Speaking of Greg Abbott, can we finally stop describing anti-abortionists as "pro-life"? No doubt there are some people who oppose abortion who also support the living, but as a political movement, anti-abortionists have a shocking disregard for life.
The fiasco on the Rio Grande and Abbott's disappointment that immigrants can't be shot are the latest examples but how about Abbott's abortion laws which show a shocking disregard for the lives of women. How about Gov. Pritzker's (IL) letter to Abbott in which he pleads with Abbott to stop dumping immigrants in summer clothes unannounced at random locations in Chicago and other midwestern cities where the temperatures are dangerously low for the well prepared. Note, these immigrants are not just unprepared for the weather but Abbott has taken to dropping them unannounced in random locations, increasing the general chaos and increasing the likelihood that the "target" cities will be unable to timely or properly care for the people placed in their care, Once again, Abbott reveals a shocking disregard for human life.
Governor Reeves's refusal to provide food to poor children in his state to make a political point on the backs of the defenseless is merely consistent with his refusal to provide medical insurance coverage to the poor people in his state to make a political point on the backs of the defenseless. As a result more people than necessary are dying and will continue to die in Mississippi in a, wait for it, shocking disregard for human life.
Abbott, Paxton and Patrick represent the darkest parts of Texas. As MLK said, it’s when it’s the most dark that you see the brightest stars ... one of Texas’ brightest rising stars is US Rep Colin Allred, soon to be US Senator Allred when he replaces Ted Cruz this November. Allred will be the Democratic nominee after the March primary, and Texas will be one step closer to righting this sinking state. (Equally important three Texas Supreme Court Justices are up for reelection and each faces strong democratic opposition.)
These two horrible decisions - by Gov. Abbott and Gov. Reeves - shows their unfitness to be humans, not just so-called leaders of the Republican party in those states. I feel sick thinking about that mom and her child who could have been helped, and the children who won't receive food this summer. Heartless and evil. How do we counteract these people? Vote them out, is all I can think of!
It's not my field, but FWIW, I get "forced-birth" but "pro-birth?" Not so much, especially when a highly evocative and accurate term like "forced birth" is available. But either is clearly better than "pro-life."
Oh, Barney. Can you imagine him in the House (or any house for that matter) w/ the likes of Gaetz or MTG? LOL The thing is, they probably wouldn't get his jokes/wouldn't when and how he was dissing them.
Not only is it a "shocking disregard for human life", it's flat out bullying and cruelty. People could be put in jail for doing the same to a dog. What is wrong with these people???
Please give our best to Jill, and take care of yourself, too. My wife and I both had mild cases in early December, thanks to 6 vaxes and Paxlovid, but the lingering effects are slow to wane.
Geez! I wish I'd known this! I actually had a high blood pressure situation a couple of weeks ago, but I think it may have been due to a mixup of medications. I'm not sure if the mixup was due to COVID fog or the fact that I'm 70 (my go-to excuse these days).
Yes, my husband and I are just recovering from COVID, and I had it worse. The five days of Paxlovid helped me . We are fine now but it took awhile. Get lots of rest. Sending you both, love and energy.
Who are these people? They're the White South, which is unchanged from what they were in 1722, 1776, 1832, 1850, 1880, 1934, 1956, 1963. They're the anti-America the British correctly identified in 1776 as "The drivers of slaves who claim to believe in freedom." They've been a blot on this country since their pirate ancestors were allowed to come to Charleston from Barbados in 1722 and become a pirate aristocracy running a pirate state while they convinced the transported felons who formed the population of the southern slave and prison colonies they were the proper leaders. They've been the enemy of real America for 300 years and counting. And they're not going to change. They're proud of being scum.
Whoa! Speaking as a lifetime northeasterner and trying to be understated, I find this assertion to be untrue. Not that there aren't racists and other "ists" in the South, but that there are racists and, er, "scum" everywhere in fairly similar numbers. When I was growing up, the de facto segregation of the North gave Northerners a hypocritical platform to claim moral superiority over the de jure segregation of the South. That was wrong and counter-productive then and continuing to make broad generalizations based on geography is wrong now.
Because there is a Drive By Truckers lyric for every occasion, here's an observation from Patterson Hood, one of the band's songwriters:
And out in California, a rock star from Canada writes a couple of great songs about the
Bad shit that went down
"Southern Man" and "Alabama" certainly told some truth
But there were a lot of good folks down here and Neil Young wasn't around
Meanwhile in North Alabama, Lynyrd Skynyrd came to town
To record with Jimmy Johnson at Muscle Shoals Sound
And they met some real good people, not racist pieces of shit
And they wrote a song about it and that song became a hit
- From "Ronnie and Neil" on the highly recommended album *Southern Rock Opera*
Some of the most liberal people I have known are descended from slave holding Confederates. When I was in law school I worked with the papers of John Marshall Harlan, the slave holder who became a Supreme Court justice, and was the lone dissenter in Plessy v. Fergusson. Harlan argued that the Constitution was color-blind and that the United States had no class system. Accordingly, all citizens should have equal access to civil rights.
I find that many of the most racist people I have ever met are ex-Democrats who believe they were screwed by busing, affirmative action and are paranoid about crime. Pennsylvania, my home state, where the Confederacy was stopped at Gettysburg, is filled with white supremacists.
I personally thought things were coming to a head in 1967. When I was in Vietnam in 1966-1968 we were told there was a coming race war at home. We caught some "Confederates" stealing selector switches to turn rifles into automatic weapons. Some units flew the stars and bars. After I was discharged, cities burned and I was called up. 39 people were killed. Some communities have never recovered.
I was involved in busing litigation. Most major cities have experienced white flight, IMHO imposed by Nixon's southern strategy.
The US is filled with racist, prejudiced people. The former Confederate states are the loudest about the overwhelming racism. Born and raised in NC, my husband and I moved to northwest Ohio right out of college in 1978. The area was overwhelmingly white. I was told that Black families were escorted out of town and told they were not welcome. People in the area would tell me they were not prejudiced against Black people. But they didn't know anyone who was black, and certainly didn't live alongside any families of color. The area where we lived butted up against the Indiana state line. Indiana, historically, has had a large KKK presence.
When tRump surprisingly won in 2016, my first thought was that we really are as racist a country as I thought we might be. How else to explain how a Virginia county would close its public schools for 5 years denying poor black children an education during those years? How else to explain that Jackson, Mississippi's failed water system from which people can't get clean drinking water? Or Flint, Michigan's ruined water system? Racism, along with any denigration of other vulnerable groups, is hatred, pure and simple, and hatred is poisonous.
You're right about the ex-Democrats, now the Seething Inadequates. Your observation fits another I read recently about how rural America, which used to be regionally differentiated, has become "Southernized" in its overall culture. Nixon's Southern strategy has a lot to do with that, because the Southerners he welcomed into the party decided that this time the Southernist parasite wouldn't just attach itself to the "host" Republican Party as it had done with the Democrats, but would take control of the "host." Which is what we have seen over the past 50 years. Now, the worst of "Southernism" - the performative cruelty - is the mainstream.
I'm hoping that Gen Z and voters under age 45 can overwhelm those who need their distemper shots.
Once upon a time I represented several Republican townships in Pa. They knew I was a Democrat, but party loyalty was less important than they knew I could make them money. Anecdotally, with an inventory of assets and income, some MAGATs come to their senses. I've not been able to convince the DNC but some groups like truck drivers support Trump but are screwed by his policies. https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2019/04/trump-tax-bill-truckers-truck-drivers-deduction/
Farmers really got screwed by Trump. Biden has saved their livelihoods with the Infrastructure Act. My hope is that they return the favor at the polls.
It can feel good to identify the “scum” geographically, as if they are physically isolated in one spot. We know that’s not true--in both directions. Certainly plenty of people from all over the nation who continue to consider certain groups of people “less than,” and, let’s remember that LBJ came from rural Texas, for goodness sake. Not cool to lump us southerners as THE problem here.
Then I guess I wish it was called something else. I was born in Dallas. My family moved to/lived in Philadelphia for a couple of years when I was in jr. high, then moved back. I remember clearly being looked down upon, my state of origin maligned, the presumption that we in the south treated blacks so poorly (but Philadelphia blacks had it good?), etc. Just saying geographic prejudice doesn't engender progress toward what should be a common goal.
"I re-read Dr. King’s “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” before writing this newsletter. It is a worthwhile investment of your time on the day honoring his birth. It is a reminder of the indignities suffered by Black citizens throughout the South, of their frustration and anger over gerrymandering and Jim Crow laws, and over bad faith arguments telling them to “be patient” for change. But it is also a philosophical reflection on the tension between justice, morality, and the law, drawing upon the writings of Socrates, Augustine, Aquinas, Buber, and Tillich.
'It is good that we have a national day to observe Dr. King’s birth. It reminds us that we are walking in the footsteps of men and women who sacrificed their lives so we would have the freedom to continue their struggle. We should not take that legacy for granted."
Your opening reflection on MLK, Jr. is beautiful, Robert. I grew up in the Atlanta area and was a great admirer. His speeches mesmerized everyone who heard them. This year especially I feel his spirit among us as we try to move towards each other and towards a more just society.
I was one of the more than 200,000 people on and by the Mall in DC who heard, cheered, and were inspired by Dr. King’s “I have a Dream” speech. “Mesmerized” is the right word: the emotions I felt during King’s speech have remained with me to this day.
My best wishes for Jill. You both have had a struggle this winter
This past October I had the privilege of going on a Civil Rights bus tour to Alabama with 28 neighbors that was curated by two neighbors who had done this several times before.
Rosalie Turner has written several books and novels on the Era and her husband Frank is a world of knowledge. It was in many ways life altering to walk through and visit the sights I remember from my childhood watching unfold on the TV. MLK’s Letter fitted prominently in our trip. I urge all of you to visit Birmingham, Selma ( yes we walked over the bridge), Montgomery and points in between and have told my children to do the same.
Tomorrow at one of our club meetings in our 55+ community Rosalie will read and discuss MLK’s Letter. I’m so looking forward to attending.
I had to chuckle a bit at the reference to the MAGA cultists who believe Biden controls the weather.
I live in bright blue-trifecta D Minnesota- you know, north of Iowa? If I thought for a second that Biden could influence the trajectory of the Polar Vortex, I’d have his office on speed dial and would have it fixed already! It would also be fun to attempt to explain to said cultists that more frequent visits from the Vortex here are actually directly attributable to the climate crisis! Heads might spin on that one.
-8 below here, with -30 below windchills. Yes, it’s tough. Roads are slick and walking a dog is painful. But, as with all things weather, this too shall pass.
Iowans are intrepid folks. They will decide to brave the weather to caucus - or not. Meanwhile, I’m going to do a little postcarding for Suozzi in NY. And send a gift to the organization where my brothers works as an addiction program manager, serving mostly men of color. Honor King’s work and Patrick’s at the same time.
Take good care of Jill and yourself, Robert. Wishing her a speedy recovery.
Reading Today’s Edition I asked myself how would MLK feel if he returned today? Did his “I had a dream” speech actually deliver the results he wished for? What would his thoughts be about Trump and the Republican Party? I have thought about this and have come to the conclusion that racism still exists in this country but it has taken a different road and is in some ways more apparent and in other ways it is silent and assumed. People of color have made huge strides in our country and have become a valuable and important part of all aspects of our society and we need to thank MLK for this. We need to remember and appreciate that MLK faced unbelievable racism and violence and had the courage to keep on believing and pushing forward something all of us need to remember and do as we face the 2024 election. Our “ dream” must be to protect and defend democracy and our freedoms and our laws.
This is true: "MLK faced unbelievable racism"--and the incidents that happened to him as a young child and teenager stayed with him his entire life. It is amazing that he moved past the anger of his early years to become a national leader who sought unity and peace.
But let us not forget those who worked with or supported the civil rights movement – John Lewis, Ralph Abernathy, Jesse Jackson, Roy Wilkins, and the many thousands more whose names are disappearing into the mists of history.
And Bayard Rustin! Just watched "Rustin" yesterday (available on Netflix), which underscores how important, and unrecognized, he was in the success of the March on Washington.
We have all, here, questioned ourselves as to the appropriate and most effective message that need be promulgated on behalf of Biden's candidacy. A persuasive message that best communicates the rationale behind anti-Trump vehemence and opposition. The general belief is to stress, (giving highest and singular priority to), defense of our Democracy (Big "D"), that same democracy that has provided now centuries of growth, world standing and leadership, individual rights combined with defense of national, communal interests and the benefits to all such universal and social benefits can provide to each individual.
What caught my eye, and spoke to my heart, was the clear reference to the "inescapable network of mutuality", that we are "tied in a single garment of destiny". As a non-theist, the thing that hurts and sends me off in a quandary, is the un-Christian-like mind set of the MAGA message whose behaviors and attestations are so totally self-focused, divisive, and, critically anti-Christ.
I wonder if there is someone who can deliver a message, a direct bulletin or dispatch to MAGA voters, which reminds them of their faith, beliefs, and devotionals. Are we failing in assuming that those who attend Christian churches and assert their personal code of principals do not need to be reminded of what the tenets of their faith are. I sense that they cannot hear the dictates of Christ or the 'words of the Lord' because of all the noise, the constant turbulent clamoring of what's not working and who's to blame, and who will be punished. Given that it is becoming all the more difficult to hear anything above the cacophony and callousness, is there anyone whose credentials, credibility and cadence can override the clamor that has brought our neighbors to this place.
Martin Luther King Jr. was anything but perfect, for sure. His love for his brothers and sisters -black, white, immigrants, Jews, the fallen and down-trodden is a message, though, that need be spoken from the rooftops. A message we are all apt to forget from time to time.
We mapped the 15 states where Republican Governors have blocked funds for poor children in their states. It also shows the number of hungry kids by race in each county.
"Fat Governors let poor kids go hungry. We mapped the cruelty."
Robert ,your comments deserve the praise and repetition that others have already offered. I would simply highlight more closely a few of your words. You noted that Martin Luther King, Jr. Day "reminds us that we are walking in the footsteps of men and women who sacrificed their lives so we would have the freedom to continue their struggle." "THE FREEDOM TO CONTINUE THEIR STRUGGLE! Important words. A lot of us, left, right, and down the middle talk a lot about FREEDOM; and I am sure almost every one of your devoted readers would prefer not to be free from worry about Trump and the future of democracy, but our fate lies elsewhere. Our freedom demands that we continue the struggle. May we all have the hope to follow, however we can, Dr. King's guidance and your much appreciated encouragement.
A most meaningful day. MLK was well deserving of this holiday, we should honor his memory today and everyday when we consider his true legacy and when we consider the forces who act against that legacy.
Dr. King’s words were true then and true now. The evangelical movement has hijacked Christianity. Thanks for mentioning Faithful America. They are doing great work. I had previously mentioned the webinar they hosted with the filmmakers of “God and Country “ and yesterday’s WAPO had a story on the movie. One thing they discussed was the power of the Black Church in providing a guiding light. They are still doing that today but have been drowned out by the noise from the evangelicals.
So sorry that COVID has invaded your household. It's still out there. As are RSV and the flu. Wear a mask when on airplanes, in the security lines, at the supermarket, or at any gathering of lots of people. Only vigilance on all of our parts will enable us to get well in time for Easter.
we are getting hammered. There are nine of us in our immediate family in LA. Five have Covid as of this morning. (We went on an outing to the park together on Saturday).
So, Robert, do you attribute the Covid cases in your family to an OUTDOOR gathering? I hope all those afflicted get well soon and have no after-effects.
Thank you for your thoughtful comments on Dr. King. I vividly remember hearing his speeches when I was younger. I was inspired then, and continue to be today. Also prayers for Jill's recovery ASAP, but look at the added bonus of you becoming more familiar with the organization of your home :).
Speaking of Greg Abbott, can we finally stop describing anti-abortionists as "pro-life"? No doubt there are some people who oppose abortion who also support the living, but as a political movement, anti-abortionists have a shocking disregard for life.
The fiasco on the Rio Grande and Abbott's disappointment that immigrants can't be shot are the latest examples but how about Abbott's abortion laws which show a shocking disregard for the lives of women. How about Gov. Pritzker's (IL) letter to Abbott in which he pleads with Abbott to stop dumping immigrants in summer clothes unannounced at random locations in Chicago and other midwestern cities where the temperatures are dangerously low for the well prepared. Note, these immigrants are not just unprepared for the weather but Abbott has taken to dropping them unannounced in random locations, increasing the general chaos and increasing the likelihood that the "target" cities will be unable to timely or properly care for the people placed in their care, Once again, Abbott reveals a shocking disregard for human life.
Governor Reeves's refusal to provide food to poor children in his state to make a political point on the backs of the defenseless is merely consistent with his refusal to provide medical insurance coverage to the poor people in his state to make a political point on the backs of the defenseless. As a result more people than necessary are dying and will continue to die in Mississippi in a, wait for it, shocking disregard for human life.
Abbott, Paxton and Patrick represent the darkest parts of Texas. As MLK said, it’s when it’s the most dark that you see the brightest stars ... one of Texas’ brightest rising stars is US Rep Colin Allred, soon to be US Senator Allred when he replaces Ted Cruz this November. Allred will be the Democratic nominee after the March primary, and Texas will be one step closer to righting this sinking state. (Equally important three Texas Supreme Court Justices are up for reelection and each faces strong democratic opposition.)
Need to 14th Amendment Cruz.
Thank God! Every Democrat elected in these states will help us to right the ship!
Isn't reckless endangerment a crime in Texas?
These two horrible decisions - by Gov. Abbott and Gov. Reeves - shows their unfitness to be humans, not just so-called leaders of the Republican party in those states. I feel sick thinking about that mom and her child who could have been helped, and the children who won't receive food this summer. Heartless and evil. How do we counteract these people? Vote them out, is all I can think of!
Many women have begun using the term "pro-birth" or "forced-birth" instead of "pro-life".
What we have tried to get people to use for decades is the term anti-choice
"forced birth" sounds good, as does "anti-choice."
It's not my field, but FWIW, I get "forced-birth" but "pro-birth?" Not so much, especially when a highly evocative and accurate term like "forced birth" is available. But either is clearly better than "pro-life."
It’s all part of weak Republicans trying to act strong to satisfy a base they really despise
I’m not certain of that: Those politicians may just *believe* the swill they espouse.
Abbott & Paxton. What a pair. There's much to be said for enabling Texas to go its own way.
As my father would have said, "That's a pair that beats a full house."
Jeff Bernfeld’s post reminds me of one of Barney Frank’s jibes:
To be “pro-life” is to believe that life begins at conception and ends at birth.
Oh, Barney. Can you imagine him in the House (or any house for that matter) w/ the likes of Gaetz or MTG? LOL The thing is, they probably wouldn't get his jokes/wouldn't when and how he was dissing them.
Any time you hear someone state "I am pro-life", please just ask them "whose life?"
Not only is it a "shocking disregard for human life", it's flat out bullying and cruelty. People could be put in jail for doing the same to a dog. What is wrong with these people???
Hope Jill feels better soon. Stay safe both of you. Best wishes, Betty
Please give our best to Jill, and take care of yourself, too. My wife and I both had mild cases in early December, thanks to 6 vaxes and Paxlovid, but the lingering effects are slow to wane.
My dr. friend said it's a good idea to take a low-dose aspirin every day for a month once you test negative, to avoid stroke. The science supports it. https://www.bronsonhealth.com/health-news/covid-19-and-stroke/
Geez! I wish I'd known this! I actually had a high blood pressure situation a couple of weeks ago, but I think it may have been due to a mixup of medications. I'm not sure if the mixup was due to COVID fog or the fact that I'm 70 (my go-to excuse these days).
Yes, my husband and I are just recovering from COVID, and I had it worse. The five days of Paxlovid helped me . We are fine now but it took awhile. Get lots of rest. Sending you both, love and energy.
My dr. friend said it's a good idea to take a low-dose aspirin every day for a month once you test negative, to avoid stroke. The science supports it. https://www.bronsonhealth.com/health-news/covid-19-and-stroke/
Who are these people? They're the White South, which is unchanged from what they were in 1722, 1776, 1832, 1850, 1880, 1934, 1956, 1963. They're the anti-America the British correctly identified in 1776 as "The drivers of slaves who claim to believe in freedom." They've been a blot on this country since their pirate ancestors were allowed to come to Charleston from Barbados in 1722 and become a pirate aristocracy running a pirate state while they convinced the transported felons who formed the population of the southern slave and prison colonies they were the proper leaders. They've been the enemy of real America for 300 years and counting. And they're not going to change. They're proud of being scum.
Whoa! Speaking as a lifetime northeasterner and trying to be understated, I find this assertion to be untrue. Not that there aren't racists and other "ists" in the South, but that there are racists and, er, "scum" everywhere in fairly similar numbers. When I was growing up, the de facto segregation of the North gave Northerners a hypocritical platform to claim moral superiority over the de jure segregation of the South. That was wrong and counter-productive then and continuing to make broad generalizations based on geography is wrong now.
Because there is a Drive By Truckers lyric for every occasion, here's an observation from Patterson Hood, one of the band's songwriters:
And out in California, a rock star from Canada writes a couple of great songs about the
Bad shit that went down
"Southern Man" and "Alabama" certainly told some truth
But there were a lot of good folks down here and Neil Young wasn't around
Meanwhile in North Alabama, Lynyrd Skynyrd came to town
To record with Jimmy Johnson at Muscle Shoals Sound
And they met some real good people, not racist pieces of shit
And they wrote a song about it and that song became a hit
- From "Ronnie and Neil" on the highly recommended album *Southern Rock Opera*
Jung could have been correct about a collective racist subconscious.
But anecdotally, there is something to "white guilt." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_guilt
Some of the most liberal people I have known are descended from slave holding Confederates. When I was in law school I worked with the papers of John Marshall Harlan, the slave holder who became a Supreme Court justice, and was the lone dissenter in Plessy v. Fergusson. Harlan argued that the Constitution was color-blind and that the United States had no class system. Accordingly, all citizens should have equal access to civil rights.
I find that many of the most racist people I have ever met are ex-Democrats who believe they were screwed by busing, affirmative action and are paranoid about crime. Pennsylvania, my home state, where the Confederacy was stopped at Gettysburg, is filled with white supremacists.
I personally thought things were coming to a head in 1967. When I was in Vietnam in 1966-1968 we were told there was a coming race war at home. We caught some "Confederates" stealing selector switches to turn rifles into automatic weapons. Some units flew the stars and bars. After I was discharged, cities burned and I was called up. 39 people were killed. Some communities have never recovered.
I was involved in busing litigation. Most major cities have experienced white flight, IMHO imposed by Nixon's southern strategy.
The US is filled with racist, prejudiced people. The former Confederate states are the loudest about the overwhelming racism. Born and raised in NC, my husband and I moved to northwest Ohio right out of college in 1978. The area was overwhelmingly white. I was told that Black families were escorted out of town and told they were not welcome. People in the area would tell me they were not prejudiced against Black people. But they didn't know anyone who was black, and certainly didn't live alongside any families of color. The area where we lived butted up against the Indiana state line. Indiana, historically, has had a large KKK presence.
When tRump surprisingly won in 2016, my first thought was that we really are as racist a country as I thought we might be. How else to explain how a Virginia county would close its public schools for 5 years denying poor black children an education during those years? How else to explain that Jackson, Mississippi's failed water system from which people can't get clean drinking water? Or Flint, Michigan's ruined water system? Racism, along with any denigration of other vulnerable groups, is hatred, pure and simple, and hatred is poisonous.
You're right about the ex-Democrats, now the Seething Inadequates. Your observation fits another I read recently about how rural America, which used to be regionally differentiated, has become "Southernized" in its overall culture. Nixon's Southern strategy has a lot to do with that, because the Southerners he welcomed into the party decided that this time the Southernist parasite wouldn't just attach itself to the "host" Republican Party as it had done with the Democrats, but would take control of the "host." Which is what we have seen over the past 50 years. Now, the worst of "Southernism" - the performative cruelty - is the mainstream.
I'm hoping that Gen Z and voters under age 45 can overwhelm those who need their distemper shots.
Once upon a time I represented several Republican townships in Pa. They knew I was a Democrat, but party loyalty was less important than they knew I could make them money. Anecdotally, with an inventory of assets and income, some MAGATs come to their senses. I've not been able to convince the DNC but some groups like truck drivers support Trump but are screwed by his policies. https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2019/04/trump-tax-bill-truckers-truck-drivers-deduction/
Same with farmers in Iowa. https://www.politico.com/news/2024/01/14/trump-biden-farmers-00135396?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
But I still think that ridicule works better with the "lumpen" voters. #trumpstinks.
The thing that got me during Trump's misrule was that every damn policy he put forward screwed the people who voted for him.
Can you name one policy instituted by the GOP that has benefited anyone but the most wealthy?
Daniel Solomon’s Comment highlights my belief that hatred is a stronger motivator than self-interest.
Democrats in red and pink states have been trying to appeal to economic self-interest as though it’s the sole motivator.
I like ridicule and the visceral attack. Trump is a loser.
How can anyone support someone who stole from kids with cancer and disabled war veterans?
#trumpstinks
Farmers really got screwed by Trump. Biden has saved their livelihoods with the Infrastructure Act. My hope is that they return the favor at the polls.
It can feel good to identify the “scum” geographically, as if they are physically isolated in one spot. We know that’s not true--in both directions. Certainly plenty of people from all over the nation who continue to consider certain groups of people “less than,” and, let’s remember that LBJ came from rural Texas, for goodness sake. Not cool to lump us southerners as THE problem here.
"Southernism" is now found from sea to shining sea and Canada to Mexico.
Then I guess I wish it was called something else. I was born in Dallas. My family moved to/lived in Philadelphia for a couple of years when I was in jr. high, then moved back. I remember clearly being looked down upon, my state of origin maligned, the presumption that we in the south treated blacks so poorly (but Philadelphia blacks had it good?), etc. Just saying geographic prejudice doesn't engender progress toward what should be a common goal.
That’s a slur on scum!
Worth repeating:
"I re-read Dr. King’s “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” before writing this newsletter. It is a worthwhile investment of your time on the day honoring his birth. It is a reminder of the indignities suffered by Black citizens throughout the South, of their frustration and anger over gerrymandering and Jim Crow laws, and over bad faith arguments telling them to “be patient” for change. But it is also a philosophical reflection on the tension between justice, morality, and the law, drawing upon the writings of Socrates, Augustine, Aquinas, Buber, and Tillich.
'It is good that we have a national day to observe Dr. King’s birth. It reminds us that we are walking in the footsteps of men and women who sacrificed their lives so we would have the freedom to continue their struggle. We should not take that legacy for granted."
Best wishes for a speedy recovery for Jill.
Your opening reflection on MLK, Jr. is beautiful, Robert. I grew up in the Atlanta area and was a great admirer. His speeches mesmerized everyone who heard them. This year especially I feel his spirit among us as we try to move towards each other and towards a more just society.
I was one of the more than 200,000 people on and by the Mall in DC who heard, cheered, and were inspired by Dr. King’s “I have a Dream” speech. “Mesmerized” is the right word: the emotions I felt during King’s speech have remained with me to this day.
Get well soon, Jill.
Robert, if MLK Jr was still among us, I have no doubt you two would be friends!
My best wishes for Jill. You both have had a struggle this winter
This past October I had the privilege of going on a Civil Rights bus tour to Alabama with 28 neighbors that was curated by two neighbors who had done this several times before.
Rosalie Turner has written several books and novels on the Era and her husband Frank is a world of knowledge. It was in many ways life altering to walk through and visit the sights I remember from my childhood watching unfold on the TV. MLK’s Letter fitted prominently in our trip. I urge all of you to visit Birmingham, Selma ( yes we walked over the bridge), Montgomery and points in between and have told my children to do the same.
Tomorrow at one of our club meetings in our 55+ community Rosalie will read and discuss MLK’s Letter. I’m so looking forward to attending.
I had to chuckle a bit at the reference to the MAGA cultists who believe Biden controls the weather.
I live in bright blue-trifecta D Minnesota- you know, north of Iowa? If I thought for a second that Biden could influence the trajectory of the Polar Vortex, I’d have his office on speed dial and would have it fixed already! It would also be fun to attempt to explain to said cultists that more frequent visits from the Vortex here are actually directly attributable to the climate crisis! Heads might spin on that one.
-8 below here, with -30 below windchills. Yes, it’s tough. Roads are slick and walking a dog is painful. But, as with all things weather, this too shall pass.
Iowans are intrepid folks. They will decide to brave the weather to caucus - or not. Meanwhile, I’m going to do a little postcarding for Suozzi in NY. And send a gift to the organization where my brothers works as an addiction program manager, serving mostly men of color. Honor King’s work and Patrick’s at the same time.
Take good care of Jill and yourself, Robert. Wishing her a speedy recovery.
Am waiting for trump to make an appearance with a USA map showing magic marker arrows drawn from DC to Iowa.
🤣🤨 Sadly, some would believe him. Hurts worse than the windchill….
Reading Today’s Edition I asked myself how would MLK feel if he returned today? Did his “I had a dream” speech actually deliver the results he wished for? What would his thoughts be about Trump and the Republican Party? I have thought about this and have come to the conclusion that racism still exists in this country but it has taken a different road and is in some ways more apparent and in other ways it is silent and assumed. People of color have made huge strides in our country and have become a valuable and important part of all aspects of our society and we need to thank MLK for this. We need to remember and appreciate that MLK faced unbelievable racism and violence and had the courage to keep on believing and pushing forward something all of us need to remember and do as we face the 2024 election. Our “ dream” must be to protect and defend democracy and our freedoms and our laws.
This is true: "MLK faced unbelievable racism"--and the incidents that happened to him as a young child and teenager stayed with him his entire life. It is amazing that he moved past the anger of his early years to become a national leader who sought unity and peace.
But let us not forget those who worked with or supported the civil rights movement – John Lewis, Ralph Abernathy, Jesse Jackson, Roy Wilkins, and the many thousands more whose names are disappearing into the mists of history.
And Bayard Rustin! Just watched "Rustin" yesterday (available on Netflix), which underscores how important, and unrecognized, he was in the success of the March on Washington.
Yes, Bayard Rustin! When I wrote my Comment, I struggled and failed to remember his name.
We have all, here, questioned ourselves as to the appropriate and most effective message that need be promulgated on behalf of Biden's candidacy. A persuasive message that best communicates the rationale behind anti-Trump vehemence and opposition. The general belief is to stress, (giving highest and singular priority to), defense of our Democracy (Big "D"), that same democracy that has provided now centuries of growth, world standing and leadership, individual rights combined with defense of national, communal interests and the benefits to all such universal and social benefits can provide to each individual.
What caught my eye, and spoke to my heart, was the clear reference to the "inescapable network of mutuality", that we are "tied in a single garment of destiny". As a non-theist, the thing that hurts and sends me off in a quandary, is the un-Christian-like mind set of the MAGA message whose behaviors and attestations are so totally self-focused, divisive, and, critically anti-Christ.
I wonder if there is someone who can deliver a message, a direct bulletin or dispatch to MAGA voters, which reminds them of their faith, beliefs, and devotionals. Are we failing in assuming that those who attend Christian churches and assert their personal code of principals do not need to be reminded of what the tenets of their faith are. I sense that they cannot hear the dictates of Christ or the 'words of the Lord' because of all the noise, the constant turbulent clamoring of what's not working and who's to blame, and who will be punished. Given that it is becoming all the more difficult to hear anything above the cacophony and callousness, is there anyone whose credentials, credibility and cadence can override the clamor that has brought our neighbors to this place.
Martin Luther King Jr. was anything but perfect, for sure. His love for his brothers and sisters -black, white, immigrants, Jews, the fallen and down-trodden is a message, though, that need be spoken from the rooftops. A message we are all apt to forget from time to time.
We mapped the 15 states where Republican Governors have blocked funds for poor children in their states. It also shows the number of hungry kids by race in each county.
"Fat Governors let poor kids go hungry. We mapped the cruelty."
https://thedemlabs.org/2024/01/13/republicans-block-funds-for-food-aid-for-poor-hungry-kids/
Robert ,your comments deserve the praise and repetition that others have already offered. I would simply highlight more closely a few of your words. You noted that Martin Luther King, Jr. Day "reminds us that we are walking in the footsteps of men and women who sacrificed their lives so we would have the freedom to continue their struggle." "THE FREEDOM TO CONTINUE THEIR STRUGGLE! Important words. A lot of us, left, right, and down the middle talk a lot about FREEDOM; and I am sure almost every one of your devoted readers would prefer not to be free from worry about Trump and the future of democracy, but our fate lies elsewhere. Our freedom demands that we continue the struggle. May we all have the hope to follow, however we can, Dr. King's guidance and your much appreciated encouragement.
Hi, Patrick. Thanks for noticing that phrase. It was intentional and I paused over it for about ten minutes before closing the newsletter.
Well done.
A most meaningful day. MLK was well deserving of this holiday, we should honor his memory today and everyday when we consider his true legacy and when we consider the forces who act against that legacy.
Peter Mancuso
Dr. King’s words were true then and true now. The evangelical movement has hijacked Christianity. Thanks for mentioning Faithful America. They are doing great work. I had previously mentioned the webinar they hosted with the filmmakers of “God and Country “ and yesterday’s WAPO had a story on the movie. One thing they discussed was the power of the Black Church in providing a guiding light. They are still doing that today but have been drowned out by the noise from the evangelicals.
So sorry that COVID has invaded your household. It's still out there. As are RSV and the flu. Wear a mask when on airplanes, in the security lines, at the supermarket, or at any gathering of lots of people. Only vigilance on all of our parts will enable us to get well in time for Easter.
we are getting hammered. There are nine of us in our immediate family in LA. Five have Covid as of this morning. (We went on an outing to the park together on Saturday).
I'm so sorry! Sending get well wishes to Jill and all the other Covid positive people in your family.
It's pernicious. And living in SoCal as you do is a whole lot better than in our frigid NE (at least at the moment)
Wishing all of you a full recovery! Very concerning if this was contracted outdoors...
So, Robert, do you attribute the Covid cases in your family to an OUTDOOR gathering? I hope all those afflicted get well soon and have no after-effects.
Thank you for your thoughtful comments on Dr. King. I vividly remember hearing his speeches when I was younger. I was inspired then, and continue to be today. Also prayers for Jill's recovery ASAP, but look at the added bonus of you becoming more familiar with the organization of your home :).