We must unite to combat the Orban wing of the authoritarian Republican party lest we find ourselves ruled like HUNGARY. All Democrats must come out to vote.
To be sure, I am very distraught over what is happening in our country. However, sometimes we need a little humor to balance out the crazy we are seeing every day. Here is a clip from Jordan Klepper re CPAC and Hungary:
I agree "Laughter is the best medicine." Although I'll admit to needing one of those "laugh/cry masks" when I watch Jordan's moments with T***p supporters (fanatics?) who are clearing parroting slogans that they really don't understand. Hence the need for better "slogans" from the Democrats - better messaging!!! Here's an example from my beloved Stephen Colbert - "If this is going to be a Christian nation that doesn't help the poor, either we have to pretend that Jesus was just as selfish as we are, or we've got to acknowledge that he commanded us to love the poor, and serve the needy without condition, and then just admit we don't want to do it." And here's the clip of the whole routine - from 12/16/2010 https://www.cc.com/video/m38gcf/the-colbert-report-jesus-is-a-liberal-democrat. Blessings,
I am so impressed by his being culturally and financially/commercially so successful while being so outspoken about his faith and his more liberal views. His popularity is one of the things that encourages me about our country. I don't think you can be right wing conservative or T***p supporter and be a Colbert fan at the same time (I could be wrong!)
It could probably be done, but the level of cognitive dissonance would, at some point, become unbearable. Much easier to think through one's positions before becoming existentially committed.
Thanks Lynell. I appreciate the insertion of humor. I agree it does help relieve some tension, while also enhancing motivation to press forward and resist the crazy.
Thanks Charles. I think this does not get enough discussion in this country. If one looks at the steps of Orban's rise and transformation of Hungary to an "Illiberal Democracy", you see an outline of TFG's plan to destroy democracy in the US.
I am neither an US citizen or tax-payer or resident, so I often feel it is not my place to comment on many issues that are raised in these excellent newsletters (but this does not mean I do not have strong opinions of my own!). But the war in Ukraine goes beyond national borders and we do have a responsibility to tell truth to power, to educate ourselves about the situation, to support the Ukrainians in whichever way we can. My big concern, the longer that this goes on, is that the news reporters become weary of the story, that it ceases to shock, mobilize and pressurize governments into helping Ukraine in their hour, day, week, month and year of need. We do need to keep the crisis to the forefront of our minds: to lobby, donate to organisations that are helping to relive the pain and suffering, pressurize those in power, use our wallets to boycott those who support Russia's actions and our acceptance and patience when prices go up as a result - a small price to pay for a stand against a bully. And for those that the fuel hikes affect badly, then there are organisations to donate to to help those in need in our own backyards as well. I think it is important to mention Ukraine in each Newsletter in some form or other. The fate of that country will affect the fate of democracy and the future of authoritarianism across the globe for decades to come......... and if any of your readers happen to think Russia has good cause in its actions, then I appreciate they will not agree with my stance and have the right to alternative opinions.
When the progressives gripe about Biden, that is certainly the right. But they should keep in mind that Trump or his surrogate in the White House is an order of magnitude worse outcome than an unfulfilled legislative dream. If a Trumpist wins, it won't bring just legislative disappointments, it will bring cronyism, corruption, racism, and full throated support for Putin against Ukraine. Is that really a progressive antidote to not getting all of BBB? I'd remind everyone that Hilary Clinton lost in 2016. Although she garnered more of the popular vote than DJT, it wasn't enough in the Electoral College's higher math. And Jill Stein and Gary Johnson had 5 mio votes that could have gone to Hilary in the states that mattered, maybe tipping the scales to the forces for good: https://ballotpedia.org/Presidential_candidates,_2016
I'm catching up on old information. I actually sent a letter to the Libertarian party, asking them to have their members vote for Biden. I mentioned that they were part of the reason that Hilary lost and put us in the mell of a hess, as my dad used to say. Probably didn't help, but was worth a try.
I don't know how they haven't already learned that, as we now have to deal with having a partisan, reactionary SCOTUS. This is the worst that could have happened. I find it stunning that so many can be so short sighted as to avoid seeing how we have to stop this backsliding of our democracy.
Robert, my comment for you about "balance" in Today's Edition is to simply stay the course. You are writing a newsletter about a few key issues. It's not an hour long news show where you have some sort of responsibility to cover every single key thing that is happening in the world. If one day you focus on a few domestic issues, great. The next day tackle Ukraine. Follow your impulses and passions.
And finally, something I love about your letters is the "Concluding Thoughts". Today you said: "I understand the frustration and bitterness that some in the Democratic Party are experiencing at this moment (on both ends of the spectrum), but it is a moral imperative for us to set aside our differences in 2022 and 2024."
So not only do you have excellent balance, you also have fantastic, realistic and unifying focus. I talk up and share your "Edition" to everyone I can. Thank you for making my day M-F.
There were several critical comments in todays Edition that were significant. I agree with Professor Tribe about repurposing frozen dollars and the reason why but why hasn’t it happen before and what are we waiting for? I am writing my congressional folks today. Mallory McMorrow showed us what speaking out can do and I think it’s time for Disney to take a more active role and flex it’s muscle. Until someone pushes back hard against DeSantis his comments and actions will continue to accelerate until it’s too late. Finally while on a certain level I support some of the platform ideas of the progressive side of the party they in the upcoming midterm elections are out of touch with a large majority of voters who could care less about most of the Build Back Better agenda today and are more focused on kitchen table issues locally around inflation, education, healthcare and voter access and security. Maybe the progressive side of the Democratic Party will wake up and realize they have a better shot at implementing their agenda if there is a real majority in the both houses.
What is puzzling to me is that the "progressive" agenda has become the universally accepted agenda of the Democratic Party but we act like there is some big ideological divide in the party. I don't think there is. But for Sinema and Manchin, BBB would have passed with 100% Democratic support. So I don't think there is any ideological difference between the "centrist" and "progressive" agendas. And I also think that we should recognize that during the very difficult BBB negotiations, the progressive wing of the Democratic Party was the most loyal, patient, and flexible among the various constituencies. So, what puzzles me is the sense of divisiveness that has crept into the party after the BBB negotiations.
The bigger question for me is “ is there really a divisiveness “ as defined by the media or is it some progressive wanting to deliver more. Ambivalence among voters stems partly from the fact that many of the projects being funded are, for now, invisible.” and that has to change get to get voters on board. I think part of the divisiveness is around how to respond to Republicans attacks.
Robert, I believe Today’s Edition provides an excellent balance of news, optimism ,humor and calls for activism. I read( al lot!) from many different sources so don’t feel the need to read about Ukraine in every TE. Also, you provide us with excellent resources, like the Institutes of War, that enables us to further our research.
I’m optimistic in Florida…and no, I’m only drinking coffee this morning! What is happening here is not sustainable. Do I believe it’s going to get worse before it gets better? Sure ! But many are fighting back while Florida legislators are calling out DeSantis ‘ “race-neutral “ maps as Racist. “Punishing “ Disney will not distract from that reality ! Local book stores are sponsoring “Little Black Book” drives in our community to distribute those books that make people “feel discomfort”. We also have our own McMorrow in Fl Rep Anna Eskamani, Orlando. She is force to be reckoned with and a thorn in our thin-skinned, charisma-free governor’s side.
Stephanie Murphy (District 7, Winter Park )is not running again this term but also not ruling it out for future. She had had planned to run against Rubio but dropped out after Val Demings announced her own run. Maybe she’ll challenge Rick Scott in ‘24 ! 🤞
Apr 21, 2022·edited Apr 21, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
You DO provide a balanced newsletter. That's a primary reason I read it. If I want detailed information, graphics, et al. on Ukraine, I can spend an hour with CNN. Ukraine is an outrage. I pray everyday for the people, the blatant disregard for human life, and their devastated country. However, I do not need every newsletter, article, magazine, and newspaper I read to give attention to it. I seek other venues to inform myself of different perspectives, and listen to NPR and BBC for a broader view of the world. There ARE other wargrounds on the planet we do not hear about. Your knowledge of the political, judicial (especially) landscapes are invaluable. You are even-handed and deftly integrated your podcast forums.
Thank you, Robert, for producing, through a labor of love, your newsletter with truth well told, hope (even when I don't want to hear it at times for I'm so frustrated I want to scream), and educational information, not hype. And, you're right to keep focusing on those in our country who seek to bring down our Democracy. If they gain enough ground for the tRumpster to live in the White House again, then we, too, will be fighting in the streets for we will lose our Democracy to an autocracy. Stay on course!
Two things this morning. First is that I think, Robert, that your reporting on Ukraine is “just right”. Remember too, that if you report on everything each day, then when something significant happens, it loses its impact. So keep on keeping on. Second is that here in Florida the proposed maps are one of the biggest challenges we face. The jellyfish that we have in the Florida legislature are going to approve these extremely gerrymandered districts which give the Republicans a 20-8 advantage, far more than they deserve. As David Pepper says, the state legislatures present the most peril. Oh, one more thought. I’m going to email Jessica Craven about a Resistbot campaign to tell congress to repurpose the $100 billion for Ukraine.
Two points about DeSantis; First, the Disney war is, in part, a distraction from his congressional maps disenfranchising black people. Second, he is throwing out every textbook EXCEPT FOR ONE, a Houston-based company where Glenn Youngkin was involved. Youngkin is planning to emulate this despicable law. Here's the link: https://www.yahoo.com/news/desantis-administration-rejects-textbooks-only-122828296.html Can you spell indoctrination?
Ah, yes. Money is the root of all evil. Thanks for the link. I will check it out. And if Youngkin emulates DeSantis, he will make life difficult for the GOP candidate who tries to succeed him.
I read an interesting twitter thread from a woman who looked carefully at the math books that survey DeSantis' censorship. She discovered that only one publisher passed the test and its head was Youngkin until he became Gov. No surprises there that there is a grift element.
Putin's effort to subjugate Ukraine is the most vehement expression of the Authoritarian movement, a movement supported by one of our two political parties (despite their denials).
Actions speak louder than words.
Republican attacks on literacy, education and knowledge as well as legal precedent and government (unless they are governing) are consistent with the goals and aspirations of authoritarian regimes throughout the world.
The fact that the Republican Party refused to impeach Trump and remove him from office for treason (aiding and abetting Russian interference in an election) and extortion (withholding defensive arms from Ukraine for political favor) puts them squarely in Russia's camp in the battle between Authoritarianism and Democracy.
The fact that Republicans now claim to support Ukraine and Democracy, while they tirelessly work to undermine Democracy at home, represents hypocrisy at its worst. It is imperative that we continue to keep the war in Ukraine in the foreground because it is the ultimate manifestation of the battle we face at home.
The podcast yesterday was truly impressive and I will listen more often in future, hopefully resolving issues with the Call In app while you fix your volume problem. Jill and Gunner had much higher sound levels than you did but it was well worth cranking the volume on my phone to hear the whole thing.
The Concluding Thoughts are, not for the first time, worth the entire essay and should be taken to heart and to action by everyone who even thinks about being a democrat whether they identify as Democrats or not.
Professor Tribe's suggestion is one of those "why aren't we already doing this" ideas, much like sending more and better offensive weaponry to Ukraine. One sometimes gets the feeling that we'd like the Russians to lose but don't really want to hurt them so that we can still do business after the war. Putin, like our home grown dictator wannabe, will not acknowledge defeat until the status quo ante 2014 is forcibly reset and he has no other choices. That will have the same impact on him as conviction and imprisonment will on the failed insurrectionist; bullies shrink quickly when the spotlight shines on their failure, as we're about to see with Ms. Greene and, possibly, Mr. Cawthorn.
What is the moral obligation of the West towards Ukraine? Only Nato, led by the US can counter Russia's war crimes and incipient genocide. What will history say of our failure to act? To those who say this is not our war we must ask "who then must act?"
Hi, Albert. I agree that we must act, but I don't think it is accurate to say that we have "failed to act." We should recognize that the US has provided over $1 billion in lethal military assistance to Ukraine and imposed never before used sanctions against Russia. So when you refer to "our failure to act," are you referring to direct military intervention? If yes, I think that history will say that NATO and the US made a difficult choice to avoid a nuclear confrontation that would kill billions of people. If you are referring to something other than direct military intervention that we should be doing, what is it that you think the US should be doing?
Many people criticize the US and NATO for not providing aircraft to Ukraine. A little reported development in the last few days is that the "western powers' have provided "aircraft" to Ukraine. That transfer of aircraft was done with no fanfare and little detail to avoid provoking Russia's ire towards the nations that helped in the transfer. Here is a story about a comment made yesterday by a Pentagon spokesperson:
"Ukraine has been given additional fighter aircraft and aircraft parts from other countries to increase its fleet amid Russia’s attack, the Pentagon’s top spokesperson said Tuesday. The spokesperson said, "I would just say, without getting into what other nations are providing, that they have received additional platforms and parts to be able to increase their fleet size, their aircraft fleet size. I think I’d leave it at that,” press secretary John Kirby told reporters.
At this time, there are so many huge issues facing Americans, but I hope we don't forget about the WEAKNESS and disappointment in the DOJ and Merrick Garland.
Much as I hate to say it, maybe the republicans were right to keep him off the supreme court which would have been another lifetime appointment.
“it is a moral imperative for us to set aside our differences in 2022 and 2024. The future of our democracy depends on our ability to present a united front—now more than ever. We can do that. We did it in 2018 and 2020. We can do it in 2022”
We must unite to combat the Orban wing of the authoritarian Republican party lest we find ourselves ruled like HUNGARY. All Democrats must come out to vote.
To be sure, I am very distraught over what is happening in our country. However, sometimes we need a little humor to balance out the crazy we are seeing every day. Here is a clip from Jordan Klepper re CPAC and Hungary:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qfopkMItug&list=PLeskMkEaHJYee9h3hS3nmRcgLNDanAmUu&index=1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6oiFv6WNHZY&list=PLeskMkEaHJYee9h3hS3nmRcgLNDanAmUu&index=2
I agree "Laughter is the best medicine." Although I'll admit to needing one of those "laugh/cry masks" when I watch Jordan's moments with T***p supporters (fanatics?) who are clearing parroting slogans that they really don't understand. Hence the need for better "slogans" from the Democrats - better messaging!!! Here's an example from my beloved Stephen Colbert - "If this is going to be a Christian nation that doesn't help the poor, either we have to pretend that Jesus was just as selfish as we are, or we've got to acknowledge that he commanded us to love the poor, and serve the needy without condition, and then just admit we don't want to do it." And here's the clip of the whole routine - from 12/16/2010 https://www.cc.com/video/m38gcf/the-colbert-report-jesus-is-a-liberal-democrat. Blessings,
Outstanding selection, thanks for sharing it. I tend to overlook Colbert, clearly, I'll have to look more closely.
I am so impressed by his being culturally and financially/commercially so successful while being so outspoken about his faith and his more liberal views. His popularity is one of the things that encourages me about our country. I don't think you can be right wing conservative or T***p supporter and be a Colbert fan at the same time (I could be wrong!)
It could probably be done, but the level of cognitive dissonance would, at some point, become unbearable. Much easier to think through one's positions before becoming existentially committed.
Love it, thanks, Chaplain!
Thanks; i will check out the links!
Thanks Lynell. I appreciate the insertion of humor. I agree it does help relieve some tension, while also enhancing motivation to press forward and resist the crazy.
"...also enhancing motivation to press forward and resist the crazy." Exactly, Lynn. Works for me most all the time.
The Klepper piece is worth listening to just for the OSU comment. I say this as an NU alum from the Hayes administration (Woody, not Rutherford B.).
I wish there was a laughing emoji choice, so I'll just have to say, thanks for the LOL!
Thanks Charles. I think this does not get enough discussion in this country. If one looks at the steps of Orban's rise and transformation of Hungary to an "Illiberal Democracy", you see an outline of TFG's plan to destroy democracy in the US.
Your newsletter has the right balance - a very difficult trick to pull off!
I am neither an US citizen or tax-payer or resident, so I often feel it is not my place to comment on many issues that are raised in these excellent newsletters (but this does not mean I do not have strong opinions of my own!). But the war in Ukraine goes beyond national borders and we do have a responsibility to tell truth to power, to educate ourselves about the situation, to support the Ukrainians in whichever way we can. My big concern, the longer that this goes on, is that the news reporters become weary of the story, that it ceases to shock, mobilize and pressurize governments into helping Ukraine in their hour, day, week, month and year of need. We do need to keep the crisis to the forefront of our minds: to lobby, donate to organisations that are helping to relive the pain and suffering, pressurize those in power, use our wallets to boycott those who support Russia's actions and our acceptance and patience when prices go up as a result - a small price to pay for a stand against a bully. And for those that the fuel hikes affect badly, then there are organisations to donate to to help those in need in our own backyards as well. I think it is important to mention Ukraine in each Newsletter in some form or other. The fate of that country will affect the fate of democracy and the future of authoritarianism across the globe for decades to come......... and if any of your readers happen to think Russia has good cause in its actions, then I appreciate they will not agree with my stance and have the right to alternative opinions.
Thanks for the feedback. I appreciate it.
When the progressives gripe about Biden, that is certainly the right. But they should keep in mind that Trump or his surrogate in the White House is an order of magnitude worse outcome than an unfulfilled legislative dream. If a Trumpist wins, it won't bring just legislative disappointments, it will bring cronyism, corruption, racism, and full throated support for Putin against Ukraine. Is that really a progressive antidote to not getting all of BBB? I'd remind everyone that Hilary Clinton lost in 2016. Although she garnered more of the popular vote than DJT, it wasn't enough in the Electoral College's higher math. And Jill Stein and Gary Johnson had 5 mio votes that could have gone to Hilary in the states that mattered, maybe tipping the scales to the forces for good: https://ballotpedia.org/Presidential_candidates,_2016
Good reminder about what Jill Stein and Gary Johnson brought us by offering a place for "protest votes."
I'm catching up on old information. I actually sent a letter to the Libertarian party, asking them to have their members vote for Biden. I mentioned that they were part of the reason that Hilary lost and put us in the mell of a hess, as my dad used to say. Probably didn't help, but was worth a try.
I don't know how they haven't already learned that, as we now have to deal with having a partisan, reactionary SCOTUS. This is the worst that could have happened. I find it stunning that so many can be so short sighted as to avoid seeing how we have to stop this backsliding of our democracy.
❤ Just FYI: I have to "make" my own heart, because for some reason "Something Went Wrong" pops up every time I try to "heart reply."
That said, I think Today's Edition Newsletter is stellar! Thank you, Robert.
Ugh. I will ask substack about that. Thanks for making your own heart!
Not to worry...I'm retired. I got time!
That happened to me and someone suggested closing the newsletter and then coming back, and that seemed to help.
Thanks, Chaplain Terry. I think Robert already fixed it...yippee!
Robert, my comment for you about "balance" in Today's Edition is to simply stay the course. You are writing a newsletter about a few key issues. It's not an hour long news show where you have some sort of responsibility to cover every single key thing that is happening in the world. If one day you focus on a few domestic issues, great. The next day tackle Ukraine. Follow your impulses and passions.
And finally, something I love about your letters is the "Concluding Thoughts". Today you said: "I understand the frustration and bitterness that some in the Democratic Party are experiencing at this moment (on both ends of the spectrum), but it is a moral imperative for us to set aside our differences in 2022 and 2024."
So not only do you have excellent balance, you also have fantastic, realistic and unifying focus. I talk up and share your "Edition" to everyone I can. Thank you for making my day M-F.
There were several critical comments in todays Edition that were significant. I agree with Professor Tribe about repurposing frozen dollars and the reason why but why hasn’t it happen before and what are we waiting for? I am writing my congressional folks today. Mallory McMorrow showed us what speaking out can do and I think it’s time for Disney to take a more active role and flex it’s muscle. Until someone pushes back hard against DeSantis his comments and actions will continue to accelerate until it’s too late. Finally while on a certain level I support some of the platform ideas of the progressive side of the party they in the upcoming midterm elections are out of touch with a large majority of voters who could care less about most of the Build Back Better agenda today and are more focused on kitchen table issues locally around inflation, education, healthcare and voter access and security. Maybe the progressive side of the Democratic Party will wake up and realize they have a better shot at implementing their agenda if there is a real majority in the both houses.
What is puzzling to me is that the "progressive" agenda has become the universally accepted agenda of the Democratic Party but we act like there is some big ideological divide in the party. I don't think there is. But for Sinema and Manchin, BBB would have passed with 100% Democratic support. So I don't think there is any ideological difference between the "centrist" and "progressive" agendas. And I also think that we should recognize that during the very difficult BBB negotiations, the progressive wing of the Democratic Party was the most loyal, patient, and flexible among the various constituencies. So, what puzzles me is the sense of divisiveness that has crept into the party after the BBB negotiations.
The bigger question for me is “ is there really a divisiveness “ as defined by the media or is it some progressive wanting to deliver more. Ambivalence among voters stems partly from the fact that many of the projects being funded are, for now, invisible.” and that has to change get to get voters on board. I think part of the divisiveness is around how to respond to Republicans attacks.
Robert, I believe Today’s Edition provides an excellent balance of news, optimism ,humor and calls for activism. I read( al lot!) from many different sources so don’t feel the need to read about Ukraine in every TE. Also, you provide us with excellent resources, like the Institutes of War, that enables us to further our research.
I’m optimistic in Florida…and no, I’m only drinking coffee this morning! What is happening here is not sustainable. Do I believe it’s going to get worse before it gets better? Sure ! But many are fighting back while Florida legislators are calling out DeSantis ‘ “race-neutral “ maps as Racist. “Punishing “ Disney will not distract from that reality ! Local book stores are sponsoring “Little Black Book” drives in our community to distribute those books that make people “feel discomfort”. We also have our own McMorrow in Fl Rep Anna Eskamani, Orlando. She is force to be reckoned with and a thorn in our thin-skinned, charisma-free governor’s side.
Anna Eskamani is great. I thought I read somewhere that she wasn’t running again. I hope I’m wrong. Do you know?
Anna is running in House District 42.
https://annaforflorida.com/
Stephanie Murphy (District 7, Winter Park )is not running again this term but also not ruling it out for future. She had had planned to run against Rubio but dropped out after Val Demings announced her own run. Maybe she’ll challenge Rick Scott in ‘24 ! 🤞
Thanks!
You DO provide a balanced newsletter. That's a primary reason I read it. If I want detailed information, graphics, et al. on Ukraine, I can spend an hour with CNN. Ukraine is an outrage. I pray everyday for the people, the blatant disregard for human life, and their devastated country. However, I do not need every newsletter, article, magazine, and newspaper I read to give attention to it. I seek other venues to inform myself of different perspectives, and listen to NPR and BBC for a broader view of the world. There ARE other wargrounds on the planet we do not hear about. Your knowledge of the political, judicial (especially) landscapes are invaluable. You are even-handed and deftly integrated your podcast forums.
Thank you, Robert, for producing, through a labor of love, your newsletter with truth well told, hope (even when I don't want to hear it at times for I'm so frustrated I want to scream), and educational information, not hype. And, you're right to keep focusing on those in our country who seek to bring down our Democracy. If they gain enough ground for the tRumpster to live in the White House again, then we, too, will be fighting in the streets for we will lose our Democracy to an autocracy. Stay on course!
Two things this morning. First is that I think, Robert, that your reporting on Ukraine is “just right”. Remember too, that if you report on everything each day, then when something significant happens, it loses its impact. So keep on keeping on. Second is that here in Florida the proposed maps are one of the biggest challenges we face. The jellyfish that we have in the Florida legislature are going to approve these extremely gerrymandered districts which give the Republicans a 20-8 advantage, far more than they deserve. As David Pepper says, the state legislatures present the most peril. Oh, one more thought. I’m going to email Jessica Craven about a Resistbot campaign to tell congress to repurpose the $100 billion for Ukraine.
Two points about DeSantis; First, the Disney war is, in part, a distraction from his congressional maps disenfranchising black people. Second, he is throwing out every textbook EXCEPT FOR ONE, a Houston-based company where Glenn Youngkin was involved. Youngkin is planning to emulate this despicable law. Here's the link: https://www.yahoo.com/news/desantis-administration-rejects-textbooks-only-122828296.html Can you spell indoctrination?
Ah, yes. Money is the root of all evil. Thanks for the link. I will check it out. And if Youngkin emulates DeSantis, he will make life difficult for the GOP candidate who tries to succeed him.
I read an interesting twitter thread from a woman who looked carefully at the math books that survey DeSantis' censorship. She discovered that only one publisher passed the test and its head was Youngkin until he became Gov. No surprises there that there is a grift element.
Right balance of your coverage of Ukraine!
My two cents worth:
Putin's effort to subjugate Ukraine is the most vehement expression of the Authoritarian movement, a movement supported by one of our two political parties (despite their denials).
Actions speak louder than words.
Republican attacks on literacy, education and knowledge as well as legal precedent and government (unless they are governing) are consistent with the goals and aspirations of authoritarian regimes throughout the world.
The fact that the Republican Party refused to impeach Trump and remove him from office for treason (aiding and abetting Russian interference in an election) and extortion (withholding defensive arms from Ukraine for political favor) puts them squarely in Russia's camp in the battle between Authoritarianism and Democracy.
The fact that Republicans now claim to support Ukraine and Democracy, while they tirelessly work to undermine Democracy at home, represents hypocrisy at its worst. It is imperative that we continue to keep the war in Ukraine in the foreground because it is the ultimate manifestation of the battle we face at home.
The podcast yesterday was truly impressive and I will listen more often in future, hopefully resolving issues with the Call In app while you fix your volume problem. Jill and Gunner had much higher sound levels than you did but it was well worth cranking the volume on my phone to hear the whole thing.
The Concluding Thoughts are, not for the first time, worth the entire essay and should be taken to heart and to action by everyone who even thinks about being a democrat whether they identify as Democrats or not.
Professor Tribe's suggestion is one of those "why aren't we already doing this" ideas, much like sending more and better offensive weaponry to Ukraine. One sometimes gets the feeling that we'd like the Russians to lose but don't really want to hurt them so that we can still do business after the war. Putin, like our home grown dictator wannabe, will not acknowledge defeat until the status quo ante 2014 is forcibly reset and he has no other choices. That will have the same impact on him as conviction and imprisonment will on the failed insurrectionist; bullies shrink quickly when the spotlight shines on their failure, as we're about to see with Ms. Greene and, possibly, Mr. Cawthorn.
What is the moral obligation of the West towards Ukraine? Only Nato, led by the US can counter Russia's war crimes and incipient genocide. What will history say of our failure to act? To those who say this is not our war we must ask "who then must act?"
Hi, Albert. I agree that we must act, but I don't think it is accurate to say that we have "failed to act." We should recognize that the US has provided over $1 billion in lethal military assistance to Ukraine and imposed never before used sanctions against Russia. So when you refer to "our failure to act," are you referring to direct military intervention? If yes, I think that history will say that NATO and the US made a difficult choice to avoid a nuclear confrontation that would kill billions of people. If you are referring to something other than direct military intervention that we should be doing, what is it that you think the US should be doing?
Many people criticize the US and NATO for not providing aircraft to Ukraine. A little reported development in the last few days is that the "western powers' have provided "aircraft" to Ukraine. That transfer of aircraft was done with no fanfare and little detail to avoid provoking Russia's ire towards the nations that helped in the transfer. Here is a story about a comment made yesterday by a Pentagon spokesperson:
"Ukraine has been given additional fighter aircraft and aircraft parts from other countries to increase its fleet amid Russia’s attack, the Pentagon’s top spokesperson said Tuesday. The spokesperson said, "I would just say, without getting into what other nations are providing, that they have received additional platforms and parts to be able to increase their fleet size, their aircraft fleet size. I think I’d leave it at that,” press secretary John Kirby told reporters.
At this time, there are so many huge issues facing Americans, but I hope we don't forget about the WEAKNESS and disappointment in the DOJ and Merrick Garland.
Much as I hate to say it, maybe the republicans were right to keep him off the supreme court which would have been another lifetime appointment.
Sincerely,
S. Lehman
“it is a moral imperative for us to set aside our differences in 2022 and 2024. The future of our democracy depends on our ability to present a united front—now more than ever. We can do that. We did it in 2018 and 2020. We can do it in 2022”