During this period in our history, I have been seeking the Edward R. Murrow of our times. The journalist who brought down Senator McCarthy. The journalist that organized and held an integrated dinner in a downtown Atlanta in the 1930s without incident. The voice for America on the Blitz in England before America got into WWII. Read his biography "Edward R. Murrow -- His Life and Times" by A.M. Sperber. One of my favorite books ever. Murrow set the standards for TV journalism for the last half of the 20th century. I am getting more and more disgusted with 21st century "journalism" if you can still call it that. I'm writing my concerns to the media as much as to my elected representatives now.
Here's one quote from Mr. Murrow:
"When the politicians complain that TV turns the proceedings into a circus, it should be made clear that the circus was already there, and that TV has merely demonstrated that not all the performers are well trained."
Right now even the so-called liberal media is making the same huge gift of air time to the sensational, the negative, the celebrity -- the stuff that got the Former Guy elected. It is all about the bottom line, the ratings and not about integrity and "doing the right thing".
Robert, I live in a rural area in upstate New York. It IS a stronghold of Trumpsters and evangelicals. However, in my small village, we finally elected a Village Council that is all democrats. So, it is possible for democrats to win in rural areas. Our Town Council is 75% democrat. That said, people moved from New York City at the start of Covid, telecommuted, and decided to buy homes and move here permanently. Sadly, there is now great division and ugly lawn signs that suggest all democrats should crawl back into the holes from which they came. So, it is possible to win in rural areas but it can be very uncomfortable and contentious. My conversations are guarded everywhere I go for the republicans turn everything into a political argument even if one talks about the weather, which to them is a statement on climate change and because they are evangelicals it morphs into religion and "the Lord Jesus will take care of everything because are you not aware that we're in the "end-times?" (Book of Revelations.) 🙄😫
I sat in gas lines in 1974 and carpooled then and later to save fuel. It seemed so obvious nearly 50 years ago that we needed energy independence. Too many Americans are too slow to wake up.
As is not uncommon, the Concluding Thoughts are the most important and positive part of today's letter. Congress should straightaway finalize and pass an update to the Electoral Count Act and then move on. I'd still like to see the Lewis Act passed but the situation is not as dire as proponents suggest.
In respect of the former president and current traitor, I'll join you in apologizing to Mr. Garland on the day he sees Trump locked in a maximum security prison for the rest of his life. In the meantime, I don't see a reason for his hesitation that doesn't reflect poorly on the entire system's lack of courage and moral standards.
Today I've been listening to the musical composition "La Valse" by Maurice Ravel written at the end of WWI. Another composer, George Benjamin, describes it: "Whether or not it was intended as a metaphor for the predicament of European civilization in the aftermath of the Great War, its one-movement design plots the birth, decay and destruction of a musical genre: the waltz." For me and many others, although Ravel himself would refute this, it has always been about the deterioration of Europe from height of Viennese culture at the end of the 19th century to its decay into World War I. We have seen a lot of parallels with that time to our current time with its pandemic, the rise of authoritarianism, the monopolists, the diminution of truth and integrity, and even now war. Take a listen and see if you hear it: https://www.youtube.co/watch?v=FQ54hhvIQaY
Mar 31, 2022·edited Mar 31, 2022Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
While I remain hopeful that your concluding thoughts today offer promise, I remain fearful that gerrymandered districts, our electoral college system for Presidential elections, and the composition of our Senate over representing land and under representing people remain significant challenges to better, more representative governance.
I am presently reading “100% Democracy: The Case for Universal Voting” by E.J. Dionne Jr. And Miles Rapoport. I also find the exploration of this topic by the Brennan Center for Justice to be held on April 12th including the authors of this book of interest and have registered to attend virtually here: https://www.brennancenter.org/events/universal-voting. I suggest othersattend as well.
I am quite familiar with the Australian requirements for mandatory participation in elections and its enforcement and impact. I believe this is a topic worth exploring and considering seriously.
Most Americans are unaware that “the secret ballot” we now consider sacred in the U.S. was an innovation taken from Australia to the U.S. In the late 19th century. When first introduced in the U.S. It was known as the Australian ballot and highly controversial. You can learn more about that here:
This is a great example of the civics ignorance of most Americans. I am appalled at the lack of a sound civics education and teaching of responsible history in many public education systems in the U.S.
I like Tom Friedman—not just because we both went to Brandeis (not at the same time)—but when he criticizes Biden for seeking short-term relief in greater oil supplies, he’s betraying some elitism. With very challenging elections in a few months, and inflation from other causes already roiling the public (even though it’s not that high by historical standards), do you really think Joe should tell voters to tighten their belts, suck it up and pay over $4.00 a gallon for gas? It’s easy for me to do that—I’ve worked from home for two years, 2020 was my best year ever in terms of income, and my small hybrid (which went fewer than 10,000 miles in three years) gets up to 60 miles a gallon. To me, higher prices at the pump are mostly just numbers. But I’m a rarity, and I don’t expect working people who are stuck with having to drive their gas guzzlers to work every day to be insensitive to what’s happening. Sure, I can tell them that they should have made better choices, but we can’t change the past, but only deal with it’s effects. So, yes, Joe, do what you need to to bring gas prices down and give us a better chance in November.
Friedman's premise is both brilliant and pathetic. We have known forever that oil dependency has empowered evil. We know it is the cause of the climate crisis and that billions of people and animals face death as a result. That habitats (entire regions and countries) are in the process of losing their capacity to support the life of most vertebrates. We know. We knew.
We have had the tools to address this for decades. We really think we are a smart species. But we are not smart enough to plan a future safe for our progeny. I use the term "we" in its broadest collective sense. "Me" has become dominant. "We" are in a spiral dive. Can we pull out of it?
I was reading a comment someone made about how we protest in these forums. But not in the streets. But where to start? What would my sign say? When will we get angry enough?
I've mentioned this before: Prescott, Arizona, the home of the late Barry Goldwater and adopted home of Paul Gosar, gave Trump 63.7% of the vote, in 2020, an increase of .4%. At the city level, the results in 2020 were more mixed: A moderate conservative beat an incumbent Republican, of indeterminate political leanings, in a landslide. The winners "running mates" were two progressive Democrats and a moderate Independent, for the City Council seats. These candidates beat three Ever-Trumpers. Rural voters are not cookie-cutter, lock-step anything. They (we) are of basically sound mind and weigh options very carefully.
I'm surprised that anyone believes anything that Vlad says. He's like Lucy with the football. And yet the media continues to breathlessly report his every word as if it's to be believed. Has the media lost the ability to discern the truth? I'm beginning to wonder if their reason for existing has nothing to do with actual reporting, and instead has only to do with sales. As for the Washington Post, they put out a bunch of broad hints under the guise of reporting about Hunter Biden yesterday. It was full of innuendo and dark mutterings that would have done the right wing proud. And finally, I wouldn't get too excited about the anti-lynching legislation. If the Republicans win in 2022, their first order of business will likely be to reverse the bill.
First, I listened “live” to last night’s podcast, something I am unable to do on Saturdays, and very much enjoyed it. Thanks. Now I’d like your opinion, Robert, on this morning’s news about the intensified investigation into Hunter Biden and the fact that there is a grand jury asking questions, yet nothing on Trump and his cronies. I am choking on my Cheerios.
Regarding the emphasis by Democrats in the rural areas, it should be remembered that the adage “all politics is local” means that friends and neighbors have influence on each other’s voting preferences. By making reasonable entrees into rural districts with offers to help lives , Democrats can change some opinions. Those swayed or at least doubtful of right wing promises and slander will have influence on some relatives and friends, thereby shifting the balance. Evena slight shift can affect the future politics in the area.
Friedman may indeed be on target with his analysis, but in our circumstances now, where the Europeans are paying for Putin's war by buying his gas and oil, some short term action is required to alleviate that dependence. The only possible upside to the EU weaning itself off Russian fossil fuel to slow/stop a war, is that it could provide a shock sufficient for them, and the rest of us, to take the fossil fuel problem seriously. I am no doubt far too wildly optimistic in imagining that might work.
During this period in our history, I have been seeking the Edward R. Murrow of our times. The journalist who brought down Senator McCarthy. The journalist that organized and held an integrated dinner in a downtown Atlanta in the 1930s without incident. The voice for America on the Blitz in England before America got into WWII. Read his biography "Edward R. Murrow -- His Life and Times" by A.M. Sperber. One of my favorite books ever. Murrow set the standards for TV journalism for the last half of the 20th century. I am getting more and more disgusted with 21st century "journalism" if you can still call it that. I'm writing my concerns to the media as much as to my elected representatives now.
Here's one quote from Mr. Murrow:
"When the politicians complain that TV turns the proceedings into a circus, it should be made clear that the circus was already there, and that TV has merely demonstrated that not all the performers are well trained."
Right now even the so-called liberal media is making the same huge gift of air time to the sensational, the negative, the celebrity -- the stuff that got the Former Guy elected. It is all about the bottom line, the ratings and not about integrity and "doing the right thing".
Robert, I live in a rural area in upstate New York. It IS a stronghold of Trumpsters and evangelicals. However, in my small village, we finally elected a Village Council that is all democrats. So, it is possible for democrats to win in rural areas. Our Town Council is 75% democrat. That said, people moved from New York City at the start of Covid, telecommuted, and decided to buy homes and move here permanently. Sadly, there is now great division and ugly lawn signs that suggest all democrats should crawl back into the holes from which they came. So, it is possible to win in rural areas but it can be very uncomfortable and contentious. My conversations are guarded everywhere I go for the republicans turn everything into a political argument even if one talks about the weather, which to them is a statement on climate change and because they are evangelicals it morphs into religion and "the Lord Jesus will take care of everything because are you not aware that we're in the "end-times?" (Book of Revelations.) 🙄😫
I sat in gas lines in 1974 and carpooled then and later to save fuel. It seemed so obvious nearly 50 years ago that we needed energy independence. Too many Americans are too slow to wake up.
As is not uncommon, the Concluding Thoughts are the most important and positive part of today's letter. Congress should straightaway finalize and pass an update to the Electoral Count Act and then move on. I'd still like to see the Lewis Act passed but the situation is not as dire as proponents suggest.
In respect of the former president and current traitor, I'll join you in apologizing to Mr. Garland on the day he sees Trump locked in a maximum security prison for the rest of his life. In the meantime, I don't see a reason for his hesitation that doesn't reflect poorly on the entire system's lack of courage and moral standards.
Thank you, Robert. I especially appreciate you comments on Friedman’s article on oil. The thoughts expressed occur to me daily.
Today I've been listening to the musical composition "La Valse" by Maurice Ravel written at the end of WWI. Another composer, George Benjamin, describes it: "Whether or not it was intended as a metaphor for the predicament of European civilization in the aftermath of the Great War, its one-movement design plots the birth, decay and destruction of a musical genre: the waltz." For me and many others, although Ravel himself would refute this, it has always been about the deterioration of Europe from height of Viennese culture at the end of the 19th century to its decay into World War I. We have seen a lot of parallels with that time to our current time with its pandemic, the rise of authoritarianism, the monopolists, the diminution of truth and integrity, and even now war. Take a listen and see if you hear it: https://www.youtube.co/watch?v=FQ54hhvIQaY
While I remain hopeful that your concluding thoughts today offer promise, I remain fearful that gerrymandered districts, our electoral college system for Presidential elections, and the composition of our Senate over representing land and under representing people remain significant challenges to better, more representative governance.
I am presently reading “100% Democracy: The Case for Universal Voting” by E.J. Dionne Jr. And Miles Rapoport. I also find the exploration of this topic by the Brennan Center for Justice to be held on April 12th including the authors of this book of interest and have registered to attend virtually here: https://www.brennancenter.org/events/universal-voting. I suggest othersattend as well.
I am quite familiar with the Australian requirements for mandatory participation in elections and its enforcement and impact. I believe this is a topic worth exploring and considering seriously.
Most Americans are unaware that “the secret ballot” we now consider sacred in the U.S. was an innovation taken from Australia to the U.S. In the late 19th century. When first introduced in the U.S. It was known as the Australian ballot and highly controversial. You can learn more about that here:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-10-11/us-election-voting-changed-by-secret-australian-ballot-history/12726686
This is a great example of the civics ignorance of most Americans. I am appalled at the lack of a sound civics education and teaching of responsible history in many public education systems in the U.S.
I like Tom Friedman—not just because we both went to Brandeis (not at the same time)—but when he criticizes Biden for seeking short-term relief in greater oil supplies, he’s betraying some elitism. With very challenging elections in a few months, and inflation from other causes already roiling the public (even though it’s not that high by historical standards), do you really think Joe should tell voters to tighten their belts, suck it up and pay over $4.00 a gallon for gas? It’s easy for me to do that—I’ve worked from home for two years, 2020 was my best year ever in terms of income, and my small hybrid (which went fewer than 10,000 miles in three years) gets up to 60 miles a gallon. To me, higher prices at the pump are mostly just numbers. But I’m a rarity, and I don’t expect working people who are stuck with having to drive their gas guzzlers to work every day to be insensitive to what’s happening. Sure, I can tell them that they should have made better choices, but we can’t change the past, but only deal with it’s effects. So, yes, Joe, do what you need to to bring gas prices down and give us a better chance in November.
Friedman's premise is both brilliant and pathetic. We have known forever that oil dependency has empowered evil. We know it is the cause of the climate crisis and that billions of people and animals face death as a result. That habitats (entire regions and countries) are in the process of losing their capacity to support the life of most vertebrates. We know. We knew.
We have had the tools to address this for decades. We really think we are a smart species. But we are not smart enough to plan a future safe for our progeny. I use the term "we" in its broadest collective sense. "Me" has become dominant. "We" are in a spiral dive. Can we pull out of it?
I was reading a comment someone made about how we protest in these forums. But not in the streets. But where to start? What would my sign say? When will we get angry enough?
I've mentioned this before: Prescott, Arizona, the home of the late Barry Goldwater and adopted home of Paul Gosar, gave Trump 63.7% of the vote, in 2020, an increase of .4%. At the city level, the results in 2020 were more mixed: A moderate conservative beat an incumbent Republican, of indeterminate political leanings, in a landslide. The winners "running mates" were two progressive Democrats and a moderate Independent, for the City Council seats. These candidates beat three Ever-Trumpers. Rural voters are not cookie-cutter, lock-step anything. They (we) are of basically sound mind and weigh options very carefully.
Maybe my new shorthand for #45 will be Putin's Partner.
I'm surprised that anyone believes anything that Vlad says. He's like Lucy with the football. And yet the media continues to breathlessly report his every word as if it's to be believed. Has the media lost the ability to discern the truth? I'm beginning to wonder if their reason for existing has nothing to do with actual reporting, and instead has only to do with sales. As for the Washington Post, they put out a bunch of broad hints under the guise of reporting about Hunter Biden yesterday. It was full of innuendo and dark mutterings that would have done the right wing proud. And finally, I wouldn't get too excited about the anti-lynching legislation. If the Republicans win in 2022, their first order of business will likely be to reverse the bill.
First, I listened “live” to last night’s podcast, something I am unable to do on Saturdays, and very much enjoyed it. Thanks. Now I’d like your opinion, Robert, on this morning’s news about the intensified investigation into Hunter Biden and the fact that there is a grand jury asking questions, yet nothing on Trump and his cronies. I am choking on my Cheerios.
Regarding the emphasis by Democrats in the rural areas, it should be remembered that the adage “all politics is local” means that friends and neighbors have influence on each other’s voting preferences. By making reasonable entrees into rural districts with offers to help lives , Democrats can change some opinions. Those swayed or at least doubtful of right wing promises and slander will have influence on some relatives and friends, thereby shifting the balance. Evena slight shift can affect the future politics in the area.
Friedman may indeed be on target with his analysis, but in our circumstances now, where the Europeans are paying for Putin's war by buying his gas and oil, some short term action is required to alleviate that dependence. The only possible upside to the EU weaning itself off Russian fossil fuel to slow/stop a war, is that it could provide a shock sufficient for them, and the rest of us, to take the fossil fuel problem seriously. I am no doubt far too wildly optimistic in imagining that might work.
It took over a hundred years for Congress to pass an anti lynching law. Actually, it only took a gallows on their front lawn intended for a white man