First, thank you for promoting outreach to younger voters, as via TikTok, and to Jessica Craven for having dived in.
Second, it may become tiresome to hear the comparisons to Hitler, but they're true, particularly when you follow the money. Timothy Snyder in Bloodlands details the horrible devastation that Stalin wreaked on Ukraine, to get the breadbasket of Europe. Hitler used the same pretext of protecting ethnic Germans in Czechoslovakia, where the borderland Sudetenland included their mineral-rich mountains and related extractive industries. NPR reported (on 2/20/2022) that Ukraine is a significant source of wheat, and countries are preparing for disruption to the supply chain.
Feb 21, 2022·edited Feb 21, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
Robert, I continue to appreciate the many ways you point out to resist the creep of darkness and turn on important lights to push back against that creep. A good friend and fellow activist recently confided with me that she was overwhelmed by the number of crises and seemed to feel there was more work to do than she could find time for. She was concerned that she felt spread to thin over too many efforts, resulting in feeling ineffective. She also said there were so many causes she felt were important and dangers we faced that she could spend all her time just trying to keep up with day to day events and not actually spend any time trying to make a real difference on any of them.
I shared with her that a number of years ago I had actually spent some very productive time with a therapist for exactly that same problem. That therapist provided me with among some of the best advice I ever received that I often return to. It was the following:
You cannot solve all the world’s problems, nor can anyone else. However, if you let them overwhelm you, you may well make a difference on none of them. That would be tragic because you have proved you can make a difference on some. So consider this. Pick out something you care deeply and passionately about. It may be a relatively small issue affecting only a few people. Choose one for which you have the talents and resources to make a real difference. Figure out what you can do that would help make a difference for someone impacted by that challenge, then do that thing whatever it is. Take the time to celebrate that small win. Then go find some others who care about that same issue. Gather them together and organize them to work on that issue for a few more people. When together you make a real difference in some lives celebrate those victories with the group you gathered and those in whose lives you made a difference. Realize that while you have not solved all the world’s problems you have made a difference in some lives. Your victories will gather others to work on that issue and your successes will grow. When you feel joy from those successes you may well decide to take on another challenge. Simply repeat what you did on the first challenge.
If everyone would pick a small challenge important to them and gather others to focus on what they feel is important we could make an enormous difference in the world. So stop worrying about all the problems you can’t fix in the world and pick one on which you can make a difference and focus on that. Gather others to help and remember to celebrate your wins together. You will be amazed by how much joy that brings and the wonderful friendships you will form as well.
I feel, and it is just a feeling, that the Democrats will make history by not losing much in the mid-term elections. But I'm a hopeless optimist. The Republicans will continue to be the minority party as along as they cling for no good reason to Donald Trump and they may become even more minor until they disappear completely.
There’s a LOT going on — thanks for capturing key points! I especially needed your thoughts about the Axios article as I faced my immediate family during dinner singing the same tune of doom and gloom. I just let them talk and didn’t take the bait (this time), but it sure brought me down. Appreciate you boosting my spirits! Happy President’s Day!
Feb 21, 2022·edited Feb 21, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
This morning, I write solely in response to Concluding Thoughts and close with a modest proposal. Like me, I imagine other subscribers receive numerous emails both from our political representatives and from our organizations seeking our counsel regarding the best way forward. Perhaps, instead of downplaying pieces, specifically from reputable sources, that are critical of our Party, maybe we should try to discern factors that could be valid and pass them to Party leadership.
For example, as someone who takes great care to chose words that have the best chance of being understood, I, too, have considerable concerns about the slogan “Defund the Police.” To that end, whatever the issue, I would advise we amplify the prudence of expecting to be misunderstood and of taking precautions against that happening.
Every time I read about efforts to get "banned" books into the hands of students, efforts by local school boards to censor school libraries, and worst of all state legislation to prohibit the teaching or talking about things that might cause listeners "discomfort" I wonder why the US Department of Education isn't doing something to address these efforts to undermine our public education system. The ED's mission statement is as follows:
Overview and Mission Statement
ED's mission is to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access.
ED was created in 1980 by combining offices from several federal agencies. ED's 4,400 employees and $68 billion budget are dedicated to:
Establishing policies on federal financial aid for education, and distributing as well as monitoring those funds.
Collecting data on America's schools and disseminating research.
Focusing national attention on key educational issues.
Prohibiting discrimination and ensuring equal access to education.
Presumably one of the Education Department's pilars is "focusing national attention on key educational issues." It certainly strikes me that censorship is a key educational issue.
Thanks again for your excellent summations of daily events. And particular thanks for your ever present optimistic outlook.
I feel that the more I read articles like you referenced about the disaster awaiting Democrats in 2022 the more I feel better because I feel that these “ hit jobs” are being written because the Republicans are actually scared of the possible results in 2022. American voters are smarter than people give them credit for especially the media. The non cult Republicans I know are disgusted with Trump and his cult but aren’t in love with Biden or how he has managed or communicated his accomplishments. Biden really is an “ average Joe” which was great for the year after Trump but we need more of a demonstrative now.
Your M.E. should know that the concluding thoughts are sometimes the most impactful part of the letter and provide context for the rest. In light of today's theme, it would be unfortunate to cut that short.
This is BREAKING NEWS: Not long after Robert finished Today's Edition, diplomacy kicked in big time.
'Biden agrees ‘in principle’ to summit with Putin if Ukraine is not invaded'. Of course, there could be a snag...
This is the same comment I posted on 'Letter from an American'. In addition the possibility of a Biden - Putin summit, you'll find information about Russia and China's Alliance. The two leaders summit regularly and the two country's are closer than they've ever been. That's not good for the West. Might Xi could influence Putin's decision making with regard to Ukraine and in what ways? The two countries' working together is a factor in Ukraine Crisis dynamic.
'The standoff over the expected Russian invasion of Ukraine appeared to have a diplomatic window open late Sunday after President Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed “in principle” to a summit meeting.'
'The office of French President Emmanuel Macron said the two leaders had accepted the meeting and it would take place only if an attack doesn’t occur. The details of the summit will be worked out this week, when Secretary of State Antony Blinken is scheduled to meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.'
'Although senior U.S. officials say they believe that Putin has made a decision to invade, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said in a statement that U.S. officials “are committed to pursuing diplomacy until the moment an invasion begins.” She confirmed that Biden accepted the invitation — “again, if an invasion hasn’t happened.”
'She also reiterated the administration’s position that Russia seems to be “continuing preparations for a full-scale assault on Ukraine very soon.”
'The development came after Russia continued to keep in place 30,000 troops it has deployed in neighboring Belarus despite earlier promises to withdraw them by Sunday. And earlier in the day, top administration officials echoed Biden’s assessment from Friday that Putin has made a decision to invade within days.' (WashingtonPost)
Another aspect of this is the Russia - China alliance.
'How will China respond to a potential Russian military escalation against Ukraine? Relations between Russia and China have intensified in recent years, with Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping holding regular summits and the two countries’ militaries participating in joint exercises and cooperating in some defense industrial efforts. Ties between Moscow and Beijing are now closer than any time since the days of Stalin and Mao, driven by a shared perception that the United States is each country’s primary foreign policy challenge. One top Russian official told media in December 2021 that the relationship now “exceeds an alliance.”[1] Chinese state media, meanwhile, have vocally backed Russia in arguing that the current crisis stems from the US “using NATO as a tool to cannibalize and squeeze Russia’s strategic space.”[2]'(ForeignPolicyResearchInstitute)
'China would back Russia diplomatically and perhaps economically if it invades Ukraine, worsening Beijing's already strained relations with the West, but would stop short of providing military support, experts said.'
'U.S. President Joe Biden said on Friday that Russia's Vladimir Putin had decided to invade Ukraine within days, a claim Russia denies. read more'
'China's foreign ministry has repeatedly blamed the United States for "spreading false information" and creating tensions, urging it to respect and address Russia's demands for security guarantees. read more' (Reuters)
Will Russia Invade? Perhaps Putin didn't intend to all along. He will see what he can get without going to war. Think of what the Ukrainian people have been going through
I must disagree with you about one thing, Robert. Putin is Aleksandr Lukashenko's friend. Lukashenko would rather be a Quisling than be strung from a lamp post, which is what would likely happen if the people of Belarus have their way. So, while he'd like to be president of an independent nation, I suspect that he'll settle for being the viceroy as long as it keeps his head in place.
One thing that ought to be noted is that Ukraine (which Biden refuses to treat as "a faraway country of which we know nothing") has put Biden right in the center of the news, and shoved T___p to the sidelines. Which is better than TFG deserves, but also better than when he is the center of attention. That, of course, means that Biden has to show up well--either keep the Russians from invading, or make it clear to the American people that he has done everything possible to prevent war, and if he can't do that then that he is taking all available steps to make the war unacceptably costly to Russia. That will be a tall order, but who ever said that being president was supposed to be easy?
'The Kremlin said there were no concrete plans for a summit over Ukraine between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his U.S. counterpart Joe Biden, after the French president said the two leaders had agreed a meeting in principle. However, both Washington and Moscow played down hopes of a breakthrough, and satellite imagery appeared to show Russian deployments closer to Ukraine's border than before.'
"...it might undercut his narrative.", 'it' being a "fact" which further research may have produced. Following a narrative instead of the facts should be a cardinal sin in journalism. But much of what passes for journalism today is not much more than narration, and the sinners are let off with a couple of Our Fathers and maybe a Hail Mary for their sins of omission when anyone notices their transgression and seriously calls them to account, and are then admonished to go, my son, and sin no more. Which of course they will do before the church door has even closed behind them.
Of course, one might say that Today's Edition has a narrative, too. I think it's called optimism. Which sometimes seems a bit incongruous with a lot of the facts that often appear on these pages. But as narratives go, it ain't a bad one, since it lacks any nefarious motive such as $$$. Well, not large $$$ anyway. We know you've got to eat and keep the lights on, Mr. Hubbell.
First, thank you for promoting outreach to younger voters, as via TikTok, and to Jessica Craven for having dived in.
Second, it may become tiresome to hear the comparisons to Hitler, but they're true, particularly when you follow the money. Timothy Snyder in Bloodlands details the horrible devastation that Stalin wreaked on Ukraine, to get the breadbasket of Europe. Hitler used the same pretext of protecting ethnic Germans in Czechoslovakia, where the borderland Sudetenland included their mineral-rich mountains and related extractive industries. NPR reported (on 2/20/2022) that Ukraine is a significant source of wheat, and countries are preparing for disruption to the supply chain.
Third, you have the best Managing Editor!
Robert, I continue to appreciate the many ways you point out to resist the creep of darkness and turn on important lights to push back against that creep. A good friend and fellow activist recently confided with me that she was overwhelmed by the number of crises and seemed to feel there was more work to do than she could find time for. She was concerned that she felt spread to thin over too many efforts, resulting in feeling ineffective. She also said there were so many causes she felt were important and dangers we faced that she could spend all her time just trying to keep up with day to day events and not actually spend any time trying to make a real difference on any of them.
I shared with her that a number of years ago I had actually spent some very productive time with a therapist for exactly that same problem. That therapist provided me with among some of the best advice I ever received that I often return to. It was the following:
You cannot solve all the world’s problems, nor can anyone else. However, if you let them overwhelm you, you may well make a difference on none of them. That would be tragic because you have proved you can make a difference on some. So consider this. Pick out something you care deeply and passionately about. It may be a relatively small issue affecting only a few people. Choose one for which you have the talents and resources to make a real difference. Figure out what you can do that would help make a difference for someone impacted by that challenge, then do that thing whatever it is. Take the time to celebrate that small win. Then go find some others who care about that same issue. Gather them together and organize them to work on that issue for a few more people. When together you make a real difference in some lives celebrate those victories with the group you gathered and those in whose lives you made a difference. Realize that while you have not solved all the world’s problems you have made a difference in some lives. Your victories will gather others to work on that issue and your successes will grow. When you feel joy from those successes you may well decide to take on another challenge. Simply repeat what you did on the first challenge.
If everyone would pick a small challenge important to them and gather others to focus on what they feel is important we could make an enormous difference in the world. So stop worrying about all the problems you can’t fix in the world and pick one on which you can make a difference and focus on that. Gather others to help and remember to celebrate your wins together. You will be amazed by how much joy that brings and the wonderful friendships you will form as well.
I feel, and it is just a feeling, that the Democrats will make history by not losing much in the mid-term elections. But I'm a hopeless optimist. The Republicans will continue to be the minority party as along as they cling for no good reason to Donald Trump and they may become even more minor until they disappear completely.
There’s a LOT going on — thanks for capturing key points! I especially needed your thoughts about the Axios article as I faced my immediate family during dinner singing the same tune of doom and gloom. I just let them talk and didn’t take the bait (this time), but it sure brought me down. Appreciate you boosting my spirits! Happy President’s Day!
This morning, I write solely in response to Concluding Thoughts and close with a modest proposal. Like me, I imagine other subscribers receive numerous emails both from our political representatives and from our organizations seeking our counsel regarding the best way forward. Perhaps, instead of downplaying pieces, specifically from reputable sources, that are critical of our Party, maybe we should try to discern factors that could be valid and pass them to Party leadership.
For example, as someone who takes great care to chose words that have the best chance of being understood, I, too, have considerable concerns about the slogan “Defund the Police.” To that end, whatever the issue, I would advise we amplify the prudence of expecting to be misunderstood and of taking precautions against that happening.
Lots of great information in Today's Edition Newsletter as we start another week, but I'd like to comment on the banned books segment. In some ways, banning these books have made them MORE popular (good thing). If you'd like to get some history on this subject, I recommend the three-part series on the "Now and Then" podcast with Heather Cox Richardson and Joanne Freeman. Parts 1 and 2 are available and definitely worth listening to: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vVk1QODQzNjc0NDgxMg?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ4aUDahcKEwjAlfmM-ZD2AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQNA&hl=en
Robert, thanks for the point about A.O.C. and context. So important.
Another excellent edition.
Every time I read about efforts to get "banned" books into the hands of students, efforts by local school boards to censor school libraries, and worst of all state legislation to prohibit the teaching or talking about things that might cause listeners "discomfort" I wonder why the US Department of Education isn't doing something to address these efforts to undermine our public education system. The ED's mission statement is as follows:
Overview and Mission Statement
ED's mission is to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access.
ED was created in 1980 by combining offices from several federal agencies. ED's 4,400 employees and $68 billion budget are dedicated to:
Establishing policies on federal financial aid for education, and distributing as well as monitoring those funds.
Collecting data on America's schools and disseminating research.
Focusing national attention on key educational issues.
Prohibiting discrimination and ensuring equal access to education.
Presumably one of the Education Department's pilars is "focusing national attention on key educational issues." It certainly strikes me that censorship is a key educational issue.
Thanks again for your excellent summations of daily events. And particular thanks for your ever present optimistic outlook.
I feel that the more I read articles like you referenced about the disaster awaiting Democrats in 2022 the more I feel better because I feel that these “ hit jobs” are being written because the Republicans are actually scared of the possible results in 2022. American voters are smarter than people give them credit for especially the media. The non cult Republicans I know are disgusted with Trump and his cult but aren’t in love with Biden or how he has managed or communicated his accomplishments. Biden really is an “ average Joe” which was great for the year after Trump but we need more of a demonstrative now.
Your M.E. should know that the concluding thoughts are sometimes the most impactful part of the letter and provide context for the rest. In light of today's theme, it would be unfortunate to cut that short.
This is BREAKING NEWS: Not long after Robert finished Today's Edition, diplomacy kicked in big time.
'Biden agrees ‘in principle’ to summit with Putin if Ukraine is not invaded'. Of course, there could be a snag...
This is the same comment I posted on 'Letter from an American'. In addition the possibility of a Biden - Putin summit, you'll find information about Russia and China's Alliance. The two leaders summit regularly and the two country's are closer than they've ever been. That's not good for the West. Might Xi could influence Putin's decision making with regard to Ukraine and in what ways? The two countries' working together is a factor in Ukraine Crisis dynamic.
'The standoff over the expected Russian invasion of Ukraine appeared to have a diplomatic window open late Sunday after President Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed “in principle” to a summit meeting.'
'The office of French President Emmanuel Macron said the two leaders had accepted the meeting and it would take place only if an attack doesn’t occur. The details of the summit will be worked out this week, when Secretary of State Antony Blinken is scheduled to meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.'
'Although senior U.S. officials say they believe that Putin has made a decision to invade, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said in a statement that U.S. officials “are committed to pursuing diplomacy until the moment an invasion begins.” She confirmed that Biden accepted the invitation — “again, if an invasion hasn’t happened.”
'She also reiterated the administration’s position that Russia seems to be “continuing preparations for a full-scale assault on Ukraine very soon.”
'The development came after Russia continued to keep in place 30,000 troops it has deployed in neighboring Belarus despite earlier promises to withdraw them by Sunday. And earlier in the day, top administration officials echoed Biden’s assessment from Friday that Putin has made a decision to invade within days.' (WashingtonPost)
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2022/02/20/ukraine-russia-invasion-
sanctions-blinken/
Another aspect of this is the Russia - China alliance.
'How will China respond to a potential Russian military escalation against Ukraine? Relations between Russia and China have intensified in recent years, with Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping holding regular summits and the two countries’ militaries participating in joint exercises and cooperating in some defense industrial efforts. Ties between Moscow and Beijing are now closer than any time since the days of Stalin and Mao, driven by a shared perception that the United States is each country’s primary foreign policy challenge. One top Russian official told media in December 2021 that the relationship now “exceeds an alliance.”[1] Chinese state media, meanwhile, have vocally backed Russia in arguing that the current crisis stems from the US “using NATO as a tool to cannibalize and squeeze Russia’s strategic space.”[2]'(ForeignPolicyResearchInstitute)
https://www.fpri.org/article/2022/01/how-will-china-respond-to-the-russia-ukraine-crisis/
'China would back Russia diplomatically and perhaps economically if it invades Ukraine, worsening Beijing's already strained relations with the West, but would stop short of providing military support, experts said.'
'U.S. President Joe Biden said on Friday that Russia's Vladimir Putin had decided to invade Ukraine within days, a claim Russia denies. read more'
'China's foreign ministry has repeatedly blamed the United States for "spreading false information" and creating tensions, urging it to respect and address Russia's demands for security guarantees. read more' (Reuters)
[2]https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/china-would-back-russia-diplomatically-if-it-moved-ukraine-2022-02-19/
Will Russia Invade? Perhaps Putin didn't intend to all along. He will see what he can get without going to war. Think of what the Ukrainian people have been going through
I must disagree with you about one thing, Robert. Putin is Aleksandr Lukashenko's friend. Lukashenko would rather be a Quisling than be strung from a lamp post, which is what would likely happen if the people of Belarus have their way. So, while he'd like to be president of an independent nation, I suspect that he'll settle for being the viceroy as long as it keeps his head in place.
One thing that ought to be noted is that Ukraine (which Biden refuses to treat as "a faraway country of which we know nothing") has put Biden right in the center of the news, and shoved T___p to the sidelines. Which is better than TFG deserves, but also better than when he is the center of attention. That, of course, means that Biden has to show up well--either keep the Russians from invading, or make it clear to the American people that he has done everything possible to prevent war, and if he can't do that then that he is taking all available steps to make the war unacceptably costly to Russia. That will be a tall order, but who ever said that being president was supposed to be easy?
I would like to know more about The Squad. Are they helping or hurting Democrats' chances in 2022?
Recently in from REUTERS:
'The Kremlin said there were no concrete plans for a summit over Ukraine between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his U.S. counterpart Joe Biden, after the French president said the two leaders had agreed a meeting in principle. However, both Washington and Moscow played down hopes of a breakthrough, and satellite imagery appeared to show Russian deployments closer to Ukraine's border than before.'
"...it might undercut his narrative.", 'it' being a "fact" which further research may have produced. Following a narrative instead of the facts should be a cardinal sin in journalism. But much of what passes for journalism today is not much more than narration, and the sinners are let off with a couple of Our Fathers and maybe a Hail Mary for their sins of omission when anyone notices their transgression and seriously calls them to account, and are then admonished to go, my son, and sin no more. Which of course they will do before the church door has even closed behind them.
Of course, one might say that Today's Edition has a narrative, too. I think it's called optimism. Which sometimes seems a bit incongruous with a lot of the facts that often appear on these pages. But as narratives go, it ain't a bad one, since it lacks any nefarious motive such as $$$. Well, not large $$$ anyway. We know you've got to eat and keep the lights on, Mr. Hubbell.
So, go my son. Sin like hell.
Thank you! My thoughts exactly.