Not voting for Biden because of Gaza is like the idiots in my generation (of whom I was one of the idiots) who refused to vote for Humphrey in 1968 because of Vietnam. By so doing, we gave Tricky Dick Nixon is 50,000 popular vote "majority" over Humphrey, which led to four more years of war in Vietnam and the majority of American and Asian deaths, with Nixon and the war criminal Henry Kissinger finally forced by their failures to accept a peace agreement in December 1972 that was EXACTLY THE SAME as what the Johnson Administration agreed to in November 1968 before Nixon committed treason and torpedoed the agreement so he could get elected.
Not voting for Humphrey meant Nixon was able to create the Southern Strategy that brought the former unreconstructed Confederacy into the GOP and ultimately gave us Donald Trump.
If anybody's son or daughter is thinking of doing this out of youthful ignorance, the result they will get by so doing will be the EXACT OPPOSITE of what they wanted that led them to not vote. It happens every time.
TC, Considering we’re on the cusp of someplace we’ve never been before in our nation’s history, we all would find that despotism doesn’t stop with deporting 15 million immigrants or rounding up political enemies. It doesn’t end anywhere. Accordingly, we need to be asking ourselves what more we can do about folks who say they won’t vote for Biden due to the continuing flow of U.S. weapons to Israel.
I would note I’ve posted some thoughts further down in today’s Comments.
Stephen, While theoretically, I would agree, every day, I hear from folks who say they can’t vote for Biden whom they view as complicit in genocide. Accordingly, I’ve worked very hard to try to relate to these folks and to meet them where they are, to then speak about the host of policies we collectively support, and lastly to amplify that there literally is no choice in November—none. Either we have the continuation of the United States of America or we don’t.
Is it OK to mention that a vote for Trump is a vote for Putin to continue his genocide in Ukraine? And that Trump would probably recommend that Netanyahu use nuclear weapons on the Palestinians. Why can't these kids see the bigger picture?
I agree with you but unfortunately many voters don’t feel the threat as we do and some believe it media hype. What I don’t understand is in order to vote for Trump you have to ignore so much and how do you do that?
Stephen, I expect the population I’ve referenced mostly intend to sit out the election or vote for a third party candidate. Still, I would note that Trump staff are exploiting fractures within the Democratic Party and traveling to swing states with large Arab Muslim populations telling them Trump will end the war and negotiate a two-state solution. As incomprehensible as it sounds, leaders within these communities believe these staffers and are supporting Trump.
It's shocking and frustrating that the large Arab Muslim populations you reference are still so completely uninformed about how Trump operates, how deeply incompetent he is and how often he lies. If they don't wake up, they will help create an America that has lost its democracy AND their two state solution will be further away than ever.
Barbara Jo, I commend you for “working very hard to relate to these folks and meet them where they are….” This is the work we all must do in the months and years ahead to break the divisive culture we are mired in. Thank you.
John, Thank you for writing. I would note that for years I have grown increasingly convinced that the greatest threat to our country has arisen from how increasingly polarized we were becoming.
Well Barbara Jo, you are right on point. The failure to have healthy conversations have brought us to this point. I’ve been saying that for years, puzzled by the unwillingness of people (including me) to have viable two way conversations even with family members. Actually, I tried a long time back and got no good response.
Yes, I totally agree with you.A lot of voters do not know the facts.This is partially the fault of the media who continue to normalize Trump when he is anything BUT normal.Part of being a good citizen is keeping oneself informed.Sadly, this isn’t happening with many people especially since this election in November is Democracy v Fascism/ authoritarianism and could be our last election cycle as a democracy.This time next year we could be under the iron fist of a dictator.
Trump has literally said he would support Israel without any reservations, stop all aid to Gaza since he considers it a waste, he has also indicated he would re-institute his "muslim" ban and also kick out any temporary visa holders who are Palestinian. Anyone who really thinks Trump is better for Palestine is just arguing in bad faith, likes to take a moral high ground without any real thought or is plain ignorant at this point.
Nailed it again, TC! I was there too, but a lukewarm Humphrey supporter. (In fact, on a college housemate's car, we cut the Humphrey/Muskie bumper-sticker in half and reversed the order of the ticket! ;-)
So many of us were sad when Robert Kennedy was assassinated. He probably would have won the nomination and beaten Nixon because the anti-Humphry people would have voted for him. Assassination works. It's just that liberals follow the law.
I totally agree with the historical perspective and I am concerned about a replay of ‘68 at the Democratic convention this year, but I think we make a big mistake when we use language like “youthful ignorance”. No one ever once to be accused of ignorance. It is counterproductive even telling the adults that the youth are ignorant.
I think the approach Mr. Hubbell is taking of spelling out what a Trump govt will mean is the way to go. Elect Biden and then keep the pressure on to impact the policies. Elect someone who can be an ally and work on him.
DK Brooklyn, it really seems best to put our energies in getting out the message and getting out the vote. Thinking about another 1968 convention serves no good purpose and fosters unnecessary angst. Let’s focus on a win - up and down the ballot - in 2024.
I prefer "youthful inexperience", something each of us has gone through. It takes years and miles to finally realize that you never get everything you want. As adults, we understand compromise and diplomacy.
Ignorance is ignorance, whether “youthful” or “adult”. When the voting age was lowered from 21 to 18, the nation declared that the 18-22 cohort are adults.
People should insist that they *be* adults, instead of infantilizing them. (Or else raise the voting age to 25, as President Truman suggested?)
A recently returned Vietnam vet who upon discharge in August 1968 hitchhiked from Fort Hood, Texas to the Chicago Democratic Convention, I voted in the general election for Dick Gregory on the Peace and Freedom party line. A noble and ultimately stupid and fruitless personal statement as the country got Richard M. Nixon as President rather than Hubert H. Humphrey. To refrain from voting for Joe Biden over Israel or any other individual policy matter is to embrace nihilism and catastrophe as the future of this perilously poised nation.
There is one and only one enemy: Donald Trump and the MAGA movement.
"'The fighting in Gaza will continue for at least another seven months,' the prime minister's national security adviser, Tzachi Hanegbi, told Israel's Kan public radio."
I have no doubt: Netanyahu and Trump are colluding to affect the Nov election.
Maybe. Or maybe they’re preparing Israelis for the frustrating likelihood that rooting out an enemy like Hamas/PIJ will necessarily be a long slog. The Israelis are finding out that they have to recapture areas in the north of Gaza that they had previously “captured”; discovery and destruction of Hamas tunnels will take some time. Those kinds of situations may continue for some time.
By the way, it shows that talk of “the day after” the war against Hamas, PIJ, etc. is naïve and simplistic, if not ignorant.
I have been writing to Senator Dick Durbin, Chair of the Judiciary Committee, and the one who could get impeachment hearings going, to start investigating both Alito and Thomas for impeachment. Yesterday I got a letter from him. It said, yada, yada, yada. In essence he was listing what he has done, and then put it on Chief Justice Roberts to run the court. NO, NO and NO! I immediately responded that Roberts has his own wife who is making them millions off of her connection to the court, and as such, is not the one who is going to be on the right side of history. Durbin needs to do it or step down. I have said if he is afraid, he should resign from the committee and let someone else do the job. I will be writing him again today. I am an Illinois resident, and a member of Democrats Abroad Germany, which is a subset of Democrats Abroad and a subset of Voters Abroad, where I am active in helping to get Americans to vote, particularly involved in helping new voters to vote from Abroad and putting the word out. We are also involved in local anti fascist activities. If anyone would like to write Senator Dick Durbin, here is his contact information.
People need to remember that Alito is 73 and Thomas is 75 and Sotomayer is getting older and it is entirely possible that we may have to replace a Justice or two over the next 4 years. We know what happened last time we let Trump replace seats on the court. Can't let that happen again....
The flag is only one of many issues re bias. Both Thomas and Alito are tied to Leonard Leo. DOJ still has the capacity to file an emergency motion to recuse. Attach affidavits from potential witnesses re bias. Ask for a hearing.
Meanwhile bring Leo to a grand jury.
IMHO Congressional action is a waste of time and energy. Spend productive time registering new Democrats.
This isn't true. It only takes holding the chairmanship to hold hearings. Look at the House. He can't remove Alito, but he can increase the pressure on Alito, Roberts and Thomas.
If he makes a ruckus he is using power that he has. It is something I have been saying. He needs to garner press. He should be holding hearings to investigate them. That could go on for a while. It will let them wonder if the jig is finally up. That is important. To admit to defeat without trying is so entitled. I have had to do things all my life that no one believed I could do. I wish I could pass some of that can do spirit off to Durbin.
There is another side of this story. Jamie Ruskin today wrote an OpEd about realistically what could be done. Durbin I am sure knows about this. The suggestion was to build lots of pushback to Roberts’s and others and have the DOJ step in. Read the article and see a better approach.
Thanks! I have now read it. Is this airtight? I mean I do not see the other 7 going against Alito's wishes, but he is clearly testing the waters right now given that I see his biggest role to play is to hand Trump the election if he loses it the way that Bush Jr. got handed the election by the Supreme Court back then when Al Gore really won. I still agree with Washington Post columnist Jennifer Rubin that Dick Durbin is doing nothing and he should be getting the Code of Ethics published that the Supreme Court is supposed to live by. And, I still think that these men should be impeached. I have been saying it since ProPublica first broke the stories of their financial improprieties. Are we going to continually ask the Court to insist that these 2 men recuse themselves? Or are they and the Congress going to feel like they can not do this each time it is warranted?
One thing I am NOT doing is panicking. I am busting my a** canvassing, phonebanking and registering new voters at college campuses in the California Central Valley. Get in touch with the Bay Area Coalition if you want to be inspired by actions you can take to help re-ellect Biden, win the House, the Senate, and the Supreme Court!
Excellent comment, Christopher and thank you, Robert, for your comprehensive recital of the arguments against Not voting for Biden as a protest vote. Others have recounted the grim experience of electing Nixon because they couldn't stand Humphrey's position on the war in Vietnam and urged a vote for Nixon to punish Democrats TCinLA summarized what that thinking led to.
Robert, I especially point out your wise advise that we don't just route your list of arguments to others in family and friends with a "Read this!" message. There must be an urgency and a delicacy in our conversations on these matters. Thanks all.
In a comment in a previous Newsletter, I linked to a letter I wrote to Chief Justice Roberts with copies to Senators Durbin, Whitehouse, and Booker (my Senator). In it, I wrote, citing the same canon you did:
"Last year, in response to criticism of the Court for not having a code of ethics, the Justices passed a Code of Conduct based on common sense, prior practice, and common law ethics rules. However, it is little more than a fig leaf, as it is rife with 'should' and 'may,' which reduce the canons to mere recommendations. Canon 3.B. says, 'A Justice should disqualify himself or herself in a proceeding in which the Justice’s impartiality might reasonably be questioned, that is, where an unbiased and reasonable person who is aware of all relevant circumstances would doubt that the Justice could fairly discharge his or her duties.' I consider myself to be an 'unbiased and reasonable person who is aware of all relevant circumstances,' and I question the impartiality of Justices Alito and Thomas. If Canon 3.B. had any effect at all, Justices Alito and Thomas would have recused themselves from any cases regarding Donald Trump."
Bob, there is NO impartiality on the part of any of the 6 court right wingers. They are leaders of the Christian right. You can check me on this but we can put together a list of Justices and Trump appointees, etc who have spoken publicly about moving to a Christian sectarian view. Start with Alito, his denials of the flags ring hollow when we recognize speeches he has made. From there you can go on to Justice Thomas, Amy Comey-Barrett, Brett Kavanaugh, and recognize that 5 are Catholics and Gorsuch was raised Catholic. Move from SCOTUS to Congress and the former administration to add names like Josh Hawley, Mike Pompeo, Mike Pence, William Barr, Steve Bannon, and a host of others.
Thanks for this great post today and especially the list of discussion points for people whose opposition to Biden’s support for Israel creates an ethical dilemma. I’ve been trying to understand President Biden’s policy on Israel myself. My best guess is that President Biden plays the long game where he makes moves or waits while allowing some situations to ripen. This is taking into account several factors at least.
1. A majority of Israeli voters have little sympathy for Palestinians after the Oct. 7 attack where brutality was its main feature. It was a cynical plan to disrupt attempts to normalize relations between Israel and several Arab states. It depended on igniting outrage and terror in Israel, and it worked.
2. Israeli society is divided and Netanyahu is unpopular and is blamed by many for creating the conditions that made Israel vulnerable to the Oct. 7 attack.
3. If President Biden stops sending offensive armaments to Israel, he’ll strengthen Netanyahu and will alienate too many Israeli voters who might otherwise seek Netanyahu’s ouster.
4. Israel is America’s forward base in the Middle East whose alliance is strategic for checking Iran and its ally, Russia. If the U.S. joins other nations in condemning Israel’s battle against Hamas that hides among civilians, Biden risks losing Israel’s alliance. Some people argue that this is American colonialism. Seen another way, it’s maintaining the U.S. influence as a superpower and a force for economic stability in the Gulf. This has economic implications because oil prices and shipping routes affect the world economy. Yes, we need to transition away from oil, but that takes time.
5. Arab states like Saudi Arabia, Jordan and others want to see Hamas wiped out or diminished. Israel is doing that for them and is taking the blame. The U.S. is cultivating alliances with a number of Arab states.
6. Iran’s dictatorship of radical clerics is under siege by many of its people who want a more westernized existence. Containing it for now can support the building revolution from within.
The risks, of course, are that the long game will not succeed in time and that this situation undermines support for President Biden among progressive Democrats. But I’ve seen reports that the Gaza war is not the primary driver of voter preferences. The price at the gas pump, unfortunately, matters a lot to voters. So does inflation that many have come to believe is more out of control than it is. Economic stability affected by shipping affects prices. Also, the minority of Republicans who reject Trump are strong supporters of Israel and Biden needs their votes too.
Anyway, this is my way to try and make sense of the situation.
I am distraught that the U.S. isn’t doing more to insist that humanitarian aid reaches civilians in Gaza nor doing more to make that happen, although I wonder how much pressure is being brought to bear behind the scenes. The collapse of the pier for delivering aid comes at just the wrong time and Biden’s enemies will lump that together with the debacle of the withdrawal from Afghanistan. Perhaps other readers can cite statements and actions by Biden that shows more commitment to making humanitarian aid happen than I am seeing.
Finally, I maintain positivity and work to turn out the vote, realizing that these world circumstances are beyond my control. To paraphrase Mother Theresa, we are not called on to succeed but to be faithful to our duty.
You have nailed what most students and some critics don’t get and that is Biden has to play the long game and has no real power over Netanyahu and the situation is very complexed and changing rapidly. The question never asked is what would be different under Trump and do you really believe he is capable of handling this situation.? Give me a break.
Great point... People in the US really overstate how much we can tell other leaders what to actually do. Lack of a real civics education, and just a very America centric view of the world.
Right, Stephen! I get so frustrated with the people who think things would be better under trump. Do they not remember what it WAS like, under trump?? (Apparently not, but WHY not?)
I would take partial exception to #4, though: In some senses, Israel is America’s forward base in the Middle East, but Israel is not a satellite. It has always had its own interests and priorities, just as the US does. Fortunately for both nations, their interests and priorities strongly overlap.
Also, right now the cost of gas is the lowest that it's been in ages, so it would be nice if people would notice, even though Biden doesn't control that.
Here's a petition from the Brennan Center for Justice, to urge our Congress critters to enact term limits. I know that the House and Senate don't have the votes to accomplish this now, but be a John Lewis headed for that bridge to cross, knowing that he didn't have a snowball's chance in hell...
Thanks, Lynell. I’ve made my voice heard via the Dump Alito (and Cannon) site .So easy and quick ! I consider it an efficient use of my time.👍
According to Rep Raskin in NYT article Robert provided, the DOJ and US Attny for DC are key so I copy and pasted the Basic Statement of Facts from the Dump Alito site. Also easy and quick !
Thanks, Lynell. I’ve sent my letter following the Dump Alito site instructions. That was easy! Also, I admire the Brennan Center and I signed the petition regarding term limits. The Brennan Center is excellent and it may offer other possibilities. But what we really do is win back the House, keep the Senate and keep Joe Biden as our president. Otherwise, our ideas will go nowhere!
Mom & I did the dumpalito thing a few days ago, but so far it's clear that nothing is being done. Right? Given that he made a statement yesterday (?) that he would not recuse himself.
As far as I'm concerned, Jocelyn, Alito's statements are as expected. I have - and had - little expectation that he will recuse. But what we're doing is important, IMO, because we're using our voices in protest. I'm assuming that you had to use the USPS to send your complaint. So, who knows how long it'll take for the 11th circuit to receive them all.
Not sure if you follow Jessica Craven of ChopWood/CarryWater fame, but here is what she wrote on her substack yesterday:
"YOU GUYS. The Dump Alito website has been such a hit—with thousands and thousands of you clicking on the link to submit a formal request against him—that its creator Alden (whom I mistakenly called Aiden in a previous post—sorry!) has doubled down and added a way to lodge a formal complaint against Aileen Cannon, too!"
Heather Cox Richardson once said democracy does not mean that we always win; it means that we get to have a say in our government. This is what I keep uppermost in my mind.
Finally, as I said elsewhere here:
"Be a John Lewis headed for that bridge to cross, knowing that he didn't have a snowball's chance in hell..."😕
I agree that raising our voices is extremely important. Sadly, I just don't have the time to follow Jessica - Mr. Hubble & HCR, and sometimes Robert Reich, are all I can manage. Meanwhile, though, let's keep our fingers crossed for Jaimie Raskin's attempt to force the horrible justices recused!!
I love the line describing Alito as "oozing with contempt for the American people." It's perfect, as are the reasons why all of us are voting for Biden as set forth in the letter to young people. Bravo! Here's to a guilty verdict soon!
Your letter to a reader's son is correct in all respects, Robert. But isn't the ultimate point much simpler? If you're talking to a one issue voter and that one issue is Gaza/Palestinians/Israel, the question must be: Who will be better for the Palestinians, Trump or Biden? Not voting does not get one out from under that choice. Each of us has to decide. Anyone who can honestly answer that question with "Trump" is a delusional lost cause (not that we polite liberal reasonable folk would ever say that out loud).
Reason No. 1 for young people to vote for Biden: Preserve your Constitutionally protected right to protest! Biden --and all of us here -- understands the critical value of being critical. You have that right now; don't throw it away! Trump does not tolerate disobedience. You are setting yourself up for decades of failure.
Absolutely. That's exactly what AOC is alluding to starting at 16:45 Hopefully it makes sense and resonates with those who are contemplating pushing the US over the brink over the Gaza issue. And they should make no mistake – they are playing into Netanyahu's hands. He just announced that the Rafah operation would continue until the rest of the year. What he really meant was 'until the elections in the US.' Anything to help his buddy trump. Biden hopefully is aware of that, too.
Well, if you do believe Netanyahu’s statement is an attempt to help Trump, you should counsel people not to take the bait. That is: left-of-center activists should play a long game (the game being, above all, to defeat Trump) and stop hammering Biden until after he is inaugurated for a second term.
The left should not repeat their tragic mistakes of the 1968 elections.
I have a fun story to share. I have written in these comments before that the League of Women Voters in many communities, including North Texas, registers new citizens after naturalization ceremonies. In Texas, registration is NOT available online and frankly requires multiple steps (no surprise), so LWV tries to make it easy for people.
Yesterday, we registered almost 500 new voters! In our group of 50-ish volunteers (which also requires certification in Texas) was a new volunteer (and now new friend!) who learned about this opportunity in this newsletter!
Cathy, thanks for sharing. Gotta love these happy warriors for democracy who are jumping into the good work and the good trouble with sisterhood and brotherhood and kindness and -- dare I say it -- joy. Glance again at Trump's inaugural, an incoherent cascade of gloom and doom. Trump = anger and danger and meanness and madness. Biden = hope, possibility, kindness, and reality....hard as that may be sometimes.
I wear a Biden Tee Shirt on every Grocery Run. I had hoped this effort would catch on. It hasn’t. Many express fear of retribution. Many express that showing enthusiasm for Biden would be disingenuous. They plan on voting for him despite their disappointment… but that private vote is the only support they will give.
None of this makes sense to me and I am distraught by my lack of influence on anyone, on people who love me.
That I’ve worn a Biden shirt on 40+ grocery runs in FL without incident. I was afraid too. But that’s WHY I did it. Standing up to bullies is all it takes to defeat them. They rely on your fear to win through forfeiture, and Dems are conceding at every opportunity.
So you’re lukewarm on Biden. A Biden shirt shows support for women and LGBTQ and Democracy. Add THAT fire to your tepid support.
You’ll show your support on 11/5 at the ballot box. Great. And if we fall short, will you regret it for 4-years? Or Trump’s next 12 years? Or for his Supreme Court’s next 30 years.
I wear a Biden shirt because I want to do all I can with $30 to build enthusiasm for Dems. We have so much to be proud of. But like Target reducing its participation in Pride month by 1/2 for fear of backlash, we are cowering when we should be advancing. What message does it send to bury our heads in the sand, to play possum in the hope we’ll avoid conflict?
And if you know any Dems in Palm Beach Gardens, Fl, please copy and forward those links. So my one-man campaign can maybe double in size. And double again x 50.
Shawn, you convinced me to wear a Biden/Harris t. My hubby doesn’t wear one, but he bought our Biden/Harris yard sign as his way of showing his support. So you do have influence with your “friends” up north on the Fl Space Coast ! I haven’t seen another t or yard sign in our MAGA county yet…..but they will come.🌊
Sending this in comments since I didn’t have any other way to send it to you and in response to your remarks today. It was written in response to the anger and hate I have seen, heard and experienced since the October 7 massacre.
Tonight my 9 year old grandson asked me on the phone if there was any country in the world where Jews could feel safe from Hamas. I don’t think he heard the gasp in my voice before I responded. While my initial reaction was of course to reassure him that he is safe here in the United States, I realized that as parents and grandparents often do, I was not being totally honest. The truth is, since the massacre of October 7 and the spewing of hateful language and behavior by people we thought were friends, all the painful memories and stories that are part of the heritage of being a Jew came crashing down on our people. We were forced to remember that which seems so poorly known or accepted here in the reputed land of the free three generations after the holocaust.
The truth is, since the destruction of the first Temple around 600 years before the Christian Era followed by the Babylonian Exile and the destruction of the second Temple by Rome around 70 years after the onset of the Christian Era Jews have lived as mostly unwelcome guests in nearly every country in the world. In some cases there were periods of peace, like here in the United States when Jews were accepted somewhat openly and appreciated for the gifts of learning, science, medicine, law, social equality and finance, inevitably and typically when social or political issues arose or less predictable problems such as plague, famine, war, Jews were scapegoated, blamed, massacred and expelled.
For nearly 2000 years the Jewish people have wandered the world, driven as outcasts with no home and dreaming always of a return to our native land of Israel. While political Zionism arose in Europe largely in response to the need for a safe haven to escape antisemitism, the desire for a return to the biblical Zion goes back 2 millennia. It is only in the last 76 years that the doors allowing return opened since the State of Israel was declared out of the British Mandate along with several other new nations that arose during that era including Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen among others.
Multiple surveys have demonstrated that the majority of Americans have only a vague understanding of the attempted annhilation and genocide of the Jewish People. In the past, this ignorance has been clearly distributed based on a level of education. The less educated the population regardless of age, the less understanding and appreciation of the painful history of hatred of Jews. What is agonizing and surprising about the current wave of righteous antisemitism in this country is the depth of ignorance and hatefulness in the educated community.
As a brief reminder to those who are unaware or have forgotten, during the Nazi era in Europe more than 6 million Jews were either gassed and burned, shot and buried in ditches, beaten and starved to death in a carefully planned effort to exterminate all Jews. This is not fake news or fake data. For the educated students and faculty who have forgotten, the evidence is widely available. These were not tragic casualties of war. This was genocide.
When Jews hear of innocent people gunned down in cold blood we think of Babi Yar. When we hear of people burned in their homes, we think of gas chambers and furnaces and the air stinking of burning human flesh. When we hear of babies with their throats cut in front of their parents or parents in front of their children we think of Kristalnacht and the destruction of Warsaw and other ghettos. If you don’t know what these events refer to, you need to learn about them before you spread hate of the Jewish People and land of Israel.
The war in Gaza is a terrible tragedy for the Palestinian People and the People of Israel. All good people, Jewish or otherwise, grieve the painful loss of life brought on by war. Tragic death, suffering, hunger and fear should never be a goal of any nation or people. But the war in Gaza is not genocide. The Jewish people and the State of Israel did not want this war. It occurred because Hamas, committed to the destruction of the State of Israel and the end of the Jewish People, sucker punched the arrogant Israeli government into a no-win situation.
The unlawful annexation of the West Bank and the deplorable criminal acts of settlers there against people who have called those lands home for centuries is an abomination. While the current government of Israel is a shameful example of democracy gone awry when fanatics and opportunists rise to power, those who seek the destruction of the Palestinian population are not who we are.
Any good Jew not only accepts the worlds outrage over the death of innocents. We are ashamed of our connection with them and we feel the same pain as you when we see the horrific images from the battles. It is an old story that when a Jew hears of some bad person in the news, a politician, gangster, murderer, philanderer or thief, our first reaction for as long as I can remember and I’m sure it is part of a cultural memory is to react by thinking “I hope it wasn’t a Jew.” Well, now it is, and that is as difficult for us as it is for you. However, it must be understood that the rape, murder, mutilation and captivity committed by Hamas on October 7 is so painfully familiar that inability to acknowledge this part of the Gaza war tragedy is just another example for us of thousands of years of persecution.
So what do I honestly tell my 9 year old grandson when he asks again, as he will, “Papa, where is it safe for Jews to live in the world today?”
To be really honest, I don’t have an answer. I used to believe we were safe here from those wishing to see us dead on the right and the left. Since the massacre at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, the march on Charlotte by white nationalists shouting the “The Jews Will not Replace Us” widely praised by the previous President of the United States, the shameful statements and behavior of too many anti-zionists and Jew haters on academic campuses and the open hostility of the entire world towards the existence of our safe haven in Israel, I’m not sure there is a secure place for us. It is ironic that the only country I know of that sees the hatred of Jews as contrary to national values and is willing to stand behind it is Germany where the knowledge of the destructive force of hate remains a part of national conscience and values.
My message to you is to try to understand who we are as a people. To quote the words of one of our great teachers, Hillel. When asked to explain the meaning of the Torah (the Old Testament to gentiles), while standing on one leg he replied:
Do not unto another that which is hateful to yourself. The rest is commentary. Go study.
I recommend for your reading, at least as a start the following books. Hopefully they will open some minds and stimulate discussion rather than lead to barricades and tent camps.
Constantine’s Sword- James Carroll
Night- Eli Wiesel
Palestine 1936- Oren Kessler
Arabs and Israelis- Abdel Monem Said Aly, Shai Feldman, Kahlil Shikaki
If you don’t want to read and prefer movies, try Sophie’s Choice, Schindler’s List or the new TV show We Were the Lucky Ones. In any event, rather than closing your minds with hate, learn, ask and lets talk. Hate gets us nowhere and silence to hate is just as destructive.
Remember Reverend Martin Niemoller who wrote after serving as a religious leader imprisoned in Nazi Germany:
First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out-
Because I was not a socialist.
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out-
Because I was not a a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out-
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me- and there was no one left to speak out for me.
You left out one important fact: Hitler killed 6 million Jews OUT OF THE 9 MILLION Jews then living in Europe. He nearly succeeded in wiping out the Jewish population in Europe.
Robert, While I’m eager effectively to engage with folks who say they won’t vote for Biden due to the continued flow of U.S. weapons to Israel, I’m certain of one thing: we won’t be effective unless we can relate to these folks and meet them where they are. I would maintain that to do so, we ourselves must engage in conversation regarding, for example, the Israeli military’s onslaught in Rafah that is drawing condemnation across the globe.
I, further, believe it is of note that not long ago Bernie Sanders expressed deep concern that the Biden Administration’s response, or lack thereof, could become “Biden’s Vietnam.” Surely, we should be asking ourselves what more we can do.
If you have the time nd inclination to do so, press ahead. But a better strategy would be to register ten new voters for every voter who says they won't vote for Biden. We have five months left. We may not have time for long conversations that may not be fruitful. 80 million people did not vote in 2020. If we can reach 2% of those voters, Biden wins by 25 million votes.
Robert, I would note, aside from my myriad actions to help achieve Democratic victories up and down the ballot, I am registered with several organizations from whom I regularly receive addresses. As someone well-aware that the largest block of eligible voters in 2020 were non-voters, barring the occasional exception, I set aside time to write a minimum of 5 to 10 postcards daily.
On a lighter note, have you tried Field Team 6’s Unfair Share Chocolate Bars. “They don’t break into rectangular pieces like traditional chocolate bars. Instead, each fractures into the same absurd shapes as real gerrymandered congressional districts…”
Very good points. Thanks. The reality is the Biden Administration has too many issues to address in this election such as abortion, the economy, immigration and Trump’s revenge platform to name a few. Instead of rallying around the Palestinian’s fate maybe they should focus on their own future.
Stephen, Regrettably, on the matter of Gaza, the Biden Administration increasingly is isolating itself from the international community. Moreover, its recent expressions of outrage over ICC (International Criminal Court) and ICJ (International Court of Justice) rulings has further damaged its standing both at home and abroad. Hence, in my view, we minimize Sanders’ warning at our peril.
Maybe “the international community” are wrong about the Hamas war and are placating domestic pressure groups. “International opinion” is not necessarily principled or wise.
Michael, The international community includes both the ICC currently awaiting word from a panel of 3 judges to issue arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant, and some Hamas leaders plus the ICJ that just issued a ruling Israel already has defied to cease incursions into Rafah.
If domestically, we observe a firewall between the Presidency and DOJ, would you agree internationally we should not supply arms to a country defying ICC and ICJ rulings?
And by the way, I am uncomfortable with your premise. There is nothing in the Constitution that mandates a firewall between the Presidency and the DOJ; nor, I believe, are there legislative mandates to that effect. What we have are customs that have grown during Democratic Administrations and largely ignored, sometimes abused, by Republican Administrations.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) is part of the Executive Branch, which is headed by the President. While in general it might be wise *policy* for Presidents not to intervene in DOJ operations, the policy need not be absolute.
During the 1950s and 1960s, DOJ personnel intervened “on the ground” against Southern school segregation, essentially as a result of Presidential orders. Probably almost all readers of Today’s Edition would support that Presidential activity/intervention.
Michael, As a point of clarification, just as I have advocated domestically for a fully insulated Justice Department free from political influence, I expect the same internationally.
the DNC has language in DNC REACH library that addresses practically every issue. https://www.reach.vote/
If you have something specific, you can ask for help. I've been trying to get them to integrate with other programs, like FT 6.
Most kids are generally not receptive to adults. The best tactic is to find someone who can actually influence them. I try to stick to groups I can influence. People on benefits. Veterans. Miners. Truckers. There are groups entirely devoted to speaking to Gen Z. https://www.politico.com/news/2024/01/23/biden-campaign-social-media-influencers-00136389 Many are on REACH.
"The best tactic is to find someone who can actually influence them". Exactly. AOC should be one of those. She couldn't be clearer of her criticism of Israel, her appeal to the Biden administration to not be complicit – and then on her plea to not make this a deciding issue in the upcoming elections.
I appreciated the mention of Pema Chodron who has, also for me, been an architect of pivotal changes in my thinking about reality. I try -- every single day with varying degrees of success -- to accept that, as you say (paraphrased), the default position of our lives is Change. Not the exception, but the rule. I can believe it most readily when I'm still and paying attention to everything as much as I can without acting on any of it; there is no one moment that's exactly like any previous moment and I cling to this sometimes in desperation as I try to find stability amidst the whirlwind. On a totally silly-human note: I'm almost 76 now and I never ever could have imagined that I'd be spending my last years in this chaos of a world ... My hope is that the present chaos is a form of birth and I look forward to significant changes that I can't at this point predict. And a P.S.: Wasn't it wonderful that Robert De Niro and Fanone and (can't remember the name of the other gentleman) spoke so passionately in front of the NY courtroom excoriating DJT and emphasizing his evils and danger. Contrasting that to the buffoonery of the MAGA Congresspeople who showed up to support him -- on our dime -- and just emphasized how ignorant and foolish they are.
Thank you. I 'knew' him but couldn't drag his name up out of my ancient, sleepless brain this morning... They're both inspirational people to me, as are all the others who defended the Capitol on the 6h.
As I read about Alito saying, "it's not me, it's my wife. And she has no influence on me or my actions or judgment", two thoughts/observations jump out at me: 1) he's lying, and 2) he's front running the argumentation with the full support Thomas because Thomas has essentially similar arguments about how his wife's deep immersion in J/6 somehow don't affect his judgment. This is such complete Bulls**t. How do the members of the GOP buy it? They's never put up with a similar prevarication from a Dem-leaning justice if the roles were reversed.
The “Caesar’s wife” concept seems to have been forgotten. In essence, it holds that not only the officeholder (“Caesar”), but also the officeholder’s family must be above reproach.
When someone assumes a high office, that person’s *family* joins him/her; the officeholder’s family is necessarily a reflection on the officeholder. The Alito incident demonstrates that: how do we *know*, for example, that Alito’s *wife* really was responsible for the controversial flags? How do we know that *Alito* himself didn’t do it and lie about his wife’s involvement?
It’s a burden that families must accept if a member holds a public office of consequence.
Not voting for Biden because of Gaza is like the idiots in my generation (of whom I was one of the idiots) who refused to vote for Humphrey in 1968 because of Vietnam. By so doing, we gave Tricky Dick Nixon is 50,000 popular vote "majority" over Humphrey, which led to four more years of war in Vietnam and the majority of American and Asian deaths, with Nixon and the war criminal Henry Kissinger finally forced by their failures to accept a peace agreement in December 1972 that was EXACTLY THE SAME as what the Johnson Administration agreed to in November 1968 before Nixon committed treason and torpedoed the agreement so he could get elected.
Not voting for Humphrey meant Nixon was able to create the Southern Strategy that brought the former unreconstructed Confederacy into the GOP and ultimately gave us Donald Trump.
If anybody's son or daughter is thinking of doing this out of youthful ignorance, the result they will get by so doing will be the EXACT OPPOSITE of what they wanted that led them to not vote. It happens every time.
And if the kids don't listen to their parents AOC's clear remarks starting at 16:45 should make sense and resonate with them
https://zeteo.com/p/exclusive-aoc-on-gaza-iran-and-the
Thanks for the link. Very helpful.
Stefan, Thank you for posting. I, too, subscribe to Zeteo and have advocated for the broadest possible circulation of her conversation with Mehdi.
TC, Considering we’re on the cusp of someplace we’ve never been before in our nation’s history, we all would find that despotism doesn’t stop with deporting 15 million immigrants or rounding up political enemies. It doesn’t end anywhere. Accordingly, we need to be asking ourselves what more we can do about folks who say they won’t vote for Biden due to the continuing flow of U.S. weapons to Israel.
I would note I’ve posted some thoughts further down in today’s Comments.
Presidential elections should never be decided by a single issue especially one where most voters do t know all,the facts.
Stephen, While theoretically, I would agree, every day, I hear from folks who say they can’t vote for Biden whom they view as complicit in genocide. Accordingly, I’ve worked very hard to try to relate to these folks and to meet them where they are, to then speak about the host of policies we collectively support, and lastly to amplify that there literally is no choice in November—none. Either we have the continuation of the United States of America or we don’t.
Is it OK to mention that a vote for Trump is a vote for Putin to continue his genocide in Ukraine? And that Trump would probably recommend that Netanyahu use nuclear weapons on the Palestinians. Why can't these kids see the bigger picture?
@Oldandintheway, A partial answer is that folks who feed on the junk food of propaganda are less inclined to ask questions and be skeptical.
I agree with you but unfortunately many voters don’t feel the threat as we do and some believe it media hype. What I don’t understand is in order to vote for Trump you have to ignore so much and how do you do that?
Stephen, I expect the population I’ve referenced mostly intend to sit out the election or vote for a third party candidate. Still, I would note that Trump staff are exploiting fractures within the Democratic Party and traveling to swing states with large Arab Muslim populations telling them Trump will end the war and negotiate a two-state solution. As incomprehensible as it sounds, leaders within these communities believe these staffers and are supporting Trump.
It's shocking and frustrating that the large Arab Muslim populations you reference are still so completely uninformed about how Trump operates, how deeply incompetent he is and how often he lies. If they don't wake up, they will help create an America that has lost its democracy AND their two state solution will be further away than ever.
I haven't heard or seen any signs that Trump or his surrogates are talking about pushing a two-state solution.
Barbara Jo, I commend you for “working very hard to relate to these folks and meet them where they are….” This is the work we all must do in the months and years ahead to break the divisive culture we are mired in. Thank you.
John, Thank you for writing. I would note that for years I have grown increasingly convinced that the greatest threat to our country has arisen from how increasingly polarized we were becoming.
Well Barbara Jo, you are right on point. The failure to have healthy conversations have brought us to this point. I’ve been saying that for years, puzzled by the unwillingness of people (including me) to have viable two way conversations even with family members. Actually, I tried a long time back and got no good response.
Amen. Yet how many of us know friends, family and colleagues who've voted Republican based on one of Abortion, Gun Rights, or Tax Cuts?
Yes, I totally agree with you.A lot of voters do not know the facts.This is partially the fault of the media who continue to normalize Trump when he is anything BUT normal.Part of being a good citizen is keeping oneself informed.Sadly, this isn’t happening with many people especially since this election in November is Democracy v Fascism/ authoritarianism and could be our last election cycle as a democracy.This time next year we could be under the iron fist of a dictator.
Most American voters don’t know ANY of the facts.
Trump has literally said he would support Israel without any reservations, stop all aid to Gaza since he considers it a waste, he has also indicated he would re-institute his "muslim" ban and also kick out any temporary visa holders who are Palestinian. Anyone who really thinks Trump is better for Palestine is just arguing in bad faith, likes to take a moral high ground without any real thought or is plain ignorant at this point.
Nailed it again, TC! I was there too, but a lukewarm Humphrey supporter. (In fact, on a college housemate's car, we cut the Humphrey/Muskie bumper-sticker in half and reversed the order of the ticket! ;-)
So many of us were sad when Robert Kennedy was assassinated. He probably would have won the nomination and beaten Nixon because the anti-Humphry people would have voted for him. Assassination works. It's just that liberals follow the law.
And he probably would have been a truly great president
I totally agree with the historical perspective and I am concerned about a replay of ‘68 at the Democratic convention this year, but I think we make a big mistake when we use language like “youthful ignorance”. No one ever once to be accused of ignorance. It is counterproductive even telling the adults that the youth are ignorant.
I think the approach Mr. Hubbell is taking of spelling out what a Trump govt will mean is the way to go. Elect Biden and then keep the pressure on to impact the policies. Elect someone who can be an ally and work on him.
DK Brooklyn, it really seems best to put our energies in getting out the message and getting out the vote. Thinking about another 1968 convention serves no good purpose and fosters unnecessary angst. Let’s focus on a win - up and down the ballot - in 2024.
Exactly!!
I am wondering how we communicate to the youth now, especially when I see them repeating my own youthful mistakes.
I didn’t respond well to having some older person tell me that I was ignorant like they were.
I prefer "youthful inexperience", something each of us has gone through. It takes years and miles to finally realize that you never get everything you want. As adults, we understand compromise and diplomacy.
Ignorance is ignorance, whether “youthful” or “adult”. When the voting age was lowered from 21 to 18, the nation declared that the 18-22 cohort are adults.
People should insist that they *be* adults, instead of infantilizing them. (Or else raise the voting age to 25, as President Truman suggested?)
A recently returned Vietnam vet who upon discharge in August 1968 hitchhiked from Fort Hood, Texas to the Chicago Democratic Convention, I voted in the general election for Dick Gregory on the Peace and Freedom party line. A noble and ultimately stupid and fruitless personal statement as the country got Richard M. Nixon as President rather than Hubert H. Humphrey. To refrain from voting for Joe Biden over Israel or any other individual policy matter is to embrace nihilism and catastrophe as the future of this perilously poised nation.
There is one and only one enemy: Donald Trump and the MAGA movement.
Absolutely agree. Making the perfect the enemy of the good is a tragic mistake with unintended consequences.
"'The fighting in Gaza will continue for at least another seven months,' the prime minister's national security adviser, Tzachi Hanegbi, told Israel's Kan public radio."
I have no doubt: Netanyahu and Trump are colluding to affect the Nov election.
Maybe. Or maybe they’re preparing Israelis for the frustrating likelihood that rooting out an enemy like Hamas/PIJ will necessarily be a long slog. The Israelis are finding out that they have to recapture areas in the north of Gaza that they had previously “captured”; discovery and destruction of Hamas tunnels will take some time. Those kinds of situations may continue for some time.
By the way, it shows that talk of “the day after” the war against Hamas, PIJ, etc. is naïve and simplistic, if not ignorant.
Frustrating, indeed. Remember, however, that Gallant also insists on having a "day after" plan.
As you imply, simple-minded thinking about Israel-Hamas knows no ideological and national boundaries.
My apologies; I am confused. Are you implying that Gallant is also looking at the situation too simplistically?
Yes, judging from his remarks I’ve read in the media.
I have been writing to Senator Dick Durbin, Chair of the Judiciary Committee, and the one who could get impeachment hearings going, to start investigating both Alito and Thomas for impeachment. Yesterday I got a letter from him. It said, yada, yada, yada. In essence he was listing what he has done, and then put it on Chief Justice Roberts to run the court. NO, NO and NO! I immediately responded that Roberts has his own wife who is making them millions off of her connection to the court, and as such, is not the one who is going to be on the right side of history. Durbin needs to do it or step down. I have said if he is afraid, he should resign from the committee and let someone else do the job. I will be writing him again today. I am an Illinois resident, and a member of Democrats Abroad Germany, which is a subset of Democrats Abroad and a subset of Voters Abroad, where I am active in helping to get Americans to vote, particularly involved in helping new voters to vote from Abroad and putting the word out. We are also involved in local anti fascist activities. If anyone would like to write Senator Dick Durbin, here is his contact information.
https://www.durbin.senate.gov/contact/
I use the "Other" category.
People need to remember that Alito is 73 and Thomas is 75 and Sotomayer is getting older and it is entirely possible that we may have to replace a Justice or two over the next 4 years. We know what happened last time we let Trump replace seats on the court. Can't let that happen again....
Amen, PhillyT!!!!!
You be fantastic, Linda!
The flag is only one of many issues re bias. Both Thomas and Alito are tied to Leonard Leo. DOJ still has the capacity to file an emergency motion to recuse. Attach affidavits from potential witnesses re bias. Ask for a hearing.
Meanwhile bring Leo to a grand jury.
IMHO Congressional action is a waste of time and energy. Spend productive time registering new Democrats.
https://www.fieldteam6.org/all-volunteer-ops
I admire your efforts but Durbin knows he is powerless unless the Democrats have an overwhelming majority. It’s a fact of life.
This isn't true. It only takes holding the chairmanship to hold hearings. Look at the House. He can't remove Alito, but he can increase the pressure on Alito, Roberts and Thomas.
Nothing Thomas or Alito have done is impeachable and it may be an ethics issue but it is also an election year.
Yes, I think the fact that it is an election year makes it even MORE important to hold hearings.
Plus need Republicans to enforce a subpoena.
If he makes a ruckus he is using power that he has. It is something I have been saying. He needs to garner press. He should be holding hearings to investigate them. That could go on for a while. It will let them wonder if the jig is finally up. That is important. To admit to defeat without trying is so entitled. I have had to do things all my life that no one believed I could do. I wish I could pass some of that can do spirit off to Durbin.
There is another side of this story. Jamie Ruskin today wrote an OpEd about realistically what could be done. Durbin I am sure knows about this. The suggestion was to build lots of pushback to Roberts’s and others and have the DOJ step in. Read the article and see a better approach.
Hi Stephen, I no longer subscribe to the times. Can you please summarize?
I have gifted you the article. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/29/opinion/alito-thomas-recuse-trump-jan-6.html?unlocked_article_code=1.v00.Va48.blh8PIq3or_p&smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare
Thanks! I have now read it. Is this airtight? I mean I do not see the other 7 going against Alito's wishes, but he is clearly testing the waters right now given that I see his biggest role to play is to hand Trump the election if he loses it the way that Bush Jr. got handed the election by the Supreme Court back then when Al Gore really won. I still agree with Washington Post columnist Jennifer Rubin that Dick Durbin is doing nothing and he should be getting the Code of Ethics published that the Supreme Court is supposed to live by. And, I still think that these men should be impeached. I have been saying it since ProPublica first broke the stories of their financial improprieties. Are we going to continually ask the Court to insist that these 2 men recuse themselves? Or are they and the Congress going to feel like they can not do this each time it is warranted?
Thanks for the link!
Thanks for this link. I just e-mailed Senator Durbin about this Alito problem.
Thanks for posting. Just sent a letter!
Thanks, that made it a lot quicker to contact Durbin.
Will he pay attention to any messages coming from outside his state? Will that matter or influence him?
One thing I am NOT doing is panicking. I am busting my a** canvassing, phonebanking and registering new voters at college campuses in the California Central Valley. Get in touch with the Bay Area Coalition if you want to be inspired by actions you can take to help re-ellect Biden, win the House, the Senate, and the Supreme Court!
Fabulous Judith!!
Your letter to a reader’s son could not be more perfect and should be the script for the Biden/ Harris re-election campaign.
Thanks Robert!
Excellent comment, Christopher and thank you, Robert, for your comprehensive recital of the arguments against Not voting for Biden as a protest vote. Others have recounted the grim experience of electing Nixon because they couldn't stand Humphrey's position on the war in Vietnam and urged a vote for Nixon to punish Democrats TCinLA summarized what that thinking led to.
Robert, I especially point out your wise advise that we don't just route your list of arguments to others in family and friends with a "Read this!" message. There must be an urgency and a delicacy in our conversations on these matters. Thanks all.
In a comment in a previous Newsletter, I linked to a letter I wrote to Chief Justice Roberts with copies to Senators Durbin, Whitehouse, and Booker (my Senator). In it, I wrote, citing the same canon you did:
"Last year, in response to criticism of the Court for not having a code of ethics, the Justices passed a Code of Conduct based on common sense, prior practice, and common law ethics rules. However, it is little more than a fig leaf, as it is rife with 'should' and 'may,' which reduce the canons to mere recommendations. Canon 3.B. says, 'A Justice should disqualify himself or herself in a proceeding in which the Justice’s impartiality might reasonably be questioned, that is, where an unbiased and reasonable person who is aware of all relevant circumstances would doubt that the Justice could fairly discharge his or her duties.' I consider myself to be an 'unbiased and reasonable person who is aware of all relevant circumstances,' and I question the impartiality of Justices Alito and Thomas. If Canon 3.B. had any effect at all, Justices Alito and Thomas would have recused themselves from any cases regarding Donald Trump."
I take Alito's arrogance personally.
As you should but for him and Thomas it’s a badge of honor backed up by lots of dark money and lifetime tenure.
Thank you, Bob...whose thoughts IMO are not so random😎
Thanks, Lynell!
SEND THE LETTER TO DOJ -- the only entity that is a party in the SCOTUS cases. If you have facts, have it notarized.
Bob, there is NO impartiality on the part of any of the 6 court right wingers. They are leaders of the Christian right. You can check me on this but we can put together a list of Justices and Trump appointees, etc who have spoken publicly about moving to a Christian sectarian view. Start with Alito, his denials of the flags ring hollow when we recognize speeches he has made. From there you can go on to Justice Thomas, Amy Comey-Barrett, Brett Kavanaugh, and recognize that 5 are Catholics and Gorsuch was raised Catholic. Move from SCOTUS to Congress and the former administration to add names like Josh Hawley, Mike Pompeo, Mike Pence, William Barr, Steve Bannon, and a host of others.
Robert,
Thanks for this great post today and especially the list of discussion points for people whose opposition to Biden’s support for Israel creates an ethical dilemma. I’ve been trying to understand President Biden’s policy on Israel myself. My best guess is that President Biden plays the long game where he makes moves or waits while allowing some situations to ripen. This is taking into account several factors at least.
1. A majority of Israeli voters have little sympathy for Palestinians after the Oct. 7 attack where brutality was its main feature. It was a cynical plan to disrupt attempts to normalize relations between Israel and several Arab states. It depended on igniting outrage and terror in Israel, and it worked.
2. Israeli society is divided and Netanyahu is unpopular and is blamed by many for creating the conditions that made Israel vulnerable to the Oct. 7 attack.
3. If President Biden stops sending offensive armaments to Israel, he’ll strengthen Netanyahu and will alienate too many Israeli voters who might otherwise seek Netanyahu’s ouster.
4. Israel is America’s forward base in the Middle East whose alliance is strategic for checking Iran and its ally, Russia. If the U.S. joins other nations in condemning Israel’s battle against Hamas that hides among civilians, Biden risks losing Israel’s alliance. Some people argue that this is American colonialism. Seen another way, it’s maintaining the U.S. influence as a superpower and a force for economic stability in the Gulf. This has economic implications because oil prices and shipping routes affect the world economy. Yes, we need to transition away from oil, but that takes time.
5. Arab states like Saudi Arabia, Jordan and others want to see Hamas wiped out or diminished. Israel is doing that for them and is taking the blame. The U.S. is cultivating alliances with a number of Arab states.
6. Iran’s dictatorship of radical clerics is under siege by many of its people who want a more westernized existence. Containing it for now can support the building revolution from within.
The risks, of course, are that the long game will not succeed in time and that this situation undermines support for President Biden among progressive Democrats. But I’ve seen reports that the Gaza war is not the primary driver of voter preferences. The price at the gas pump, unfortunately, matters a lot to voters. So does inflation that many have come to believe is more out of control than it is. Economic stability affected by shipping affects prices. Also, the minority of Republicans who reject Trump are strong supporters of Israel and Biden needs their votes too.
Anyway, this is my way to try and make sense of the situation.
I am distraught that the U.S. isn’t doing more to insist that humanitarian aid reaches civilians in Gaza nor doing more to make that happen, although I wonder how much pressure is being brought to bear behind the scenes. The collapse of the pier for delivering aid comes at just the wrong time and Biden’s enemies will lump that together with the debacle of the withdrawal from Afghanistan. Perhaps other readers can cite statements and actions by Biden that shows more commitment to making humanitarian aid happen than I am seeing.
Finally, I maintain positivity and work to turn out the vote, realizing that these world circumstances are beyond my control. To paraphrase Mother Theresa, we are not called on to succeed but to be faithful to our duty.
You have nailed what most students and some critics don’t get and that is Biden has to play the long game and has no real power over Netanyahu and the situation is very complexed and changing rapidly. The question never asked is what would be different under Trump and do you really believe he is capable of handling this situation.? Give me a break.
Great point... People in the US really overstate how much we can tell other leaders what to actually do. Lack of a real civics education, and just a very America centric view of the world.
Right, Stephen! I get so frustrated with the people who think things would be better under trump. Do they not remember what it WAS like, under trump?? (Apparently not, but WHY not?)
7. Some of the hostages are American and every day they are not released is an attack on our sovereignty.
8. If you want to remove Netanyahu, support Bennie Ganz.
9. Qatar is not an honest broker. Gives amnesty to murderers and rapists. If you protest, protest the Qatari embassy, the UN delegation.
Gary S. Excellent eye opener!
Excellent observations, Gary S. + Daniel Solomon.
I would take partial exception to #4, though: In some senses, Israel is America’s forward base in the Middle East, but Israel is not a satellite. It has always had its own interests and priorities, just as the US does. Fortunately for both nations, their interests and priorities strongly overlap.
Please explain your #3 for me.
I missed the collapse of the pier! When did that happen? Oh, no .......
Also, right now the cost of gas is the lowest that it's been in ages, so it would be nice if people would notice, even though Biden doesn't control that.
Louder for the people in the back!!!
Thank you, Robert!
One way for your voice to be heard is to file a complaint about Alito and/or Cannon here. This website will make it easy to do so:
https://www.dumpalito.com/
Here's a petition from the Brennan Center for Justice, to urge our Congress critters to enact term limits. I know that the House and Senate don't have the votes to accomplish this now, but be a John Lewis headed for that bridge to cross, knowing that he didn't have a snowball's chance in hell...
https://brennan.gospringboard.com/secure/tell-congress-impose-supreme-court-term-limits?
Thanks, Lynell. I’ve made my voice heard via the Dump Alito (and Cannon) site .So easy and quick ! I consider it an efficient use of my time.👍
According to Rep Raskin in NYT article Robert provided, the DOJ and US Attny for DC are key so I copy and pasted the Basic Statement of Facts from the Dump Alito site. Also easy and quick !
To send a message to DOJ:⬇️
https://www.justice.gov/doj/webform/your-message-department-justice
Email contact for US Attorney Matthew Graves:⬇️
https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc
Thanks, Kathy. I missed that about Graves. Will send my message to them as well.
Thank you. I'll try to do that after work today.
Yes, I just mailed my complaints about misconduct today and cc’d Senator Durbin.
Hope you CC:d DOJ.
Yay, Gary!
Thanks Lynell! Will get on this today!
Thanks, Sheila!
Thanks, Lynell. I’ve sent my letter following the Dump Alito site instructions. That was easy! Also, I admire the Brennan Center and I signed the petition regarding term limits. The Brennan Center is excellent and it may offer other possibilities. But what we really do is win back the House, keep the Senate and keep Joe Biden as our president. Otherwise, our ideas will go nowhere!
Yes, Joan, voting Blue is key.
Mom & I did the dumpalito thing a few days ago, but so far it's clear that nothing is being done. Right? Given that he made a statement yesterday (?) that he would not recuse himself.
As far as I'm concerned, Jocelyn, Alito's statements are as expected. I have - and had - little expectation that he will recuse. But what we're doing is important, IMO, because we're using our voices in protest. I'm assuming that you had to use the USPS to send your complaint. So, who knows how long it'll take for the 11th circuit to receive them all.
Not sure if you follow Jessica Craven of ChopWood/CarryWater fame, but here is what she wrote on her substack yesterday:
"YOU GUYS. The Dump Alito website has been such a hit—with thousands and thousands of you clicking on the link to submit a formal request against him—that its creator Alden (whom I mistakenly called Aiden in a previous post—sorry!) has doubled down and added a way to lodge a formal complaint against Aileen Cannon, too!"
Heather Cox Richardson once said democracy does not mean that we always win; it means that we get to have a say in our government. This is what I keep uppermost in my mind.
Finally, as I said elsewhere here:
"Be a John Lewis headed for that bridge to cross, knowing that he didn't have a snowball's chance in hell..."😕
I agree that raising our voices is extremely important. Sadly, I just don't have the time to follow Jessica - Mr. Hubble & HCR, and sometimes Robert Reich, are all I can manage. Meanwhile, though, let's keep our fingers crossed for Jaimie Raskin's attempt to force the horrible justices recused!!
Understood, Jocelyn!
I love the line describing Alito as "oozing with contempt for the American people." It's perfect, as are the reasons why all of us are voting for Biden as set forth in the letter to young people. Bravo! Here's to a guilty verdict soon!
Your letter to a reader's son is correct in all respects, Robert. But isn't the ultimate point much simpler? If you're talking to a one issue voter and that one issue is Gaza/Palestinians/Israel, the question must be: Who will be better for the Palestinians, Trump or Biden? Not voting does not get one out from under that choice. Each of us has to decide. Anyone who can honestly answer that question with "Trump" is a delusional lost cause (not that we polite liberal reasonable folk would ever say that out loud).
Reason No. 1 for young people to vote for Biden: Preserve your Constitutionally protected right to protest! Biden --and all of us here -- understands the critical value of being critical. You have that right now; don't throw it away! Trump does not tolerate disobedience. You are setting yourself up for decades of failure.
Absolutely. That's exactly what AOC is alluding to starting at 16:45 Hopefully it makes sense and resonates with those who are contemplating pushing the US over the brink over the Gaza issue. And they should make no mistake – they are playing into Netanyahu's hands. He just announced that the Rafah operation would continue until the rest of the year. What he really meant was 'until the elections in the US.' Anything to help his buddy trump. Biden hopefully is aware of that, too.
https://zeteo.com/p/exclusive-aoc-on-gaza-iran-and-the
Well, if you do believe Netanyahu’s statement is an attempt to help Trump, you should counsel people not to take the bait. That is: left-of-center activists should play a long game (the game being, above all, to defeat Trump) and stop hammering Biden until after he is inaugurated for a second term.
The left should not repeat their tragic mistakes of the 1968 elections.
Indeed, yes!!!
I have a fun story to share. I have written in these comments before that the League of Women Voters in many communities, including North Texas, registers new citizens after naturalization ceremonies. In Texas, registration is NOT available online and frankly requires multiple steps (no surprise), so LWV tries to make it easy for people.
Yesterday, we registered almost 500 new voters! In our group of 50-ish volunteers (which also requires certification in Texas) was a new volunteer (and now new friend!) who learned about this opportunity in this newsletter!
Yay! Love this newsletter and this community!
Cathy, thanks for sharing. Gotta love these happy warriors for democracy who are jumping into the good work and the good trouble with sisterhood and brotherhood and kindness and -- dare I say it -- joy. Glance again at Trump's inaugural, an incoherent cascade of gloom and doom. Trump = anger and danger and meanness and madness. Biden = hope, possibility, kindness, and reality....hard as that may be sometimes.
Thank you Cathy Murphree!!!
👏💙
I wear a Biden Tee Shirt on every Grocery Run. I had hoped this effort would catch on. It hasn’t. Many express fear of retribution. Many express that showing enthusiasm for Biden would be disingenuous. They plan on voting for him despite their disappointment… but that private vote is the only support they will give.
None of this makes sense to me and I am distraught by my lack of influence on anyone, on people who love me.
That I’ve worn a Biden shirt on 40+ grocery runs in FL without incident. I was afraid too. But that’s WHY I did it. Standing up to bullies is all it takes to defeat them. They rely on your fear to win through forfeiture, and Dems are conceding at every opportunity.
So you’re lukewarm on Biden. A Biden shirt shows support for women and LGBTQ and Democracy. Add THAT fire to your tepid support.
You’ll show your support on 11/5 at the ballot box. Great. And if we fall short, will you regret it for 4-years? Or Trump’s next 12 years? Or for his Supreme Court’s next 30 years.
I wear a Biden shirt because I want to do all I can with $30 to build enthusiasm for Dems. We have so much to be proud of. But like Target reducing its participation in Pride month by 1/2 for fear of backlash, we are cowering when we should be advancing. What message does it send to bury our heads in the sand, to play possum in the hope we’ll avoid conflict?
You can buy (non-Biden) pro-Dem Tees at DemsMakeLifeBetter.Org
Or Biden/Harris Tees at BeantownStrong.org.
And if you know any Dems in Palm Beach Gardens, Fl, please copy and forward those links. So my one-man campaign can maybe double in size. And double again x 50.
Shawn, you convinced me to wear a Biden/Harris t. My hubby doesn’t wear one, but he bought our Biden/Harris yard sign as his way of showing his support. So you do have influence with your “friends” up north on the Fl Space Coast ! I haven’t seen another t or yard sign in our MAGA county yet…..but they will come.🌊
👕🛒🪧
Thanks Kathy, you are proof that it’s possible. And I appreciate the kind words and encouragement.
Sending this in comments since I didn’t have any other way to send it to you and in response to your remarks today. It was written in response to the anger and hate I have seen, heard and experienced since the October 7 massacre.
Tonight my 9 year old grandson asked me on the phone if there was any country in the world where Jews could feel safe from Hamas. I don’t think he heard the gasp in my voice before I responded. While my initial reaction was of course to reassure him that he is safe here in the United States, I realized that as parents and grandparents often do, I was not being totally honest. The truth is, since the massacre of October 7 and the spewing of hateful language and behavior by people we thought were friends, all the painful memories and stories that are part of the heritage of being a Jew came crashing down on our people. We were forced to remember that which seems so poorly known or accepted here in the reputed land of the free three generations after the holocaust.
The truth is, since the destruction of the first Temple around 600 years before the Christian Era followed by the Babylonian Exile and the destruction of the second Temple by Rome around 70 years after the onset of the Christian Era Jews have lived as mostly unwelcome guests in nearly every country in the world. In some cases there were periods of peace, like here in the United States when Jews were accepted somewhat openly and appreciated for the gifts of learning, science, medicine, law, social equality and finance, inevitably and typically when social or political issues arose or less predictable problems such as plague, famine, war, Jews were scapegoated, blamed, massacred and expelled.
For nearly 2000 years the Jewish people have wandered the world, driven as outcasts with no home and dreaming always of a return to our native land of Israel. While political Zionism arose in Europe largely in response to the need for a safe haven to escape antisemitism, the desire for a return to the biblical Zion goes back 2 millennia. It is only in the last 76 years that the doors allowing return opened since the State of Israel was declared out of the British Mandate along with several other new nations that arose during that era including Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen among others.
Multiple surveys have demonstrated that the majority of Americans have only a vague understanding of the attempted annhilation and genocide of the Jewish People. In the past, this ignorance has been clearly distributed based on a level of education. The less educated the population regardless of age, the less understanding and appreciation of the painful history of hatred of Jews. What is agonizing and surprising about the current wave of righteous antisemitism in this country is the depth of ignorance and hatefulness in the educated community.
As a brief reminder to those who are unaware or have forgotten, during the Nazi era in Europe more than 6 million Jews were either gassed and burned, shot and buried in ditches, beaten and starved to death in a carefully planned effort to exterminate all Jews. This is not fake news or fake data. For the educated students and faculty who have forgotten, the evidence is widely available. These were not tragic casualties of war. This was genocide.
When Jews hear of innocent people gunned down in cold blood we think of Babi Yar. When we hear of people burned in their homes, we think of gas chambers and furnaces and the air stinking of burning human flesh. When we hear of babies with their throats cut in front of their parents or parents in front of their children we think of Kristalnacht and the destruction of Warsaw and other ghettos. If you don’t know what these events refer to, you need to learn about them before you spread hate of the Jewish People and land of Israel.
The war in Gaza is a terrible tragedy for the Palestinian People and the People of Israel. All good people, Jewish or otherwise, grieve the painful loss of life brought on by war. Tragic death, suffering, hunger and fear should never be a goal of any nation or people. But the war in Gaza is not genocide. The Jewish people and the State of Israel did not want this war. It occurred because Hamas, committed to the destruction of the State of Israel and the end of the Jewish People, sucker punched the arrogant Israeli government into a no-win situation.
The unlawful annexation of the West Bank and the deplorable criminal acts of settlers there against people who have called those lands home for centuries is an abomination. While the current government of Israel is a shameful example of democracy gone awry when fanatics and opportunists rise to power, those who seek the destruction of the Palestinian population are not who we are.
Any good Jew not only accepts the worlds outrage over the death of innocents. We are ashamed of our connection with them and we feel the same pain as you when we see the horrific images from the battles. It is an old story that when a Jew hears of some bad person in the news, a politician, gangster, murderer, philanderer or thief, our first reaction for as long as I can remember and I’m sure it is part of a cultural memory is to react by thinking “I hope it wasn’t a Jew.” Well, now it is, and that is as difficult for us as it is for you. However, it must be understood that the rape, murder, mutilation and captivity committed by Hamas on October 7 is so painfully familiar that inability to acknowledge this part of the Gaza war tragedy is just another example for us of thousands of years of persecution.
So what do I honestly tell my 9 year old grandson when he asks again, as he will, “Papa, where is it safe for Jews to live in the world today?”
To be really honest, I don’t have an answer. I used to believe we were safe here from those wishing to see us dead on the right and the left. Since the massacre at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, the march on Charlotte by white nationalists shouting the “The Jews Will not Replace Us” widely praised by the previous President of the United States, the shameful statements and behavior of too many anti-zionists and Jew haters on academic campuses and the open hostility of the entire world towards the existence of our safe haven in Israel, I’m not sure there is a secure place for us. It is ironic that the only country I know of that sees the hatred of Jews as contrary to national values and is willing to stand behind it is Germany where the knowledge of the destructive force of hate remains a part of national conscience and values.
My message to you is to try to understand who we are as a people. To quote the words of one of our great teachers, Hillel. When asked to explain the meaning of the Torah (the Old Testament to gentiles), while standing on one leg he replied:
Do not unto another that which is hateful to yourself. The rest is commentary. Go study.
I recommend for your reading, at least as a start the following books. Hopefully they will open some minds and stimulate discussion rather than lead to barricades and tent camps.
Constantine’s Sword- James Carroll
Night- Eli Wiesel
Palestine 1936- Oren Kessler
Arabs and Israelis- Abdel Monem Said Aly, Shai Feldman, Kahlil Shikaki
If you don’t want to read and prefer movies, try Sophie’s Choice, Schindler’s List or the new TV show We Were the Lucky Ones. In any event, rather than closing your minds with hate, learn, ask and lets talk. Hate gets us nowhere and silence to hate is just as destructive.
Remember Reverend Martin Niemoller who wrote after serving as a religious leader imprisoned in Nazi Germany:
First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out-
Because I was not a socialist.
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out-
Because I was not a a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out-
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me- and there was no one left to speak out for me.
Martin P. Solomon, MD
May 21, 2024
You left out one important fact: Hitler killed 6 million Jews OUT OF THE 9 MILLION Jews then living in Europe. He nearly succeeded in wiping out the Jewish population in Europe.
75 years later, the world Jewish population has not recovered from that loss. Before WWII, there were 16.7 million Jews in the world. Today, there are 15.2 million. https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/number-of-jews-in-the-world
If the state of Israel disappears, the continued existence of the Jewish people is threatened.
Thank you and bravo, Dr. Solomon. You’ve beautifully and cogently articulated what I, and, I believe, many others feel.
And thank you, Robert, for your supplementary Comment.
Michael Alexander said exactly what I also wished to say. Heartfelt thanks to you, Dr. Solomon and Robert.
Robert, While I’m eager effectively to engage with folks who say they won’t vote for Biden due to the continued flow of U.S. weapons to Israel, I’m certain of one thing: we won’t be effective unless we can relate to these folks and meet them where they are. I would maintain that to do so, we ourselves must engage in conversation regarding, for example, the Israeli military’s onslaught in Rafah that is drawing condemnation across the globe.
I, further, believe it is of note that not long ago Bernie Sanders expressed deep concern that the Biden Administration’s response, or lack thereof, could become “Biden’s Vietnam.” Surely, we should be asking ourselves what more we can do.
If you have the time nd inclination to do so, press ahead. But a better strategy would be to register ten new voters for every voter who says they won't vote for Biden. We have five months left. We may not have time for long conversations that may not be fruitful. 80 million people did not vote in 2020. If we can reach 2% of those voters, Biden wins by 25 million votes.
Robert, I would note, aside from my myriad actions to help achieve Democratic victories up and down the ballot, I am registered with several organizations from whom I regularly receive addresses. As someone well-aware that the largest block of eligible voters in 2020 were non-voters, barring the occasional exception, I set aside time to write a minimum of 5 to 10 postcards daily.
On a lighter note, have you tried Field Team 6’s Unfair Share Chocolate Bars. “They don’t break into rectangular pieces like traditional chocolate bars. Instead, each fractures into the same absurd shapes as real gerrymandered congressional districts…”
Very good points. Thanks. The reality is the Biden Administration has too many issues to address in this election such as abortion, the economy, immigration and Trump’s revenge platform to name a few. Instead of rallying around the Palestinian’s fate maybe they should focus on their own future.
Stephen, Regrettably, on the matter of Gaza, the Biden Administration increasingly is isolating itself from the international community. Moreover, its recent expressions of outrage over ICC (International Criminal Court) and ICJ (International Court of Justice) rulings has further damaged its standing both at home and abroad. Hence, in my view, we minimize Sanders’ warning at our peril.
Agree
Barbara,
Maybe “the international community” are wrong about the Hamas war and are placating domestic pressure groups. “International opinion” is not necessarily principled or wise.
Michael, The international community includes both the ICC currently awaiting word from a panel of 3 judges to issue arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant, and some Hamas leaders plus the ICJ that just issued a ruling Israel already has defied to cease incursions into Rafah.
If domestically, we observe a firewall between the Presidency and DOJ, would you agree internationally we should not supply arms to a country defying ICC and ICJ rulings?
And by the way, I am uncomfortable with your premise. There is nothing in the Constitution that mandates a firewall between the Presidency and the DOJ; nor, I believe, are there legislative mandates to that effect. What we have are customs that have grown during Democratic Administrations and largely ignored, sometimes abused, by Republican Administrations.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) is part of the Executive Branch, which is headed by the President. While in general it might be wise *policy* for Presidents not to intervene in DOJ operations, the policy need not be absolute.
During the 1950s and 1960s, DOJ personnel intervened “on the ground” against Southern school segregation, essentially as a result of Presidential orders. Probably almost all readers of Today’s Edition would support that Presidential activity/intervention.
Michael, As a point of clarification, just as I have advocated domestically for a fully insulated Justice Department free from political influence, I expect the same internationally.
The *US* should take into account and weigh *both* the ICC and ICJ *proceedings and consequent rulings*, and then decide.
I believe the ICC and ICJ have become politicized and, sometimes, morally corrupted bodies.
the DNC has language in DNC REACH library that addresses practically every issue. https://www.reach.vote/
If you have something specific, you can ask for help. I've been trying to get them to integrate with other programs, like FT 6.
Most kids are generally not receptive to adults. The best tactic is to find someone who can actually influence them. I try to stick to groups I can influence. People on benefits. Veterans. Miners. Truckers. There are groups entirely devoted to speaking to Gen Z. https://www.politico.com/news/2024/01/23/biden-campaign-social-media-influencers-00136389 Many are on REACH.
"The best tactic is to find someone who can actually influence them". Exactly. AOC should be one of those. She couldn't be clearer of her criticism of Israel, her appeal to the Biden administration to not be complicit – and then on her plea to not make this a deciding issue in the upcoming elections.
https://zeteo.com/p/exclusive-aoc-on-gaza-iran-and-the
I appreciated the mention of Pema Chodron who has, also for me, been an architect of pivotal changes in my thinking about reality. I try -- every single day with varying degrees of success -- to accept that, as you say (paraphrased), the default position of our lives is Change. Not the exception, but the rule. I can believe it most readily when I'm still and paying attention to everything as much as I can without acting on any of it; there is no one moment that's exactly like any previous moment and I cling to this sometimes in desperation as I try to find stability amidst the whirlwind. On a totally silly-human note: I'm almost 76 now and I never ever could have imagined that I'd be spending my last years in this chaos of a world ... My hope is that the present chaos is a form of birth and I look forward to significant changes that I can't at this point predict. And a P.S.: Wasn't it wonderful that Robert De Niro and Fanone and (can't remember the name of the other gentleman) spoke so passionately in front of the NY courtroom excoriating DJT and emphasizing his evils and danger. Contrasting that to the buffoonery of the MAGA Congresspeople who showed up to support him -- on our dime -- and just emphasized how ignorant and foolish they are.
And Harry Dunn.... He's running for Congress in Maryland. https://harrydunnforcongress.com/
Thank you. I 'knew' him but couldn't drag his name up out of my ancient, sleepless brain this morning... They're both inspirational people to me, as are all the others who defended the Capitol on the 6h.
I am VERY familiar with that syndrome!
And I believe it's incurable ... :)
As I read about Alito saying, "it's not me, it's my wife. And she has no influence on me or my actions or judgment", two thoughts/observations jump out at me: 1) he's lying, and 2) he's front running the argumentation with the full support Thomas because Thomas has essentially similar arguments about how his wife's deep immersion in J/6 somehow don't affect his judgment. This is such complete Bulls**t. How do the members of the GOP buy it? They's never put up with a similar prevarication from a Dem-leaning justice if the roles were reversed.
The “Caesar’s wife” concept seems to have been forgotten. In essence, it holds that not only the officeholder (“Caesar”), but also the officeholder’s family must be above reproach.
When someone assumes a high office, that person’s *family* joins him/her; the officeholder’s family is necessarily a reflection on the officeholder. The Alito incident demonstrates that: how do we *know*, for example, that Alito’s *wife* really was responsible for the controversial flags? How do we know that *Alito* himself didn’t do it and lie about his wife’s involvement?
It’s a burden that families must accept if a member holds a public office of consequence.
A burden which Alito and Thomas have failed to shoulder.