Yes yes yes, Robert. All that and then some more. Real people are feeling real pain at the grocery store still. Crime seems everywhere to many. Immigration is a festering wound we refuse to engage. Healthcare access is expensive and often just not reachable.
BUT come November 2024, people will remember that it is Republicans who refuse to govern. It is Republicans who want to control healthcare decisions for women. It is Republicans who withhold aid to our allies in their extreme moment of need. And It is Republicans who continue to shred the very fabric of this society. Shame on all of them.
While November 2024’s vote may be the most important political action we each take of our lifetime, it’s critical to remember that we are not without power to make a political difference every moment between right now and then.
For example, if you consider every dollar we each individually spend goes to support some company that in turn uses OUR money for THEIR agenda, then you begin to see opportunities to shape the political environment on a purchase by purchase basis.
This takes something to do like online research and perhaps making different choices that then disrupts our established practices. Every vision no matter how fine must be paid for. We each have ongoing daily opportunities to move our landscape into a better future of our making. Don't wait till next November. Have courage to $vote today!
I try to do this at every opportunity. I'll not give money to Pepisco as they are still operating in Russia almost two years after the war started. They have many brands here in the US. I also do not shop at Home Depot when Lowes is available. The former is much more likely to donate to Republican candidates. Those are just two off my list of boycotted corporations and countries of origin. Vote with your dollars every chance you get.
Gosh I love this Today’s Edition community. Do we have a source for tracking corporations that continue to exploit the phony “free market economy” without applying any criteria that would suggest they have a “moral compass?”
Robert Reich’s newsletter currently well makes the point that bailouts, tax breaks, and federal subsidies amount to socialism for the richest while everyone else lives in a capitalist society. This distorts the value we think we are.
Many compasses are thrown overboard daily with each act taken and each one of us now needs to generate and live true to our own compass newly each and every day.
I queried your question to chatgpt and got this: Tracking corporations that exploit the "free market economy" without applying ethical criteria can be challenging. You may want to explore resources like corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports, independent watchdog organizations, and financial news outlets to gain insights into a company's practices and values. Keep in mind that perspectives on what constitutes exploitation can vary, so cross-referencing information from multiple sources may provide a more comprehensive view.
Then asked: User
Suggest several specific sources. And got: 1. **CSR Reports:**
- Check the corporate social responsibility reports of the companies you're interested in. These reports often detail a company's efforts in ethical and sustainable practices.
2. **Transparency International:**
- Transparency International monitors corruption and unethical practices globally. Their reports can shed light on corporate behavior and transparency.
3. **Business & Human Rights Resource Centre:**
- This organization tracks the human rights impacts of over 9,000 companies worldwide. Their website provides detailed information on various industries and specific companies.
4. **Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Ratings:**
- Explore ESG ratings from agencies like MSCI, Sustainalytics, or Bloomberg. These ratings evaluate companies based on environmental, social, and governance criteria.
5. **Financial News Outlets:**
- Follow investigative journalism from reputable financial news outlets. Journalists often uncover and report on corporate practices and misconduct.
6. **Corporate Watchdog Organizations:**
- Organizations such as Public Citizen, Corporate Accountability, and Global Witness focus on corporate accountability and can provide insights into exploitative practices.
Remember to critically evaluate information from various sources to form a well-rounded perspective on a company's conduct.
Please help make the stolen classified documents case part of the conversation.
To me it is the most unambiguous crime with implications of treason. Even those who believe Trump had reasons to try to stop the certification of an election he thought was rigged can see that boxes of national secrets illegally taken and hidden cannot be defended. One doesn’t need to be a fan of spy movies and novels to get the gist of how unpatriotic and unAmerican this is.
The judge in that case is a real problem, and I believe she is going to delay it until after the election. The fact that Jack Smith is pursuing the election interference case with such determination says, to me, that he feels he has the goods in the DC case. And he will not let this case be pushed back by Trump's nonsense. Not to say the document case isn't important. It involves national security, and will be tried. Just not in time for the election!
The court of public opinion is where the voters are the judge and jury. The Florida judge stalling is one of the things the public can sense is a danger and part of the story.
I'd like to see more information about how corporations from grocers to oil&gas have made record profits in the past several years -- while inflation has continued to decrease under Biden's watch. Is it possible that there's ANOTHER REASON! for rising prices other than something Biden has any control over? (P.S. I've seen statistics on the rise in profits and can find them by Googling again if anyone doubts this.)
And the petroleum companies were the worst as far as using the money provided to ordinary people at the end of the pandemic to fatten up their bottom lines. They recognized the consumer had more purchasing power so they raised prices w/o having any need to. Their profit and stock price increases during that period were spectacular. It was plain and simple greed which rippled through the economy. I wonder if anyone has calculated how much of the resulting inflation can be solely laid at their feet.
I did see something about this recently -- I think either in the WaPo or The Guardian. I'll look it up again, but you can, too. It was maybe within a week or 10 days ... We're definitely not getting the 'word out' on this issue, that's for sure.
The inflation argument is flawed because defining inflation is difficult because of what is included or excluded and the reality is no president can control it. The off setting factor is the number of new jobs created above minimum wage and Biden has done an excellent job.
Well, Jack Smith’s latest efforts will surely test the SCOTUS. I’d be reluctant to hold my breathe with two justices, maybe three - Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito,and Brent Kavanaugh (maybe? Hm! That’s a weak maybe.). These are folks who have been well vetted by The Federalist Society and Leonard Leo. They have shown with recent rulings their ability to ignore precedent and be creative authors that have already soiled their legacy.
The President can't control prices at the gas pump and grocery store. That is done by Trump's wealthy corporate donors, who know it will help Trump if voters blame Biden for the outrageous prices the greedy corporations impose.
It is also done by the Democrats' wealthy donors -- probably more so in certain industries/less in others by political party, but both are under the thumb.
Let me say how much I appreciate this well-written, valuable newsletter, Sir! You, along with Dr. Heather Cox Richardson, give us the information that is needed to stay informed & motivated, rather than overwhelmed & despairing. Thank you!
HCR's Letter today was the most depressing she's ever written. These are scary times. Thanks for all you do as a cheerleader for democracy in the face of descending darkness.
Never have I skipped reading HCR’s newsletter. But today I am skipping based on your warning that it’s the most depressing she’s ever written. Going with self-care instead. Truly appreciate the head’s up.
And, I would add, Joyce Vance's Civil Discourse. I used to start my mornings with the LA Times, and I do still read it, but now I start with Robert, HCR, and Joyce. And, Kareem when he posts a newsletter :)
The Texas Supreme Court's decision against Cox was unsigned. We don't know who voted how. We do know that the Texas Supreme Court (there are actually two courts. The other one deals exclusively with criminal cases.) has nine members and all of them are Republicans. Unless we learn otherwise, we should assume that all nine voted to prevent Cox from getting an abortion in Texas. (As most of you know, she went elsewhere).
Three of the nine members of the Court are up for election in 2024. The three are
Place 2: Jimmy Blaylock -- a Yale Law School graduate who was appointed by Governor Greg Abbott in 2018.
Place 4: John P Devine -- a South Texas Law School graduate described by Wikipedia as a far right anti-abortion activist. He was elected in 2012.
Place 6: Jane Bland -- a University of Texas Law School graduate who was appointed by Governor Greg Abbott.
Ballotpedia describes each of them as Strong Republican.
Let's watch for the Democratic candidates and support them -- even though Sabato's Crystal Ball says the Supreme Court races to watch are in Kentucky, Michigan, Montana, North Carolina, and Ohio.
This is excellent information that should be shared widely with Texas voters. And there seems to be good reason to include Texas with those other states when we recognize the horrors of yesterday’s decision along with the continuing efforts to deny transgender healthcare- both mental & medical. Texas might not turn around on a dime but we must aggressively assert pressure up and down the ballot.
I think 'many' is a very subjective label. Texas -- according to Paxton, I believe, speaking about the 2020 election -- is getting more and more purple and per Paxton, if he hadn't deleted a large number of mail-in ballots due to timing issues (I believe: not illegal ballots), Biden would have carried the state. So, I don't have the facts to back this up but my 50 years of living here tells me that particularly this version of reproductive health care rights isn't popular here.
The R's are very good at purging voter rolls of voters they don't like in a late time frame. That way the process can't work out before election time. Election interference if there ever was. I check my voter registration to be sure I haven't mysteriously disappeared from the rolls.
The sadistic Republicans in TX prove that their only want to force people to give birth. The legislature and the courts are practicing medicine without a license. Do they care if more maternal deaths happen? NO, especially not if those people are Black or People of Color. They are practicing governmental sexual violence against the women of Texas. The power to be cruel is the point.
It's easy to give up. As I said, I've lived in Texas 50+ years and no one here gives up and that goes for both sides. So, it's an ongoing battle. Not seeing a clear outcome doesn't give me the grace to stop trying to achieve it.
A little off topic but it made me feel hopeful. The Governor of Wyoming is a Republican, but a good and decent. He believes in climate change because he see's the effects in his state. He is taking a "do it all" approach. Digging coal but also hiring high tech to recapture emmissions. Putting in 600 super wind mills that will power over 1 million homes in California, Capturing Nuclear energy. Hiring Tech firms to harness the energy from burning flares off gas lines and on and on. Watch the piece, it's facinating. It's clearly the most conservative state. They voted Liz Cheney out but this is different. This man knows his land, he is a rancher and he sees first hand what global warming is doing. It brings unlikely people together to make a big difference in climate. It was heart warming.
I saw the “60 Minutes” piece. It was impressive, as was the Governor of Wyoming. I think that, in many ways, he’s ahead of the standard-issue climate activists.
Today, I told my best friend in all sincerity — he had been awfulizing about the GOP, 45, and polling— that if he did not vote, I would never speak to him again.
It's a bad look for Mike Johnson and the senior ranks of the GOP to be welcoming Victor Orban with open arms and denying Ukraine aid it sorely needs to defeat Russia. Of course, Orban is great friends with Putin. I think it's not too great a reach to look at Lindberg's "America First" rallies in the late 1930s and see that, indeed, history is repeating itself - it's not just rhyming.
Thank you, Robert, for your reporting about Katie Cox, who literally was forced by our state’s attorney general to flee Texas to save her life and future fertility.
Like Ms. Cox, our family has means many do not have. Two of our adult children have left the state. The third and her husband are still here. They are struggling to start a family. Should she become pregnant, it would be high risk, and we will advise them to relocate. Despite plenty of resources, healthcare decisions would not be theirs to make.
Those not in a state like ours cannot imagine what this feels like. And writing lawmakers, etc., has no effect in a state so gerrymandered and where there are so many loopholes for voter registration and voting.
But voting out these cruel nut jobs is the only thing that will get us out of this mess.
If you’re looking for a nonpartisan non-profit group to support that is busting its buns registering then educating voters, all with only volunteers, please consider supporting www.lwvrichardson.org for our voter registration and education work.
Your point isn't made widely enough, I think; that it requires the financial resources the vast majority of people simply don't have to be able to leave Texas (huge, of course, geographically, so expensive to actually just go out of state in any direction) and miss time at work, have any other children taken care of while away, etc. etc. That's part of the control process, though; if you keep 'em barefoot (financially dependent) and pregnant they won't try to be full human beings...
Yes, Americans will vote for the party that moves them. MAGA is a movement that has swept much of the country. Democrats mostly talk about being ANTI-MAGA. We need to create and pitch a beautiful tomorrow to have as powerful a movement as MAGA Republicans. As activists, let's develop that language starting now: We are the party that protects human rights. We are the party that protects our earth. We are the party that empowers workers. We are the party that supports veterans and seniors and families. Our messaging needs to say what we are for and what we are doing - in a positive, powerful way, over and over again.
True- but that could come during a canvassing moment, when people have the chance to listen to the primary concerns of the voter at the door. My main point is to encourage all of us to make a movement that's compelling, rather than fearful.
I have a campaign idea that does what you suggest but don't know how to contact Joe's campaign headquarters. I contacted my state's Dem headquarters but have not heard back. Do you know?
Have you tried contacting your county Dems committee? It's pretty challenging to affect a national campaign - there are plenty of staffers hired to do this - but we can have a huge effect on our county committee, or our municipal committee. Think global, but act very, very local - that's my mantra. Connect with your local Dems for ways to further your idea. Good luck!
Focusing on opportunities for engagement and Run for Something, Jessica Craven offers a match for donations:
"I am thrilled to announce a new matching fund challenge! One of my readers has generously offered to match our donations to Run for Something up to 15K! Aaaaah! It’s a dream come true for me, as I am deeply, deeply passionate about this organization. The match runs until the end of the year. Can we do it? YES WE CAN!
For those of you who don’t know them, RFS recruits young progressives to run for office across the country for municipal, school board, election administrator, county supervisor, and statehouse seats. Their candidates have a high win rate and their school board candidates absolutely destroyed Moms for Liberty everywhere in November. (Their school board win rate was 72%.) Here’s a list of their recent successes. It’ll blow your mind. Oh, and they elected 138 election clerks this year, including 34 wins against noted election deniers. Their candidates tend to go on to phenomenal things–so they’re also building a bench! SO IMPORTANT! When I say that this organization is saving the country I am not exaggerating."
The Texas Supreme Court upheld what it saw as Texas law. The problem is with Texas Law. It's a majority of elected legislators voted in from across Texas who have written and passed laws that are cruelly focused on proscribing the freedoms of their women citizens. It's the legislature. The peoples' representatives who did this. I don't understand why this isn't the strongest "Don't live here, don't get your education here" advertising in the whole world!
Robert, thank you, thank you for continuing to write this daily thoughtful and rational newsletter to help us cope with the tragedies and challenges of our times. I am grateful everyday for your wisdom and perspective.
PEOPLE born after 1985 often CAN't READ CURSIVE!!! Postcarding is an effective action, BUT you need to print or use typewritten labels for the message. This is not highlighted on the websites that advocate postcarding and needs to be.
Yes. This is true. In recent years our granddaughters explained the couldn’t read our cursive postcards. We have moved to print with them as well as young and old voters.
Not exactly on topic -- but I continue to wonder why there's not more speculation in 'the media' and noise in general made about why Trump is so desperate to return to power. He wants to stay out of prison and this is his only potential route to doing so and he knows it.
I’m sure no one reading this will disagree, but I still need to point out that the battle over abortion is not just about women’s rights, but about the rights of all people. If the state can tell a woman that she does not have dominion over her own body, no rights are safe. So men, too, have a vital interest in the issue.
Hi, Jon. That is why I use the phrase "reproductive liberty." I believe that the right is one of the liberties protected by the Bill of Rights and 14th Amendment. it is not just a right to an abortion, or the right to make a choice. It is a liberty guaranteed by the Constitution, like speech, association, freedom from religious persecution, unreasonable searches, et.
I was surprised that only 12% of 16 and 17 year olds in California pre registered to vote when they turn 18. If preregistration was linked to an application for a drivers permit at 16 there would be 100%!
That's how we roll (literally) in NY! My 16 y.o. got her permit AND preregistration card in the mail. She has been voting with me since she was a babe in arms. She is thrilled to be voting in her first ever election in ...November 2024. ;)
So lovely the image of your daughter voting with you since 'a babe in arms.' And awesome she's thrilled to be voting next November. She learned early and well! 💞
As always a clear understanding of the intersection of all the issues that affect us! We thought 2020 was the mountain to climb but reaching that peak we see larger peaks ahead of us before we reach the valley of Democracy, social Justice and equity among not only citizens of this country but the world. Thanks Robert.
Yes yes yes, Robert. All that and then some more. Real people are feeling real pain at the grocery store still. Crime seems everywhere to many. Immigration is a festering wound we refuse to engage. Healthcare access is expensive and often just not reachable.
BUT come November 2024, people will remember that it is Republicans who refuse to govern. It is Republicans who want to control healthcare decisions for women. It is Republicans who withhold aid to our allies in their extreme moment of need. And It is Republicans who continue to shred the very fabric of this society. Shame on all of them.
While November 2024’s vote may be the most important political action we each take of our lifetime, it’s critical to remember that we are not without power to make a political difference every moment between right now and then.
For example, if you consider every dollar we each individually spend goes to support some company that in turn uses OUR money for THEIR agenda, then you begin to see opportunities to shape the political environment on a purchase by purchase basis.
This takes something to do like online research and perhaps making different choices that then disrupts our established practices. Every vision no matter how fine must be paid for. We each have ongoing daily opportunities to move our landscape into a better future of our making. Don't wait till next November. Have courage to $vote today!
I try to do this at every opportunity. I'll not give money to Pepisco as they are still operating in Russia almost two years after the war started. They have many brands here in the US. I also do not shop at Home Depot when Lowes is available. The former is much more likely to donate to Republican candidates. Those are just two off my list of boycotted corporations and countries of origin. Vote with your dollars every chance you get.
And inform the companies from whom your withholding business what you're doing and why.
Gosh I love this Today’s Edition community. Do we have a source for tracking corporations that continue to exploit the phony “free market economy” without applying any criteria that would suggest they have a “moral compass?”
Robert Reich’s newsletter currently well makes the point that bailouts, tax breaks, and federal subsidies amount to socialism for the richest while everyone else lives in a capitalist society. This distorts the value we think we are.
Many compasses are thrown overboard daily with each act taken and each one of us now needs to generate and live true to our own compass newly each and every day.
I queried your question to chatgpt and got this: Tracking corporations that exploit the "free market economy" without applying ethical criteria can be challenging. You may want to explore resources like corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports, independent watchdog organizations, and financial news outlets to gain insights into a company's practices and values. Keep in mind that perspectives on what constitutes exploitation can vary, so cross-referencing information from multiple sources may provide a more comprehensive view.
Then asked: User
Suggest several specific sources. And got: 1. **CSR Reports:**
- Check the corporate social responsibility reports of the companies you're interested in. These reports often detail a company's efforts in ethical and sustainable practices.
2. **Transparency International:**
- Transparency International monitors corruption and unethical practices globally. Their reports can shed light on corporate behavior and transparency.
3. **Business & Human Rights Resource Centre:**
- This organization tracks the human rights impacts of over 9,000 companies worldwide. Their website provides detailed information on various industries and specific companies.
4. **Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Ratings:**
- Explore ESG ratings from agencies like MSCI, Sustainalytics, or Bloomberg. These ratings evaluate companies based on environmental, social, and governance criteria.
5. **Financial News Outlets:**
- Follow investigative journalism from reputable financial news outlets. Journalists often uncover and report on corporate practices and misconduct.
6. **Corporate Watchdog Organizations:**
- Organizations such as Public Citizen, Corporate Accountability, and Global Witness focus on corporate accountability and can provide insights into exploitative practices.
Remember to critically evaluate information from various sources to form a well-rounded perspective on a company's conduct.
Thanks for another good newsletter.
Please help make the stolen classified documents case part of the conversation.
To me it is the most unambiguous crime with implications of treason. Even those who believe Trump had reasons to try to stop the certification of an election he thought was rigged can see that boxes of national secrets illegally taken and hidden cannot be defended. One doesn’t need to be a fan of spy movies and novels to get the gist of how unpatriotic and unAmerican this is.
The judge in that case is a real problem, and I believe she is going to delay it until after the election. The fact that Jack Smith is pursuing the election interference case with such determination says, to me, that he feels he has the goods in the DC case. And he will not let this case be pushed back by Trump's nonsense. Not to say the document case isn't important. It involves national security, and will be tried. Just not in time for the election!
If we (pro-democracy, anti-authoritarian) win the 2024 national election, the corrupt Florida judge won't be able to save him.
I hope you're right!
The court of public opinion is where the voters are the judge and jury. The Florida judge stalling is one of the things the public can sense is a danger and part of the story.
I'd like to see more information about how corporations from grocers to oil&gas have made record profits in the past several years -- while inflation has continued to decrease under Biden's watch. Is it possible that there's ANOTHER REASON! for rising prices other than something Biden has any control over? (P.S. I've seen statistics on the rise in profits and can find them by Googling again if anyone doubts this.)
And the petroleum companies were the worst as far as using the money provided to ordinary people at the end of the pandemic to fatten up their bottom lines. They recognized the consumer had more purchasing power so they raised prices w/o having any need to. Their profit and stock price increases during that period were spectacular. It was plain and simple greed which rippled through the economy. I wonder if anyone has calculated how much of the resulting inflation can be solely laid at their feet.
I did see something about this recently -- I think either in the WaPo or The Guardian. I'll look it up again, but you can, too. It was maybe within a week or 10 days ... We're definitely not getting the 'word out' on this issue, that's for sure.
The inflation argument is flawed because defining inflation is difficult because of what is included or excluded and the reality is no president can control it. The off setting factor is the number of new jobs created above minimum wage and Biden has done an excellent job.
I should have said "something Biden has NO control over" re inflation... That's what happens when I don't check my work. I agree with you completely.
Meredith, you can self-edit a comment by clicking on the three dots in the right margin.
Thanks!
Well, Jack Smith’s latest efforts will surely test the SCOTUS. I’d be reluctant to hold my breathe with two justices, maybe three - Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito,and Brent Kavanaugh (maybe? Hm! That’s a weak maybe.). These are folks who have been well vetted by The Federalist Society and Leonard Leo. They have shown with recent rulings their ability to ignore precedent and be creative authors that have already soiled their legacy.
The President can't control prices at the gas pump and grocery store. That is done by Trump's wealthy corporate donors, who know it will help Trump if voters blame Biden for the outrageous prices the greedy corporations impose.
It is also done by the Democrats' wealthy donors -- probably more so in certain industries/less in others by political party, but both are under the thumb.
Yikes!
Maybe they will remember let’s hope so and let’s hope Trump was found guilty
Let me say how much I appreciate this well-written, valuable newsletter, Sir! You, along with Dr. Heather Cox Richardson, give us the information that is needed to stay informed & motivated, rather than overwhelmed & despairing. Thank you!
Honored to be mentioned in the same sentence as HCR! thanks!
Robert, you & she are like a valuable two-sided coin; we need you BOTH...keep up the great work cause we SO need you two.....!!
HCR's Letter today was the most depressing she's ever written. These are scary times. Thanks for all you do as a cheerleader for democracy in the face of descending darkness.
Never have I skipped reading HCR’s newsletter. But today I am skipping based on your warning that it’s the most depressing she’s ever written. Going with self-care instead. Truly appreciate the head’s up.
You each play vital roles with different but informative and reliable sources and resources. Bravo!
And, I would add, Joyce Vance's Civil Discourse. I used to start my mornings with the LA Times, and I do still read it, but now I start with Robert, HCR, and Joyce. And, Kareem when he posts a newsletter :)
The Texas Supreme Court's decision against Cox was unsigned. We don't know who voted how. We do know that the Texas Supreme Court (there are actually two courts. The other one deals exclusively with criminal cases.) has nine members and all of them are Republicans. Unless we learn otherwise, we should assume that all nine voted to prevent Cox from getting an abortion in Texas. (As most of you know, she went elsewhere).
Three of the nine members of the Court are up for election in 2024. The three are
Place 2: Jimmy Blaylock -- a Yale Law School graduate who was appointed by Governor Greg Abbott in 2018.
Place 4: John P Devine -- a South Texas Law School graduate described by Wikipedia as a far right anti-abortion activist. He was elected in 2012.
Place 6: Jane Bland -- a University of Texas Law School graduate who was appointed by Governor Greg Abbott.
Ballotpedia describes each of them as Strong Republican.
Let's watch for the Democratic candidates and support them -- even though Sabato's Crystal Ball says the Supreme Court races to watch are in Kentucky, Michigan, Montana, North Carolina, and Ohio.
Hi, Len! Thanks for the really useful information above.
The opinion was issued "Per Curiam," which means "for the court" and indicates unanimous agreement.
No signatures! Oh what cowards! These guys would be the ones who would not fess up to being the one who did it playing ‘ring and run’. Children
This is excellent information that should be shared widely with Texas voters. And there seems to be good reason to include Texas with those other states when we recognize the horrors of yesterday’s decision along with the continuing efforts to deny transgender healthcare- both mental & medical. Texas might not turn around on a dime but we must aggressively assert pressure up and down the ballot.
Thanks for sharing who is up for re-election but the reality in Texas is many voters support this decision regarding abortions.
I think 'many' is a very subjective label. Texas -- according to Paxton, I believe, speaking about the 2020 election -- is getting more and more purple and per Paxton, if he hadn't deleted a large number of mail-in ballots due to timing issues (I believe: not illegal ballots), Biden would have carried the state. So, I don't have the facts to back this up but my 50 years of living here tells me that particularly this version of reproductive health care rights isn't popular here.
The R's are very good at purging voter rolls of voters they don't like in a late time frame. That way the process can't work out before election time. Election interference if there ever was. I check my voter registration to be sure I haven't mysteriously disappeared from the rolls.
The sadistic Republicans in TX prove that their only want to force people to give birth. The legislature and the courts are practicing medicine without a license. Do they care if more maternal deaths happen? NO, especially not if those people are Black or People of Color. They are practicing governmental sexual violence against the women of Texas. The power to be cruel is the point.
I hope your right but forgive me if I am not confident this is true in a state that has elected Abbott and Cruz and Paxton.
It's easy to give up. As I said, I've lived in Texas 50+ years and no one here gives up and that goes for both sides. So, it's an ongoing battle. Not seeing a clear outcome doesn't give me the grace to stop trying to achieve it.
Thank you for not giving up...the battle must be so disheartening though.
Of course, it is. But, I'm by nature pretty stubborn [tenacious?] and sometimes I'm fueled by the conflict ..
Especially Paxton, given his legal woes...Please read: https://www.kvue.com/article/news/politics/ken-paxton-legal-timeline/269-8687d458-ee79-429b-9531-8cf90bacee69
Let's hope that causes people to vote against them in the next election!
A little off topic but it made me feel hopeful. The Governor of Wyoming is a Republican, but a good and decent. He believes in climate change because he see's the effects in his state. He is taking a "do it all" approach. Digging coal but also hiring high tech to recapture emmissions. Putting in 600 super wind mills that will power over 1 million homes in California, Capturing Nuclear energy. Hiring Tech firms to harness the energy from burning flares off gas lines and on and on. Watch the piece, it's facinating. It's clearly the most conservative state. They voted Liz Cheney out but this is different. This man knows his land, he is a rancher and he sees first hand what global warming is doing. It brings unlikely people together to make a big difference in climate. It was heart warming.
Adaline, do you have a link to the piece or even just the name of the media source? Thanks
I think this may be in reference to the latest 60 Minutes episode
It was 60 minutes and the piece was called “Red and Green”. The reddest state and the bluest state working together in a breathtaking way.
I saw the “60 Minutes” piece. It was impressive, as was the Governor of Wyoming. I think that, in many ways, he’s ahead of the standard-issue climate activists.
Jack Smith deserves the Medal of Honor.
Today, I told my best friend in all sincerity — he had been awfulizing about the GOP, 45, and polling— that if he did not vote, I would never speak to him again.
Love the word "awfulizing." thanks for using it!
"Awfulizing" is indeed a wonderful neologism!
It's better than "bad-mouthing."
It's a bad look for Mike Johnson and the senior ranks of the GOP to be welcoming Victor Orban with open arms and denying Ukraine aid it sorely needs to defeat Russia. Of course, Orban is great friends with Putin. I think it's not too great a reach to look at Lindberg's "America First" rallies in the late 1930s and see that, indeed, history is repeating itself - it's not just rhyming.
More than a bad look. It's positively traitorous.
Good point. Let’s see how the media handles it.
And let’s see if there are any Republicans who don’t want to hand victory to Putin.
Thank you, Robert, for your reporting about Katie Cox, who literally was forced by our state’s attorney general to flee Texas to save her life and future fertility.
Like Ms. Cox, our family has means many do not have. Two of our adult children have left the state. The third and her husband are still here. They are struggling to start a family. Should she become pregnant, it would be high risk, and we will advise them to relocate. Despite plenty of resources, healthcare decisions would not be theirs to make.
Those not in a state like ours cannot imagine what this feels like. And writing lawmakers, etc., has no effect in a state so gerrymandered and where there are so many loopholes for voter registration and voting.
But voting out these cruel nut jobs is the only thing that will get us out of this mess.
If you’re looking for a nonpartisan non-profit group to support that is busting its buns registering then educating voters, all with only volunteers, please consider supporting www.lwvrichardson.org for our voter registration and education work.
I’m grateful for this Morning Edition community!
Cathy, thanks for mentioning LWVRichardson.org. I will try to promote tonight.
Your point isn't made widely enough, I think; that it requires the financial resources the vast majority of people simply don't have to be able to leave Texas (huge, of course, geographically, so expensive to actually just go out of state in any direction) and miss time at work, have any other children taken care of while away, etc. etc. That's part of the control process, though; if you keep 'em barefoot (financially dependent) and pregnant they won't try to be full human beings...
Yes, Americans will vote for the party that moves them. MAGA is a movement that has swept much of the country. Democrats mostly talk about being ANTI-MAGA. We need to create and pitch a beautiful tomorrow to have as powerful a movement as MAGA Republicans. As activists, let's develop that language starting now: We are the party that protects human rights. We are the party that protects our earth. We are the party that empowers workers. We are the party that supports veterans and seniors and families. Our messaging needs to say what we are for and what we are doing - in a positive, powerful way, over and over again.
Great idea but the messaging has to be more directed so individuals feel connected personally
True- but that could come during a canvassing moment, when people have the chance to listen to the primary concerns of the voter at the door. My main point is to encourage all of us to make a movement that's compelling, rather than fearful.
Yes, perhaps. But Democrats *must* find ways to make these issues feel personal to masses of potential voters, turning them into genuine voters.
I have a campaign idea that does what you suggest but don't know how to contact Joe's campaign headquarters. I contacted my state's Dem headquarters but have not heard back. Do you know?
Have you tried contacting your county Dems committee? It's pretty challenging to affect a national campaign - there are plenty of staffers hired to do this - but we can have a huge effect on our county committee, or our municipal committee. Think global, but act very, very local - that's my mantra. Connect with your local Dems for ways to further your idea. Good luck!
Focusing on opportunities for engagement and Run for Something, Jessica Craven offers a match for donations:
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For those of you who don’t know them, RFS recruits young progressives to run for office across the country for municipal, school board, election administrator, county supervisor, and statehouse seats. Their candidates have a high win rate and their school board candidates absolutely destroyed Moms for Liberty everywhere in November. (Their school board win rate was 72%.) Here’s a list of their recent successes. It’ll blow your mind. Oh, and they elected 138 election clerks this year, including 34 wins against noted election deniers. Their candidates tend to go on to phenomenal things–so they’re also building a bench! SO IMPORTANT! When I say that this organization is saving the country I am not exaggerating."
https://secure.actblue.com/donate/run-for-something-cwcwmatch
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I donated! Thanks for the link.
Thanks for the links Ellie. I just donated.
The Texas Supreme Court upheld what it saw as Texas law. The problem is with Texas Law. It's a majority of elected legislators voted in from across Texas who have written and passed laws that are cruelly focused on proscribing the freedoms of their women citizens. It's the legislature. The peoples' representatives who did this. I don't understand why this isn't the strongest "Don't live here, don't get your education here" advertising in the whole world!
Who said it? William T. Sherman? "If I owned Texas and Hell, I'd rent out Texas and live in Hell." Every day this becomes more appropriate.
Texas’s State line———. Welcome to Gilead
Robert, thank you, thank you for continuing to write this daily thoughtful and rational newsletter to help us cope with the tragedies and challenges of our times. I am grateful everyday for your wisdom and perspective.
PEOPLE born after 1985 often CAN't READ CURSIVE!!! Postcarding is an effective action, BUT you need to print or use typewritten labels for the message. This is not highlighted on the websites that advocate postcarding and needs to be.
It is mentioned in the instructions of the campaigns I write for; I don’t totally print but mostly (hybrid, I guess!)
wow
I do print for my Vote Forward letters-I think their advice is to do so.
Excellent point, I've seen it up front and center!
Don't get me going about clocks...
Yes. This is true. In recent years our granddaughters explained the couldn’t read our cursive postcards. We have moved to print with them as well as young and old voters.
We DO print, at least at the organizations I write with.
Not exactly on topic -- but I continue to wonder why there's not more speculation in 'the media' and noise in general made about why Trump is so desperate to return to power. He wants to stay out of prison and this is his only potential route to doing so and he knows it.
I’m sure no one reading this will disagree, but I still need to point out that the battle over abortion is not just about women’s rights, but about the rights of all people. If the state can tell a woman that she does not have dominion over her own body, no rights are safe. So men, too, have a vital interest in the issue.
Hi, Jon. That is why I use the phrase "reproductive liberty." I believe that the right is one of the liberties protected by the Bill of Rights and 14th Amendment. it is not just a right to an abortion, or the right to make a choice. It is a liberty guaranteed by the Constitution, like speech, association, freedom from religious persecution, unreasonable searches, et.
I just lump them together (which is probably lazy of me) as human rights or civil rights.
I was surprised that only 12% of 16 and 17 year olds in California pre registered to vote when they turn 18. If preregistration was linked to an application for a drivers permit at 16 there would be 100%!
That's how we roll (literally) in NY! My 16 y.o. got her permit AND preregistration card in the mail. She has been voting with me since she was a babe in arms. She is thrilled to be voting in her first ever election in ...November 2024. ;)
So lovely the image of your daughter voting with you since 'a babe in arms.' And awesome she's thrilled to be voting next November. She learned early and well! 💞
Thank you Jean! We’re trying to raise civic-minded citizens of the (U.S. and the) world.
So beautifully inspiring, Donna!
Great idea!
As always a clear understanding of the intersection of all the issues that affect us! We thought 2020 was the mountain to climb but reaching that peak we see larger peaks ahead of us before we reach the valley of Democracy, social Justice and equity among not only citizens of this country but the world. Thanks Robert.