portion of the interview and post.
Biden, perhaps because of his many years in the Senate, clearly does not understand the nature of his current office.
The American Presidency, everybody knows, is the most powerful office in the world.
What does that mean in the case of Manchin?
It means that Biden should call Manchin into the Oval office and have waiting:
the Secretary of Transportation,Pete Buttigieg, who will tell him that West Virginia will eventually get its share of the 1trillion dollar
infrastructure bill - but maybe less than expected, and maybe not for a long period of time;
Dr. Miguel Cardona, the Secretary of Education, who will tell him that the expected funds for the West Virginia school systems will be delayed;
Lloyd Austin, Secretary of Defense, who will tell him that the increase in salary for the national guard has not yet come to his office;
Deb Haaland, Secretary of the Interior , who will tell him that government inspectors will increase their visits to every slaughter house, hospital, and coal mine to once a week;
Tom Vilsak, Secretary of Agriculture, who will regretfully inform him that payment of subsidies will not soon be forthcoming;
Marcia Fudge, Secretary of Housing and Urban development will tell him that all construction loans have been suspended;
Michael Regan, administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency will inform him that major coal operations will have to be shut down because of their impact on climate change;
Isabel Guzman, Administrator of the Small Business Administration, might be there to say that all loans have been re-considered because of concerns over state processes;
Denis McDonough, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, might suggest that all benefits have been temporarily halted because of administrative difficulties;
Charles P. Rettig as the 49th Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service, might say that inspection of tax returns in West Virginia were to be vastly increased because of very disturbing reports.
Other people at this meeting might be the Presidents of Ford Motors and General Motors who would lament that killing the BBB would affect the profitability of their companies by eliminating the subsidies for electric vehicles, and has destabilized the stock market.
The President can make the life of a serving Senator a living hell. And he should do it!!
Lenny, kudos for creativity and research! It put a smile on my face just imagining the scenario you posit. But Biden shouldn’t do that because it would harm the citizens of WVa, who have done nothing wrong. There are ways that Biden can take actions that make Manchin’s life as Senator more difficult. Remove him as Chair of the Energy Committee and appoint him as the Chair of Senate Office Supplies Committee.
Robert, The President can't make Senatorial assignments. But he can find lots of ways to make a Senator's home life miserable, other than or in addition to, the ones I suggested.
As always you have simply and clearly focused on the major difficulties with my proposal.
Two weeks ago - one week ago - I would not have believed that Manchin would or could switch to the Republicans.
Now, I do.
It is an aspect of McConnell's brilliance that he is now publicly appealing to Manchin to come over - and implicitly warning
people like me to leave him alone.
No Democrat is making a similar appeal to Republicans like Collins or Murkowski.
Your other points are persuasive but not convincing.
A variety of moves could be assembled that could be more painful to Manchin personally than to the people of West Virginia -
who will suffer enormously if the BBB doesn't go through.
For example, I did not even mention going after his daughter, the Drug King, President of Mylan, Heather Manchin Bresch, who raised the price of Epipens from $50 to over $600.
I write as an amateur. There are professionals who could find all sort of ways of diverting Manchin's attention away from his accustomed routines.
On your final point, you are right. I would wait a few days.
Best,
Lenny
On 12/22/2021 9:48 AM, H wrote:
Here are some problems with your proposal, not necessarily in strict order of importance:
1. Manchin switches to the Republican Party (a plus for re-election in WVA) and Mitch McConnel is the majority leader.
2. Some of these moves are not legal or sustainable.
3. The people of WVA are not the enemy and should not be punished. All W.Virginians would suffer.
I wrote to Governor Newsom regarding using the SCOTUS decision on Texas abortion law using vigilantism as a method to enforce gun laws. I am ALL FOR gun laws but find the "clever" use of a bad legal decision to be bad policy for CA. It heads our democracy in the wrong direction.
Thanks, Christy. I appreciate your activism. I think that Newsom’s publicity stunt also undermines the good work of Brady Initiative, Everytown USA, Coalition Against Gun Violence etc.
Dec 21, 2021·edited Dec 21, 2021Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
“Snarky” describes the tenor of the media to perfection. Thank you for all the positive suggestions. We have just had an antisemitic incident in Greensboro—normally a progressive city—and I believe I will compose a letter to the paper. You always share positive ideas, Robert, and keep your readers on track.
Jim, it is deeply disturbing to hear about the antisemetic incident in Greensboro. In Los Angeles, antisemitic leaflets are appearing around the city. Whenever it rears its ugly head, we must condemn it loudly and unequivocally. And YES, please write to your local newspaper. Thank you for doing your part!
Thank you For another fabulous newsletter. DeSantis and other Southern states at not interested in educating all citizens. The ones who can go to be private schools will have all the Educational advantages.
Lewis, my heart goes out to teachers. They work incredibly hard under (sometimes) contentious conditions, and now they will be defendants in lawsuits from politically motivated parents. And if I know DeSantis, I believe the bill will award attorney’s fees to he parents if they win, but not to teachers who win. I cannot understand why the teachers are not staging a walk-out until DeSantis relents.
Robert--One niggling edit reminder from an ex-teacher [these things just pop out at me after years of reading various papers]: in your paragraph on DeSantis' nauseating bill you write "...allow parents to sue teachers if they fail to teach that the founding...." It should either drop out "fail to" or substitute "seek to" given that the quoted proposed requirement begins "was other than..." What you meant is clear, and I know you knock out a lot every day which I enjoy reading.
And yes, teachers should definitely protest vigorously against his political stunts, as well as ongoing state-supported ignorance of simple pandemic-protective rules. Cheers.
I want to mention another avenue for action, especially for those interested in climate change. Third Act is a new action oriented group inspired from Bill McKibben of 350.org and others. The focus is on engaging those of us over 60 to support the climate activism of the young people. The first initiatives are getting banks to divest from fossil fuels and preserving voting rights. Working groups and trainings are being formed, including one in early January on how to write effective letters to the editor. https://thirdact.org/
Hi, Mickey. Thanks for mentioning 350.org. I have promoted before and will do so again this evening. And THANK YOU for being an advocate re climate change. It is a subject that often gets talked about last, but should be discussed first. It is an existential threat to our way of life.
"Biden has accomplished more in the first eleven months of his presidency than Trump accomplished in four years." I would rather not make comparisons to Trump's presidency which was largely destructive. Biden has accomplished the following: 1. He has restored integrity to the United States government. 2. He is succeeding against the pandemic -- except for those, under a malign influence who have refused vaccination. 3. He has removed our troops from Afghanistan. 4. He has passed a bill to fix roads, bridges, power, the internet. 5. At worst, he has introduced a plan to slow climate change and to improve the lives of children and families -- a plan on which he and the rest of the Democrats can campaign on for the 2022 election. Finally, if there are segments of the climate change and children and families bill that Joe Manchin would support, perhaps he will introduce those proposals to the Senate. I'm sure Chuck Schumer would pave the way for him to make those proposals.
This list of accomplishments should be broadcast everywhere.
I am going to use the above list in the newsletter tonight! Thanks!
Would it be worth the effort for people to send this list to every journalist every time they write a derogatory piece about “Biden’s failures?” I feel we all need to call media out constantly until they start writing positive articles.
May I quote this? And if so, would you like attribution?
Feel free to quote what I've said. You can attribute it to Lenspoliticalnotes or to Len Lubinsky
Thanks
The coal miners union has come forward and told Manchin to get back to the table. They believe that BBB will create new jobs but more importantly fund their Black Lung disease fund which supports thousands of coal miners. After the announcement Manchin indicated he would negotiate after the first of the year. The anger and outrage directed at Manchin should be directed at the 50 Republicans who are against the bill because they represent millions of constituents who need the benefits of the legislation
Hi, Stephen. Thanks for that information. Manchin is part of Democratic leadership. If he wants to get back to the table, he should draft a bill and attempt to persuade other Democrats to support it. Biden has been portrayed as weak and ineffectual because of Manchin’s duplicity and delay. We should not fall into that trap again.
And yes, you are right. We should be angry at every Republican in Congress, not just the Senate. Schumer should schedule a vote and require every Senator to go on record as opposing BBB.
100% Stephen. Manchin is the gift that keeps giving to the GOP. He is the life sized shield.
Manchin is a failure in the Democratic Party, a DINO( Democrat In Name Only), putting his own self-interest ahead of his constituents, invested in the coal industry, denying them much needed funds for infrastructure, environment and health. I have wondered why the people of West Virginia have not had a successful recall movement to replace this self-centered, greedy failure as a worthy advocate for their State.
Agree 100%
“We should not stew in anger and frustration over Manchin’s political sabotage. Instead, we should channel those feelings into action steps. By doing so, we may change the political outcome; more importantly, we will change our ourselves.”
“Action is the antithesis of anxiety.”—Jon Stewart
Antidote as well, yes?
Thank you, Robert, for the list today of tangible actions we can take THIS WEEK, per Indivisible Santa Barbara! Let us not succumb to measuring actions as great or small, lest we err by attaching like comparison of significant versus insignificant. Not so! There are countless examples of something seemingly small in the moment then generating massive repercussions and impact, positive and negative alike. Letting your imagination explore this may likely bolster your faith and courage to take that next step! Do it — for democracy!
“We can do this!” — Robert Hubbell
Persevere! Onward! Join forces!
We have every reason to hope, but no room for complacency (loose translation— apologies, Mr. Hubbell.)
Remember, there was no room at the inn, but then…
The following comment was posted in the comments section of last evening's Heather Cox Richardson's Letters from an American. It is a perfect example of someone taking action!
Carla2 hr ago
This needs to be posted here. A voice from a West Virginian.
I am a grassroots organizer for economic justice here in West Virginia, building the Rattle The Windows movement alongside poor and marginalized West Virginians. I have been working tirelessly for months in coalition with groups here, on a state level and on a national level with Moms Rising and Community Change Action, to organize and elevate the stories of WV children and families around their support of Build Back Better, especially the Child Tax Credit expansion, paid leave, and child care.
For months, I have celebrated with moms as they talked about being able to pay for child care, buy reliable vehicles, fill their freezers and cupboards with food, and move their families out of Section 8 housing, to name a few. The expanded CTC allowed families to feel as if they were finally able to breathe a little easier, and Senator Manchin's announcement yesterday was devastating, especially so close to the holidays.
West Virginia was born out of the resistance. Engrained in our DNA is the need to not give up or to back down. When we think about the 50,000 WV kiddos the senator has singlehandedly pushed back across the poverty line, our hearts break, and we wonder how he could be that far removed from those he was elected to protect and fight for. We wonder what legacy he is seeking to leave for all the children in the Mountain State, not just his own. And we need for him to know that he's taking away our best opportunity to be able to rely on ourselves. We're disappointed in Manchin's actions, but we haven't given up. It is, after all, the season of miracles and hope.
- Amy Jo Hutchison, organizer and movement builder, Rattle The Windows
I will promote Rattle the Windows this evening. Thanks Andrew. I often hear from readers in red states who are fighting every day to protect democracy, educate their children, and promote the health and safety of their families. They are battling against long odds. Readers in other states need to help sustain them!
Btw, the website is www.rattlethewindows.com. I am circulating this message to my groups and will donate toward their effort. If we all contribute in whatever we can (even just forwarding the inspirational messages), we can make a huge difference!
Thank you for posting.
Robert, I love your regular actions steps! Really need to keep folks motivated. Postcarding is my salvation. When people start to complain about the bad news or the coming bloodbath in congress, I look at them and politely say what are you going to do about that?
HI, Jennifer. Thanks for doing your part! Many readers are involved in postcarding, which is a terrific way to make a difference! Fair warning, many readers have described postcarding as a “gateway drug” to even greater activism!
I had a real wake-up moment last evening when I heard an interview with former Nebraska Senator Bob Kerrey. He urged us to stop beating up on Manchin for failing to support the BBB bill. He asked this: Why are we not calling out the other fifty Senators, the Republicans who are also not supporting the bill? What about holier-than-thou Mitt Romney? What about Susan Collins? Their constituents are just as much in need as those in the states represented by Democratic Senators. Let's start naming and shaming instead of aiming our fire at Manchin!!
Yes; put the BBB to a vote, then go after the Rs who vote against it. But let’s be clear: Manchin repeatedly demanded that the vote be delayed. Manchin is the reason that Republicans could lay in the weeds, insulated from criticism.
I don't suggest we let Manchin off the hook. He is deserving of all the criticism coming his way. But...let's have that vote and let's see each Republican Senator vote no, because sure as the sun rises tomorrow, if and when the bill passes, those very same Senators will brag about what "they" have brought home to their constituents!
I corrected an error in today's newsletter. I referred to Richard DeSantis, who is a lawyer who I litigated a case against 25 years ago. His name is stuck in my head, but he is not the Governor of Florida, who is Ron DeSantis. Apologies for the error.
"Dear Gavin Newsom: Just because the Gang of (Five or)Six has shot itself in the right foot, doesn't mean you should shoot it in the left". Your take on the matter is spot on.
Manchin is, rightfully, running into the buzz saw of the United Mine Workers Association. I'd like to see McConnell, Paul, Capito, Barrasso, Lummiss,et al also be taken to task by the UMWA.
Hi, Gary. I hope that you are correct about backlash in WVa over the loss of benefits by union members, senior citizens, and parents with children.
Poetically stated as always and even more great action groups to investigate. Listening to your amazing interview with Jess Craven this weekend and a caller asked “what can I do each day if I only have 5 minutes to give”? There is plenty to do and if we each do one thing purposefully, each day…it adds up! Yesterday was my Letter to Joe Manchin and the Atlanta Journal Letters to the Editor. It felt so cathartic. And today I will be writing letters for Demand Justice. The list never ends.
Betty, thanks for mentioning the interview. Jessica Craven’s answer about what to do with only five minutes was inspiring. I should excerpt that portion of the interview and post.
Agree wholeheartedly with less twitter time.
Is my suggestion below too far-fetched?
What is wrong with it?
Lenny
Biden, perhaps because of his many years in the Senate, clearly does not understand the nature of his current office.
The American Presidency, everybody knows, is the most powerful office in the world.
What does that mean in the case of Manchin?
It means that Biden should call Manchin into the Oval office and have waiting:
the Secretary of Transportation,Pete Buttigieg, who will tell him that West Virginia will eventually get its share of the 1trillion dollar
infrastructure bill - but maybe less than expected, and maybe not for a long period of time;
Dr. Miguel Cardona, the Secretary of Education, who will tell him that the expected funds for the West Virginia school systems will be delayed;
Lloyd Austin, Secretary of Defense, who will tell him that the increase in salary for the national guard has not yet come to his office;
Deb Haaland, Secretary of the Interior , who will tell him that government inspectors will increase their visits to every slaughter house, hospital, and coal mine to once a week;
Tom Vilsak, Secretary of Agriculture, who will regretfully inform him that payment of subsidies will not soon be forthcoming;
Marcia Fudge, Secretary of Housing and Urban development will tell him that all construction loans have been suspended;
Michael Regan, administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency will inform him that major coal operations will have to be shut down because of their impact on climate change;
Isabel Guzman, Administrator of the Small Business Administration, might be there to say that all loans have been re-considered because of concerns over state processes;
Denis McDonough, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, might suggest that all benefits have been temporarily halted because of administrative difficulties;
Charles P. Rettig as the 49th Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service, might say that inspection of tax returns in West Virginia were to be vastly increased because of very disturbing reports.
Other people at this meeting might be the Presidents of Ford Motors and General Motors who would lament that killing the BBB would affect the profitability of their companies by eliminating the subsidies for electric vehicles, and has destabilized the stock market.
The President can make the life of a serving Senator a living hell. And he should do it!!
Lenny, kudos for creativity and research! It put a smile on my face just imagining the scenario you posit. But Biden shouldn’t do that because it would harm the citizens of WVa, who have done nothing wrong. There are ways that Biden can take actions that make Manchin’s life as Senator more difficult. Remove him as Chair of the Energy Committee and appoint him as the Chair of Senate Office Supplies Committee.
Robert, The President can't make Senatorial assignments. But he can find lots of ways to make a Senator's home life miserable, other than or in addition to, the ones I suggested.
Dear H,
As always you have simply and clearly focused on the major difficulties with my proposal.
Two weeks ago - one week ago - I would not have believed that Manchin would or could switch to the Republicans.
Now, I do.
It is an aspect of McConnell's brilliance that he is now publicly appealing to Manchin to come over - and implicitly warning
people like me to leave him alone.
No Democrat is making a similar appeal to Republicans like Collins or Murkowski.
Your other points are persuasive but not convincing.
A variety of moves could be assembled that could be more painful to Manchin personally than to the people of West Virginia -
who will suffer enormously if the BBB doesn't go through.
For example, I did not even mention going after his daughter, the Drug King, President of Mylan, Heather Manchin Bresch, who raised the price of Epipens from $50 to over $600.
I write as an amateur. There are professionals who could find all sort of ways of diverting Manchin's attention away from his accustomed routines.
On your final point, you are right. I would wait a few days.
Best,
Lenny
On 12/22/2021 9:48 AM, H wrote:
Here are some problems with your proposal, not necessarily in strict order of importance:
1. Manchin switches to the Republican Party (a plus for re-election in WVA) and Mitch McConnel is the majority leader.
2. Some of these moves are not legal or sustainable.
3. The people of WVA are not the enemy and should not be punished. All W.Virginians would suffer.
4. Biden is nor Trump.
5. Biden will need Manchin on other issues.
6. It is contrary to the spirit of Christmas.
Best, H.
I wrote to Governor Newsom regarding using the SCOTUS decision on Texas abortion law using vigilantism as a method to enforce gun laws. I am ALL FOR gun laws but find the "clever" use of a bad legal decision to be bad policy for CA. It heads our democracy in the wrong direction.
Thanks, Christy. I appreciate your activism. I think that Newsom’s publicity stunt also undermines the good work of Brady Initiative, Everytown USA, Coalition Against Gun Violence etc.
“Snarky” describes the tenor of the media to perfection. Thank you for all the positive suggestions. We have just had an antisemitic incident in Greensboro—normally a progressive city—and I believe I will compose a letter to the paper. You always share positive ideas, Robert, and keep your readers on track.
Jim, it is deeply disturbing to hear about the antisemetic incident in Greensboro. In Los Angeles, antisemitic leaflets are appearing around the city. Whenever it rears its ugly head, we must condemn it loudly and unequivocally. And YES, please write to your local newspaper. Thank you for doing your part!
Thank you For another fabulous newsletter. DeSantis and other Southern states at not interested in educating all citizens. The ones who can go to be private schools will have all the Educational advantages.
Lewis, my heart goes out to teachers. They work incredibly hard under (sometimes) contentious conditions, and now they will be defendants in lawsuits from politically motivated parents. And if I know DeSantis, I believe the bill will award attorney’s fees to he parents if they win, but not to teachers who win. I cannot understand why the teachers are not staging a walk-out until DeSantis relents.
Robert--One niggling edit reminder from an ex-teacher [these things just pop out at me after years of reading various papers]: in your paragraph on DeSantis' nauseating bill you write "...allow parents to sue teachers if they fail to teach that the founding...." It should either drop out "fail to" or substitute "seek to" given that the quoted proposed requirement begins "was other than..." What you meant is clear, and I know you knock out a lot every day which I enjoy reading.
And yes, teachers should definitely protest vigorously against his political stunts, as well as ongoing state-supported ignorance of simple pandemic-protective rules. Cheers.
Thank You for clarity and hope!
I want to mention another avenue for action, especially for those interested in climate change. Third Act is a new action oriented group inspired from Bill McKibben of 350.org and others. The focus is on engaging those of us over 60 to support the climate activism of the young people. The first initiatives are getting banks to divest from fossil fuels and preserving voting rights. Working groups and trainings are being formed, including one in early January on how to write effective letters to the editor. https://thirdact.org/
Hi, Mickey. Thanks for mentioning 350.org. I have promoted before and will do so again this evening. And THANK YOU for being an advocate re climate change. It is a subject that often gets talked about last, but should be discussed first. It is an existential threat to our way of life.
Be sure to mention Third Act specifically. It is new and has its own website. Good place for folks to sign up.