Feb 11, 2023·edited Feb 11, 2023Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
I highly recommend Democracy Docket from Mark Elias and the Elias Law Group for legislation and judicial actions on election law - https://www.democracydocket.com/
There is no charge to register on their website to receive their daily newsletter, “On the Docket.”
You can’t defend democracy if you don’t know what is threatening it.
Agreed. Sometimes DD can be inspiring. Sometimes terrifying (recently). But if you want to know where the battles are happening with a clear assessment, it can't be beat.
I thought I might add a little cornball to a great week for the dems. A whole balloongate situation inspires a comment on the fact that NORAD has been my grandchildren’s go-to resource to track Santa as he makes his rounds to every corner of the globe over 24 hour on Christmas. AMAZING! I’ve always been so grateful to NORAD’s holiday tracking capacity, and thus I was disappointed to learn that it is far less effective tracking balloons and shiny objects. NORAD needs to have a serious talk with Rudolph. 🎅
Off subject. Is anyone else bothered by the description "White" when confronted with a demographic list that also has "African-Americian" "Hispanic-American" "Asian-American" etc.? Why not "European-American?" Much more accurate and takes "White'"(which we know is a construct) out of the list? What needs to happen to make this change? :)
You raise a challenging question with complex answers--and I don't have any answers to give, just an observation. Using skin color to categorize people is something that occurs in the US census, political polling, medical diagnoses and treatment, education, legislation, etc. That doesn't make it correct, but it is ingrained in the system, probably as a holdover from colonialism. Conversely, is it good for everyone to identify "where they are from?" Does that raise its own set of problems and possible prejudices?
Fwiw there are 44 Countries that are considered to be part of what is called Europe.
Robert’s reply to your post offers some interesting observations. I am of European descent but like many in the USA I am a “mutt” (aka not 100% pure of any lineage/ DNA). Many people you write are considered "African-Americian", "Hispanic-American", "Asian-American", but while having physical features/ attributes of such ancestries and DNA, many of them are also “mutts” much like myself and are not 100% pure of any lineage/ DNA.
My grandson is of both African descent as well as European descent. He is dark skinned and would be considered to be Black by most Americans. But is he? Should he be considered an “Afro/ European-American”? No doubt you can see where this is going.
As Robert wrote: “Conversely, is it good for everyone to identify "where they are from?" Does that raise its own set of problems and possible prejudices?”
I think there's a strong culture component to African American. By that measure I wouldn't include Obama, or I might give him partial inclusion. Same w/ Kamala Harris. I myself have some African in me, but despite the impressive Afro I had from adolescence well into middle age, I certainly wouldn't qualify as African American by any cultural measure. I'm a Member of the Tribes. A small amount of African blood is common among us, from mixing that occurred 2000 years ago, according to David Reich, the man who discovered the Neanderthal contribution to Euros, and it was visible in my mother and in her mother. And one African American friend says I look (both currently and as a kid) like her brother.
I thought that perhaps there was one good think that Musk had done to benefit the world: launching StarLink satellites to provide internet access to places around the world who would otherwise not have it. We even went out tonight when I realized we might be able to see them go by! (Alas, too many clouds).
And now I learn that SpaceX has blocked that technology from reaching Ukrainian soldiers. So much for that small bit of humanity. [Angry emoji]
I am no fan of Musk or Starlink, but I think the situation in Ukraine is a bit more complex. Starlink is available to civilian and military populations in Ukraine for cell and internet service, but Starlink has blocked the ability for its network to used to control military drones. Seehttps://news.yahoo.com/spacex-objects-to-ukraine-starlink-drones-215629197.html.
Not aiding an American ally against a combative enemy is pretty darn close to treason. How come Musk cannot be punished? Does anyone know if he is allowing the Russians to use Starlink?
EDIT: Robert has later explained that Musk is blocking the Ukrainians only from tracking drones with Starlink, but why not let them track drones that are wreaking havoc on their cities and civilians?
Feb 11, 2023·edited Feb 11, 2023Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
d) DeSantis stripped Disneyworld in Florida of certain rights to self-governance within the boundaries of the theme park—to punish Disney for treating LGBTQ people with dignity and respect;
Unfortunately Dems proposal to rename the district “Florida’s Attempt to Silence Critical and Independent Speech and Thought,” with the acronym of FASCIST, was voted down.
Feb 11, 2023·edited Feb 11, 2023Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
Amy Goodman was mentioned in the context of her podcast, but I would also add her DemocracyNow as a very important news source. She has been presenting this for over 20 years as an alternative to the main stream medi’s take on things, and her headlines are never click-bait!
I was responding about Jay Kuo's newsletter but it looks like it didn't fall under the right comment. I thought I could edit my comment? Doesn't see to be an option for me.
That's what I thought. I get that option on my phone (I just tried that), but not on my tablet. On my tablet I can share my comment link, hide or delete it, but not edit it. Every device is so different!
As a Florida residents, we've been warning all our friends not to underestimate the attraction of DeSantis to not just the MAGA base, but to the wider range of Republican voters.
As reported in the past few days he's amping up his vendetta attacks on liberal, woke cultural. Whether it's a liberal college in Sarasota, Disney or NYTs vs Sullivan he's on a role, keeping his brand front and center in the news.
Democrats need to start aggressively pushing back on DeSantis' vision of America. We can't afford to underestimate the power of his message to moderates and MAGA voters alike.
Post Trump, Republicans are looking for a new leader. It shouldn't be DeSantis.
Merrill, I completely agree. But right now, I cannot imagine feeling good with any Republican. And I don't say that with any intent to demonize them. I just haven't seen Rs speaking with a thoughtful attempt to dialogue with ideas and policies to find common ground.
Yes..the "enemy" is the whole Republican, anti-democratic, anti-diversity agenda and it's opaque dog whistles...Right now, DeSantis is doing the best job in the fetid swamp promoting these.
I'd be OK with Mitt Romney or especially Charlie Baker (both of them former governors of my state). But I think Baker is done seeking political office, and I don't think the current GOP would elect him outside of Massachusetts.
If you're not familiar with www.Represent.us you might want to check them out. From their website, "RepresentUs is America’s leading nonpartisan anti-corruption organization fighting to fix our broken and ineffective government. We unite people across the political spectrum to pass laws that hold corrupt politicians accountable, defeat special interests, and force the government to meet the needs of the American people."
I highly recommend Democracy Docket from Mark Elias and the Elias Law Group for legislation and judicial actions on election law - https://www.democracydocket.com/
There is no charge to register on their website to receive their daily newsletter, “On the Docket.”
You can’t defend democracy if you don’t know what is threatening it.
Agreed. Sometimes DD can be inspiring. Sometimes terrifying (recently). But if you want to know where the battles are happening with a clear assessment, it can't be beat.
Agreed!
Thank you Bruce
Just signed up and many thanks for the recommendation 😊
Me too
Hi, Robert— Thanks for the recommendations, I would add The Guardian as a reliable news source.
That was an oversight on my part. I am a paid subscriber to The Guardian. It is a good, reliable sources for US political coverage.
Second!
Third
theguardian.com is the hyperlink.
I thought I might add a little cornball to a great week for the dems. A whole balloongate situation inspires a comment on the fact that NORAD has been my grandchildren’s go-to resource to track Santa as he makes his rounds to every corner of the globe over 24 hour on Christmas. AMAZING! I’ve always been so grateful to NORAD’s holiday tracking capacity, and thus I was disappointed to learn that it is far less effective tracking balloons and shiny objects. NORAD needs to have a serious talk with Rudolph. 🎅
I had the same thought about the relative effectiveness.
Thanks for the info and the chuckle!
Off subject. Is anyone else bothered by the description "White" when confronted with a demographic list that also has "African-Americian" "Hispanic-American" "Asian-American" etc.? Why not "European-American?" Much more accurate and takes "White'"(which we know is a construct) out of the list? What needs to happen to make this change? :)
You raise a challenging question with complex answers--and I don't have any answers to give, just an observation. Using skin color to categorize people is something that occurs in the US census, political polling, medical diagnoses and treatment, education, legislation, etc. That doesn't make it correct, but it is ingrained in the system, probably as a holdover from colonialism. Conversely, is it good for everyone to identify "where they are from?" Does that raise its own set of problems and possible prejudices?
There's that NYC/Boston rivalry that can create problems among baseball fans.
Fwiw there are 44 Countries that are considered to be part of what is called Europe.
Robert’s reply to your post offers some interesting observations. I am of European descent but like many in the USA I am a “mutt” (aka not 100% pure of any lineage/ DNA). Many people you write are considered "African-Americian", "Hispanic-American", "Asian-American", but while having physical features/ attributes of such ancestries and DNA, many of them are also “mutts” much like myself and are not 100% pure of any lineage/ DNA.
My grandson is of both African descent as well as European descent. He is dark skinned and would be considered to be Black by most Americans. But is he? Should he be considered an “Afro/ European-American”? No doubt you can see where this is going.
As Robert wrote: “Conversely, is it good for everyone to identify "where they are from?" Does that raise its own set of problems and possible prejudices?”
Good questions that have no easy answers.
I think there's a strong culture component to African American. By that measure I wouldn't include Obama, or I might give him partial inclusion. Same w/ Kamala Harris. I myself have some African in me, but despite the impressive Afro I had from adolescence well into middle age, I certainly wouldn't qualify as African American by any cultural measure. I'm a Member of the Tribes. A small amount of African blood is common among us, from mixing that occurred 2000 years ago, according to David Reich, the man who discovered the Neanderthal contribution to Euros, and it was visible in my mother and in her mother. And one African American friend says I look (both currently and as a kid) like her brother.
I thought that perhaps there was one good think that Musk had done to benefit the world: launching StarLink satellites to provide internet access to places around the world who would otherwise not have it. We even went out tonight when I realized we might be able to see them go by! (Alas, too many clouds).
And now I learn that SpaceX has blocked that technology from reaching Ukrainian soldiers. So much for that small bit of humanity. [Angry emoji]
I am no fan of Musk or Starlink, but I think the situation in Ukraine is a bit more complex. Starlink is available to civilian and military populations in Ukraine for cell and internet service, but Starlink has blocked the ability for its network to used to control military drones. Seehttps://news.yahoo.com/spacex-objects-to-ukraine-starlink-drones-215629197.html.
Not aiding an American ally against a combative enemy is pretty darn close to treason. How come Musk cannot be punished? Does anyone know if he is allowing the Russians to use Starlink?
EDIT: Robert has later explained that Musk is blocking the Ukrainians only from tracking drones with Starlink, but why not let them track drones that are wreaking havoc on their cities and civilians?
d) DeSantis stripped Disneyworld in Florida of certain rights to self-governance within the boundaries of the theme park—to punish Disney for treating LGBTQ people with dignity and respect;
Unfortunately Dems proposal to rename the district “Florida’s Attempt to Silence Critical and Independent Speech and Thought,” with the acronym of FASCIST, was voted down.
Amy Goodman was mentioned in the context of her podcast, but I would also add her DemocracyNow as a very important news source. She has been presenting this for over 20 years as an alternative to the main stream medi’s take on things, and her headlines are never click-bait!
thanks for the clarification.
Here's the link:
https://www.democracynow.org
I apologize; I feel compelled to reply to the dour/sour silliness.
My go-to site for pronunciation is https://howjsay.com. The following poem summarizes the results from my analysis using howjsay ("how do ya say").
A power tower stood tall and proud,
Its might and strength, known to all around.
But those who were dour, with a sour frown,
Could not find joy, despite the power around.
But with a bit of love and a shining light,
The dour can change, and their outlook bright.
The power to do so lies within them,
And with a smile, they'll conquer their grim.
So let us help those who are dour and sour,
And show them the way to love and power.
For a little effort can make a big change,
And bring happiness and beauty in range.
(with a little help from ChatGPT).
Politics Girl (Leigh McGowan) podcasts and Youtube five minute summaries. Democracy
I'm going to add Jay Kuo. His substack is also very good.
thanks! https://statuskuo.substack.com/
Agree! So glad you now get to enjoy his cleverness.
Status Kuo is his Substack, for all of us Substackers here.
Plus Dan Rather / Elliott Kirschner at Steady on Substack
And Dr. Tim Snyder at Substack
I also scan online-only versions daily of the following sources:
AP (free - email drop)
REUTERS (free)
CNN (main website - free)
CNN 5 Things (free - email drop)
ABC (free)
NBC (free)
CBS (free)
PBS (free)
HUFF POST (free - email drop)
THE GUARDIAN
WASHINGTON POST (paid)
And for fun ... PEOPLE (main website - free)
I agree, I call him the explainer. I always have a better understanding of things when I'm done reading his Newsletter.
I was responding about Jay Kuo's newsletter but it looks like it didn't fall under the right comment. I thought I could edit my comment? Doesn't see to be an option for me.
You can edit your own comments by clicking on the three dots to the right of the heart icon-Reply-Collapse
That's what I thought. I get that option on my phone (I just tried that), but not on my tablet. On my tablet I can share my comment link, hide or delete it, but not edit it. Every device is so different!
Join the League of Women Voters (men are welcome to join) and get their emailings and access to their website.
Good recommendation!
https://www.lwv.org/
Good morning Robert from Houston
My morning read with my coffee and I mean every morning...to get me through the day
Robert Hubbell, Heather Cox Richardson, Robert Reich and of course Dan Rather
Thank you for more recommendations
I also recommend Dan Rather - Steady is the name. Like Robert he is an optimist!
Thank you, Sir Facilitator! Well done!
As a Florida residents, we've been warning all our friends not to underestimate the attraction of DeSantis to not just the MAGA base, but to the wider range of Republican voters.
As reported in the past few days he's amping up his vendetta attacks on liberal, woke cultural. Whether it's a liberal college in Sarasota, Disney or NYTs vs Sullivan he's on a role, keeping his brand front and center in the news.
Democrats need to start aggressively pushing back on DeSantis' vision of America. We can't afford to underestimate the power of his message to moderates and MAGA voters alike.
Post Trump, Republicans are looking for a new leader. It shouldn't be DeSantis.
Merrill, I completely agree. But right now, I cannot imagine feeling good with any Republican. And I don't say that with any intent to demonize them. I just haven't seen Rs speaking with a thoughtful attempt to dialogue with ideas and policies to find common ground.
Hey John
Yes..the "enemy" is the whole Republican, anti-democratic, anti-diversity agenda and it's opaque dog whistles...Right now, DeSantis is doing the best job in the fetid swamp promoting these.
I'd be OK with Mitt Romney or especially Charlie Baker (both of them former governors of my state). But I think Baker is done seeking political office, and I don't think the current GOP would elect him outside of Massachusetts.
Re: Brazil, as the presidents of USA and Brazil meet.,,
Worth viewing: The film “The Salt of the Earth” a documentary based on the photography and video of the Brazilian Sebastiao Salgado. Extraordinary.
If you're not familiar with www.Represent.us you might want to check them out. From their website, "RepresentUs is America’s leading nonpartisan anti-corruption organization fighting to fix our broken and ineffective government. We unite people across the political spectrum to pass laws that hold corrupt politicians accountable, defeat special interests, and force the government to meet the needs of the American people."