"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.
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
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.)
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?
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!!
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.
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!!
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.
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.
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.
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/
"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.
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
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.)
Remember, there was no room at the inn, but then…
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?
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!!
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.
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!!
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.
“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.
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.
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/