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May 2, 2022·edited May 2, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

Mr. Hubbell, Thank you for this really magnificent piece of writing about what I have thought for a long time was one of the great dangers to our culture, close behind climate change. If we somehow can come to our senses and change the practicalities of our daily lives in time to save the planet, we will find ourselves in a world marked by the first principle of an authoritarian government--the merger of state and press. In fact, unless there is a radical shift, your (and WaPo's) catalogue of billionaire's and their ownership of a staggering percentage of our supposedly "public" forums, suggest strongly that we are already there.

I am of the opinion that Nancy Pelosi and her team are a powerful force for good in this situation and that, lf any group of people can get this job done, they can. Everything I read tells me they have gathered every shred of evidence necessary to stop this madness and call to account the felons who have perpetrated it. But, I am full of fear and near despair because we have been here before. The Jan 6 committee is better prepared, Pelosi--for all her flaws--is a bulldog in her defense of the constitution and this democracy. I trust her implicitly. But, as our defense is better this time, so the landscape of corruption and the walls that now shield the autocracy we seek to break are higher and more intricately manned. Is there a corner of our world that has not been infected? We got caught off guard and didn't see how bad it was--because we all, myself certainly one, dislike inconvenience and unpleasantness and seem to believe if we ignore them long enough they will just go away.

I am sorry for such a grim post this early in my morning here in the Southeast.

I have expressed before, and still don't have the answer, my fear that in writing and discussing the dangers you so cleanly lay out, we are just giving these monsters what they crave--more publicity. What would be the result of silence? I honestly don't know, but it turns my stomach to be thinking about Elon Musk and the Technocrats and Sean Hannity and Rupert Murdoch before I've had my first cup of tea.

And with all that, I thank you again for one of the clearest statements I've seen of this core danger.

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I think the only person who craves attention without regard to whether that attention is good or bad is Trump. Republicans in Congress know that they are playing a dangerous game with democracy--just listen to the McCarthy tapes. But they are cowards who are afraid of their own base. so, yes, i think that calling them out is worth the effort. Stay strong!

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Way past time for calling out Rupert’s evil. Thank you. He has poisoned this country even more than Rush did. He put Rush, Lee Atwater, Roger Stone, Newt, and so many more hateful ideologues on steroids and spewed them over the citizenry ad nauseam. I watched it up close and personal for decades. I kept thinking “we aren’t that stupid” but we were, and are. Rupert won’t stop, who will stop him. As Ayn Rand said “The question isn’t who is going to let me, it’s who is going to stop me.” Indeed

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Dear Robert. I sent you an email. I hope you can respond. Because I could use your optimism right now.

I've just been depressed about what feels like the imminent collapse of our liberal era. That I'm looking at a future where there is no more social progress because the GOP packs all of our courts with right wingers. That Trump-backed secretaries of state will overturn election results and make it so Democrats never win again. That gay people like me will spend the rest of our lives watching helplessly as everything we achieved is erased by the GOP.

Trump-clone people are voted into place assuring the validity …and the actual counting of the votes. The power they will have to toss votes they “don’t like” is absolute.

All progress will be rescinded once the Repubs get control of congress and the presidency. LGBT people are being erased and harrassed everywhere in the country. POC are being systematically gerrymandered out of existence politically.

My family and people on here keep telling me it can't happen, but then I see experts saying "If you don't think it can happen, you haven't been paying attention."

My biggest fear more than anything is that Republicans who support the big lie will get into positions of power and throw out votes they don't like, making it impossible for Democrats to win. I feel sick thinking about this, because they would have a permanent majority and nothing will ever get better.

Gay rights and abortion would be gone forever and I will live the rest of my life in despair while everyone else is too burned out to vote and gives up trying.

I don't know why I should have hope that things will get better. It feels like everyone is succumbing to fatalism and allowing the most evil people to take over because they're too burned out.

"Part of the issue is that it’s increasingly hard to imagine that American life will get better anytime soon. During the last five years, it was at least possible to identify dates at which things might turn around. The midterms offered an opportunity to curb Trump. The 2020 election was a chance to get rid of him. The depredations of the pandemic had to be endured until vaccines were widely available.

But now? The Republican Party is as deranged and authoritarian as ever. Biden’s agenda is stuck in a congressional standoff that’s at once frustrating, terrifying and extremely boring. The pandemic is dragging on, without an obvious offramp. We’re completely incapable of addressing the onrushing calamity of climate change. Burnout is marked by feelings of futility, and there’s a lot of that going around."

My thoughts are saying "What's the point of being happy and enjoying life when the future looks so dark? Will this be the world you leave behind?" They are suggesting there won't be widespread protests for abortion rights because people are too burned out by covid. Have people surrendered to lives of despair?

Please respond. I have been depressed for weeks thinking about how there would be no fixing things if the GOP took over and need some hope.

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Hi, PD. I will respond to your email privately. But this is a group response to you and to the commenters below. We must recognize that we are in a retrograde moment in American politics that won't last. It is difficult to see beyond this moment. But we should not confuse short term back-sliding with long-term trajectories. America is becoming more educated, urbanized, and diverse. Large swaths of the Old South and Midwest are depopulating but for foreign immigration. What if it takes a decade or two to regain all of the rights lost in the last six years? Are we up to that task? I you had asked John Lewis in 1964 if he was up to the task of fighting for civil rights for another fifty years, he would have said, "Yes." We must be no different. Every single American must be committed to this fight for the rest of their lives. That is how we got to a place where being gay is no longer criminalized, where women have control over their reproduction, where same sex marriages are legal --indeed, where marriages between different "races" is legal. Do not confuse the present moment with the trajectory. The reactionary forces are so vehement because they know they are losing and will lose, in the end. Stay strong!

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This is such an important perspective and message for all. It often seems there are so many reasons to despair when we encounter setbacks and frustrations due to a lack of progress. It is easy to lose perspective on the progress that has been accomplished. I have been a progressive activist and social justice advocate for over 50 years. During that time we have had many opportunities to become frustrated and have experienced disappointments, but also achieved some important victories. My grandmother who was born in 1869 used to regale me with stories of her work over many decades on voting rights, women's suffrage, immigration, and many other causes she felt important. I expect I will leave much work yet to accomplish when I pass from this life, but it will simply pass to the next generation as her work passed to me. We cannot let up or be discouraged. Thank you for this important message.

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Robert, I was just watching Don Lemon on CNN. Politico leaked a Supreme Court Draft Opinion overturning Roe v Wade. It was written by Justice Alito. I am so angry! He just had videos of the last three justices going through their confirmation saying that Row v Wade is the law of the land.

Senator Klobuchar is on and saying that Roe v Wade should be codified into law by the Congress.

Women of all ages need to go to the polls and vote Democrat Blue!

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I do hear what you’re saying, Robert. Many people have expressed to me the same thoughts, including my husband. However, it is in the “short term back-sliding” that lives of people I know and love, and those that I don’t know, but who are real, existing human beings, will be radically, negatively impacted. I can’t get that out of my mind to focus solely on the long-term. Are the people who are here now, who will suffer, just collateral damage along way? I truly wish my mind and heart didn’t work this way, but I know of no way to change.

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May 2, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

As I see Joe B plugging on, I have hope, and can do no less. Plug on, we must

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May 2, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

Good morning, Jeri, Yes. We must keep going. I had a friend a long time ago who would listen to whatever melodrama was going on in my life, give me a warm pat on the back, and say, "Dean, just continue." And with all the energy I can muster--and some days that's not much--I know that continuing, plugging on, is the only choice. Thanks for the reminder

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Like Dory says in Finding Nemo, just keep swimming.

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And I think it's good news that, if we are unfortunate enough to sink to the bottom off the pool, it just gives us something firm to push against to get us to the top again. Either way, we are always heading toward the light.

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I am not giving up. I will be 73 in June and I have hope that things will turn around. I am hopeful that the January 6 Committee will expose the horrible offenses to our democracy made by Trump and his cohorts, even in Congress. I am hopeful that Americans of both parties will rise up and demand that all of those people are put on trial as traitors.

If that happens, I believe we will see a new spirit in Congress to unite for the good of the Country.

I am praying that this country will truly turn around and once again protect our God given rights, including the right to vote and have our votes counted.

Have faith. Hang onto it. I am hanging onto mine. We must stay strong and do everything we can to foil the autocratic plans of these far right Republicans.

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May 2, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

You are absolutely justified to be depressed. I am right there with you. Almost everything you wrote could have been written by me (but not nearly as well). But, I just have to keep up the fight til the end. I’m 72 years old and my head is spinning at how far away from democracy we are moving at such a rapid pace. But, to give up is to be like the “good” German citizens during Hitler’s rise to power. I have sworn that I will not be like them. I’m sorry I cannot offer you words of hope. I can only ask that you help keep up the fight to make people pay attention. The alternative to fighting on is unbearable to think about. Perhaps people like us exist for a reason. That distant dim flicker of hope has kept me alive for these 72 years. I cannot give up now and I hope you don’t either.

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May 2, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

“Where attention goes, energy flows.” Someone shared this quote with me years ago and it has helped me to redirect my attention when I am feeling down. I narrow my view of my life and place attention on the delicious taste of my coffee, my oatmeal, the sounds of the birds, the colors and scents of nature so that my mind and mood are not running me like being on a wild horse without reigns. I’m not saying that the political climate and world are not incredibly scary but I have taken a break from the news, exercise and meditate daily and spend lots of time in nature. Dealing with vulnerability and the unknown when the evidence looks awful is incredibly hard. Each moment of our lives is precious and that’s all we have. The past is gone and the future is not here yet. How do we embrace the moment. How can we practice gratitude, kindness and compassion because we are alive and have safety unlike others. Smile at the grocery clerk, help a neighbor, give to a food bank. Action diffuses despair. Love diffuses despair. Kindness diffuses despair. Live each moment to its fullest for all of those who have lost their chance to do so. Wishing you peace.

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My nephew is gay. I pray that you are wrong and that things will get better. I don’t want you or him to be treated badly by government. There are always some places that Republicans can’t take over. I hope. 😢

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The Oleg Y. Tinkov story has its predecessors. Mihail Khodorkovsky, one of Russia's wealthiest men after the Soviet dissolution, was arrested in 2003, tried in 2005, and convicted for tax evasion and embezzlement. The arrest followed, and was likely tied to, Khodorkovsky's criticisms of Putin and his funding opposition parties. Inexplicably, Putin pardoned him in 2013. In exile in Britain, he remains an active critic of Russia's political system.

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May 2, 2022·edited May 2, 2022

Putin's oligarchs in the UK have bought many fancy properties; one has even been inducted into the House of Lords! (Came across that info on a recent episode of 60 Minutes.) Unfortunately Mihail Khodorkovsky may yet be served a cup of Polonium tea.

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May 2, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

I guess I'm more jaded than you, Robert. I was not particularly surprised to find out that Tucker (I want to change the first letter of his name, but I'll forbear on this refined site) was an active agent of the Trump conspiracy. Many politicians--even presidents, perhaps especially presidents--have had close relationships with particular reporters or columnists. Or editors. It's usually pretty clear, as it was with TFG. The real problem comes when other reporters or columnists are not free to report and to criticize. We haven't got to that point in this country, yet. I am more disturbed by Musk taking over Twitter, although it may be that Twitter is ripe for a fall--i.e., competition. But we can't depend on that.

And what's really at fault--as you recognize--is that there is much too much concentration of wealth. The Internet and the dot.com boom were supposed to even things out, but if anything they have made the economy more stratified. "Soak the rich!" has been a powerful slogan in the past--and I bet it could be even more powerful today. So, all together now, "SOAK THE RICH!"

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May 2, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

Five years ago my wife and me took a trip that included a visit to Sequoia. I was astounded by the number of trees that were just cut down and allowed to rot when clearly they had some value. The fire danger was obvious! Beetle killed wood is beautiful for siding which we saw as far back as the early 70s in Colorado!

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I have made a list of links in this newsletter and already posted two in more than one place. These are fodder for the "drip, drip, drip" approach to reaching people who are misguided or unaware. Thanks for lining it up for us to take action, Robert!

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May 2, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

Along with all the billionaire media projects, with their "wealth" of self-serving disinformation and middle school boy humour, there is TikTok-a woefully under-monitored trove of despair and suggestions as to how to end one's life or engage in self-mutilation. Still, the answer is not censorship, but engagement with, and education of, those who are being duped.

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I think Bezos and Bloomberg try to manage and provide fair and reasonable coverage of the news and issues of the day. Zuckerberg wants to at a certain level but somehow can’t manage it and give up enormous profits. Murdoch doesn’t really care. The First Amendment rights have been trampled on and taken well beyond the original intent and viewers and readers have become numb and frankly don’t care about what Fox is promoting and the media helps create more attention to the outlandish comments by calling attention to them. We are in a vicious circle and merry go round.

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May 2, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

Just wondering in light of this article...whether you and your Managing Editor have canceled your cable subscription. If you have you should let us know!

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We have tried (and are continuing to do so.) My last effort took about 2 hours to get to a supervisor--who then hung up. Still trying. Joanne, the question is this: how do I continue to recieve MSNBC, CNN, etc. without cable?

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I previously mentioned my crusade to take Fox off my cable subscription. I spent too much time and then couldn't do anything about it, so I gave up for a while. Then I got my cable bill (Spectrum) which is increasing $78.00 per month. I called them to see what they could do for me and they refused to do anything. I tried being nice and telling them that I had been a Spectrum customer for 16 years. Nothing. I told them that I was retired and couldn't absorb an increase like that. Nothing. I told them that since they had no supply chain issues, no higher fuel costs and no supply/demand issues, it was pure corporate greed that caused my bill to go up so much. Still nothing. So we looked into Hulu with the full package which includes live TV. We get all the local channels, CNN and MSNBC and everything else we want and can add other items if we wish. It will cut our bill by 2/3. You just need Amazon Fire sticks or Roku sticks to get started. You should look into it and if you need more info, just reach out to me. Good luck!

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May 2, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

It is very hard for folks to understand new things when they are scared. Everyone is scared now. Finding the strength to understand complex causes of what is making you scared is something many cannot do. Life is in the way of taking on the new tasks. Watching the PBS show "My Father's War" was a reminder of those who resisted, worked against odds, dealt daily with devastation and death, and some found ways to improve a piece of what they could impact....like getting Jewish children out of the pipeline, giving visas to go exit through Spain to a ship to the US, getting food to those in hiding. We have to do our part, even our small part and do the best we can to change the course of what is happening on so many fronts. Pick a front.

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Hannity and Trump, partners in crime, literally!

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May 2, 2022·edited May 2, 2022

As NYT stated, Tucker “put Trumpism over Trump”. Hannity: Why didn’t I think of that. 🤔

In Florida, many letters to ed in our local Gannett paper as well as Orlando Sentinel.OS editorials are exposing Republicans and the dark $$$. Local chair of Repub Exec committee calling for Fl House Rep and DeSantis bully buddy to resign.

“Don’t Say Gay” protest yesterday with 300 of our .community members. Floridians are fighting back !

From World Central Kitchen newsletter: 16.4 million meals served in Ukraine.

Cathy Learoyd : “ If you want the Rich to get Richer at your expense vote Republican. If you want a fair deal for all the people vote Democrat. We, the People, All of us this time! “

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I would like to share a friends recent posting on a Seattle digital journal about his thoughts on how Twitter could serve s positive purpose in the civic commons going forward. Worth a read.

https://www.postalley.org/2022/04/29/dear-elon-what-twitter-could-be/

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Thanks. I will check it out. I hope one of the suggestions is that no one can post under pseudonyms--a practice that allows people to be their worst under cloak of secrecy.

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May 2, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell

Thanks Carolyn. Mr Corddry makes some good points. I have heard that Mr Musk has a great tolerance for risk, and that is actually his impetus for getting involved in this deal. It's hard to say what will happen, so I remain hopeful. Perhaps if Twitter goes south, someone with magical abilities in the tech world will come up with a different "Twitter" ?

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Hi, Lynn. Does the world need Twitter? Why? That is a genuine question. Can't all of the valuable and legitimate information on Twitter be curated in a way that does not allow for the free-flow of hate, lies, and personal attacks that seem to follow every post?

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Robert, I think the world will want a Twitter of some sort, as we can't put the genie back in the bottle. While Twitter has fewer users than all the other SM platforms, it is still influences many paramount narratives occurring in the key sectors of politics, media, finance and technology. Many people like to think that Twitter is not important (which is fine) but it still influences these things that effect them, whether they realize it or not . My concern is that Musk is really not forging ahead with this acquisition for the sake of promoting "free speech", but more in that it is a risky and exciting endeavor for him. Perhaps he will end up destroying it in the long run, which could very well be a good thing.

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Definitely worth a read. I was permanently suspended from Twitter for calling chump a Nazi sympathizer. That was before others did much the same. He might try suggestions mentioned here and could get lots more re-signups. Otherwise, glad to be gone.

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Anyone who doesn't want to take seriously your description of the devastation in the Sierra might want to watch THE ROAD, the movie made from Cormac McCarthy's bleak novel. It gives a visceral sense of what a world turned to ash might look like.

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Thank you for nailing the issue re Hannity as errand boy vs journalist.

I am wondering (suggestion only) why the murders of 5 Russian oligarchs, their wives and children , have not received coverage in the press. They all had connections to Gazprom & subsidiaries. I read about them in Raw Story. have you seen anything that substantiates ?

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