153 Comments
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Debra Martin's avatar

Tiger and family are in my thoughts, such a loss.

Elaine Waxer's avatar

We are beginning the new year in a barrage of death and sorrow. Thank you for your perspective. It is badly needed.

Eva Seifert's avatar

Bravo, Robert. I think this is the strongest essay I've seen from you since I started reading you. Thank you. I think the gloves need to come off once the Orange Snake - a convicted felon, a liar, a thief, a seditionist, a man who could never pass a federal security clearance - is inaugurated.

Alice B Toklas's avatar

Look, everyone, the problem is this: IT’S THE HATRED, STUPID. It’s what at least 40% of actual American voters live and breathe for…aided and abetted by the right-wing culture-war machine, which is driven, in turn, by endless cynical billionaire money so they don’t pay taxes.

At 73 years old, I have a broken-down cottage to fix up, a fiancée to be with, and, honestly, I’m done fighting against these despicable excuses for humans. Good luck to you all!

Susan Windmiller's avatar

This comment is for Lannyl. There are no words for such a tragic loss, to your family and to us & the promise of his future. I hope my prayers & hugs are some comfort. Susan, Orlando, FL

Thomas Heyman's avatar

Tom Suozzi is worse than useless. I will end it there.

If a candidate for a position in the administration is incompetent, lacks the abilities to lead the office , is morally compromised or is otherwise ethically challenged, then she or he must be opposed. The cabinet and its lesser offices are not dumpsters. we need competent people with experiences enabling to fulfill their duties that are not ethically challenged. If that low bar cannot be met they must be rejected. A Hegseth, who will misuse our military in pursuit of illegal goals and lacks the understanding of global politics and has a history of moral turpitude must be rejected. A Robert Kennedy , who lacks any public health experience and will undo our our excellent institutes of health and their pursuit of life-saving vaccines w/o which my wife and I late into our 80s, his hair-brained theories such as drinking unpasteurized or raw milk render him unqualified to lead health and human services, Kash Patel of every statement and action since he supported Trump shows he lacks the objectivity, mental and people skills so as to lead our most powerful law enforcement agency, and Tulsi Gabbard regarding whom we cannot but be concerned if she were to lead our national intelligence agency because of her ties to the former mudering leader of Syria and the present murdering leader of Russia.

Any democrat who does not loudly speak out against these candidates must be drummed out of the party.

PS: I will keep the memory of our reader's nephew, Martin "Tiger" Bech, his parents and extended family in my prayers this weekend and especially at mass this Sunday. For all who have lost loved ones may the memories of all the good times help over time to ease the pain of loss and keep us in communion with our lost loved one.

Cathy Murphree's avatar

I keep reading about an organized Democratic message that reaches everyone. I just don't believe there is going to be ONE right answer. I think we all need to stretch to find ways to reach people outside of "our people." I know (and listen to) there's new social media. I've heard of billboards in rural areas. I'd love to see all that block walking we did happen year-round, with information about what's going on, perhaps particularly impacting our communities.

My "thing" is going to be constant letters to the editor for lots of papers, all over Texas and now Oklahoma. I KNOW people on "both sides" read those papers.

My letter for today, which I offer to anyone to copy and revise: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BGq_lCpoWp_zlo5E5-vVtbp8UKrXMolIAwXnIoGPnzw/edit?usp=sharing

John Sherwood's avatar

We should tone down our opposition only in terms of eliminating violent language like “fight” in favor of words like “oppose” or “reject”.

Gabrielle Shatan's avatar

Lannyl S. I am so very sorry about your nephew. I cannot imagine the horror of this sort of loss. Please know that my thoughts are with you and your family as you navigate this tragic and senseless loss.

RJM's avatar

My deepest sympathies to Tiger’s family and friends and all who were harmed by the attack.

Lorraine Parish's avatar

I'm with you Robert. Fuck those Dinos or anyone for that matter, who suggest we tone it down. I say dial it up to eardrum breaking decibels when necessary. It is perfectly clear that nice guys finish last especially when they try not to make noise.

Susan Troy's avatar

What an amazing photo. The billionaires club disgusts me. They are so far into their tiny bubble they can’t see beyond their noses. And for what? More tax breaks? Fewer regulations?

I was deeply saddened to learn of the young man’s death. I will hold him in my heart along with the other victims.it seems America is seething. All our supposed riches do not appear to have brought much true happiness with them.

Karen Simmons's avatar

My sincere condolences to Lannyl S. We live in a world that oft times seems unrecognizable. Menace where we least expect it, yet so many good people trying to do the right thing. We are challenged by media who tell us not to wag fingers?? How then to resist the tide of billionaires trying to further their fortunes while allowing the other 99% struggle. That “who cares” attitude, if constantly highlighted, could bring the MAGA folks to their senses. Or not. Disinformation is rampant.

JDinTX's avatar

Re concluding thoughts. When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty. And piss on the Chamberlain’s

Alan Beverly's avatar

SCOTUS has once again signaled to the nation how far removed they are from the mindset of the nation, and Robert's report proves it. The SCOTUS is the most unrepresentative and authoritarian branch of government, relying on anachronistic arguments that twist the logic of the constitution to defend criminal politicians.

Cece Siino's avatar

RESIST, PERSIST AND LOUDLY OPPOSE!!

More people voted for someone other than the republican maga leader not counting those who didn't vote at all... he has no mandate to fulfill his evil agenda.

Calling my senators and representative is mandatory business for me, telling them I expect them to be LOUD in their opposition to the deadly 4/5/6 nominations and anti American/Democracy proposals and legislation. Tom Suozzi is a coward who I gave money to and wrote postcards for...unbelievable.

Following the money is always telling