I wish to thank Robert Hubbell for his continued ability to parse out truth from fiction, and falsehood. It takes courage, fortitude, and integrity to do what he does. As a consequence, in my opinion, we all profit from the fine work he does, and I believe ultimately our democracy, and way of life in this great country does as well. Robert has been able to continually expose the evil that is plaguing our nation, to have the guts to call a spade, a spade! When there have been difficult times in the past several years, Robert has always been able to display a rallying flag, making a point to be upbeat, positive, and encouraging our democratic brothers to see the big picture. I have found this very helpful. Thank you Robert for all your hard work and continued dedication to our nation's democratic principles ! Ed Cherlin
Robert, I consider it welcome progress that your readers did not object to your factual statements yesterday regarding the GOP. Clearly seeing and naming illegitimate, anti-democratic power is a prerequisite for being pro-democracy. I salute your bold, empowering clarity!
Ditto! We are fortunate to have a man of integrity and passion for his country speaking eloquently every day about what and why we need to preserve in the cause of our democracy. This newsletter is the second thing I read every morning after Heather Cox Richardson. Between you you provide both an historical perspective and a clear-eyed, no nonsense view of our current situation. I am daily grateful to have access to two brilliant, logical minds. Without you, I would have been lost (or heavily medicated,) for the past 6+ years. 🙏🏻
Amen to that, Jennifer. I try to get my head around how Robert finds the time to read all these posts, e-mails that we send him directly and a wide range of news worthy sources while also under the thumb of his Managing Editor 😂🤠 as he puts together daily newsletters to reassure and provide us with ways we can stay balanced and remain engaged in our democracy. My hat is off to you, Robert. 🥸
You are so generous and empathic. I am saddened to see your goodness exploited by phishers. With a cost-benefit analysis, it sure makes sense to keep comments for subscribers.
As for your more and less popular positions, I for one value your well-informed optimistic commentary grounded in your legal experience. You be you and pay no heed to the popularity factor. Being open-minded to well articulated argument is something different. If people are interested in furthering public discourse, then they will post their argument in the comments.
Thank you for putting yourself out there. You and Jill provide a wonderful service, which includes having grown this community. I don't think I'm alone in supporting your reasonable precautions.
And many thanks for fostering such a great community. I subscribe to a number of Substack newsletters, and this community consistently has the best comments, both thoughtful and measured, a reflection of the Hubbells' influence. This community is a treasure, which provides great relief during such crazy times. Thank you to all subscribers for making it so.
You are definitely not alone Ellie and the diversity of opinions is a core strength of the Newsletter and this community. It is a sad commentary on some people's aspirations that all they can do to attract attention is hack and troll.
Hate to tell you Robert, but there is no way you can leave the comments open any more, ever. There are way too many right wing scumbags floating around outside the gates of liberal/progressive substacks, waiting for the opportunity to get in and create mayhem. I had to stop after a Feline Friday post got hit by three of them. Fortunately they were more stupid than the general run of stupid morons on the right and there was a certain satisfaction in reducing them to their component electrons with a permanent zapping. But it had to be done. (A side benefit is more people will decide how valuable they think participation is and the paid subscription list will grow). But the safe community created behind the paywall is too important to sacrifice.
As to the lack of objections, the GOP has even managed to convince opinion writers at the WaPo that they are domestic terrorists, so the far smarter folks who are substack readers would of course have figured out that it's true.
Robert, it seems to me that your site was hacked for two reasons: the hacker is weak and afraid. The hacker has not the strength to accept the Truth and so lashes out from fear. Just as the MAGA Republicans lash out with racist, anti-democratic rhetoric and legislation. They too are weak and afraid. These are afraid of a changing America, an America where people not longer care about the color of your skin, who you chose to love or whether you chose to believe in God. They are afraid of a government that is really by the People, for the People and helps the People (rather than just the rich). The Hacker and the Republican terrorists are simply weak and afraid of the Truth.
So keep the newsletters coming and let them drown in their weakness and fear.
My theory is that this extreme crap is from WHITE MEN who are terrified of losing the power they have always enjoyed. The women who support them have no self esteem and think if they support them men will like them better. Just apply this theory to EVERY one of these people in this 'camp'. Am I wrong?
I lived in MTG’s district for thirty years…it is hard for me to figure out why the Democrats would pin their hopes on Marcus Flowers in the last election. There is no way a black man could defeat her in that region. Can’t the party find someone who has at least the glimmer of a chance in that race?
I think that bashing white men is a terrible mistake. We need men of all races in our movement to defeat fascism. Some of the Noblest men in American history have been white and we should be proud to teach about them.
The men I’m referring to will never side with people like us. They are truly fixated on their power slippage. Of course I realize all white men are not like this. I’m married to one. I tried to qualify my comment to men who ARE self identified MAGA enthusiasts.
Linda, I suspect you are neither right nor completely wrong. Regretfully, these days there aren’t simple answers. We risk too much of our own humanity by trying to make broad statements about men & women. Regardless of their world view people are stress, whether from 6 or 7 years of Trump or challenges to their beliefs and outlooks. Keep the faith. Thank you for sharing.
Just to let you know a few reasons I subscribe to Today's Edition Newsletter: You are telling the truth and standing up for Democracy with every newsletter you write; you are basing your analysis on verifiable evidence and presenting it in the context of the Rule of Law. You have proven yourself to be a honorable and decent human being with compassion and integrity, not to mention an erudite and brilliant lawyer. I often think it's a shame Hubbell isn't the Attorney General, but then realize that you are more effective in your role as a "citizen journalist" in helping others understand the predicament we're all in than you might be trying to confront GOP evil in the shadows of the Swamp with the crocodiles. For your noble efforts you have gathered an army of loyal readers of fellow citizens and lovers of Democracy who gladly support you even when the going is rough. Ellie Kona mentioned the virtues of empathy and generosity in her post, to which I would also add "grace under fire," Winston Churchill's definition of courage. Anyway, that's why I joined the ranks of "Hubbell's Warriors." Along with Eric Doub, "I salute your bold, empowering clarity!"
With those outrageous and horrifying appointments yesterday by the beyond-redemption McCarthy (and I made a film about how even a murderer can redeem himself) I am again haunted by the creeping feeling of Nazism taking hold. I sometimes try to imagine how sane people felt in Germany as they watched Hitler’s rise. Did they feel helpless? Did they not see how far it could go? How could they, really? Talk about unprecedented. We do see what is happening and we know where it can lead and is already leading. We are not helpless, but we are up against an army of zealots who know no bounds. I am vert grateful for your wise analyses, Mr Hubbell, and this engaged, thoughtful community helping us all to stay centered. Down with scammers!
I thought I answered this, but now I don't see it. The film is Life & Life and will be released on Apple TV and iTunes of Feb 14th. https://lifelifefilm.com/
I can answer that question for you, NC, as I am the daughter of Holocaust victims who had to escape Poland and Germany. My mother’s grandparents were taken from their home in East Berlin, 1940. In 1942, they were gassed with 9 others in a van at the gas camp called Chelmno. My father’s relatives and friends were shot in fields and also burned in ovens. I can tell you the fear carried into their daily lives, until their demise.
There are simply no words. and to give a ´heart´ doesn't feel right. Chilling. The viciousness of ... do we call them human? My heart just breaks for you, your family, and all who experience the atrocities of man.
I mourn for the devastating tragedy that befell your family and millions of others during the Holocaust, and have all my life. May their memories be for a blessing. I feel échos of that fear now. What I wonder is what the non-Jews in Germany thought as they watched Nazism take over.
I have come to believe that your newsletter does far more good than even you realize. Quite apart from the ever provocative comments, opinions, and leads to additional information, your work serves as a counterweight to a smug, solipsistic, often lazy media community. You give the retort to A.J. Leibling's famous observation that freedom of the press is guaranteed . . . to anyone who owns a newspaper. Congratulations.
Can you imagine how hard it will be for the Democrat and Independent members of the House to have to sit through committees led by the likes of Jim Jordan or listening to members of the Dunce Caucus (the MAGA rebels)? It will be painful! I also think committee chairs should be assigned in the same proportion of the parties rather than a thin majority take all. The crazier this all gets the more I hope everyone will stand up, speak up and act to save democracy! My vow is to not vote for any Republican at any level of government - local, state and federal. I hope everyone will join me in this and create a movement to make the anti-democracy MOP (MAGA or Miserable Old Party) go away and become impotent or disappear all together. We,the People, all of us united this time. ¡El pueblo unido jamás será vencido! The people united shall never be defeated!
Wait! Hold up! WHAT ?!? How does DeSantis think he is going to get HIPAA protected information from universities?
I am livid with Governor Hochul's decision to quite obviously undermine the will of her constituents. I was furthermore shocked to learn how Mr Jeffries has butted into this state's affairs!!! I am guessing he is doing this as a NY state resident? Bad move. Very bad move.
It's not just up to those that personally know Governor Hochul to make their discontent known. All citizens opposing the appointment of Judge LaSalle need to call Hochul and let her know their absolute disapproval. She needs to be told by NY state taxpayers that she must back off on this ridiculous and embarrassing behavior in suing Democratic Senators for doing their jobs in representing their constituencies . Along with that, New Yorkers need to call their senators and voice support in opposition of the appointment of this conservative judge.
Governor Hochul : 1-518-474-8390 | Office hours: 9:00am to 5:00pm
Hi, Lynn. In my email inbox today I received a lengthy comment from a NY attorney who says that Judge LaSalle is "mainstream," not conservative. As I responded to him, the question is whether his appointment keeps faith with Hochul's constituents who helped her win her hard fought victory. Regardless of whether LaSalle is "conservative," the question is whether Hochul's constituents believe he shares their progressive values. That's a political judgment, not a judgment about judicial qualifications. Hochul made a political miscalculation. Rather than owning that fact, she has attacked constituencies that helped elect her. That is offensive, to say the least.
La Salle has supported anti-abortion counseling centers; sided with corporations over the rights of workers, and endorsed the elimination of jurors based on the color of their skin. He was quizzed about all of these cases by the judiciary committee and stood by his rulings. Hakeem Jeffries stance exposed by his support of these positions. Watch what they do not what they say.
Thanks for your comment, Lynn. As a brand new NY resident, I was confused by yesterday’s events, but not enough to look into it more. I’ll be spending my morning learning more about Judge LaSalle before calling the Governor’s office. Thanks for sharing her contact info too!
Welcome GPE! NY is a great place to live, there is so much to do here.
The Governor ran her recent campaign on protecting a woman's rights, and her right to choose. She also promised to provide reproductive services for women who live in states where those rights have been stripped away. For her to do this after being sworn in less than 3 weeks ago is unnerving, to say the least. What I have read bout LaSalle is the same as what Lauren has commented here. How can the Governor possibly turn against us like this now, after all we have had to endure from the reactionary "extreme" court at the federal level? I am calling her now to ask this question.
From her recent campaign: "New York will continue to be a safe haven for women across this country."
Robert, I don’t often take the time to write comments to the newsletter so I felt badly when I read that you worried about reader response to your comments about the GOP. I happen to agree with what you said AND feel it needs to be said repeatedly.
Your newsletter, full of your integrity and honesty, plus the amazing and thoughtful comments from your readers are as good as therapy for me. And I’m a therapist!
The internet gives and the internet takes away. Without it, we couldn't have your excellent voice and analysis of the state of our politics in our inboxes five days a week. I am and always am grateful.
For those who worry about parallels with 1930's Germany, we have the internet. They didn't.
The next two years are going to be very painful! It is our duty not to look away and to stay active. I'm hoping, expecting even, for the R's to turn on each other. The insurrectionists do not know compromise and therefore can not effectively legislate. I think the anger about losing chairmanships is just the beginning. I'm sorry for our D legislators who are going to have to cope with this daily, we should send them cookies!
Your concluding remarks today are spot on but I despair that the mainstream media is prepared to call out the Republican Party on its own volition. Jack Tapper's overreach at non-partisan parity is a case in point as he wittingly (pun intended): legitimizes the start of investigations into Hunter Biden and Joe's brothers with Nary a mention of Ivanka, Jared, Don Jr and Eric; allows a Republican apologist to draw equivalence between Trump's and Biden's handling of documents; and permits the same commentator to equate Biden's historic embellishments with George Santos' sociopathic lies. How can we, as you suggest, collectively encourage or prevail on the supposedly neutral networks to do their jobs as responsible news outlets? I've pretty much stopped consuming the news but would prefer to engage in some affirmative action. Shep
Sadly, I’m with you on that. It is so frustrating to see the irresponsible lack of discernment by the anchors on even MSNBC and CNN. I rely almost entirely on this newsletter, Heather Cox Richardson and Joyce Vance’s chickens.
I watch MSNBC but have given up on CNN. I’m worried that the networks will bend over backwards to present “both sides”, even thoigh Republicans have been taken over by extremists. Yesterday, I watched a program about 4 media organizations, Meidas Touch, Courier Newsroom, Resolute Square and DSR network. It was excellent. Non-mainstream media organizations like these 4 will have come forward to counter the right-wing media noise and the unhelpful mainstream media. If you’re interested, please go to ndn.org to learn more!
I watch MSNBC too. I have never heard them pander to Republican lies. I have seen a few Meidas Touch videos on Youtube in the past. I was impressed with how thoroughly they covered various issues. https://www.meidastouch.com/
They have some very hard-hitting commercials about the January 6 insurrection. I don't watch that disturbing footage anymore. But I thought this cartoon lampooning Republicans was to the point and entertaining, so I'm including it. Bette Midler does the singing.
I also went to Youtube and looked up some Meidas Touch videos. I hadn't heard of this story. It's about the sleazy Republican operative Matt Schlapp. It is titled "Republican Leader ACCUSED of HORRIFYING Conduct by Male Staffer in NEW Lawsuit." It runs 12:24. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCZYHgmxbpU
It was disturbing to see those fake posts popping up everywhere in the midst of our safe place for discussions. But they were so obviously fake, that I sincerely hope nobody was taken in by them.
Thank you, Rob, for creating the space for this community. It has been balm for my soul, and I'm sure, for countless others. Your willingness to include unpaid subscribers speaks to your generosity and inclusiveness. We thank you.
Thank you for taking care of, and sorry for your having to spend time on the bots/troll debacle. What a pain!
I watch Lester Holt on Nightly News, and am gratified that the Biden documents story has been relegated to their #3 spot. Hoping it stays that way until it's gone.
First, the House GOP ARE terrorists. Second the trolls/bots/hackers: I think it is very hard to always avoid them on social media these days. One reason I rarely comment on your 'open to all' posts. Third I do not understand Hochul's nominee!
I wish to thank Robert Hubbell for his continued ability to parse out truth from fiction, and falsehood. It takes courage, fortitude, and integrity to do what he does. As a consequence, in my opinion, we all profit from the fine work he does, and I believe ultimately our democracy, and way of life in this great country does as well. Robert has been able to continually expose the evil that is plaguing our nation, to have the guts to call a spade, a spade! When there have been difficult times in the past several years, Robert has always been able to display a rallying flag, making a point to be upbeat, positive, and encouraging our democratic brothers to see the big picture. I have found this very helpful. Thank you Robert for all your hard work and continued dedication to our nation's democratic principles ! Ed Cherlin
Robert also encourages our democratic sisters...just sayin'
Well said. Robert has no need to be nervous about his content.
Thanks, Edward. I appreciate your kind words.
Robert, I consider it welcome progress that your readers did not object to your factual statements yesterday regarding the GOP. Clearly seeing and naming illegitimate, anti-democratic power is a prerequisite for being pro-democracy. I salute your bold, empowering clarity!
Ditto! We are fortunate to have a man of integrity and passion for his country speaking eloquently every day about what and why we need to preserve in the cause of our democracy. This newsletter is the second thing I read every morning after Heather Cox Richardson. Between you you provide both an historical perspective and a clear-eyed, no nonsense view of our current situation. I am daily grateful to have access to two brilliant, logical minds. Without you, I would have been lost (or heavily medicated,) for the past 6+ years. 🙏🏻
It appears that we have the same morning routine Jennifer.
Yep—meeee tooooo….
Amen to that, Jennifer. I try to get my head around how Robert finds the time to read all these posts, e-mails that we send him directly and a wide range of news worthy sources while also under the thumb of his Managing Editor 😂🤠 as he puts together daily newsletters to reassure and provide us with ways we can stay balanced and remain engaged in our democracy. My hat is off to you, Robert. 🥸
Indeed—all of that!
Same here.
Ditto. And now I am ending a lengthy read of NYTimes and WaPo. Can't quite take more than HCR and RH curate for us.
I hear that!
Seconded!
Robert Hubbell,
Indeed as readers we are all fortunate and I am thankful for the privilege of receiving and commenting in this Newsletter and for this community.
In gratitude for your courage and Truthfulness, encouraging calm and hope through these horrific times.
Your insights and this community bring Light.
Dear Robert,
You are so generous and empathic. I am saddened to see your goodness exploited by phishers. With a cost-benefit analysis, it sure makes sense to keep comments for subscribers.
As for your more and less popular positions, I for one value your well-informed optimistic commentary grounded in your legal experience. You be you and pay no heed to the popularity factor. Being open-minded to well articulated argument is something different. If people are interested in furthering public discourse, then they will post their argument in the comments.
Thank you for putting yourself out there. You and Jill provide a wonderful service, which includes having grown this community. I don't think I'm alone in supporting your reasonable precautions.
And many thanks for fostering such a great community. I subscribe to a number of Substack newsletters, and this community consistently has the best comments, both thoughtful and measured, a reflection of the Hubbells' influence. This community is a treasure, which provides great relief during such crazy times. Thank you to all subscribers for making it so.
Hi, Karen. Thanks for the information about the comments on this forum. I am glad to hear it.
Great leadership always shines through. Thank you for your great daily example. Makes us all better for it, and it shows.
You are definitely not alone Ellie and the diversity of opinions is a core strength of the Newsletter and this community. It is a sad commentary on some people's aspirations that all they can do to attract attention is hack and troll.
Hate to tell you Robert, but there is no way you can leave the comments open any more, ever. There are way too many right wing scumbags floating around outside the gates of liberal/progressive substacks, waiting for the opportunity to get in and create mayhem. I had to stop after a Feline Friday post got hit by three of them. Fortunately they were more stupid than the general run of stupid morons on the right and there was a certain satisfaction in reducing them to their component electrons with a permanent zapping. But it had to be done. (A side benefit is more people will decide how valuable they think participation is and the paid subscription list will grow). But the safe community created behind the paywall is too important to sacrifice.
As to the lack of objections, the GOP has even managed to convince opinion writers at the WaPo that they are domestic terrorists, so the far smarter folks who are substack readers would of course have figured out that it's true.
Hi, TC. Sorry to hear you had the same experience. But it is helpful to know.
Hope you are doing well with all of the transitions in your life.
funny
Robert, it seems to me that your site was hacked for two reasons: the hacker is weak and afraid. The hacker has not the strength to accept the Truth and so lashes out from fear. Just as the MAGA Republicans lash out with racist, anti-democratic rhetoric and legislation. They too are weak and afraid. These are afraid of a changing America, an America where people not longer care about the color of your skin, who you chose to love or whether you chose to believe in God. They are afraid of a government that is really by the People, for the People and helps the People (rather than just the rich). The Hacker and the Republican terrorists are simply weak and afraid of the Truth.
So keep the newsletters coming and let them drown in their weakness and fear.
My theory is that this extreme crap is from WHITE MEN who are terrified of losing the power they have always enjoyed. The women who support them have no self esteem and think if they support them men will like them better. Just apply this theory to EVERY one of these people in this 'camp'. Am I wrong?
No, you are right. That is it in a nutshell.
But the power component is shared by monsters like MJT.
I lived in MTG’s district for thirty years…it is hard for me to figure out why the Democrats would pin their hopes on Marcus Flowers in the last election. There is no way a black man could defeat her in that region. Can’t the party find someone who has at least the glimmer of a chance in that race?
Great point.
For sure. Many are young and basking (for now) in their notoriety, much like high schoolers.
Who is MJT?
Marjorie Taylor-Greene, I assume.
I think that bashing white men is a terrible mistake. We need men of all races in our movement to defeat fascism. Some of the Noblest men in American history have been white and we should be proud to teach about them.
The men I’m referring to will never side with people like us. They are truly fixated on their power slippage. Of course I realize all white men are not like this. I’m married to one. I tried to qualify my comment to men who ARE self identified MAGA enthusiasts.
While I think you are generally right, and I often resort to generalizations, stereotyping is still stereotyping.
Linda, I suspect you are neither right nor completely wrong. Regretfully, these days there aren’t simple answers. We risk too much of our own humanity by trying to make broad statements about men & women. Regardless of their world view people are stress, whether from 6 or 7 years of Trump or challenges to their beliefs and outlooks. Keep the faith. Thank you for sharing.
Just to let you know a few reasons I subscribe to Today's Edition Newsletter: You are telling the truth and standing up for Democracy with every newsletter you write; you are basing your analysis on verifiable evidence and presenting it in the context of the Rule of Law. You have proven yourself to be a honorable and decent human being with compassion and integrity, not to mention an erudite and brilliant lawyer. I often think it's a shame Hubbell isn't the Attorney General, but then realize that you are more effective in your role as a "citizen journalist" in helping others understand the predicament we're all in than you might be trying to confront GOP evil in the shadows of the Swamp with the crocodiles. For your noble efforts you have gathered an army of loyal readers of fellow citizens and lovers of Democracy who gladly support you even when the going is rough. Ellie Kona mentioned the virtues of empathy and generosity in her post, to which I would also add "grace under fire," Winston Churchill's definition of courage. Anyway, that's why I joined the ranks of "Hubbell's Warriors." Along with Eric Doub, "I salute your bold, empowering clarity!"
Right on!
With those outrageous and horrifying appointments yesterday by the beyond-redemption McCarthy (and I made a film about how even a murderer can redeem himself) I am again haunted by the creeping feeling of Nazism taking hold. I sometimes try to imagine how sane people felt in Germany as they watched Hitler’s rise. Did they feel helpless? Did they not see how far it could go? How could they, really? Talk about unprecedented. We do see what is happening and we know where it can lead and is already leading. We are not helpless, but we are up against an army of zealots who know no bounds. I am vert grateful for your wise analyses, Mr Hubbell, and this engaged, thoughtful community helping us all to stay centered. Down with scammers!
what film is that? I would like to watch it.
I thought I answered this, but now I don't see it. The film is Life & Life and will be released on Apple TV and iTunes of Feb 14th. https://lifelifefilm.com/
I can answer that question for you, NC, as I am the daughter of Holocaust victims who had to escape Poland and Germany. My mother’s grandparents were taken from their home in East Berlin, 1940. In 1942, they were gassed with 9 others in a van at the gas camp called Chelmno. My father’s relatives and friends were shot in fields and also burned in ovens. I can tell you the fear carried into their daily lives, until their demise.
There are simply no words. and to give a ´heart´ doesn't feel right. Chilling. The viciousness of ... do we call them human? My heart just breaks for you, your family, and all who experience the atrocities of man.
💔
I mourn for the devastating tragedy that befell your family and millions of others during the Holocaust, and have all my life. May their memories be for a blessing. I feel échos of that fear now. What I wonder is what the non-Jews in Germany thought as they watched Nazism take over.
I have come to believe that your newsletter does far more good than even you realize. Quite apart from the ever provocative comments, opinions, and leads to additional information, your work serves as a counterweight to a smug, solipsistic, often lazy media community. You give the retort to A.J. Leibling's famous observation that freedom of the press is guaranteed . . . to anyone who owns a newspaper. Congratulations.
Love the quote from Leibling. Thanks!
Can you imagine how hard it will be for the Democrat and Independent members of the House to have to sit through committees led by the likes of Jim Jordan or listening to members of the Dunce Caucus (the MAGA rebels)? It will be painful! I also think committee chairs should be assigned in the same proportion of the parties rather than a thin majority take all. The crazier this all gets the more I hope everyone will stand up, speak up and act to save democracy! My vow is to not vote for any Republican at any level of government - local, state and federal. I hope everyone will join me in this and create a movement to make the anti-democracy MOP (MAGA or Miserable Old Party) go away and become impotent or disappear all together. We,the People, all of us united this time. ¡El pueblo unido jamás será vencido! The people united shall never be defeated!
Wait! Hold up! WHAT ?!? How does DeSantis think he is going to get HIPAA protected information from universities?
I am livid with Governor Hochul's decision to quite obviously undermine the will of her constituents. I was furthermore shocked to learn how Mr Jeffries has butted into this state's affairs!!! I am guessing he is doing this as a NY state resident? Bad move. Very bad move.
It's not just up to those that personally know Governor Hochul to make their discontent known. All citizens opposing the appointment of Judge LaSalle need to call Hochul and let her know their absolute disapproval. She needs to be told by NY state taxpayers that she must back off on this ridiculous and embarrassing behavior in suing Democratic Senators for doing their jobs in representing their constituencies . Along with that, New Yorkers need to call their senators and voice support in opposition of the appointment of this conservative judge.
Governor Hochul : 1-518-474-8390 | Office hours: 9:00am to 5:00pm
Email: https://www.governor.ny.gov/content/governor-contact-form
Hi, Lynn. In my email inbox today I received a lengthy comment from a NY attorney who says that Judge LaSalle is "mainstream," not conservative. As I responded to him, the question is whether his appointment keeps faith with Hochul's constituents who helped her win her hard fought victory. Regardless of whether LaSalle is "conservative," the question is whether Hochul's constituents believe he shares their progressive values. That's a political judgment, not a judgment about judicial qualifications. Hochul made a political miscalculation. Rather than owning that fact, she has attacked constituencies that helped elect her. That is offensive, to say the least.
La Salle has supported anti-abortion counseling centers; sided with corporations over the rights of workers, and endorsed the elimination of jurors based on the color of their skin. He was quizzed about all of these cases by the judiciary committee and stood by his rulings. Hakeem Jeffries stance exposed by his support of these positions. Watch what they do not what they say.
Thanks for your comment, Lynn. As a brand new NY resident, I was confused by yesterday’s events, but not enough to look into it more. I’ll be spending my morning learning more about Judge LaSalle before calling the Governor’s office. Thanks for sharing her contact info too!
Welcome GPE! NY is a great place to live, there is so much to do here.
The Governor ran her recent campaign on protecting a woman's rights, and her right to choose. She also promised to provide reproductive services for women who live in states where those rights have been stripped away. For her to do this after being sworn in less than 3 weeks ago is unnerving, to say the least. What I have read bout LaSalle is the same as what Lauren has commented here. How can the Governor possibly turn against us like this now, after all we have had to endure from the reactionary "extreme" court at the federal level? I am calling her now to ask this question.
From her recent campaign: "New York will continue to be a safe haven for women across this country."
https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/abortion-access-always-governor-hochul-announces-robust-multi-platform-public-education
Hmmm, it almost seems like someone with deep pockets is calling in his chips.
Robert, I don’t often take the time to write comments to the newsletter so I felt badly when I read that you worried about reader response to your comments about the GOP. I happen to agree with what you said AND feel it needs to be said repeatedly.
Your newsletter, full of your integrity and honesty, plus the amazing and thoughtful comments from your readers are as good as therapy for me. And I’m a therapist!
Ditto
The internet gives and the internet takes away. Without it, we couldn't have your excellent voice and analysis of the state of our politics in our inboxes five days a week. I am and always am grateful.
For those who worry about parallels with 1930's Germany, we have the internet. They didn't.
The next two years are going to be very painful! It is our duty not to look away and to stay active. I'm hoping, expecting even, for the R's to turn on each other. The insurrectionists do not know compromise and therefore can not effectively legislate. I think the anger about losing chairmanships is just the beginning. I'm sorry for our D legislators who are going to have to cope with this daily, we should send them cookies!
Your concluding remarks today are spot on but I despair that the mainstream media is prepared to call out the Republican Party on its own volition. Jack Tapper's overreach at non-partisan parity is a case in point as he wittingly (pun intended): legitimizes the start of investigations into Hunter Biden and Joe's brothers with Nary a mention of Ivanka, Jared, Don Jr and Eric; allows a Republican apologist to draw equivalence between Trump's and Biden's handling of documents; and permits the same commentator to equate Biden's historic embellishments with George Santos' sociopathic lies. How can we, as you suggest, collectively encourage or prevail on the supposedly neutral networks to do their jobs as responsible news outlets? I've pretty much stopped consuming the news but would prefer to engage in some affirmative action. Shep
Sadly, I’m with you on that. It is so frustrating to see the irresponsible lack of discernment by the anchors on even MSNBC and CNN. I rely almost entirely on this newsletter, Heather Cox Richardson and Joyce Vance’s chickens.
I watch MSNBC but have given up on CNN. I’m worried that the networks will bend over backwards to present “both sides”, even thoigh Republicans have been taken over by extremists. Yesterday, I watched a program about 4 media organizations, Meidas Touch, Courier Newsroom, Resolute Square and DSR network. It was excellent. Non-mainstream media organizations like these 4 will have come forward to counter the right-wing media noise and the unhelpful mainstream media. If you’re interested, please go to ndn.org to learn more!
I was impressed Meidas Touch has 60 million views/month beating out digital FOX ! There is hope…
I watch MSNBC too. I have never heard them pander to Republican lies. I have seen a few Meidas Touch videos on Youtube in the past. I was impressed with how thoroughly they covered various issues. https://www.meidastouch.com/
They have some very hard-hitting commercials about the January 6 insurrection. I don't watch that disturbing footage anymore. But I thought this cartoon lampooning Republicans was to the point and entertaining, so I'm including it. Bette Midler does the singing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yn_imhB-rSA
I also went to Youtube and looked up some Meidas Touch videos. I hadn't heard of this story. It's about the sleazy Republican operative Matt Schlapp. It is titled "Republican Leader ACCUSED of HORRIFYING Conduct by Male Staffer in NEW Lawsuit." It runs 12:24. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCZYHgmxbpU
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/matt-schlapp-accused-unwanted-sexual-contact-former-herschel-walker-staffer-lawsuit/
Great video with Bette Midler singing! I will be watching more of Meidas Touch.
It was disturbing to see those fake posts popping up everywhere in the midst of our safe place for discussions. But they were so obviously fake, that I sincerely hope nobody was taken in by them.
Thank you, Rob, for creating the space for this community. It has been balm for my soul, and I'm sure, for countless others. Your willingness to include unpaid subscribers speaks to your generosity and inclusiveness. We thank you.
Thank you for taking care of, and sorry for your having to spend time on the bots/troll debacle. What a pain!
I watch Lester Holt on Nightly News, and am gratified that the Biden documents story has been relegated to their #3 spot. Hoping it stays that way until it's gone.
First, the House GOP ARE terrorists. Second the trolls/bots/hackers: I think it is very hard to always avoid them on social media these days. One reason I rarely comment on your 'open to all' posts. Third I do not understand Hochul's nominee!
Hochul is an "upstate Democrat."
Apparently Hakeem Jeffries is merely a moron.