Good morning, everyone! I will be away from the newsletter for several hours this morning. If any trolls jump in with offensive comments, can you please click on the three dots to the right of the comment and "Report" the comment? I will receive a notice. Thanks!
Let's kick this off with a reprise of the brilliant rant authored by TX Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett during the farcical Joe Biden "impeachment enquiry" hearings yesterday...pure gold:
The Honorable Representative Jasmine Crockett, Democrat from Texas, has earned a speaking role at the Democratic National Convention next year. She will fire up the crowd!
Thank you for mentioning that Rep. Crockett is from Texas, a much maligned state due to some particularly toxic lowlifes there in power. Rep. Crockett is a blue gem among a growing number of heroic progressive activists in Texas, including League of Women Voters and Blue Horizons Texas, that deserve our attention and support to turn Texas blue!
When I was in Texas in 1968 at The Oleo Strut, I came to the conclusion the state is a magnifying glass. Whichever you look at they are bigger than elsewhere. And given what it takes to be "progressive" there, Texas Lefties are the best lefties of all.
Indeed! I think Ann Richards would be proud of Rep. Crockett and I’d also like to acknowledge the performance of my Representative, Greg Casar, during that same hearing when he called out Republicans on their double standards. I am encouraged by the leadership of these young Democrats. Texas cities are Blue and there is a lot of great work going on across this state. We’ll keep working hard to turn this state Blue.
Also a Florida rep, Jared Moskowitz, who said “What a day we are having…As a former director of emergency management, I know a disaster when I see one.” Certainly not as fiery as Ms.Crockett, but still right on the money.
I also must note the great Texan, Barbara Jordan, one of the finest orators ever in the House. Recall her presentation during the Nixon impeachment hearings and her speech at the 1976 Democratic National Convention. Representative Jordan spoke so eloquently about our Constitution. One can imagine her comments if she were to take the floor during the current chaos in Congress. Interestingly, after her retirement she became a professor at the UT LBJ School of Public Affairs where she taught ethics.
I would love to hear Molly’s commentary on the current state of Texas politics. I thought of her the other day after yet another of Abbot’s stunts. I can’t remember which one now, they seem far too plentiful.
As I was reading this, it suddenly struck me who Newsom should appoint as the "placeholder" pending next year's election. Someone knowledgeable about the Senate. Someone whose integrity all factions in the California Democratic Party know and accept. Someone dedicated to the democratic process, who would do nothing to interrupt or compromise any of the three campaigns, while doing first class service for the State. Someone who could "hit the ground running" the minute they arrived in DC. There is one person who fits all those requirements.
Barbara Boxer. She's retired, but if you listen to her podcast, not completely. And she has such a strong sense of service, she'd do it without argument.
The inly thing is, TC, is that he promised it would be a woman of color. That’s why I said it’s going to be Weber or Bass but...Boxer would be wonderful also.
Not actually that familiar. I think Newsom will go with someone "above the fray" without worrying too much about ethnicities, etc., because doing anything else opens him to people with long memories still being pissed off come 2028. People might not be happy with his choice of placeholder, but it it was someone like Boxer no one could be publicly upset, since she's an "institution" (I first met her in 1974 during a campaign, when she was called by serious party professionals "That little Marin County housewife" - after meeting her once and taking in her ideas for the project I was asking her to take part in and realizing just how good and knowledgeable she was, after that whenever I heard someone use that term, I wrote them off as a moron, and nothing she did after that ever surprised me. Like Nancy Pelosi.)
Believe me, if Boxer is his pick, I am there for her! I just think he will suffer greatly if he does not go through with his promise. Kinda like Qevin.
Indeed, Barbara Boxer would be great - knows the ropes (and the dopes 😈) - and could walk in and get right to work. And I think Newsom is trying to take the right tack in not interfering with an already ongoing Senate campaign. Hopefully, he won't try to pull someone from their position now (i.e., Bass, Weber, any Representative) because there are too many unknowns coming down the pike. There's a retired African American woman judge I've seen several times on the tv machine, can't remember her name. Also, it seems like there are other folks to call on, including retired judges and professors. But, yeah, Senator Boxer has a nice ring.
Well, Robert, I know you said to be respectful in our comments but I can’t say nice things about Trump. He is literally a pig, a piece of crap. Never was I happier than to hear that Trump and his kids will never ever be able to do business again in NY. They cannot draw any money from their “investments”. It’s laughable because karma is a real bitch when she comes a’ knockin’!
The Georgia defendants are standing in line willing to finally tell the truth, but nothing but the truth. All fingers will point to Trump and I find real pleasure in that. For 4+ years, we have all suffered anxiety and some despair because of the MAGAts in Congress. This week was kinda fun watching the absolute chaos in the House impeachment inquiry. I am ready for all of them (the R’s) to blow up and go away.
Got my flu shot two weeks ago and got my Covid shot yesterday. So far, so far so good.
I'm with you Marlene. I too couldn't be happier that it's finally catching up to them. And when I heard that any of their homes that are held by an LLC might be liquidated as well, it made my day! Sister Mary Mean-as-a-snake would not be thrilled with me.
I am heartsick that our representatives have been so far unable to find a reasonable way out of this looming government shutdown. It's abuse of the people of the United States who deserve a much higher quality of governance than Republicans are willing to commit to.
I seriously would like to know who in the government I can contact to find out how much taxpayer money it’s costing us for the revenge “investigations” and other MAGA Theatrical Productions. Surely there is a tab--salaries of reps and staff, administrative space and overhead, all the tree of photocopies ... Most of us would rather they were having serious bipartisan discussions about governing rather than widening the divide on our dime. Can’t they save that for the PACs?
Thank you, as always, Robert. Wonderful newsletter today. You say it all so well, it’s hard to add a comment. However, here in India, I am watching closely what is happening with the government shutdown. I hope it loses the repugnants millions of votes, cast by alienated voters who have suffered under their stupidity and arrogance. Please continue to keep us informed and aware. Have a beautiful weekend.
President Biden made two significant speeches this week one at the UAW picket line and the other in Arizona at the McCain library where he detailed the threats to American Democracy. Contrast this to the Trump fake UAW rally at a non union venue and the Republican House attempts to start an impeachment hearing on Joe Biden to fund pass legislation to fund the government. I hope independent voters and all voters are watching and listening.
I actually was heartened to hear Biden be more direct than he usually is about who the problem personalities are. I know this wasn’t the first speech he’s given about democracy, but it felt like it had more teeth. I guess because he is gearing to be in full campaign mode soon. If he is going to run on defending democracy he has to name the enemies of democracy.
And Gus, they don’t bother mentioning that they themselves will still get paid when they shut the government down! That, in itself, should be brought up time and again by the Dems!
The Congresscreatures will be paid, but members of their staffs apparently won’t. How would you like to be working for someone who cut off your salary but apparently expects you to keep working?
I saw a video where the press said McCarthy said he was not going to take a salary during the shutdown, and was Biden also not going to take a salary. The woman at the podium from OMB said Congress was constitutionally required to be paid, so maybe McCarthy was planning to put it in his sock drawer. She was more worried that the guy who collects the trash from her office wasn’t going to be paid. But the next paycheck the House would miss is October 31. Is McCarthy’s offer an indication he plans to still be in shutdown in a month?
Looks like we got a 45 day reprieve because Dems hot back hard and there are moderate R’s who feel it’s cuckoo to cause a shutdown. Qevin has to be ousted. He is the most ineffective Speaker we have ever EVER had! Gingrich was horrid and i thought nobody would surpass him but Qevin has.
Dear 56% of Robert Hubbell Readers Who Do Not Use Social Media,
As critical thinkers who presumably care about democracy, justice, and rights to self-determination, I respectfully invite you to explore social media to help spread of the word of Robert and other worthy writers. Social media is such an easy way to amplify these progressive messages and promote grassroots activism. Talk to people you know to get tips how they use social media without getting sucked into the bad algorithms and trolls that we rightfully fear. You see by Robert's poll how popular Facebook is, despite so many naysayers. Twitter used to be great, and our participation in up-and-coming alternatives, such as Threads and Post.News. helps to grow viable alternatives.
Even other readers here can offer tips.
Sincerely,
Ellie Kona (This is Tip #1: I use this alias for social media!)
1) If I don't engage any ijit posts and try to "correct" trolls, they don't come onto my timeline.
2) I need to re-visit some accounts and re-subscribe or ask (again) for notifications because Twitter somehow turns these things off. Same thing kinda happens on Facebook.
My feed on Twitter is full of posts from interesting, thoughtful public figures. Michael McFaul. Jennifer Rubin. Anne Applebaum. Eric Swalwell. Adam Kinzinger. Liz Cheney. Victor Shi. Lakota Man. Jon Cooper. And on and on. All of them serious, thoughtful people.
P.S. Any time someone says "Twitter is full of trolls,"say, "Not my timeline. Who are you following? Who are you reacting to?"
I don't see any posts on twitter and I am not unable to do anything on twitter. It looks like Elon is trying to force me to start paying for twitter, which I will not do. Did you pay for it? Have you not been on twitter in the last two or three days?
I check in on Twitter most days and still find all the people I follow in my feed. I do not pay anything, nor would I even consider it. I follow a lot of stuff there related to Putin's invasion of Ukraine.
Janet, It's just in the last few days, and I think Musk has been threatening to do something like this. Have you been able to view it in the last few days?
I totally agree with you! There’s nothing to be gained by staying off social media at this time. There is so much information there. Even if someone only likes and shares content posted by others that is very helpful. No pressure to be creating their own posts. Although just sharing Robert Hubbell’s Today’s Edition with a quote is a wonderful place to start!
I wholeheartedly agree! All the people I know in real life are on FB so that’s where I share this stuff. It’s always a surprise how many of my well informed friends and family don’t use any sources other than mainstream media. I feel like I’m doing something good.
Ellie- I agree with you but am one of the 56%! I have been looking to see if there are offerings to get folks on social media safely and effectively ( my own kids won’t help as they think the trolls will take over- )do you know of any?? Ever since Simon Rosenberg said we should all be “information warriors”- !!!! Like how would you use an alias on Facebook??
Just create an alias to open your Facebook account. With “KC” you appear to be halfway there!
As you follow kindred spirits and your interests (travel, knitting, art museums, landscape photography, cooking in the old days, your favorite musicians, etc.) and click the Like ❤️, you will grow a network. Do not give any reaction to apparent weirdos, or just delete or even report them. In 15 years, I’ve never felt the need to report anyone. You’ll be able to teach your kids!
I agree and was actually surprised at the large percentage of people who said they don’t use social media. Here’s what I do: I use Facebook primarily for family and friends updates. But if I want to post something political, I send it with excluding certain folks like my daughter and granddaughter so we don’t have a fight at the next dinner. I used to use X/Twitter but it has become so toxic I hardy ever go there and never post anything. But I “let ‘er rip” on Threads. Also I have found that a large number of supporters on Threads promote following others who share their philosophy so you can reach many more people with good ideas.
After listening to Biden’s speech, my goal is to behave in the same respectful, calm manner that he has, using examples of the dangerous behavior of the extremists, but not lowering myself to the disrespectful personality attacks we have seen from the other side. I need to memorize more of the items on the list of Biden’s accomplishments to help me avoid that nervous mind freeze that can take over when talking to others. They say the best way to advertise an event is word of mouth. The best way to advertise Biden is model him and spread the word. Enjoy your weekend everyone.
Robert, I agree that the most disturbing thing that happened was the laughter at the California GOP convention following Trump’s vile mocking of Nancy Pelosi’s husband. It is disturbing because is emblematic of the cancer Trump has brought to our public discourse. It is spreading and is dangerous. It promotes violence. The only remedy I know of is the one modeled by President Biden. We can’t respond with the name calling, mocking, or slander of the other side. We also can’t be silent. We have to use our voices, our votes and every opportunity given each of us to fight those trying to destroy our republic.
Somehow our nation needs to make that kind of behavior *socially* unacceptable, not merely a political liability for some. I wish I knew how to pull it off.
I disagree with the framing of TFG’s question about Paul Pelosi as a joke--it was carefully planned stochastic terrorism. It was a way of bragging about the power of violence from his supporters, about reminding the GOP members in the room that he can call up that violence at any time and against any person, including them if they don’t comply. Some of the laughter was genuinely pleased at this. Some was the nervous titter of people who know they shouldn’t go along with the mutiny that the schoolyard bully is ginning up, but they are afraid that they will be the next victim if they’re not careful.
Hi, Shawn. A couple of comments. First, you are right. I tried to remove references to "joke" and replace it with "mockery.' I missed one instance. Second, I agree that terrorism is a better framing. But I think the best framing is that it is fascism. I have begun to use that term to describe Trump's threats of violence and I should be consistent in doing so.
Agreed; fascism is clearly indicated. Rereading my comment, I think it reads too much as “yes, but”, when really I meant “yes, and”. I very much appreciate the way you call him and the rest of the burn-it-all-down party out without succumbing to despair.
My official position is that I no longer see any difference between the MAGA wing and the rest who are responsible for allowing the infection of their party to fester and spread like a flesh-eating sepsis without doing anything. I have been a lifelong independent and technically that is still my registration, but I haven’t voted for a Republican at any level of the ticket in a very long time and obviously never will. But democracy thrives on healthy debate between two parties committed to the constitution and to democracy. So to me it’s a problem that a major party is imploding and we can’t see what will replace it in the long term.
Imagine how hard it must be to be Kevin McCarthy. He's demonstrably forgotten that he's there to serve the people, especially the people who live in California's Central Valley. He's so wrapped up in trying not to lose his Speaker's Gavel that he is proving beyond a shadow of doubt that he didn't deserve it in the first place. The whole nation will suffer the cuts in federal discretionary spending because of one man's desperate cling to power, prestige, and fame, and dark money. Oh woe that we as a nation have fallen so low as to have this man in the line of succession!
I tell him this on his Facebook page on a nearly daily basis. I know he doesn’t read it. He or someone posts the pablum, and I assume it’s someone’s job to monitor how the feedback is swinging.
Honestly, I can't see the end of the shutdown that is certainly going to happen. The MAGA extremists have no reason to ever compromise their demands because they hate McCarthy, and they WANT to destroy the government. And Democrats can't give in on any point, because the crazies will only ask for more, and more, and more. They have the ability to burn everything down, no matter what happens.
That is a serious question. But the Republicans are busy fighting among themselves. It would only take a few not-crazy Republicans who care about winning districts that voted for Biden to say they are ready to play nice with the Democrats, and the axis of power would shift. The question is how long will those Republicans hold out before crossing the aisle out of crazyville both to save their own political skin next year and to do what they know is the right thing to do. (Probably ranked in that order.)
is there no way that representatives can compel the vote on a resolution crafted between democrats and the most moderate republicans without the consent of the speaker? Can't a single representative on the democratic side call for the speaker's replacement? Don't the house rules apply to all representatives, or just the majority party?
I listened to Hakeem Jeffries on Joy Reid the other day and he explained it well. There is a way for the bipartisan bill to be put to a vote in the House. McCarthy won’t because he’s a chicken shit. But others can.
As I understand it, the way it can be done is a discharge petition. However, that takes 30 days. If McCarthy cooperated with the continuing resolution, that would give them the 30 days and they could consider a discharge for all the budget appropriations. But it would take 30 days to do anything; and in the meantime we shut down. So it’s not ideal.
Susan, I believe the appropriations bills you’re referring to were ginned up by House Republicans. It’s not likely that Hubbell listers should be happy with them.
I know there are others who know better than myself... but I think the Rules Committee have a lot of control over what votes go to the full house, and that Committee is controlled by MAGA.
I do think that McCarthy can work with the Democrats on a CR, and they can agree to support him in the case of a No Confidence vote. But he would probably be dooming his ability to be a Republican leader.
Like you, Ddnise, I don’t see an obvious end to the shutdown. But then, when there were previous shutdowns, the way out wasn’t clear, either.
I think the best way to end this shutdown is the way Gingrich shutdowns were ended: enough ordinary Americans were hurt and angry, Republicans clearly were being blamed, and Republicans became fearful for their political futures.
(Republicans were crushed in the following election.)
If Democrats don’t botch things, the shutdown could contribute their electoral victory in 2024.
Historically, such compromise goes to finding our magic in the middle, usually a middle ground of sort somewhere between conservative and liberal perspectives.
We harvest that magic in the middle by celebrating and capitalizing on our diversity — our American wellspring of best ideas, theories, philosophies, etc. from which we derive our best programs, policies, legislation, etc.
In a general sense, I want to see Biden’s Build Back Better Plan come to fruition. I also want to see our immigration laws, rules, procedures enforced bringing order to our borders.
So, here is a suggested call-their-bluff compromise:
(1) Smartly modernize and reform our immigration laws and thereafter strictly enforce same including building a southern border wall and insisting that immigrants enter only via the gates and proper procedure; and as to the other side of that quid pro quo,
(2) fully fund and implement Biden’s Build Back Better Plan making us the world’s leader in modern infrastructure, etc. — yes, we must all pay our fair share.
Compromise.... I don't think the MAGA crowd have that word in their vocabulary. But yes, that used to be the way of things. And we have actually compromised once this year, with McCarthy! A man of honor (which, of course, he is not) would honor that agreement.
Second point, while I agree that the immigration issue needs a better solution, I don't think the Right will agree to any solution. The "immigration problem" is the foundation of their fundraising and campaigning efforts. If that issue was to be solved, especially by a Democrat, they would lose the majority of the fear factor they put out to their base!
I would change “ingrained stupidity” to “lack of education” because I think the long-term destruction of public education, especially civics, is to blame for much of the ignorance that is so rampant today.
In light of Trump’s death threat against General Milley, I would like to comment on Senator Tuberville’s hold that has created a lack of confirmed commanders in senior military positions. I believe there are additional potential effects that the media is ignoring:
1. How will current junior officers evaluate their careers going forward? As they reach their 20 year mark and are eligible for retirement, will they decide having their career held hostage to the whims of a single senator (and, of course if successful this tactic will be repeated) is less appealing than accepting that offer from a defense contractor? What sort of brain drain of our best and brightest military officers might we expect over the following years?
2. Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff General Milley took courageous actions to protect our democracy post the 2020 election. Is it possible Senator Tuberville, like Senator McConnell, is holding General and Admiral positions in the US Military so they could be filled in the next administration with individuals who may be more supportive of using the military to achieve domestic political ends? It has got to have occurred to Republicans that, like judges, they can deny Democrats the option of picking military leadership when they have the White House and then they can jam their picks in when they have control.
As a former officer, I am proud of the actions taken by General Milley. It pains me to suggest that the US military could potentially in the future be a part of undermining our system of government. But it also pains me to see what has happened to our Supreme Court. Let’s prevent a repeat.
Check this map to see the communities that would be hurt (people living below the poverty level, struggling with housing and needing food assistance) immediately by the MAGA government shutdown, along with the GOP rep responsible for that district. Hold these GOP reps accountable for their cruelty on American most in need. https://arcg.is/XqyGH
Good morning, everyone! I will be away from the newsletter for several hours this morning. If any trolls jump in with offensive comments, can you please click on the three dots to the right of the comment and "Report" the comment? I will receive a notice. Thanks!
Let's kick this off with a reprise of the brilliant rant authored by TX Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett during the farcical Joe Biden "impeachment enquiry" hearings yesterday...pure gold:
https://twitter.com/Acyn/status/1707464799209070665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Best line evah: "Looks like the shitter to me..."
👏👏👏👏🥂
Wasn’t she magnificent??
Yes!
Absolutely
The Honorable Representative Jasmine Crockett, Democrat from Texas, has earned a speaking role at the Democratic National Convention next year. She will fire up the crowd!
More like this, please! Time to learn from how successful the GQP has been by flooding the zone...
We should be flooding the zone with the truth spoken with this kind of justified rage.
And it should be on TicTok!
Yes!! Saying it like it IS! This is
going on repeat at our house.
She's amazing!
Rep. Crockett got high praise from Heather Cox Richardson!
https://x.com/HC_Richardson/status/1708000056928870584?s=20
Wow! She's an up-and-comer!
👏🎉🤸♀️💙
That was a good one. She nailed it.
aside from Jamie Raskin, she was spot on & brilliant!!
Thank you for mentioning that Rep. Crockett is from Texas, a much maligned state due to some particularly toxic lowlifes there in power. Rep. Crockett is a blue gem among a growing number of heroic progressive activists in Texas, including League of Women Voters and Blue Horizons Texas, that deserve our attention and support to turn Texas blue!
When I was in Texas in 1968 at The Oleo Strut, I came to the conclusion the state is a magnifying glass. Whichever you look at they are bigger than elsewhere. And given what it takes to be "progressive" there, Texas Lefties are the best lefties of all.
Damn straight!
Ann Richards is smiling!
Indeed! I think Ann Richards would be proud of Rep. Crockett and I’d also like to acknowledge the performance of my Representative, Greg Casar, during that same hearing when he called out Republicans on their double standards. I am encouraged by the leadership of these young Democrats. Texas cities are Blue and there is a lot of great work going on across this state. We’ll keep working hard to turn this state Blue.
Also a Florida rep, Jared Moskowitz, who said “What a day we are having…As a former director of emergency management, I know a disaster when I see one.” Certainly not as fiery as Ms.Crockett, but still right on the money.
I also must note the great Texan, Barbara Jordan, one of the finest orators ever in the House. Recall her presentation during the Nixon impeachment hearings and her speech at the 1976 Democratic National Convention. Representative Jordan spoke so eloquently about our Constitution. One can imagine her comments if she were to take the floor during the current chaos in Congress. Interestingly, after her retirement she became a professor at the UT LBJ School of Public Affairs where she taught ethics.
From the Copy Editor: You've got an apostrophe in Ann Richards' last name that shouldn't be there.
Actually, I’m also a stickler for No Typos so as not to distract from one’s point, but this is interesting:
https://www.threads.net/@heathercoxrichardson/post/Cx0re2RLVh9/?igshid=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng==
Yikes! Terrible typo. Apologies!
As are Jim Hightower, and opinion writer Molly Ivins.
I would love to hear Molly’s commentary on the current state of Texas politics. I thought of her the other day after yet another of Abbot’s stunts. I can’t remember which one now, they seem far too plentiful.
Molly Ivins is missed so very much. I can only imagine her commentaries on the current state of affairs.
Yes there are good things happening in Texas despite what the press says
Speaking the truth is beautiful to hear.
Wow!! That woman is ON FIRE!!! Loved her "rant". (best organized "rant" EVER!).
Short and sweet. And powerful.
😊
And let's not forget the courage of young Maxwell Frost in also speaking out about the ridiculous "impeachment inquiry"!
As I was reading this, it suddenly struck me who Newsom should appoint as the "placeholder" pending next year's election. Someone knowledgeable about the Senate. Someone whose integrity all factions in the California Democratic Party know and accept. Someone dedicated to the democratic process, who would do nothing to interrupt or compromise any of the three campaigns, while doing first class service for the State. Someone who could "hit the ground running" the minute they arrived in DC. There is one person who fits all those requirements.
Barbara Boxer. She's retired, but if you listen to her podcast, not completely. And she has such a strong sense of service, she'd do it without argument.
Hi, Tom. I had Barbara Boxer in mind when I wrote my description of the person who should succeed Senator Feinstein.
As they say, Great Minds Think Alike. :-)
I had reached exactly the same conclusion, TC. Boxer would be an excellent choice as a "caretaker" replacement for DiFi.
I thought you were going to suggest Robert Hubbell.
Robert's very good, but he hasn't got a huge statewide rep yet. :-)
The inly thing is, TC, is that he promised it would be a woman of color. That’s why I said it’s going to be Weber or Bass but...Boxer would be wonderful also.
Bass can't leave LA right now.
Oops, you may be right! So what do you think about Shirley Weber?
Not actually that familiar. I think Newsom will go with someone "above the fray" without worrying too much about ethnicities, etc., because doing anything else opens him to people with long memories still being pissed off come 2028. People might not be happy with his choice of placeholder, but it it was someone like Boxer no one could be publicly upset, since she's an "institution" (I first met her in 1974 during a campaign, when she was called by serious party professionals "That little Marin County housewife" - after meeting her once and taking in her ideas for the project I was asking her to take part in and realizing just how good and knowledgeable she was, after that whenever I heard someone use that term, I wrote them off as a moron, and nothing she did after that ever surprised me. Like Nancy Pelosi.)
Believe me, if Boxer is his pick, I am there for her! I just think he will suffer greatly if he does not go through with his promise. Kinda like Qevin.
He has to consider his OWN political future. He said he was going to appoint a Black woman, if he back pedals now, he loses that vote moving forward.
No, he doesn't. there's five years between now and 2028, which is an eternity in politics.
Pardon my ignorance. I tried researching this, but why can’t Bass leave California right now?
Also, she won the mayor’s office last year. Would she even want to leave that for a temporary spot in the Senate?
I hope she wouldn't leave LA! We need her!
You answered your question. She would not leave for a "temp assignment."
… and should not abandon her city.
Thanks.
We in LA don't want to give up our Mayor!
Indeed, Barbara Boxer would be great - knows the ropes (and the dopes 😈) - and could walk in and get right to work. And I think Newsom is trying to take the right tack in not interfering with an already ongoing Senate campaign. Hopefully, he won't try to pull someone from their position now (i.e., Bass, Weber, any Representative) because there are too many unknowns coming down the pike. There's a retired African American woman judge I've seen several times on the tv machine, can't remember her name. Also, it seems like there are other folks to call on, including retired judges and professors. But, yeah, Senator Boxer has a nice ring.
I. Love. This. Idea.
Barbara Boxer deserves great respect, but I feel that bringing a younger person in would be a better idea.
Love that idea, if she were willing to come back from retirement!
Hmmm, I’ll have to listen to her podcast. I know she’s been mentioned before but I wasn’t sure she’d be willing to be the ‘caretaker’ Senator.
That’s interesting. Great idea.
I haven't heard of her, but I trust your & Mr Hubbell's opinion!
Margo, just google her. You will see how effective she was for us in CA. Also, teaming uo with Feinstein was when they became the “dynamic duo”!
Well, Robert, I know you said to be respectful in our comments but I can’t say nice things about Trump. He is literally a pig, a piece of crap. Never was I happier than to hear that Trump and his kids will never ever be able to do business again in NY. They cannot draw any money from their “investments”. It’s laughable because karma is a real bitch when she comes a’ knockin’!
The Georgia defendants are standing in line willing to finally tell the truth, but nothing but the truth. All fingers will point to Trump and I find real pleasure in that. For 4+ years, we have all suffered anxiety and some despair because of the MAGAts in Congress. This week was kinda fun watching the absolute chaos in the House impeachment inquiry. I am ready for all of them (the R’s) to blow up and go away.
Got my flu shot two weeks ago and got my Covid shot yesterday. So far, so far so good.
I advise bet the over on "more than 9" as how many of the RICO co-defendants turn state's evidence and testify against Trump.
The Cheese and Powell are up next, but nothing on offer unless they really, really deliver on the Donald...higher up the
pole, the better evidence to give...or no deal.
I'm with you Marlene. I too couldn't be happier that it's finally catching up to them. And when I heard that any of their homes that are held by an LLC might be liquidated as well, it made my day! Sister Mary Mean-as-a-snake would not be thrilled with me.
Haha! Sometimes- 😜 - I feel bad for having thoughts, just like yours, but then I remember that Karma will help me!
🤣🤣
Morning, Marlene! Love reading your posts.
Likewise, Lynell!
I am heartsick that our representatives have been so far unable to find a reasonable way out of this looming government shutdown. It's abuse of the people of the United States who deserve a much higher quality of governance than Republicans are willing to commit to.
I seriously would like to know who in the government I can contact to find out how much taxpayer money it’s costing us for the revenge “investigations” and other MAGA Theatrical Productions. Surely there is a tab--salaries of reps and staff, administrative space and overhead, all the tree of photocopies ... Most of us would rather they were having serious bipartisan discussions about governing rather than widening the divide on our dime. Can’t they save that for the PACs?
Pam is the (ME) for Maine? I’m in Maine too.
Yes.
Thank you, as always, Robert. Wonderful newsletter today. You say it all so well, it’s hard to add a comment. However, here in India, I am watching closely what is happening with the government shutdown. I hope it loses the repugnants millions of votes, cast by alienated voters who have suffered under their stupidity and arrogance. Please continue to keep us informed and aware. Have a beautiful weekend.
I’m in India too.
Where are you? I am near Bombay and Pune. Meherabad….
I’m in Hamachal Pradesh. I’m a photographer too. Perkins.Pam on IG.
I just went to IG. Love your photos, and although I don’t live there, have loved my trips to India. So much color, such wonderful people.
President Biden made two significant speeches this week one at the UAW picket line and the other in Arizona at the McCain library where he detailed the threats to American Democracy. Contrast this to the Trump fake UAW rally at a non union venue and the Republican House attempts to start an impeachment hearing on Joe Biden to fund pass legislation to fund the government. I hope independent voters and all voters are watching and listening.
I actually was heartened to hear Biden be more direct than he usually is about who the problem personalities are. I know this wasn’t the first speech he’s given about democracy, but it felt like it had more teeth. I guess because he is gearing to be in full campaign mode soon. If he is going to run on defending democracy he has to name the enemies of democracy.
Short, but very sweet. Thanks, Robert!
I'm thinking that the magats may be trying use the shutdown to hurt the economy and thereby damage President Biden's re-election bid:
1. The economy could suffer if the shutdown lasts long enough.
2. However, the back-fire loss of republican votes will more than equal any damage that accrues to the President.
3. By spring, we should have a much better idea of trump's legal situation, and,
4. There should be a strong boost to the economy as more infrastructure and tech contracts and sub-contracts are let.
Obviously I'm thinkin' positive here! Do everything--EVERYTHING--In your power to get out the vote! We've done it before, we can do it again....
Not to mention the millions of people who will suffer from a shut-down of ANY duration....
Thanks to Jess Craven for this share of itemized list on “impacts of REPUBLICAN shutdown.”
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/09/20/extreme-house-republicans-chaos-is-marching-us-toward-a-government-shutdown/
Thanks Kathy.
I was going on mainly optimistic intuition for next spring regarding our present looming shutdown catastrophe.
Your link gives me more facts to work with.
But they don’t care about any of those things.
And Gus, they don’t bother mentioning that they themselves will still get paid when they shut the government down! That, in itself, should be brought up time and again by the Dems!
The Congresscreatures will be paid, but members of their staffs apparently won’t. How would you like to be working for someone who cut off your salary but apparently expects you to keep working?
I would have a few choice words with them and then I would see if any Dens needed my help.
I saw a video where the press said McCarthy said he was not going to take a salary during the shutdown, and was Biden also not going to take a salary. The woman at the podium from OMB said Congress was constitutionally required to be paid, so maybe McCarthy was planning to put it in his sock drawer. She was more worried that the guy who collects the trash from her office wasn’t going to be paid. But the next paycheck the House would miss is October 31. Is McCarthy’s offer an indication he plans to still be in shutdown in a month?
Looks like we got a 45 day reprieve because Dems hot back hard and there are moderate R’s who feel it’s cuckoo to cause a shutdown. Qevin has to be ousted. He is the most ineffective Speaker we have ever EVER had! Gingrich was horrid and i thought nobody would surpass him but Qevin has.
Dear 56% of Robert Hubbell Readers Who Do Not Use Social Media,
As critical thinkers who presumably care about democracy, justice, and rights to self-determination, I respectfully invite you to explore social media to help spread of the word of Robert and other worthy writers. Social media is such an easy way to amplify these progressive messages and promote grassroots activism. Talk to people you know to get tips how they use social media without getting sucked into the bad algorithms and trolls that we rightfully fear. You see by Robert's poll how popular Facebook is, despite so many naysayers. Twitter used to be great, and our participation in up-and-coming alternatives, such as Threads and Post.News. helps to grow viable alternatives.
Even other readers here can offer tips.
Sincerely,
Ellie Kona (This is Tip #1: I use this alias for social media!)
I am still on Twitter. I find that:
1) If I don't engage any ijit posts and try to "correct" trolls, they don't come onto my timeline.
2) I need to re-visit some accounts and re-subscribe or ask (again) for notifications because Twitter somehow turns these things off. Same thing kinda happens on Facebook.
My feed on Twitter is full of posts from interesting, thoughtful public figures. Michael McFaul. Jennifer Rubin. Anne Applebaum. Eric Swalwell. Adam Kinzinger. Liz Cheney. Victor Shi. Lakota Man. Jon Cooper. And on and on. All of them serious, thoughtful people.
P.S. Any time someone says "Twitter is full of trolls,"say, "Not my timeline. Who are you following? Who are you reacting to?"
I don't see any posts on twitter and I am not unable to do anything on twitter. It looks like Elon is trying to force me to start paying for twitter, which I will not do. Did you pay for it? Have you not been on twitter in the last two or three days?
I check in on Twitter most days and still find all the people I follow in my feed. I do not pay anything, nor would I even consider it. I follow a lot of stuff there related to Putin's invasion of Ukraine.
Have you been on it in the last two days?
Janet, It's just in the last few days, and I think Musk has been threatening to do something like this. Have you been able to view it in the last few days?
I'm not getting anything. Just the usual (as of the last few days) blank twitter
I totally agree with you! There’s nothing to be gained by staying off social media at this time. There is so much information there. Even if someone only likes and shares content posted by others that is very helpful. No pressure to be creating their own posts. Although just sharing Robert Hubbell’s Today’s Edition with a quote is a wonderful place to start!
I wholeheartedly agree! All the people I know in real life are on FB so that’s where I share this stuff. It’s always a surprise how many of my well informed friends and family don’t use any sources other than mainstream media. I feel like I’m doing something good.
Ellie- I agree with you but am one of the 56%! I have been looking to see if there are offerings to get folks on social media safely and effectively ( my own kids won’t help as they think the trolls will take over- )do you know of any?? Ever since Simon Rosenberg said we should all be “information warriors”- !!!! Like how would you use an alias on Facebook??
Go to your local library or community center, they often have drop in sessions to show seniors how to use social media.
Just create an alias to open your Facebook account. With “KC” you appear to be halfway there!
As you follow kindred spirits and your interests (travel, knitting, art museums, landscape photography, cooking in the old days, your favorite musicians, etc.) and click the Like ❤️, you will grow a network. Do not give any reaction to apparent weirdos, or just delete or even report them. In 15 years, I’ve never felt the need to report anyone. You’ll be able to teach your kids!
I agree and was actually surprised at the large percentage of people who said they don’t use social media. Here’s what I do: I use Facebook primarily for family and friends updates. But if I want to post something political, I send it with excluding certain folks like my daughter and granddaughter so we don’t have a fight at the next dinner. I used to use X/Twitter but it has become so toxic I hardy ever go there and never post anything. But I “let ‘er rip” on Threads. Also I have found that a large number of supporters on Threads promote following others who share their philosophy so you can reach many more people with good ideas.
After listening to Biden’s speech, my goal is to behave in the same respectful, calm manner that he has, using examples of the dangerous behavior of the extremists, but not lowering myself to the disrespectful personality attacks we have seen from the other side. I need to memorize more of the items on the list of Biden’s accomplishments to help me avoid that nervous mind freeze that can take over when talking to others. They say the best way to advertise an event is word of mouth. The best way to advertise Biden is model him and spread the word. Enjoy your weekend everyone.
Yes. The press is not repeatedly talking about those accomplishments!
And there are a great many of them.
Robert, I agree that the most disturbing thing that happened was the laughter at the California GOP convention following Trump’s vile mocking of Nancy Pelosi’s husband. It is disturbing because is emblematic of the cancer Trump has brought to our public discourse. It is spreading and is dangerous. It promotes violence. The only remedy I know of is the one modeled by President Biden. We can’t respond with the name calling, mocking, or slander of the other side. We also can’t be silent. We have to use our voices, our votes and every opportunity given each of us to fight those trying to destroy our republic.
Somehow our nation needs to make that kind of behavior *socially* unacceptable, not merely a political liability for some. I wish I knew how to pull it off.
I disagree with the framing of TFG’s question about Paul Pelosi as a joke--it was carefully planned stochastic terrorism. It was a way of bragging about the power of violence from his supporters, about reminding the GOP members in the room that he can call up that violence at any time and against any person, including them if they don’t comply. Some of the laughter was genuinely pleased at this. Some was the nervous titter of people who know they shouldn’t go along with the mutiny that the schoolyard bully is ginning up, but they are afraid that they will be the next victim if they’re not careful.
Hi, Shawn. A couple of comments. First, you are right. I tried to remove references to "joke" and replace it with "mockery.' I missed one instance. Second, I agree that terrorism is a better framing. But I think the best framing is that it is fascism. I have begun to use that term to describe Trump's threats of violence and I should be consistent in doing so.
Agreed; fascism is clearly indicated. Rereading my comment, I think it reads too much as “yes, but”, when really I meant “yes, and”. I very much appreciate the way you call him and the rest of the burn-it-all-down party out without succumbing to despair.
My official position is that I no longer see any difference between the MAGA wing and the rest who are responsible for allowing the infection of their party to fester and spread like a flesh-eating sepsis without doing anything. I have been a lifelong independent and technically that is still my registration, but I haven’t voted for a Republican at any level of the ticket in a very long time and obviously never will. But democracy thrives on healthy debate between two parties committed to the constitution and to democracy. So to me it’s a problem that a major party is imploding and we can’t see what will replace it in the long term.
Imagine how hard it must be to be Kevin McCarthy. He's demonstrably forgotten that he's there to serve the people, especially the people who live in California's Central Valley. He's so wrapped up in trying not to lose his Speaker's Gavel that he is proving beyond a shadow of doubt that he didn't deserve it in the first place. The whole nation will suffer the cuts in federal discretionary spending because of one man's desperate cling to power, prestige, and fame, and dark money. Oh woe that we as a nation have fallen so low as to have this man in the line of succession!
That he is in the line of succession gives me the scary-shivers of dread.
I tell him this on his Facebook page on a nearly daily basis. I know he doesn’t read it. He or someone posts the pablum, and I assume it’s someone’s job to monitor how the feedback is swinging.
Good try, though. Someone must read it
Someone must. That’s why I do it. I also take the opportunity to offer fact-checking information for people who may be scrolling by.
Well done
Honestly, I can't see the end of the shutdown that is certainly going to happen. The MAGA extremists have no reason to ever compromise their demands because they hate McCarthy, and they WANT to destroy the government. And Democrats can't give in on any point, because the crazies will only ask for more, and more, and more. They have the ability to burn everything down, no matter what happens.
How do Democrats counter that?
That is a serious question. But the Republicans are busy fighting among themselves. It would only take a few not-crazy Republicans who care about winning districts that voted for Biden to say they are ready to play nice with the Democrats, and the axis of power would shift. The question is how long will those Republicans hold out before crossing the aisle out of crazyville both to save their own political skin next year and to do what they know is the right thing to do. (Probably ranked in that order.)
is there no way that representatives can compel the vote on a resolution crafted between democrats and the most moderate republicans without the consent of the speaker? Can't a single representative on the democratic side call for the speaker's replacement? Don't the house rules apply to all representatives, or just the majority party?
I listened to Hakeem Jeffries on Joy Reid the other day and he explained it well. There is a way for the bipartisan bill to be put to a vote in the House. McCarthy won’t because he’s a chicken shit. But others can.
As I understand it, the way it can be done is a discharge petition. However, that takes 30 days. If McCarthy cooperated with the continuing resolution, that would give them the 30 days and they could consider a discharge for all the budget appropriations. But it would take 30 days to do anything; and in the meantime we shut down. So it’s not ideal.
Susan, I believe the appropriations bills you’re referring to were ginned up by House Republicans. It’s not likely that Hubbell listers should be happy with them.
I know there are others who know better than myself... but I think the Rules Committee have a lot of control over what votes go to the full house, and that Committee is controlled by MAGA.
I do think that McCarthy can work with the Democrats on a CR, and they can agree to support him in the case of a No Confidence vote. But he would probably be dooming his ability to be a Republican leader.
He’s not a “leader” now...republican or otherwise.
He’s a weasel.
Apologies, weasels.
Like you, Ddnise, I don’t see an obvious end to the shutdown. But then, when there were previous shutdowns, the way out wasn’t clear, either.
I think the best way to end this shutdown is the way Gingrich shutdowns were ended: enough ordinary Americans were hurt and angry, Republicans clearly were being blamed, and Republicans became fearful for their political futures.
(Republicans were crushed in the following election.)
If Democrats don’t botch things, the shutdown could contribute their electoral victory in 2024.
IMO, America is not an “ism.” Instead, we are a hodgepodge — always have been and hopefully always will be.
Relatedly, democracy requires compromise, doesn’t it?
Historically, such compromise goes to finding our magic in the middle, usually a middle ground of sort somewhere between conservative and liberal perspectives.
We harvest that magic in the middle by celebrating and capitalizing on our diversity — our American wellspring of best ideas, theories, philosophies, etc. from which we derive our best programs, policies, legislation, etc.
In a general sense, I want to see Biden’s Build Back Better Plan come to fruition. I also want to see our immigration laws, rules, procedures enforced bringing order to our borders.
So, here is a suggested call-their-bluff compromise:
(1) Smartly modernize and reform our immigration laws and thereafter strictly enforce same including building a southern border wall and insisting that immigrants enter only via the gates and proper procedure; and as to the other side of that quid pro quo,
(2) fully fund and implement Biden’s Build Back Better Plan making us the world’s leader in modern infrastructure, etc. — yes, we must all pay our fair share.
Thoughts…🇺🇸♾
Compromise.... I don't think the MAGA crowd have that word in their vocabulary. But yes, that used to be the way of things. And we have actually compromised once this year, with McCarthy! A man of honor (which, of course, he is not) would honor that agreement.
Second point, while I agree that the immigration issue needs a better solution, I don't think the Right will agree to any solution. The "immigration problem" is the foundation of their fundraising and campaigning efforts. If that issue was to be solved, especially by a Democrat, they would lose the majority of the fear factor they put out to their base!
I hear you, but I think putting that wall thing out there with an orderly entry process would cause pause amongst their claims of reasonable intent .
He’s so ineffective and a liar, to boot. He never intended in holding up his promise to compromise.
What matters is the effect of what you say, not the truth.
-- All you need to do is announce an investigation.
-- All you need to do is say there was election fraud, and my Republicans will take care of the rest of it.
I would change “ingrained stupidity” to “lack of education” because I think the long-term destruction of public education, especially civics, is to blame for much of the ignorance that is so rampant today.
In light of Trump’s death threat against General Milley, I would like to comment on Senator Tuberville’s hold that has created a lack of confirmed commanders in senior military positions. I believe there are additional potential effects that the media is ignoring:
1. How will current junior officers evaluate their careers going forward? As they reach their 20 year mark and are eligible for retirement, will they decide having their career held hostage to the whims of a single senator (and, of course if successful this tactic will be repeated) is less appealing than accepting that offer from a defense contractor? What sort of brain drain of our best and brightest military officers might we expect over the following years?
2. Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff General Milley took courageous actions to protect our democracy post the 2020 election. Is it possible Senator Tuberville, like Senator McConnell, is holding General and Admiral positions in the US Military so they could be filled in the next administration with individuals who may be more supportive of using the military to achieve domestic political ends? It has got to have occurred to Republicans that, like judges, they can deny Democrats the option of picking military leadership when they have the White House and then they can jam their picks in when they have control.
As a former officer, I am proud of the actions taken by General Milley. It pains me to suggest that the US military could potentially in the future be a part of undermining our system of government. But it also pains me to see what has happened to our Supreme Court. Let’s prevent a repeat.
Check this map to see the communities that would be hurt (people living below the poverty level, struggling with housing and needing food assistance) immediately by the MAGA government shutdown, along with the GOP rep responsible for that district. Hold these GOP reps accountable for their cruelty on American most in need. https://arcg.is/XqyGH