At some point, we humans need to accept that we can't do certain things in certain geographic locations. No growing of water-huntry crops in the desert. No living in/n flood-prone areas and barrier islands Iand more). We have done this to ourselves. We have to stop bleeding trillions of dollars to support these behaviors. JMO.
David, are you referring to NFIP( National Flood Insurance Program) ?That is separate from my homeowner’s/property insurance that certainly isn’t subsidized.
I have a relative who lives in a coastal city in Florida. She said to me once that they couldn't sell their house if they wanted to because "every house here is for sale." They also have to self-insure their home. They live just off the Gulf, on the shores of a bay.
Given the terrible destruction caused by Hurricane Ian, it is tragic irony that Florida is responsible for Al Gore losing his election for President to Bush. Gore was talking about global warming; he was a knowledgeable environmentalist.
I truly believe that had he become president, Gore would have made important strides towards helping to save our planet!
Had Gore become President we would not have gone into Iraq and 9/11 might have been thwarted given the likelihood that he would have attended to information the Bush admin ignored.....
A fact that we gloss over too easily. The Supreme Court stopped a legal process of election review that could have handed the future of the planet to a President with a brain. The role of "W" in ignoring the Clinton administrations advice about the rising terrorism and the subsequent boondoggles of Afghanistan and Iraq are the the most costly blunders in American history. Trillions of dollars wasted. Climate change denied. Millions of people killed or wounded or dislocated from their homes. The subsequent creation of ISIS by removing all Sunni personnel from the "new Iraq" was mind blowingly stupid.
All because of a few "hanging chads" and the overreach of a Supreme Court packed by Federalist fascists.
I recall, the Ayatollah of originalist hocus pocus, Scalia deemed no recount would be made because to drag out the naming of the election winner would ‘damage little bush’s presidency!’
Originalist? Indeed, please someone find that rationale stated in the USConstitution!
Let’s look for a pattern here fellow readers, in the Heller case Scalia redefined a well formed militia as anyone who owned a gun, think of terrorists who stormed Capitol on Jan 6, in Gore v Bush he ignored US law.
Many of you could add to this brief list which would show Scalia as one of the worst con men to ever sit on the bench!
Even our beloved RBG was snookered by his commentary on their mutual interest Classical Operas!
I respectfully disagree re. the reason Dubya became President. The Dems made the fatal mistake of not requesting recounts in EVERY Florida county instead of cherry picking, allowing the Court the wiggle room it wanted.
I would note, Bill, that in 2001, I think, the NYT concluded that a complete count probably would have had Bush winning the state by a few hundred votes.
I think Bill's comment suggested that Gore, rather than Bush, would have won. If that was not the case, then the debate shifts to the ground that you raise.
I believe I recall correctly that Gore requested a few counties do a recount because of hanging chads. In that recount, Gore lost by 100 and something votes. After the SCOTUS decision, The Saint Petersburg Times invited other newspapers to a state-wide recount and sure enough, Gore won the state.
I just awoke here in Spain. After reading this newsletter my heart is racing and I'm out of breath. For me, the most deplorable of the deplorable moments was Mark Meadows, ¨The fight for good versus evil¨. I am weary. They are Evil incarnate. Every single, despicable one of them. We must prevail. The future of the world depends upon it.
Funny, I just awakened in Portugal (headed to Spain) and my heart started racing…Robert, you help those chilling forces, while keeping it beating rhythmically!
On the bright side, we are winning two very important victories right now. The PA Governor race is safely in Democratic hands due to Mastriano's terrible campaign. That means Josh Shapiro will appoint a fair Secretary of State. The same goes for Michigan where the GOP is falling apart. We're also winning New Hampshire's senate race and Arizona's. The GOP no longer has a feasible path to 60 seats by 2024. All of these are big wins even though there is much more to do. But even if we're scared, its up to us to ensure the best future possible for younger generations. And we can do it.
Nothing is certain yet. I talk to far too many people, especially. young people, who don't even know there's an election, much less what's at stake in Pa.
Thank you, Robert. I still think you made the right call last night, though your reader who commented on the alacrity of many (myself included and I'd do it again) to call out the atrocious availability and idealization of guns in this country immediately when a mass shooting happens made a good point.
You have worked so hard this year. I'm going to imagine you and your Managing Editor on your way to Hawaii.
Thank you for your good, thoughtful, thorough works. As to having decided to wait out the east coast storm out of respect for the Floridians, then stepping up to post today’s newsletter with 9 minutes to spare, thank you. To those who disagreed with your decision to hold off writing your column in the midst of Hurricane Ian the following comes to mind: You cannot please all of the people all of the time. You are not pizza.
Plus, he openly acknowledges the opinions of those who disagree with his choices and allows the discussions that follow. This is the behavior of a democrat and a big part of why we are here. So, do listen to them - to everyone - and do lead the discussion and thank you for being that way.
Federal money sent to help Florida should stipulate that it cannot be used to transport immigrants out of state. We should hammer in the point that DeSantis spent 12 million dollars of Florida’s Covid relief funds for his flight to Martha’s Vineyard stunt.
While I abhor DeSantis, that particular stunt cost just over $600,000. The 12 million was the total budget for dealing with migration issues. We need to keep the facts straight. They are bad enough on their own.
When we get 60 Senators who listen to the people after a House majority held onto, one of first orders of business must be to impeach Judge Thomas and the Senate uphold.
The Kavanaugh appointment was a farce and he must be removed. Anita Hill tried to tell us about the monster living in the black body...we went ahead anyways. Our politicians only accept evidence if it somehow strengthens their re-election hopes. We the people have to get serious about term limits.
If there were any doubt, it’s now clear that Judge Cannon is fully in the tank for T___p. A normal, unbiased judge, particularly one who’s a relative rookie, would think long and hard before overruling an experienced judge like Raymond Dearie. Cannon rushed to hamper his work as much as she could. She ought to be a removed from the case. The Chief Judge of the District is Cecilia Antonaga, a Bush II appointee who was earlier appointed to the state bench by Lawton Chiles. While I think it unlikely that she’ll show the fiber to do so, she could and should re-assign the case to a real judge. (For those who have followed the ins and outs closely, Trump filed the case in Ft. Pierce, rather than down the block from Ma-a-Grifto in West Palm Beach, to get it before her. Such judge-shopping is typically frowned upon.)
“DeSantis’s double standard is not something that should be held against the victims of Hurricane Ian.”
I completely concur and your letter yesterday made the point that we are all here for each other and government at every level should deliver for the common good.
However, I will point out DeSantis hipocracy should be held against him and considered as disqualifying for any role in government or public service.
As a Floridian of 75 years, thank you for your thoughts on our latest once in a century storm. We will continue to hold dearly those who suffer from an increase in terrible fires, drought, tornadoes, etc. One question, though. Can you imagine how bad things would be if global warming were actually real?
We simply cannot cede power to a "party" that relies on fossil fuel interests and denies climate change. Likely it is already too late, but that would certainly be the end. VOTE BLUE!!
I notice in DeSantis’ briefings, he is reading from a script, which tells me it was prepared by someone else. He is trying to convey that he is on top of the situation. I recall Andrew Cuomo’s Covid briefings when he spoke extemporaneously without even referring to notes. I think DeSantis is regarding this as is chance to bank some presidential credibility but he’s coming up short.
At some point, we humans need to accept that we can't do certain things in certain geographic locations. No growing of water-huntry crops in the desert. No living in/n flood-prone areas and barrier islands Iand more). We have done this to ourselves. We have to stop bleeding trillions of dollars to support these behaviors. JMO.
Not just your opinion, mine too and time we stopped paying people to rebuild in high-risk areas after the destruction has passed.
Not only that, but we taxpayers subsidize their homeowners insurance!
David, are you referring to NFIP( National Flood Insurance Program) ?That is separate from my homeowner’s/property insurance that certainly isn’t subsidized.
Absolutely - however unrealistic are the prospects for change any time soon.
I have a relative who lives in a coastal city in Florida. She said to me once that they couldn't sell their house if they wanted to because "every house here is for sale." They also have to self-insure their home. They live just off the Gulf, on the shores of a bay.
Yes, lots of insurance companies have either gone out of business or will just not write policies in places like that.
Given the terrible destruction caused by Hurricane Ian, it is tragic irony that Florida is responsible for Al Gore losing his election for President to Bush. Gore was talking about global warming; he was a knowledgeable environmentalist.
I truly believe that had he become president, Gore would have made important strides towards helping to save our planet!
Had Gore become President we would not have gone into Iraq and 9/11 might have been thwarted given the likelihood that he would have attended to information the Bush admin ignored.....
A fact that we gloss over too easily. The Supreme Court stopped a legal process of election review that could have handed the future of the planet to a President with a brain. The role of "W" in ignoring the Clinton administrations advice about the rising terrorism and the subsequent boondoggles of Afghanistan and Iraq are the the most costly blunders in American history. Trillions of dollars wasted. Climate change denied. Millions of people killed or wounded or dislocated from their homes. The subsequent creation of ISIS by removing all Sunni personnel from the "new Iraq" was mind blowingly stupid.
All because of a few "hanging chads" and the overreach of a Supreme Court packed by Federalist fascists.
I recall, the Ayatollah of originalist hocus pocus, Scalia deemed no recount would be made because to drag out the naming of the election winner would ‘damage little bush’s presidency!’
Originalist? Indeed, please someone find that rationale stated in the USConstitution!
Let’s look for a pattern here fellow readers, in the Heller case Scalia redefined a well formed militia as anyone who owned a gun, think of terrorists who stormed Capitol on Jan 6, in Gore v Bush he ignored US law.
Many of you could add to this brief list which would show Scalia as one of the worst con men to ever sit on the bench!
Even our beloved RBG was snookered by his commentary on their mutual interest Classical Operas!
I respectfully disagree re. the reason Dubya became President. The Dems made the fatal mistake of not requesting recounts in EVERY Florida county instead of cherry picking, allowing the Court the wiggle room it wanted.
If Gore had won his home state of Tennessee he would have been elected President and the sideshow in Florida would have been irrelevant.
Yup.
I would note, Bill, that in 2001, I think, the NYT concluded that a complete count probably would have had Bush winning the state by a few hundred votes.
The point is Scalia’s decision to stop the recount was not based in US Law!
I think Bill's comment suggested that Gore, rather than Bush, would have won. If that was not the case, then the debate shifts to the ground that you raise.
I believe I recall correctly that Gore requested a few counties do a recount because of hanging chads. In that recount, Gore lost by 100 and something votes. After the SCOTUS decision, The Saint Petersburg Times invited other newspapers to a state-wide recount and sure enough, Gore won the state.
I stand corrected! That may be true. But it doesn't alter my anger.
However, facts are still welcome in my head :)
No way to know that now.
And not have had Dick "I Never Saw a War I Didn't Like" Cheney in his cabinet.
Gore is still an environmental activist and expert.
I just awoke here in Spain. After reading this newsletter my heart is racing and I'm out of breath. For me, the most deplorable of the deplorable moments was Mark Meadows, ¨The fight for good versus evil¨. I am weary. They are Evil incarnate. Every single, despicable one of them. We must prevail. The future of the world depends upon it.
Stay calm, Galilee. We are going to win. It is just a matter of time.
My core is steel. ❤️🤍💙
Funny, I just awakened in Portugal (headed to Spain) and my heart started racing…Robert, you help those chilling forces, while keeping it beating rhythmically!
If you are coming to Basque country let me know!
I am heading to Porto and walking from there to Santiago, Spain. Thanks!!
Have an incredible experience!
Awesome!
Meadows and BOTH Clarence and Ginni.
Robert, your nine minutes of copy are worth more than three billion words by any other reporter! Just saying!
Amen.
On the bright side, we are winning two very important victories right now. The PA Governor race is safely in Democratic hands due to Mastriano's terrible campaign. That means Josh Shapiro will appoint a fair Secretary of State. The same goes for Michigan where the GOP is falling apart. We're also winning New Hampshire's senate race and Arizona's. The GOP no longer has a feasible path to 60 seats by 2024. All of these are big wins even though there is much more to do. But even if we're scared, its up to us to ensure the best future possible for younger generations. And we can do it.
I surely hope you are right and not just optimistic!!
Thanks… needed that!
Nothing is certain yet. I talk to far too many people, especially. young people, who don't even know there's an election, much less what's at stake in Pa.
Re: Ginni - she didn't inhale either.
LOL!!
Thank you, Robert. I still think you made the right call last night, though your reader who commented on the alacrity of many (myself included and I'd do it again) to call out the atrocious availability and idealization of guns in this country immediately when a mass shooting happens made a good point.
You have worked so hard this year. I'm going to imagine you and your Managing Editor on your way to Hawaii.
Thank you for your good, thoughtful, thorough works. As to having decided to wait out the east coast storm out of respect for the Floridians, then stepping up to post today’s newsletter with 9 minutes to spare, thank you. To those who disagreed with your decision to hold off writing your column in the midst of Hurricane Ian the following comes to mind: You cannot please all of the people all of the time. You are not pizza.
You do a terrific job.
Grievance junkies
Plus, he openly acknowledges the opinions of those who disagree with his choices and allows the discussions that follow. This is the behavior of a democrat and a big part of why we are here. So, do listen to them - to everyone - and do lead the discussion and thank you for being that way.
Federal money sent to help Florida should stipulate that it cannot be used to transport immigrants out of state. We should hammer in the point that DeSantis spent 12 million dollars of Florida’s Covid relief funds for his flight to Martha’s Vineyard stunt.
While I abhor DeSantis, that particular stunt cost just over $600,000. The 12 million was the total budget for dealing with migration issues. We need to keep the facts straight. They are bad enough on their own.
When we get 60 Senators who listen to the people after a House majority held onto, one of first orders of business must be to impeach Judge Thomas and the Senate uphold.
Judge Cannon as well. She has no interest in fact-finding, as she well knows the facts will hang her overlord.
The Kavanaugh appointment was a farce and he must be removed. Anita Hill tried to tell us about the monster living in the black body...we went ahead anyways. Our politicians only accept evidence if it somehow strengthens their re-election hopes. We the people have to get serious about term limits.
Amen!
If there were any doubt, it’s now clear that Judge Cannon is fully in the tank for T___p. A normal, unbiased judge, particularly one who’s a relative rookie, would think long and hard before overruling an experienced judge like Raymond Dearie. Cannon rushed to hamper his work as much as she could. She ought to be a removed from the case. The Chief Judge of the District is Cecilia Antonaga, a Bush II appointee who was earlier appointed to the state bench by Lawton Chiles. While I think it unlikely that she’ll show the fiber to do so, she could and should re-assign the case to a real judge. (For those who have followed the ins and outs closely, Trump filed the case in Ft. Pierce, rather than down the block from Ma-a-Grifto in West Palm Beach, to get it before her. Such judge-shopping is typically frowned upon.)
And impeachment proceedings should be initiated immediately.
Might be satisfying, but would be a waste of effort.
I'll take satisfying - and they should check her pockets because I'm certain they are being lined.
“DeSantis’s double standard is not something that should be held against the victims of Hurricane Ian.”
I completely concur and your letter yesterday made the point that we are all here for each other and government at every level should deliver for the common good.
However, I will point out DeSantis hipocracy should be held against him and considered as disqualifying for any role in government or public service.
Words fail me regarding Gini Thomas & the judge 🤦♀️
As a Floridian of 75 years, thank you for your thoughts on our latest once in a century storm. We will continue to hold dearly those who suffer from an increase in terrible fires, drought, tornadoes, etc. One question, though. Can you imagine how bad things would be if global warming were actually real?
We simply cannot cede power to a "party" that relies on fossil fuel interests and denies climate change. Likely it is already too late, but that would certainly be the end. VOTE BLUE!!
Peter Dorman’s new book
Alligators in the Artic and how to Avoid them
A timely and excellent book that highlights what we need to do and where our policies are off. Amazon Prime. Excellent read!
Thank you Casey. I will look for it.
I notice in DeSantis’ briefings, he is reading from a script, which tells me it was prepared by someone else. He is trying to convey that he is on top of the situation. I recall Andrew Cuomo’s Covid briefings when he spoke extemporaneously without even referring to notes. I think DeSantis is regarding this as is chance to bank some presidential credibility but he’s coming up short.